Crafting The Lust

✨25✨

The pavilion felt a little too exposed as they both headed to Felix's chamber. Felix was beyond happy and relieved after seeing the other man. He had lost the hope to ever see someone from his touch but now as Chan was there, with him..he couldn't even express how content he was even if it was temporary.

Felix shut the door behind hurriedly. He turned towards chan who was smiling at him with little glitter in his eyes. "How's eomma?" Felix asked desperately as he stood closer to Chan gripping the man's arms.

"She's fine, first of all how are you?" Chan asked, he was concerned and he could assume that Felix's life hasn't been easy here. He knew how cruel the king might be with those he considered beneath him. And Felix—his bright, stubborn Felix—was trapped within these walls, serving a man who held both power and the ability to destroy him.

Felix exhaled sharply, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his tired eyes. "I'm fine," he lied. "Just… trying to do my work and stay out of trouble."

Chan frowned, not believing a word of it. He lifted a hand and rested it gently on Felix's shoulder. "You don't have to pretend with me, Yongbok." His voice was softer now, filled with a warmth Felix hadn't felt in what seemed like forever.

Felix looked away, swallowing against the lump forming in his throat. "It's… complicated."

"Complicated how?" Chan pressed, his brows furrowing. "Did he—" He hesitated, searching Felix's face for answers. "Did the king hurt you?"

Felix stiffened, stepping back instinctively. His mind reeled at the question. Hurt? No. That wasn't the right word. Not physically, at least. But something in him had changed, cracked open in ways he didn't understand. And Hyunjin… Hyunjin had been the one to shatter him.

Chan watched him closely, eyes darkening. "Felix," he said carefully. "What happened?"

Felix let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. "I don't even know where to begin."

Chan's jaw tightened, his protective instincts kicking in. "Then start with this—do you want to leave?"

The question hit Felix like a punch to the chest. Leave? The idea had crossed his mind so many times. In the dead of night, when sleep wouldn't come. In the quiet moments when he felt like a ghost wandering through the palace. And especially now, after last night, when his shame clung to him like a second skin.

But could he?

His mother needed him to survive. The portrait of the queen was unfinished. And Hyunjin—no matter how much Felix hated himself for it—had left a mark on him that he wasn't sure he could erase.

"I…" Felix faltered, his voice betraying his hesitation.

Chan's eyes softened, but his voice was firm. "If you want out, I can help you."

Felix met his gaze, heart pounding. This was his chance. His way out.

So why did part of him hesitate?

Felix's chest stiffened. He was sure that there was no way out instead even Chan could get into trouble if he tries to do something. He knew Hyunjin would never let him escape, he'd find out him even from the six feet under ground. As much as he wanted to see his mother, he was concerned about her well being. He'd rather suffer here than making Hyunjin make suffer to his close ones.

With a dense gasp, Felix looked at Chan. His words hesitating but he needed to let it out, "hyung" Felix halted, jaw tightening, "I don't want to leave."

Chan fumbled but he wasn't surprised at all, "I know you're afraid yongbok," the older stepped closer. His eyes furrowed in disdain, "don't worry, I'll protect you and your mother." Even though Chan tried to stay calm and confident he knew he wouldn't be able to keep this promise.