Felix Centric One Shots

The Little Star (TF)

"In a world full of bright lights, it's the smallest star that shines the brightest."

"Seungmin, you're late again."

"I'm five minutes late, noona," Seungmin protested, holding up a paper bag that smelled faintly of cinnamon. "But I brought snacks."

The volunteer coordinator, Ms. Kang, gave him that same unimpressed look she always did, though the corner of her mouth twitched. "You think you can buy forgiveness with pastries?"

"It's worked so far," Seungmin said, grinning as he handed over the bag. "The kids love them."

"The kids, yes. Me? I'm immune to your charms."

He laughed, slipping off his jacket and hanging it by the door. "You said that last time. Then you ate three."

She snorted but didn't deny it, already opening the bag to peek inside. "Go wash your hands. The toddlers are in the playroom. You can start there today."

"Got it."

Seungmin rolled up his sleeves as he walked down the hallway, the familiar hum of the orphanage greeting him—the sound of tiny feet, giggles, and someone crying in the distance. He'd been volunteering at Maple Home for six months now, every Wednesday and Saturday. It started as part of his university's community outreach program, but now he came because he wanted to.

The kids always brightened up when he walked in, shouting his name like it was a game. He loved that.

"Seungmin hyung!"

Sure enough, the moment he stepped into the playroom, a chorus of small voices rang out. Three toddlers ran up to him, each tugging at a different part of his sleeve.

"Hyung, look! I built a tower!"

"Hyung, read me story!"

"Hyung, carry me!"

"Whoa, whoa, one at a time," he laughed, crouching down to their level. "Let's see that tower first, huh?"

A small girl with pigtails proudly pointed to a stack of blocks taller than her. Seungmin clapped dramatically. "That's incredible, Jiyeon! You're basically an architect."

She giggled, covering her mouth.

"Okay, now storytime," another child demanded, already climbing onto his lap.

"Storytime after I help clean up a little, okay? Where's Ms. Choi?"

"She went to get snacks," a boy said, holding a stuffed rabbit upside down.

"Then it's just us, huh?"

"Yeah!"

Seungmin grinned. He helped them line up their toys, chatting as they went. But as he turned toward the back corner of the room, something caught his eye—a tiny boy, no older than two, sitting alone by the window.

He had soft blond hair that curled slightly at the ends and was playing with a little wooden car, pushing it across the floor. He wasn't crying, wasn't fussing. Just... watching the others quietly, big brown eyes following everything.

Seungmin hadn't seen him before.

"Hey, who's that?" he asked softly.

"That's Felix," Jiyeon said. "He's one. He came this week."

"Oh yeah? Is he shy?"

She shrugged. "He doesn't talk much."

Seungmin walked over slowly, crouching a few feet away. "Hey there, buddy," he said gently. "What's your name?"