Make Me STAY

Deep end

"Did you have a nice time?"

Felix and Rose were having a movie night in his room. While Stray Kids had gone straight back to Korea the day after the BST Hyde Park festival, Rose had stayed in England for two more days. Now she was back, and the two were having a calm evening before the group's comeback at the end of the week.

"Yeah. I haven't been home since... well, in a while. It was nice to spend some time with my Mum."

The last time she had been home was when she had left Stray Kids in a misguided attempt to protect them.

"Not your Dad?"

"No. He was too busy. Work."

"Oh."

The two were sitting side by side on the bed, with a laptop resting on a cushion on their legs. The movie they had on was more for background noise. They were chatting more than they were paying attention to it.

"Lixie?"

"Yeah?"

"Is it all right if I sleep here tonight?"

The Idol's eyebrow furrowed.

"Of course, you usually do."

"Not since our... misunderstanding."

"Oh. If you don't feel comfortable, you don't have to stay -"

"I want to! If that's okay with you?"

Felix beamed.

"Yes."

"Good, because I'm so tired I don't think I can move."

Rose yawned, making Felix chuckle.

"Alright, let's go to sleep."

Felix stopped the movie and put the laptop on his desk before going to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Rose had come ready, dressed in her pyjamas, night time skincare routine done, and teeth brushed since she knew they wouldn't be snacking. So, while she waited for Felix to return, she shuffled down on the bed until her head was on the pillow and folded the covers back, ready for Felix to get in.

Once the Idol returned, he joined her in bed, and they lay on their sides facing each other.

"How can someone be so pretty?"

Felix sighed as he stared at her.

"I know. Sometimes I think you're secretly an angel."

Rose burst out laughing.

"Not me. I was talking about you!"

Despite their plan to go to sleep, the two ended up talking for hours, until they could barely keep their eyes open. Their foreheads rested against each other, whispering as they lingered on the edge of sleep.

"I'm glad you forgave me, Noona. I couldn't live without you."

"You'll never have to. I'll always be here for you."

Their eyes closed, and their minds started to drift.

"Love you, Noona."

"Love you, too, Lix."

It was natural and instinctive when their lips brushed. They each let out a little sigh and hum of happiness in their sleep. The two spent the night curled up together, their limbs entangled and smiles on their faces.

When Rose woke up the next morning, Felix had already left. She was thankful that the group had multiple managers so that they didn't all have to go in early. She appreciated the lie-in after travelling the day before.