Eclipse | Changlix

iii.

Changbin should've noticed.

He should've noticed how Felix's coughing became more frequent, more violent, how he missed their annual coffee dates and how he was never in whenever Changbin knocked.

He should have noticed the despondent stares of the other demigods and how they graced him with a look of pity like it was a new fashion trend.

"Hey, I'll be fine," He assured, still smiling, still happy.

Fine. The four letter word mocked him. Changbin glared at Felix's sprawled out figure and the cadaverousness of his face, the carmine blood spilled all around him like a renowned horror movie. Yes, he was most certainly fine.

"You're dying. You're not fine."

Despite his weak lungs, Felix managed a broken laugh. "Never lose your bluntness. Never lose yourself, y-you hear?"

"You can't-" He rasped out. "you can't leave me. Not now. Please."

He closed his eyes, the smile never leaving her lips. "This isn't goodbye, I promise. We'll meet again, I swear on the stars."

Felix coughed once more, staining his already soiled sweater with more crimson.

A sob lodged in Changbin's throat, tears pooling in his eyes. "I don't want you to go. Don't go..." He pleaded helplessly.

Visions of their first encounter flash, reminding him that this was really it, the inevitable end.

"My mum, dad. Tell them I'm sorry, I, I-"

"Shh. Everything will be okay," His heart shattered.

"God, I'm s-so stupid. I thought I would l-last a little while longer, y'know? I never thought I'd be so weak, so s-tupid. I really do deserve to-"

"Don't finish that," Said Changbin. "don't ever, ever say that. Every life is worth living, you're no exception."

Felix opened his eyes slowly, glancing at him with a look of familiarity. Tears began to form at the corner of his once ebullient irises. "The stars and the moon. Take care of them for me, Seo Changbin."

"H-how..."

Felix smiled sadly, recalling the truth and leaving it unspoken.

With all his might and his new found emotion, Changbin willed the coruscating stars and the effulgent moon to shine as bright as Felix's personality, his smile, his everything.

One last time, he beamed in unadulterated awe. With one more bated breath, he closed his eyes, the sun and moon dimming along with him.

Faintly, the words 'I love you' resonate across the frigid December air.