wilted flower ─ changlix ✓

eight

as expected, the streets were still and deserted when the two of them snuck back out, making sure that the door didn't squeal like a pained pig again. felix was holding the fire poker, while changbin held the knives.

felix couldn't help but feel uneasy, and sped up so he was walking next to changbin. he felt changbin glance at him, but didn't return the look.

felix had always tried to be there for changbin, not show his weaker side, so that changbin felt as though he could rely on him. that's why he never cried in front of changbin when they had first gotten into this mess. hell, he had certainly wanted to cry. all those nights that changbin fell asleep with his tear stained face hidden in felix's chest, felix had wanted to sob because of how hopeless he felt.

but he always put changbin before himself, and he would continue to do so. he would always put a smile on his face, remain positive. if that's what it took to make sure changbin felt safe and secure. he would never show how scared he actually was.

so that's why it surprised him when he felt changbin take his hand and squeeze it in reassurance. felix looked at changbin, who only smiled softly. with a gentle smile of his own, he intertwined their fingers, pulling changbin closer to him as they walked.

"stay close to me," changbin said suddenly, "i want to be able to protect you."

felix raised his eyebrows, "protect me?"

"no that's... i'm not saying that... you can protect yourself but i-" changbin stuttered, and to felix's amusement, he felt changbin's hands grow clammy. he chuckled softly and nudged changbin with his hip,

"i'm just messing with you. it's cute that you want to keep me safe, i'm honoured."

"yeah, i know you can take care of yourself. but in case something happens, i just want to make sure you don't get hurt. things have been too quiet."

"god, binnie, why do you always have to be so pessimistic? just because we're doing well does not mean something bad is going to happen. be positive!"

"well, that's why i have you, right? you're my sunshine." changbin looked up at him with a small smile. a smile that made his cheeks puff out cutely. felix was surprised at the sudden cheesiness, but giggled at changbin's chubby cheeks, reaching up to pinch them gently.

"and you're my little sunflower."

"call me little one more time," changbin threatened, but there was only teasing warmth behind his words. their eyes caught, and felix felt the air around them change. he almost felt like he was back at that swimming pool. his eyes taking in every part of changbin's face, so close to kissing him... and yet...

"hello?"

the two of them nearly jumped out of their skins, letting go of one another's hands in their shock. the voice had spoken in english, and to felix's surprise, sounded rather australian.

a young man, around as tall as felix himself, walked towards them with slow purposeful strides.

the man's mouth curled up in a bright smile. if it weren't for the fear felix was feeling, he might have considered him friendly, or even attractive.

"do you guys speak english?" the man continued, the australian accent more prominent now.

changbin frowned, "what is he saying?"

"i do," felix replied in english, not responding to changbin, "are you... by any chance... australian?"

"i am!" the man's smile widened, showing off beautiful dimples. he took a small step closer to them, his eyes boring into the two of them. felix heard changbin shift uncomfortably behind them. "i'm bang chan, but you can call me chris!"

"i'm felix!"

even though he had changbin, which was all he could ever ask for, felix couldn't help the way his spirits soared when he heard that familiar accent. the familiarity of australia... of his parents... of home.

it felt like an oasis in a desert—

changbin caught hold of his hand and pulled him back before pointing at so-called chris's arm, "look-"

—but the oasis was just a mirage.  

felix's eyes fell to where changbin was pointing, and just like that, felix's high spirits dropped. the man, chris, had skin that was yellowing and peeling, flaky and blistering like scabs.

"oh no-" felix breathed, taking a stumbling step back.

"are you kiddies alone out here?" it was someone else this time. a woman, a little older than them. felix turned to see a group of people shuffling towards them, practically clambering on top of one another in their haste.

he felt his heart hammering against his chest, his vision going blurry with panic as people started appearing from god knows where. his breath caught in his throat as he looked around.

they were surrounded.

─ author's note 🌻

you can call me chris, more like yoU cAn caLl mE zOokeEpeR. also i might double update since this chapter was extremely short, but we'll see teehEe.

─ love from melelel !