Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Lix! Felix! Oh, thank god, you finally made it!”

Hyunjin’s Korean cut through the crowd, and Felix was able to spot him. Well, Hyunjin waving his arms up high helped, too. Felix’s sleep-muddled brain could only think of the wacky inflatable tubes in front of car dealerships. Regardless, he was grateful to sink into Hyunjin’s arms for an embrace.

Felix let go of his bags and wrapped his arms around the taller man. “It’s been a long time,” he replied in English, sounding tired but just as loving. “I’ve missed you, Hyunjin.”

Felix felt safer in Hyunjin’s arms than anywhere else he’d been the past few weeks.

They broke apart from their hug, and Hyunjin grabbed Felix’s larger luggage. Before Felix could protest, Hyunjin smiled and started walking to the parking lot. Felix could only roll his eyes, grab his other bags, and follow along with an exasperated (but fond) smile.

“Your boxes were so heavy, Yongbok-ah. We’re lucky Hannie started going back to the gym. What did you even pack in them?,” Hyunjin asked. Felix struggled a bit to keep up with Hyunjin’s Korean when he started speaking rapid-fire. “But it’s been such a long time, my god. How long has it been since we’ve seen each other? I mean like, in person, of course. I know we call all the time, but I don’t even call Hannie that much – oh my god!”

Hyunjin ended his rambling in English and let out a dramatic gasp. Then, he whirled around to face a startled Felix while covering his mouth.

“Um… Hyunjinnie?” Felix offered, a little concerned for his friend. He scooted over to the wall, and Hyunjin followed. It was wiser to stay clear of the walkways once Hyunjin had realised something.

“Lix… I think our last photo was from graduation.” In a show of true dramatism, both of Hyunjin’s hands went up to rest in his dark hair. The action destroyed his effortless styling in a matter of seconds. Though, Felix himself wasn’t doing much better, jaw dropping in surprise. “That’s not right! Wait, hold on–”

Hyunjin whipped out his phone and opened his photo app in a hurry. He scrolled past several albums before finding his ‘La vie à Paris’ album. “Aha!” Hyunjin and Felix were in the centre of one of the photos. They styled themselves to perfection, sitting in a booth with their friends. It was their graduation party. He waved his phone in front of Felix’s face once he pulled up the photo. “See!”

“Oh, shit,” Felix exclaimed as his eyes widened in surprise. He remembered the night in bits and pieces with how plastered he got, but he remembered taking that photo. “Wait, yeah, that’s…” He gasped and furrowed his brows. “Oh, wow. It’s been way too fucking long.”

A disbelieving laugh escaped Hyunjin’s lips. “No way…”

The two of them locked gazes and burst into a fit of giggles. Felix found himself leaning onto the wall to steady himself as he laughed. Hyunjin’s eyes curled up into those eye smiles that Felix adored.

Once Hyunjin calmed himself down, he straightened up and fixed his hair. The amusement and mirth at their realisation were evident in his expression. “Well, at least we get to see each other now. Every day, actually!” he chirped.

He nudged Felix with an elbow, and Felix nudged him back with a teasing grin. “Unless you almost accidentally blow up your oven again.”

“Yah, Lee Yongbok! That was one time!” Hyunjin huffed but he couldn’t glare at Felix for too long. Felix knew this and grinned at his friend. Hyunjin grinned in return and jerked his head in the direction of the parking lot. “Come on, Hannie’s waiting at home. Let’s go before it gets super busy.”

It took a short time to reach Hyunjin’s car in the lot. They loaded most of Felix’s luggage in the trunk. Felix got comfortable in the passenger seat with his purse and backpack. As Hyunjin started the car and drove out of the lot, Felix let his mind wander. His eyes scanned their surroundings as Hyunjin navigated the morning traffic. Los Angeles already looked a lot different from what Felix knew, and he’d only seen so little. At least he knew that his new chapter of his life would be interesting. Maybe it would challenge him, but he knew he’d come out victorious in the end.

As he started drifting off, his mind settled on one of his personal favourite daydreams. He closed his eyes and drew a familiar mental image of his very own fashion boutique. He often dreamt of leasing a cosy retail space. Interested customers would be able to browse his best designs. And then, his works would capture the attention of Los Angeles. After that, he’d be able to take the world by storm, even wear his own pieces for a magazine shoot. If he put in enough effort and love, he could make his dreams a reality.

The corners of Felix’s lips curled up into a smile as he fell into a light sleep. He dreamt of fabrics and stitches and cursory designs.

╳╳╳

Felix came to some time later. There was an irritating bright light shining over part of his face. The car’s engine was off, parked in some structure, and someone was gently shaking his shoulder to wake him up. He furrowed his brows and blinked his eyes open once, twice, three times. The first sight he could focus on (well, aside from the harsh fluorescent lighting) was a shy smile. It took him a moment of impolite staring to realise that he’d seen that face before, if only on video calls. “Jisung?”

Jisung’s smile grew wider when Felix recognized him.

Video calls didn’t do Jisung justice; he seemed… softer, in person, cuter and more approachable. Like he was about to be Felix’s brand new cuddle buddy. (Actually, Hyunjin and Jisung were both about to be his new cuddle buddies, but he digressed.)

After a moment, Jisung parted his lips to speak and Felix sat up to hear him. “Wow, you’re even prettier in person.”

…

Silence filled between them. Felix’s ears started turning pink from the sweet words and he offered a bashful smile in return. It was hard to pretend that he wasn’t charmed by Jisung’s straightforwardness.

Jisung, however, was absolutely mortified at himself. He flailed his arms and stuttered before squatting down next to Felix’s open car door and covering his face. Hyunjin wasn’t helping him with the way he was cackling from the trunk.

“Yah, Han-ah, go easy on Yongbok!” Hyunjin teased as he got Felix’s luggage out. “He just got off a flight, in case you forgot.”

“Shut up!” Jisung yelled, lifting his head from his hands to glare at Hyunjin. He scrunched up his nose. Hyunjin laughed again as he closed the trunk. “Leave me alone! What am I supposed to say when both of my roommates are fine as hell, huh? Yah, you tell me, Hyunjin-ah.”

Felix snorted to himself as Hyunjin and Jisung started their rapid-fire bickering. Again. He felt amused that their antics transferred over from video calls to real life, even if he couldn’t keep up with the whole conversation. In the midst of their bickering, Jisung stood back up with flushed cheeks.

Cutting into the conversation, Felix said, “That was really sweet, Jisung-ah. Thank you.” He then rushed to add, “Oh, and nice to meet you in person.”

Jisung looked over at him and Felix smiled. He huffed but looked happier as he moved out of Felix’s way. When Felix got out of the car, though, he extended his arms in a hug. He felt happy when Jisung agreed, and they exchanged a warm embrace.

After letting go of each other, Jisung replied, “It’s great to finally see you, Lix. At least you stopped calling me Jisung-ssi, so I consider this a win! Not one word, Hwang Hyunjin.”

“I didn’t even say anything this time!” Hyunjin cried out as Felix made sure nothing fell out of his pockets while he was asleep.

Letting out an emphatic ‘hmph,’ Jisung stuck his tongue out at Hyunjin. “And it better stay that way.”

“Umm, guys?” Felix cut in again. He closed the car door and had made sure he had all his things. But when he looked at his new roommates, he realised that they were taking care of all his luggage. “You don’t have to get all my bags for me…”

“Don’t be silly, Lix,” Jisung remarked in English as he adjusted Felix’s carry-on backpack on his shoulder. “We want to carry this for you. Right, Hyunjin-ah?”

“That’s right! Don’t worry about it, baby.”

Felix sighed before nodding with a grateful smile. “Only if you’re sure. Thanks, you two.”

The three of them walked to the elevator after Hyunjin locked the car. Hyunjin and Jisung started a new conversation as they walked. As much as Felix wanted to join the conversation, he also felt content to listen.

“Can you believe it?! I finally got to talk to Minnie again for longer than like, fifteen minutes,” Jisung proclaimed with a grin as the elevator doors slid open. “I swear, his schedule is crazy now.” The three of them filed inside the elevator, and Jisung pressed the button for the eighth floor.

Hyunjin replied, “He’s always been super busy, but now he’s in the major league. I got to talk to him a few days ago though. So what did he say? Did he say yes to recording for you?”

“No,” Jisung replied, visibly deflating but straightening up a moment later. “But it wasn’t a no either! His voice is the perfect backing vocal for my next project, so I’m asking him again for sure.”

Felix glanced between the two, curious about who ‘Minnie’ was to Hyunjin and Jisung. He tried to remember if he ever saw a ‘Minnie’ on their social media posts, but came up blank. But, he did recall ‘Minnie’ mentioned a few times whenever he and Hyunjin had a video call. Still, he wasn’t able to put a face to the name…

“I bet he wants to do it but his hell schedule isn’t letting him. Maybe his manager, too,” Hyunjin mused as the doors opened on their floor. They all got out and Hyunjin led them towards their flat. “Don’t worry, Hannie, I think he’ll agree to the vocal thing.”

Jisung huffed out a chuckle, set down Felix’s bags next to their door, and fished his keychain out of his pocket. “He better! I need his vocals, Hyunjin-ah.”

Felix picked up his bags off the floor while Jisung unlocked the door to #8-01. Quiet as he was, he grew more curious about Minnie's identity. Whoever Minnie was must be important to both of them.

After a few seconds of struggling, Jisung unlocked their door and swung it open with a triumphant ‘hah!’. He held it open for Hyunjin and Felix. “Okay, Lix, this is it! It’s not much, but welcome home.”

Felix went inside after Jisung, thanking him and toeing off his shoes. He already knew that Hyunjin and Jisung lived a bit messy, but it was a struggle to neatly put his shoes away. The shoe rack looked like ground zero of a tornado. He settled for nudging his shoes to an empty corner with his foot. Stepping over the shoe minefield, Felix made it past the entryway and the kitchen. He set his bags down next to the futon couch, circling back to the kitchen to explore.

“Hyunjin-ah!” Jisung cried as Hyunjin steamrolled past their shoes with Felix’s check-in luggage. Hyunjin kept walking anyway. Jisung groaned as he brought the last piece of luggage inside, then closed and locked the door. “Could you not fucking roll the luggage over my shoes?”

“Could you actually put your shoes away on your shoe rack for once, Hannie?” Hyunjin retorted.

Felix turned around and saw Jisung step into the hallway bathroom. “Yah. You can’t even say that when you’re just as bad as me!” He closed the door and left no room for further comments.

Snorting as he ran his fingers over the laminate countertops, Felix’s eyes flitted around. The kitchen was an open layout, leading into the hallway and living room. The fridge and stove top were opposite the sink, dishwasher, and main counter space. There was a half-covered pot on the stove – Felix felt relieved to see that the stove wasn’t on. The kitchen was much smaller than the kitchen in his sister’s flat back in Sydney. But Hyunjin and Jisung’s kitchen still had a charm to it; their kitchen felt more lived-in. From the instant noodle packs sitting at the corner of the counter (probably Jisung’s) to the countertop wine rack boasting two bottles (definitely Hyunjin’s), the kitchen had a personal feel that was hard to recreate.

“Damn. I’m really here now,” he whispered to himself. It felt a little surreal to move into the flat he saw so often when talking to Hyunjin and Jisung.

Felix’s fingers brushed over a photo booth strip pinned to the fridge with a magnet. Hyunjin and Jisung made silly poses in all the photos. Meanwhile, the third person stared at the camera with a deadpan expression. It was quite the hilarious contrast to Hyunjin and Jisung’s animated faces. In one of the photos, they used two of their fingers to poke the eyes of their bright yellow Homer Simpson hoodie. He was every bit as gorgeous as his other two companions. Was this Minnie?

Jisung emerged from the bathroom at the same time Hyunjin came out of Felix’s room. “I put your bags in your room, Lix! Oh, shit –” Hyunjin shrieked and dove for the futon. Felix watched Hyunjin dive and exchanged curious glances with Jisung.

Felix peered over the countertop bar to see Hyunjin brandishing a keychain with a cute animal charm. “I’ve been looking everywhere for this!”

Jisung raised his eyebrows. “Yah.” He laughed in disbelief, crashed next to Hyunjin on the futon, and slung an arm around his shoulders. “You seriously picked up Lix without your house keys? Don’t you always clip them with your car keys?”

Hyunjin turned his head to pout at Jisung. Felix walked around the counter to perch himself on one of the wooden counter stools. “Yeah…” He paused for a moment, gasped, and fell back into the futon with his hand slapped onto his forehead. “Oh my god. I took it off my car keychain when I got the mail yesterday.” 

Jisung let out a disbelieving laugh and pulled Hyunjin closer to himself. “Yah, Hwang Hyunjin. What would you ever do without me?”

Felix’s eyes drifted around the main space. The living room looked spacious. The fact that Hyunjin and Jisung chose a simple rug without a coffee table probably helped with that. The futon sat across from a cube organiser crammed with random personal items that made Felix snort to himself. (A box of condoms out in the open? For shame.)

By the time Felix looked back at the two, Jisung was trying to kiss Hyunjin. Hyunjin had his hand splayed over Jisung’s face to push him away and was trying his best not to smile. “Just admit that you need me in your life, baby,” Jisung said in what Felix could only describe as a ‘suave’ voice.

“Oh my god, forget it!” Hyunjin laughed and tried to shimmy away from Jisung. He turned to look at Felix with a bit of a plea in his eyes. “Felix, help!”

Well. Yes, Felix could help, but his idea of ‘helping’ was honestly a little self-indulgent.

He stood up, walked towards the futon, and manoeuvred in a way that he settled between Jisung and Hyunjin. Hyunjin didn’t miss his chance to scuttle away to the other side of the futon. Not wasting a moment, Felix wrapped his arms around Jisung and smiled at his new roommate’s surprised expression. And, because Felix was feeling a little devious, he lowered his voice to a charming drawl. “Could I steal that kiss, Jisung-ah?”

He slowly moved closer to Jisung with puckered lips. “What the fuck,” Jisung squeaked. He quickly redirected Felix to rest his head on his chest and avoid the kiss. Once again, Hyunjin’s loud cackling filled the space. Felix wasn’t far behind, shoulders shaking with quiet laughter. “Guys! This isn’t funny!” Jisung complained with a whiny tone, even as he pulled Felix closer against himself.

As soon as Jisung pulled him closer, Felix melted into Jisung’s chest with a satisfied hum and closed his eyes. Yeah, he was so right about the both of them being his new cuddle buddies.

Once again, Felix grew quiet as Hyunjin and Jisung discussed their work clients. He felt bad that he wasn’t listening well, though. The words swam around in his head with no way to connect them with each other. In fact, he didn’t realise he was nodding off until Jisung shook him gently.

“Lix, wake up,” Hyunjin called in a soft tone, shaking his other shoulder. “The futon isn’t as comfortable as the bed.” 

“It’s plenty comfy,” Felix responded, sounding a bit petulant as he nuzzled into Jisung’s chest.

Jisung cooed in response and stroked Felix’s hair. “Oh, Yongbok. Come on, Hyunie’s mattress is really soft and so is his duvet, you’ll love it.”

After another moment of gentle coaxing, Felix finally sat back up and blinked his eyes open. He pursed his lips into a pout but he didn’t complain as he stood up and followed Hyunjin to his and Jisung’s shared room. But, he stopped them midway. Hyunjin’s warm gaze when he turned around made him melt a little. “Um… I need to change first,” Felix stated. “You don’t like outside clothes on your bed, right?”

If it was at all possible, Hyunjin managed to look even more fond. “You remembered that?” 

“Course I did.” 

Felix excused himself to his new bedroom. His luggage was left next to a few boxes he’d sent a few weeks ago. The simple bedframe he’d chosen was already built but there was no mattress. Maybe it hadn’t arrived yet. Guess that was why Hyunjin offered his bed. He opened his carry-on luggage and changed into his sweats. He pocketed his phone before shoving his dirty clothes into the luggage. While he tried to tuck his dirty clothes neatly back into his carry-on, it was still a bit of a mess. He’d clean it up after he got some sleep.

Once he exited his bedroom, he saw Jisung shoving his feet into a pair of shoes by the door. Hyunjin emptied whatever was in that half-covered pot into a bowl. He greeted them both, then retired into Hyunjin and Jisung’s room. Once he saw Hyunjin’s bed, he dove onto it like a parched survivor arriving at an oasis. After pulling the duvet back, he flopped onto the bed and drew the covers over himself.

It didn’t take long for Felix to fall into a sweet, dreamless sleep.

–––

The rest of the day was rather uneventful. Felix woke up to get a glass of water, idly scrolling through his new group chat with his roommates. Jisung and Hyunjin were back at work. Hyunjin left his set of house keys on the counter with a sticky note that read, “Use these for now Lix!! Will get your copy soon.” Jisung and Hyunjin also welcomed him to heat up an instant noodle pack if he got hungry, and he thanked them. Glancing at the window, he saw the sky lit up in a pretty pink shade. It was already sunset, then. He needed to plan his sleep better so that he wouldn’t be as jetlagged.

Well. Now that he was starting his new life in the City of Angels, he better start unpacking. He went back into his room, put on his playlist, and started organising his things. Thank goodness Hyunjin had the foresight to buy him some organisers for his closet…

Hours later, Felix’s stomach grumbled, and he figured he should take a break from unpacking. When Felix looked out his window, though, he startled when he saw the sky was darker than he anticipated. He thought he only spent maybe one or two hours organising…

After a quick pantry raid, Felix made cup noodles for himself. His plan was to enjoy the cup noodles on the rooftop. Sure, he wouldn’t be able to see any stars since he was in Los Angeles, but he may as well enjoy the amenities he was paying for. And so, he shuffled out of #8-01 with his cup noodles, chopsticks, keys, and throw blanket.

It was colder on the rooftop than he had expected. Felix wrapped his throw blanket tighter around himself, doing his best to relax on one of the hard metal chairs. Seriously, would it be so hard for their building to invest in some nice sun loungers? He sighed as he fed himself another bite of noodles. But, he didn’t want to go back into their place just yet. Not when he still had the weight of his thoughts keeping him awake.

Jumping half a metre into the air when he heard the rooftop access door open, Felix whipped his head towards the door. But the fear in his body was soon replaced with calm when he saw Jisung emerging with a guitar case. 

Jisung jumped, too, when he noticed and looked over at him. “Holy shit – Lix? Oh, thank god – you scared me. I thought you were still asleep.” 

Felix shook his head with a bit of a wry smile and pulled out his phone to check the time. 09:22 PM. He looked up at his roommate. “Did you just get home, Jisungie?” 

“Yeah, a moment ago. I got a ride from my coworker,” Jisung replied and took a seat across from him, in one of the metal chairs that didn’t have armrests. He gently leaned his guitar case against himself. “But I’ve got a lot on my mind, so I came out here.” 

Felix nodded in understanding, unkempt bangs coming to rest in front of his eyes. “That makes two of us.” 

A small pout formed on Jisung’s lips and he met Felix’s gaze with a concerned expression. For the first time since he woke up, Felix gave him a genuine smile. “I’ll be okay, Jisungie,” He nodded his head in the direction of his guitar case. “Were you going to play?”

At Felix’s prompting, Jisung nodded with a shy smile of his own. He got his guitar out, threw the guitar strap over his head, and settled the instrument in his lap. “Yeah. It helps me vent. If you want to talk, we can talk. But if you’d rather just listen to my guitar, that’s cool too.”

Felix’s heart warmed at Jisung’s thoughtfulness. “Thank you. I’d love to hear you play, Jisungie.”

Jisung flashed him a smile and strummed a few times to check his tuning. Then, he started to play. He led Felix through a medley of pop songs, Studio Ghibli songs, songs that Felix didn’t even know but sounded pleasant. It helped lift a weight off of Felix’s chest that had been there since he broke down in his mother’s arms all those weeks ago.

So, Felix started talking between bites of his instant noodles. “Sometimes… I wonder if it was better if I just shut the fuck up.”

Jisung hummed in acknowledgment and started strumming softer so that he could listen to Felix. “Never shut the fuck up, Lix. But what do you mean?”

“I mean like…” Felix gesticulated with his hand that was holding his chopsticks. He looked down at the cup noodle broth with an uneasy expression. “I’m scared. I don’t even know if my designs will take off here. Would it have been safer to not rat out my boss?”

The pleasant guitar strums stopped abruptly. “Yongbok-ah.” Jisung’s tone was the most serious it had been since Felix touched down in Los Angeles. When Felix looked up from his cup noodles, the other’s face was equally as serious. “I’ll stop you there before you talk yourself into a spiral. I don’t know you as well as Hyunjin does, obviously. But I can tell that you’d never play it safe if someone were stealing your designs.”

Felix breathed in sharply and startled a little, dropping his chopsticks into the cup noodles. Yes, he felt comforted with how Jisung stood by his decision, but to hear it and really think about it again still stung. “That’s…” he started, but cleared his throat when his voice sounded quiet. “Yeah, you’re right. I wouldn’t let them get away with it even if it were the safer choice for me.”

Nodding and smiling in encouragement, Jisung started packing his guitar back into his case. “Ah, also. You know that Hyunjin and I are like, your biggest fans, right? We’ll do our best to promote you when you’re ready.”

Jisung closed his case, and Felix took a deep breath to ground himself. “Yeah.” He stood up and walked over to Jisung with his arms out. Chuckling in response, Jisung pulled him into a hug. “I really appreciate it, Ji. Thank you.”

“Any time, pretty boy,” Jisung cooed, causing Felix to playfully hit him with a pleased little giggle. “So, you ready to go back inside? It’s cold as fuck.”

Felix laughed and agreed, pulling away from the hug to fetch his cup noodles. “Yeah, let’s go.” 

When Felix and Jisung made it back into #8-01, Hyunjin was on the phone talking animatedly with someone. Jisung made a beeline for his and Hyunjin’s room. “Who do you think you’re talking to? Of course we’re watching your debut next week, Minnie!” Felix’s eyebrow raised in curiosity as he tossed his cup noodle broth and threw away the styrofoam. “Oh – save us three tickets, please. Yeah, three. Felix is finally here and I’m taking him with us.”

Felix took a seat on the futon with the throw blanket still wrapped around himself. “Yes, Felix. Meet us after your game? … Boo, that’s no fun. We’re planning for dinner the night after then. I’ll text you. Bye, Min-ah!” Hyunjin dramatically hung up the phone and sighed. “Hotshot athletes,” he muttered good-naturedly before turning his attention to Felix. “Hey, Lix. Where were you and Hannie just now?”

“Rooftop,” Felix replied, and Hyunjin made a noise of acknowledgement. “Who were you talking to, by the way?”

“Oh – that was Minnie! He’s starting in his first game ever in the major league and he said he’d get tickets for us.” Hyunjin hummed again before making a sound of realisation. “Ah! Wait – you’ve talked to Minnie before, right?” Felix slowly shook his head ‘no,’ and Hyunjin’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?! But he was at our grad party!”

Felix didn’t have the heart to tell Hyunjin that he got a little too drunk that night and couldn’t remember much. “Ah… must’ve just missed him.”

Hyunjin fixed him with a Look and he shuddered a bit. “There’s no way you would have missed your chance to talk him up.” Then, Hyunjin shook his head with a laugh and grabbed his phone again. “His real name’s Seungmin but everyone – well. Jisung and I call him Minnie. He plays for the Dodgers.” He typed a few things on his phone while Felix stared at him with wide eyes, then looked back up. “I sent you his Wiki.”

Felix got his phone out, loaded up the link Hyunjin sent, and promptly had to school his reaction at the photo that loaded up. Even as he stared at his phone, though, he could feel Hyunjin’s self-satisfied little smile. “Shut up. You can’t tell me he was at our party and I can’t even remember him.”

“So he is your type!” Hyunjin exclaimed, then ducked after Felix threw a very well-aimed throw pillow at him. He snickered as a blush settled over Felix’s freckles. He stood up straight but still had a self-satisfied grin on his face. “Relax, Lix! You’ll see him in a few days.”

Huffing again, Felix got comfortable and read through Seungmin’s Wiki…

╳╳╳

Felix daydreamed about Los Angeles his whole flight. Why wouldn’t he, of course, considering that he was moving there? He’d seen glimpses before, from Hyunjin and Jisung’s adventures and from films and such, but he hadn’t set foot in the city before his move.

He thought of the streetlight forest sculpture that made Hyunjin go semi-viral on SNS. He thought of Universal Studios, where Jisung promised they’d visit the Wizarding World to their hearts’ content once his royalties came in. He thought of the Santa Monica pier, a dream date long-forgotten on his old Pinterest boards. Not even the grime of the city could take away his rose-tinted view yet.

But, as cheesy as it sounded, Felix felt like nothing in the City of Angels captured his attention as easily or as quickly as the man sitting across from him in the diner booth.

“Kim Seungmin,” the man said with a smooth voice that reminded Felix of honey. Or a silk web. Was he a fly? He felt like a fly caught in a silk web. “Some people here call me Sky, though.”

Felix didn’t know what to expect, meeting the baseball player the evening after his game. It was very different from reading all about his accomplishments on his Wiki. They didn’t really interact during the game, because their seats weren’t that close to the field. Still, Hyunjin and Jisung screamed support and love declarations for Seungmin the whole game. None of them understood baseball, but it was worth going to see his roommates light up with pride and joy seeing their friend play.

He just wasn’t expecting Seungmin to be that attractive up close.

“Kim Seungmin,” he tried out, before smiling and offering his hand to shake. “It's nice to meet you, Seungmin. Hyunjin already mentioned it, but I'm Felix.”

Felix and Seungmin laughed together, and Seungmin shook his hand. “Likewise, Felix,” he responded with a twinkle in his eyes. They dropped their hands and settled into a comfortable silence. Felix was just a bit shocked to feel so comfortable in silence with a technical stranger.

Seungmin glanced at where Hyunjin and Jisung waited for their orders before turning his attention back to Felix. The baseball player leaned forward a bit, and Felix did the same, blinking with a gentle smile. He could have sworn he heard Seungmin’s breath hitching, but he couldn’t tell from all the restaurant chatter. He asked, “I feel like I should know this, but how do you know Hyunjin and Jisung?”

“Oh - well, I met Hyunjin when we both studied in Paris.” Seungmin hummed. “And then I met Jisung when Hyunjin video called me one time.” Felix laughed, smile turning a bit nostalgic. “I think they were already living together when I met Jisung.” 

Seungmin raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Wow, wait. So you decided you’re okay with living with Jisung just by talking to him on the phone?”

“I swear it’s actually not that bad. We’re pretty good roommates already.” Seungmin laughed, and Felix felt a bit proud of himself for making Seungmin laugh that way. “What about you, Seungmin? How do you know them?”

Seungmin chuckled and took a sip from his cup of water. “I’ve known them both since high school, actually. You wouldn’t believe how much they argued back then.”

Felix let out a low whistle. “Wow, you three go way back.”

“Mm. I wonder why you and I didn’t meet sooner, really. But,” Seungmin’s eyes sparkled again as he smiled a bit wider, “I think we met at just the right time, Felix.”

And there it was. Felix knew he should have expected some cheesy pickup line from a hotshot professional athlete. But instead of scoffing and shooting back another remark, Felix scoffed and maybe blushed a little in his seat without a comeback. What was he doing? Was Hyunjin actually right when he said Seungmin was Felix’s type?

Thank goodness for Jisung, his saving grace, for sliding over to their booth with one of their trays. Jisung started complaining about how Hyunjin almost spilled ketchup on him. Hyunjin followed with their other tray, countering Jisung’s complaints. Felix shared a look with Seungmin before he broke their eye contact and grabbed his food, making more space for Hyunjin next to him. Luckily, Hyunjin and Jisung didn’t notice his flushed cheeks as they ate. Seungmin, however, had his eyes on him almost the whole time they ate their food…

“– Right, Lix?”

Shit. 

Felix munched on a few more fries and wiped his mouth to cover the fact that he was lost in his thoughts again. “Sorry, what was the question?”

Jisung sipped his milkshake, then repeated, “You’re okay with me making a group chat on Kakao, right?” He showed his phone screen with the messaging app already open. “I’m going to make a group chat with all of us. We need to plan out some more hangouts, babes! Well, we need to work around Seungminnie’s schedule, but I think we can manage that.”

Oh. “Mhm! You’ve got me in your contacts already.” Felix felt way too giddy over being in a group chat with Seungmin. He was about to take another bite of his burger when he caught Seungmin’s gaze again. As soon as he saw Seungmin’s eyebrow quirk in interest, he flashed his most charming smile and relished at how Seungmin’s eyes widened a little.

At least the scoreboard was even now, he thought.

Felix didn’t know what he'd get up to in his new city, but he was definitely making sure to score a date with Kim Seungmin.

Chapter Text

9:38 PM 

[ han and only added HYUN.E, Felix, and Kim Seungmin to the group. ] 

han and only changed their name to sungie. 

sungie [9:38 PM] 

really minnie? that’s BORING 

you’re supposed to have a cute nickname for this chat

new rules established by me

WAIT A MINUTE 

(ʃƪ¬‿¬) 

sungie changed Kim Seungmin’s nickname to minnie!! .  

sungie changed HYUN.E’s nickname to i owe hannie a kiss ( ˘ ³˘) .  

sungie [9:39 PM] 

you can change your nickname if you want lix!! 

Felix [9:40PM] 

LOLOL 

Umm 

You know what yeah 

Felix changed their name to Lixie ♡. 

sungie [9:42 PM] 

you’re so cute!!!! 

give me a kiss baby ( ˘ ³˘) 

GUYS HE ACTUALLY TRIED TO KISS ME?? 

Lixie ♡ [9:46PM] 

Hehe 🤗

minnie!! [9:48 PM]

You did ask him for a kiss

Oh wait 

minnie!! changed their name to Seungminnie. 

Seungminnie [9:48 PM] 

Fair enough compromise? 

sungie [9:50 PM] 

you know what 

i’ll take it ( ˘ ³˘) 

––– 

9:39 PM 

Private message with Kim Seungmin 

Kim Seungmin has sent you a friend request.  

You are now friends with Kim Seungmin.  

Felix [9:41PM] 

Hi Seungmin 

Thanks for adding me 🤗

Kim Seungmin [9:47 PM] 

Right back at you, Lix 😉 

Text me when you three are home safe

How’d you enjoy the game by the way?

Felix [9:50 PM] 

You’re so… 

Anyways 🫠

Yeah the game was fun but

Ngl

I still don’t know baseball rules LOL

Kim Seungmin [9:55 PM] 

That’s okay! Baseball is a lot to learn

I can teach you if you’d like 😄

Felix [9:57 PM] 

I’d like that

I already know I have the best tutor 🤗

We’re home now!

Are you home too Seungminnie?

Kim Seungmin [10:03 PM] 

Good to hear 😄

Yeah I got home a while ago

I don’t live too far from the diner

Felix [10:05 PM] 

YOU LIVE IN THAT AREA?

OMG

Okay athlete salary

Kim Seungmin [10:06 PM] 

😝 😝 😝

Felix [10:06 PM] 

😛 😛 😛

–––

10:04 PM 

sungie, hyunjinnie, Lixie ♡, and Seungminnie 

i owe hannie a kiss ( ˘ ³˘) [10:04 PM] 

LMAO y’all lix tried to kiss hannie 

saw it in the rearview mirror 

i’ve never seen hannie block a kiss that quickly 

wait what 

YAH 

HAN JISUNG 

Lixie ♡ [10:05 PM] 

LOLOLOLOLOL 

i owe hannie a kiss ( ˘ ³˘) changed their name to hyunjinnie . 

hyunjinnie [10:06 PM]

and none of you told me either 

lix you were literally in the car with us 

#fakefriends #betrayed 

Lixie ♡ [10:07 PM] 

Was I supposed to say anything? 😇

hyunjinnie [10:09 PM]

…

sungie [10:09 PM] 

(ʃƪ¬‿¬) the sweet sweet sound of lix getting away with it

again!! 

hyunjinnie [10:10 PM]

shut up hannie

ANYWAYS

let me change the group picture~

also what should our group chat name be?

Lixie ♡ [10:12 PM]

Hm…

Hyunjinnie has changed the group photo.
[ A selfie of the four of them in their diner booth, Hyunjin’s holding the phone. In the photo, Hyunjin makes a peace sign with a silly duck face, matched by Felix behind him. Across from the two, Jisung has his cheeks puffed out with double peace signs. Seungmin’s winking and pointing a finger gun at the camera. ]

Lixie ♡ [10:14 PM]

OMG cute!!

Okay so

We’re all born in the Year of the Dragon right?

We could just use that

Seungminnie has changed the group name: 00즈 🐉.

sungie [10:16 PM]

you’re SO right seungminnie 

let me smooch your big brain ( ˘ ³˘)

Seungminnie [10:18 PM]

No.

sungie [10:19 PM]

👎

Seungminnie [10:20 PM]

Besides it was Lix’s idea

Lixie ♡ [10:24 PM]

Oh~

Does that mean

I get to smooch Jisungie 😇

sungie [10:24 PM]

whAt the fuck is goING ON

Hyunjinnie [10:25 PM]

🤣

╳╳╳

A few days after his first encounter with Kim Seungmin saw Felix waking up earlier than usual. Sure, he was an early riser compared to Hyunjin and Jisung. (In all fairness, that wasn’t hard to do anyway.) However, his new manager arranged their first meeting to be at fuck-I-should-still-be-asleep-after-solo-queueing-on-League-last-night o’clock.

In his defense, he didn’t even stay up that late! But he maybe got a little too much screen time and it made his head spin when he woke up. The sun barely peeked over the horizon by the time he left their apartment. So, he was coping with an iced americano, but also kind of not coping. He also paid a few extra dollars for a muffin to surprise his manager. He hoped his manager wasn’t allergic to blueberries.

Felix took the Metro to the agency building. He chose to wear a plain black shirt over a black leather jacket with light-wash jeans and white sneakers. He triple checked his Metro route last night before gaming. He should be at the agency building with a few extra minutes to spare.

At least Seungmin was also awake at that hour. They texted each other good morning, a notion that made Felix smile (but not blush, definitely not). The baseball player had morning practice, apparently. When Seungmin stopped replying, Felix tucked his phone away. He was probably at practice.

He made it to the talent agency building without any incidents. The building was small, dwarfed on both sides by other commercial spaces. His eyes flitted over to the signage. The windows proudly donned TMT Agency’s sleek logo. He finished his iced americano before dumping the empty cup in the waste bin outside of the entrance. Then, he stepped through the automatic sliding doors.

“Good morning,” the receptionist greeted. Their dyed bangs framed their face well, and they also sported their own leather jacket. The receptionist’s energy made Felix smile and offer his own greeting. They smiled in return and tilted their head. “How can I help you? ”

Felix approached the front desk and took a deep breath before speaking. “I have a scheduled meeting at 8:30 with Mr. Lee.” He pretended not to notice the receptionist’s wide eyes hearing his deep voice. “My name is Felix.”

“One moment, please…” The receptionist was quiet for a moment before their eyes lit up in recognition. They kept their eyes on their screen, probably to notify Mr. Lee. “Yes, I see you on our calendar. I’ll let him know you’ve arrived. I see you’re finishing up your paperwork with him and updating your model portfolio.” The receptionist looked up and smiled at Felix again. “Welcome to TMT, Mr. Felix.”

“Just Felix is fine, thank you.”

“Okay, Just Felix. ” Felix couldn’t stop his huff of laughter at the joke. He felt like he’d enjoy his time under TMT if this was his company. The receptionist chuckled and gestured to the waiting area in front of the front desk. “You can have a seat over there.”

Felix nodded, then sat in one of the armchairs. He stared down at the parchment paper in his hands as he wondered what kind of person Mr. Lee was. Apparently, he was on vacation when TMT decided to hire and sponsor him.

“Good morning.”

The sharp tone cut through Felix’s thoughts and he looked up. His eyes widened when he saw the person standing a few feet away. Was this Mr. Lee? No way this was his manager. Surely, this was another model in the agency? Felix wasn’t an expert, but he was sure this person had incredible facial proportions.

After a few moments, Felix realized in horror that his eyes were wandering. He was staring at them. Fuck. “Oh– um, good morning,” he stammered out and tried not to wither up and die when he noticed the person's amused expression.

“My name is Minho. Welcome to TMT. Follow me to my office.” At the instruction, Felix stood and followed Minho into the hallway past the front desk. Minho surprised him a moment later by stopping and turning around. This time, he spoke in Korean. “Can I speak Korean with you, Felix?” 

Felix blinked a few times in surprise and considered Minho’s request. He replied, “Well… yes, but please talk a bit slower in Korean, it’ll help me a lot. Should I… use Korean or English with you?” 

“That’s fine. You can speak English back to me. I want you to speak comfortably.” Nodding to confirm, Minho’s lips finally curled up a bit into a sort of half-smile before turning around.

“Wait!” Minho turned back around, looking back at Felix with curious eyes. Felix held out the parchment paper bag with the muffin for Minho to take. “Um… I got you a muffin. It’s blueberry, I don’t know if you’re allergic, but I wanted to get you something because it’s so early.” He cut himself off before he started rambling to his new manager.

It was Minho’s turn to blink in surprise, lips parting a bit before curving into a bigger smile than before. If Felix had to be honest, that smile made his heart soar. Minho took the parchment paper with gentle hands and a gentler voice. “Thank you. I’ll enjoy it. Come on, we’re almost at my office.” Minho turned around and started walking again.

Felix followed, feeling comforted and happy at Minho’s words and reactions. He took a glance at the door sign – Minho Lee, Talent Management Lead, he/him – before stepping into the office. 

––– 

2:08 PM 

00즈 🐉

sungie [2:08 PM]

[ image attached - Jisung took up approximately 70% of the real estate in the photo. He gave the camera a wide open smile, holding up a fork. The bottom half of Hyunjin’s face was covered. Felix made cat ears with his hands but the bottom half of his face was also covered. There was a hint of foliage in the background. ]

we’re having a late lunch after lixie’s successful portfolio shoot!!

wish you were here minnie ( ˘ ³˘) 

Seungminnie [2:16 PM]

Han Jisung move your big head

I can’t see Lix or Hyunjin

sungie [2:17 PM]

[ image attached - To spite Seungmin, Jisung took a close-up selfie of himself. His face took up the whole screen. ]

Seungminnie [2:20 PM]

[ image attached - The close-up selfie of Jisung, but with the ‘No bitches?’ text in meme font. ]

sungie [2:20 PM]

YAH

HOW COULD YOU

this is betrayal of the highest order!!

Hyunjinnie [2:21 PM]

LMAOOOOOOO

Seungminnie [2:23 PM]

Getting lunch without me is betrayal of the highest order 😑

Lixie ♡ [2:24 PM]

Aww do you miss us Seungminnie?

sungie [2:24 PM]

you miss your babies so much don’t you minnie baby (ʃƪ¬‿¬) 

Seungminnie [2:26 PM]

Yes

I do miss my babies

And what about it?

––– 

Felix read Seungmin’s text and promptly choked on his raspberry lemonade. Jisung wasn’t doing much better, letting out a surprised shout at the admission. Out of all the ways Seungmin could have responded, he wasn’t expecting that . Once Hyunjin saw the notification light up his phone, he had a similar reaction. Hyunjin jumped in his seat and wheezed in disbelief with comically wide eyes.

They stared at each other with matching surprised expressions. None of them spoke or looked at the new texts because they still had the older texts to process. Triple kill for Kim Seungmin, huh .

Hyunjin checked the group chat a few minutes later, then began typing furiously. “Damn it, Kim Seungmin, respond!!” 

––– 

2:27 PM 

00즈 🐉

Seungminnie [2:27 PM]

Guys?

Ah you might be busy

Enjoy your lunch 😄

I need to take care of some stuff too

Hyunjinnie [2:29 PM]

WAIT WE’RE HERE

COME BACK

MINNIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

––– 

10:04 PM 

Private message with Kim Seungmin 

Felix [10:04 PM] 

Seungminnie

Kim Seungmin [10:06 PM] 

An angel texting me on the angel number

What’s up Lix?

Everything okay?

Felix [10:07 PM] 

… 

🙄

Anyways

Yeah it’s just

You didn’t feel bad right?

After what happened at lunch

Kim Seungmin [10:08 PM] 

?

Oh you mean earlier

I’m all good Lix

But thank you for checking

Felix [10:12 PM] 

Okay Seungminnie

But if anything ever bothers you

Kim Seungmin [10:12 PM] 

I’ll let you know right away

Felix [10:12 PM] 

Tell me right away

Ah

Good 🤗

Good night Seungminnie 

Kim Seungmin [10:12 PM] 

An angel texting me goodnight? 

Felix [10:17 PM] 

Don’t push your luck 😒

Kim Seungmin [10:19 PM] 

Good night Lix 😊

––– 

Felix let go of his phone to bury his face in the futon and squeal kick his feet around. He didn’t even see Seungmin as often as he saw the other gorgeous men in his life. Why did he affect him this much when they only met just recently…?

He heard a door open and Hyunjin speak. “Lix? I heard you out here and got worried…” Felix moved his head up from the pillow and saw Hyunjin glance at his unlocked phone. Hyunjin gasped dramatically and tossed Felix’s phone back onto the couch. He took out his flip smartphone and flipped it open with finesse, fingers tapping at lightning speed. “So he does send goodnight texts! I knew it.”

“Oh my god, Jin.” Felix groaned and buried his head back in the throw pillow. Hyunjin just saw his borderline sappy texts with Seungmin. He wanted to crawl in a hole and wither there.

But, he had to admit, listening to Hyunjin tease Seungmin for sending Felix goodnight texts was pretty funny. Felix sat there and tried to keep his heart from soaring too high.

╳╳╳

“Honey! I’m home,” Hyunjin exclaimed one evening as he swung the door open to their apartment. He carried a plastic bag with their fried chicken that he set on the counter.

Felix laid on the floor, playing Animal Crossing on their big TV. Jisung sat on the couch, scribbling in his lyric notebook. Jisung noticed Hyunjin and the food and perked up. “Hell yeah. Lix, let’s eat!” Felix saved and closed his game before joining the other two at their counter.

They enjoyed their chicken in relative quiet. Eating together was often peaceful between the three of them. They made a point to eat together as much as they could.

Hyunjin’s face lit up when they were close to finishing their chicken. “Oh shit! I just remembered, I have something to show you guys. You can finish the chicken, by the way.” Hyunjin walked around the counter to wash his hands while Jisung and Felix split the last few pieces between themselves.

“What is it, Hyunjin-ah?” Jisung asked before taking a bite of his drumstick.

“You guys, I got Minnie’s schedule for the rest of the month.” Felix’s ears perked up at the information, and he looked up at Hyunjin, who was drying his hands. “Minho-hyung finally caved after I got him some pudding, but you didn’t hear that part from me.” He unlocked his phone and showed Jisung and Felix Seungmin’s schedules for the month.

Wait. “Minho-hyung? Like, from TMT? My manager?” Felix asked, brows furrowed in confusion. With Hyunjin and Minho both working in fashion, he wasn’t surprised they knew of each other. But how did Minho know Seungmin?

Hyunjin waved his hand. “They’re really close,” he replied. Felix had to pretend that that bombshell didn’t render him shocked. “They’d never admit it though.” Hyunjin snorted and rolled his eyes. Felix couldn’t help but wonder just how close the two of them were. Not that he was jealous or anything.

“Hey, wait!” Jisung interjected before looking at Felix. “Lix, he responds to you pretty quickly. Can you text him to make sure he’s free this weekend?”

Felix blinked twice before nodding and pulling out his phone.

––– 

8:01 PM 

00즈 🐉

Lixie ♡ [8:01 PM]

Seungminnie

Are you free the weekend after next weekend?

Seungminnie [8:02 PM]

Hmm i should be

I’m free Saturday afternoon and all of Sunday

Do you want to meet up?

Lixie ♡ [8:04 PM]

Only if you’re down! If you want to rest we get it

Seungminnie [8:04 PM]

We?

sungie [8:05 PM]

hehe we knew you had nothing going on

just wanted to ask ( ˘ ³˘)

Seungminnie [8:08 PM]

Han Jisung.

How the hell do you know my schedule?

sungie [8:10 PM]

anyways i’m thinking about the arcade!!

what do y’all think!!!

Hyunjinnie [8:11 PM]

👍

Lixie ♡ [8:13 PM] 

Sounds good 🤗

Seungminnie [8:14 PM] 

Arcade works

Let’s meet at 1 on Saturday, text me the address

But how did you get my schedule??

sungie [8:18 PM]

(ʃƪ¬‿¬) 

ok sexies i’ll find the best arcade and text the address by friday!!

––– 

6:19 AM 

00즈 🐉

Seungminnie [6:19 AM] 

It was Minho hyung wasn’t it

I’m stealing 10 of his protein shakes as compensation

Hyunjinnie [6:25 AM]

🤣

Chapter Text

7:02 PM

Private message with Kim Seungmin

Seungminnie [7:02 PM]

[ image attached - Mini cups of shaved ice decorated with candies and yellow food colouring to make them look like baby chicks. ]

Saw this at a night market before my away game and thought of you.

Felix [7:02 PM]

Aww Seungminnie

You think of me that much? 🤭

–––

Fuck. Felix replied too fast.

Well, he’d already fired his texts and reacted to the photo with a heart, so all that was left was to wait for Seungmin’s reply. He set the phone down on his vanity so that he could re-examine his face. Not that he needed to fix his makeup, obviously, because Felix would be damned if he stepped out of his room with unmoisturised skin or patchy foundation.

Anyways. While he was worrying about texting too eagerly, Seungmin sent a few texts that had Felix choking on air from where he read them from his notifications. He huffed and decided to focus on his makeup. Stupidly attractive smooth talking Kim Seungmin could wait for him to get all dolled up.

Once he was finished patting a pretty blush to his cheekbones and applying his lip gloss, Felix unlocked his phone again. Seungmin replied to him quickly and he giggled. Maybe he was overthinking his own reply time.

–––

Seungminnie [7:05 PM]

Yeah actually

Been thinking about you all day

Felix [7:12 PM]

🙄 🤭

Well, aren’t you a sweetheart

So it’s all your fault I feel so tired

You had me running through your head all day!

Seungminnie [7:13 PM]

You don’t have to be running

Maybe you could just take up space in my head

I’d let you live rent-free, pretty boy

Felix [7:15 PM]

Wow.

Has anyone ever told you you’re a menace with your words?

Seungminnie [7:16 PM]

More than I can count 😁

But you said you feel tired today

Are you feeling okay? You resting up?

Felix [7:20 PM]

Nah, don’t worry

I’m all full of energy and ready to run through your head again~

Anyways

Hyunie and Sungie and I are going outttt 🤪

Seungminnie [7:22 PM]

Out? Like to dinner or drinks?

Felix [7:24 PM]

Hmm probably both? A club maybe?

We’re pregaming at home and probably ridesharing around

Seungminnie [7:25 PM]

Okay have fun

Take care too

Please make sure Hyunjin or Jisung don’t do anything stupid

Text me when you get home safe

Felix [7:26 PM]

We’ll be fine, relax~

Wait text you? You sure? Aren’t you like four hours ahead of us?

We’ll probably be out late

I don’t want to wake you up with our texts

Seungminnie [7:28 PM]

Three actually

But don’t worry about that

I want to know that you’re all safe

Seriously, Felix. Text me.

Felix [7:30 PM]

I will I will!

Relax Min~

–––

Felix was left with a full heart as he skipped out of his room to join Hyunjin and Jisung in their pregame shots. Privately, he mused at how ironic it was that now Seungmin was the one running all through his head as the three of them went from the Persian restaurant, to the bar nearby, and to another bar as they waited for a good club to open.

He wondered what it would be like, if Seungmin were there with them. How Seungmin would care for them, because he was the responsible type. Sometimes, it was hard to read tones through text messages, but Seungmin clearly seemed worried and protective over them. It warmed Felix’s heart.

Seungmin wouldn’t even let the three of think of paying for a rideshare, probably. He’d offer his car instead, offer to drive them around. He’d have paid for dinner and put all their drinks on his tab, despite their protests. He’d switch Jisung’s beer out for water when his face got too red, he’d take Hyunjin outside if he started overheating at the dance floor. He’d chat with Felix on the barstool next to him, let Felix lead him out onto the dance floor, maybe place those large hands of his on Felix’s waist as they danced.

God, what was Seungmin doing to him? Just last week, he was wondering if Seungmin would look cuter if Felix surprsied him with a gentle peck or crowded him up against a wall for a rougher kiss. Now, he was at the club, finishing his blue martini and watching Hyunjin and Jisung challenge another pair to a dance battle and daydreaming about Seungmin taking care of him and his best friends.

He needed another drink. He swiveled back round to wait for the bartender with a friendly smile.

–––

Felix [1:48 AM]

Heyyyy seungie

Were home 🩵

Seungminnie [1:56 AM]

Good to hear, pretty boy

Get some water before bed okay?

Felix [1:59 PM]

Yes sir

Just had some

Youre so hot when you tell me what to do

Seungminnie [1:59 PM]

You think I’m hot?

Felix [2:05 AM]

Youre so fucking hot it pisses me off sometimes

And youre such a smartass

Its annoying that thats hot too

An dthten wheny uougdhdgfdj

Fhgb hch

Seungminnie [2:07 AM]

Goodnight, Lix

–––

Felix [12:49 PM]

I’m awake and alive and here to double down on the fact that you’re so fucking hot that it pisses me off sometimes.

Seungminnie [1:43 PM]

I thought you’d deny your drunk texts but this is a pleasant surprise

How are you feeling?

Felix [2:02 PM]

I’ll manage

You’ll be happy to know Ji went mini viral again

[ link attached - A TikTok posted by another user of Jisung dancing with a cardboard cutout of Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle, while Hyunjin laughs at him and drinks from his glass. How someone got a life-sized Howl cardboard cutout into the club, Felix had no idea. ]

Seungminnie [7:05 PM]

🤦

╳╳╳

Seungmin’s return couldn’t come any sooner.

Felix was bored out of his mind. He lounged in Minho’s office, shifting around in his armchair. Finally, he gave in and took out his design sketchbook. There were a few revisions to his sketches that he thought of while waiting for his manager to arrive.

After Minho told him he could head straight into his office whenever he came to the agency building, he took his manager up on that offer. He’d probably arrive soon, anyway. Felix was scheduled for an editorial shoot later that day. Thanks to Minho leveraging his portfolio, Felix had been slated for quite a few shoots lately.

But as much as he found his job enjoyable, he wanted to see Seungmin again. Stupid away game road trip.

“How are you always here earlier than me?”

Felix jumped at the sound of Minho’s voice. He hadn’t even heard the door open, with his mind focused on his designs and Kim Seungmin. Out of instinct, he flipped his sketchbook shut. Then, he whipped his head around to face the elder. The small half-smile made its way onto Minho’s face. He was probably amused at surprising Felix, as usual.

To that, Felix huffed and rolled his eyes, clearly unamused. “Good morning, hyung.” He didn’t miss the way that Minho’s expression seemed to soften at the greeting. It made Felix melt a little and stop acting so huffy, even as he kept the sarcasm in his tone. “One of my neighbors started playing music pretty early today, so that helped.”

Minho hummed in acknowledgment as he set his coffee on his desk. He set a second drink down – Felix’s iced latte, loaded with sugar. Felix thanked him and turned to face the desk, letting Minho settle for the day. He closed his eyes with his sketchbook and pencil in his lap still.

“Your building walls must be pretty thin if you can hear that,” Minho commented, concern laced in his tone. “I know it’s pricey, especially when you moved here recently, but we can find a better place for you when you’re ready.”

“Yeah, well…” Felix trailed off and considered the suggestion. Of course finding a better place would be nice. But as it was, he was already dipping into his savings to pay his share of rent. Moving out all on his own was out of the question for now. The gigs helped a lot, all thanks to Minho’s finesse and network, but he still wasn’t earning as consistently as Hyunjin or Jisung. And even then, Hyunjin and Jisung were also earning less than they expected… Felix’s expression scrunched up.

“Yongbok.”

Startled at hearing his Korean name, Felix opened his eyes to see Minho sitting behind his desk. Minho pushed Felix’s iced latte closer to him. “You’ll figure it out. I know you can do it.” Minho’s gentle tone and intense gaze made him squirm a bit. “In this building, I’m your manager, but please tell me if I can support you outside of it. This goes for you, Hyunjinnie, and Jisungie. Okay?”

Felix sucked in a quick breath, and he blinked a few times in an attempt to not cry. While they had a few mutual connections, he and Minho didn’t usually mingle into personal topics. He felt moved by Minho’s sincere support. Above all else, he could feel that his manager was an honest, resourceful, and supportive man. In that moment, Felix felt incredibly blessed. “Okay. Yeah. Thank you, hyung,” he replied, mirroring Minho’s gentle tone.

A comfortable quiet stretched between them as they enjoyed their drinks. Felix burned to ask questions, inquire about how Minho knew Hyunjin, Jisung, and Seungmin, anyway. But, he decided to drop it, making a mental note to ask one of them another time. After a few moments, Minho changed the topic, glancing down at Felix’s lap. “By the way, what are you holding?”

Again, out of instinct, Felix drew the sketchbook closer to himself. Then, he took a deep breath and reminded himself that Minho wasn’t like those people. He could trust Minho. So, he calmed down a bit. “Oh, this…” He sighed. “It’s my design sketchbook. I was sketching some ideas before you came in.”

Minho nodded as if he expected that answer, which… he probably did. Perhaps he’d been waiting for this conversation. “The staff that ran your audition told me about your old job.” He paused to consider his words, fingers gently drumming against the wood of his desk. “Let me know if you ever want to launch your designs or set up your own brand. We have policies to protect you and your ventures.”

Felix’s expression lit up when Minho mentioned the policies. He vaguely remembered reading about it before signing his contract, but his memory was a bit fuzzy from all the jargon. Still, he was glad to see the supportive atmosphere of TMT as something tangible and real, rather than some sort of theoretical ideal on paper. It made him feel more confident in his decision of signing with the agency. “Thank you.”

“Sure.” Minho offered Felix a fuller smile. They lapsed into a comfortable silence again, with Minho chugging down the rest of his (may Felix note) hot coffee without so much as a grimace. The moment Minho set the empty paper cup on his desk, a glint appeared in his eyes. For some reason, Felix was reminded of Tom Nook. “Ready for the photoshoot?”

Felix laughed as put his sketchbook and pencil away properly. “Of course.”

╳╳╳

It occurred to Felix, while the three of them watched one of Seungmin’s away games in their apartment, that Seungmin would be flying back and meeting them at the arcade on the same day that his team would return.

Well. Guilty and also nervous, because the game was tied in the bottom of the eighth.

His heart nearly fell out of his ass as the camera tracked Seungmin sprinting into play. He didn’t understand what was going on, but Seungmin threw a fucking missile back to home plate (he knew what home plate was, at least). Even the away crowd roared at the super play, and the players collected themselves to switch sides for the half inning.

Then, Felix momentarily forgot every thought in his head when the TV cut to another angle. The camera captured Seungmin sticking his tongue out and fist-bumping his teammates after his rocket throw got the last out of the inning.

“Fuck, that’s hot,” Felix said out loud on purpose. For once, his cheeks and ears didn’t burn in shame. Both of his roommates already knew Seungmin had him feeling some type of way anyway. “Chat, rewind that.”

Hyunjin started choking in laughter, leaning into Felix’s side as his laughter took over his body. “Felix, you’re not serious,” Hyunjin wheezed out. Jisung himself was cackling as he rewinded the game to the play as Felix requested, no questions asked.

His nerves didn’t dissipate until the TV graphics confirmed that bright-eyed rookie Seungmin Kim did it all to seal the game, from the rocket throw to the RBI that snagged the win for his team. (Felix did not know what an RBI was, but Seungmin was hot for doing it and helping his team earn the win.)

Felix’s concern was not forgotten, however. Later that evening, after the Dodgers won their game, Felix sat on the rooftop with his earbuds in, his hood up, and his phone propped up on a table by his water bottle. Seungmin was on the other end of the video call, sprawled out on the couch in his hotel room in casual sweats. Stupid hot athlete – focus, Felix, he thought. You called for a reason.

“Seungminnie.” Felix pouted at the camera, frowning in concern. “Won’t you be tired if you head to the arcade after getting back from the airport? We can reschedule if you’d rather rest.”

Seungmin smiled and shook his head. “It’s okay, Lix,” Seungmin replied with a quiet tone. Felix raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing him. “Really. It’s cool. I’m used to this kind of schedule. Also, I’ll be fine if it means I get to see you this weekend.”

Felix’s heart skipped a beat at Seungmin’s sweet comment. He felt his cheeks heating up and he hoped the camera wouldn’t catch him blushing. He fought the urge to roll his eyes and smile, but he had just enough wit to reply with, “You mean me and your two best friends.”

“Nope. I mean you, Lix.”

He gasped and covered his face with his hands, playfully glaring at Seungmin over his fingertips. “Shut up.”

“Make me.” The reply was instant. This time, Felix couldn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes. The flush in his cheeks was definitely there, if it wasn’t already there before. No way Seungmin took the bait and responded in the cheesiest way ever. Or was Felix himself the one that was baited?

Seungmin looked at something (someone?) off camera with a snort. “Dude, finally. You were taking forever.” He looked back at the camera with an apologetic smile. “Hey, Lix, I need to hang up and shower before bed. But I’ll see you this weekend?”

“Oh! Yeah, ‘course, don’t let me keep you. I’ll see you this weekend. Bye, Seungminnie.” Felix and Seungmin waved at each other before Seungmin ended their call. Felix pocketed his phone, squealing as his legs bounced in excitement.

╳╳╳

This was the most important competition of Felix’s life. Forget the taekwondo tournaments and dance competitions of his past. Forget the third-year ensemble design contest that he and his team won. He fought for honour and glory against Hwang Hyunjin on the Dance Dance Revolution machine.

Seungmin, as expected, crushed the three of them with every first-person shooter game. Jisung, to his credit, was the self-proclaimed king of skee-ball and air hockey. He wiped the floor with Hyunjin in a 7-2 air hockey victory he wouldn’t shut up about. Seungmin himself lost 6-7. Felix patted him in the back as consolation, snickering all the while. And he was pretty sure Seungmin would’ve challenged Jisung to a rematch if Hyunjin hadn’t spotted the greatest game in the arcade.

As it stood, only he and Hyunjin had yet to win a competition. Naturally, Hyunjin wagered a bet as they strode to the DDR pads, and Felix met it with fire in his veins.

There was a lot on the line. If Hyunjin won, Felix had to edit his social posts for two weeks for all platforms. But if Felix won, he’d get strawberry milk and lunch every day from Hyunjin for two weeks. Considering all that was at stake (read: getting lost in Hyunjin’s abyss of B-reel footage), Felix could not afford to lose.

Like any other self-respecting DDR player, Hyunjin and Felix agreed on a song at one of the fastest available tempos at the hardest possible difficulty. If they were going down, they were going down swinging. Or maybe flailing was the right word, seeing as Felix was struggling to keep up. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Hyunjin in a similar state as himself. He shrieked as they tried to match their steps with the arrows that showed up on the screen.

“Yah, you two,” he heard Seungmin yell over the blasting music. “You’re going to get us thrown out of the arcade.”

Hyunjin let out a noise in between a groan and a snarl. “I don’t want to hear it, rice boy!” he yelled back.

Seungmin let out a self-satisfied laugh. Felix felt like Seungmin’s laugh should piss him off but it just turned him on. Like a fool.

No, Felix. Do not focus on the hot athlete behind you, he thought. Felix refocused on the song. His stomping started to grow desperate as he followed the directional arrows as best as he could. Finally, after three of the longest minutes of his life, the song ended and he slumped against the handlebar from all his effort.

Their scores were close enough that they couldn’t tell who won right away. But once the game tallied and brandished their points, it was clear that Felix won their duel. Felix raised his arms and head to the ceiling in victory and Hyunjin exclaimed and collapsed on the directional pad. “I believe that’s lunch and bottomless strawberry milks for me,” Felix proclaimed, lowering his arms and feeeling giddy over his strawberry milk-filled future.

Both Hyunjin and himself were panting hard after an intense DDR match. When Felix turned around, he saw Jisung zooming towards Hyunjin with his phone out, laughing his ass off and probably recording. Catching his breath, Felix turned his gaze towards Seungmin a moment later.

If at all possible, Felix became even more breathless from the intensity of Seungmin’s gaze. Felix was still panting, lips parted as he tried to take in more air. It was clear that Seungmin’s eyes flicked down to his lips track the movement before meeting his eyes again. He felt like a protostar – already warm from the dancing, but growing hotter under Seungmin’s amused eyes.

After a few more moments of staring at each other, Seungmin broke their eye contact to address the group as a whole. “Hey, I’m heading to the vending machine. I’ll get water for you, Jin-ah. How about you, Sung, Lix?”

Felix smiled. “Water’s fine, thank you.”

“Any soda, please. Thanks, baby,” Jisung replied as he pocketed his phone and finally helped Hyunjin back onto his feet. “There you go, honey, nice and easy off the floor.”

Raising an eyebrow at the two, Seungmin smiled and tilted his head at Felix. “Help me carry drinks?”

Felix could recognise an excuse to get him alone when it was offered to him. They walked over to the vending machine area. “So, Min,” he starts with a cheeky laugh, “what did you think of my award-winning DDR performance?”

Seungmin snorted. “Seriously. Who even plays at the max tempo other than you two?”

The blond scoffed in mock offense and nudged Seungmin’s arm with his own. (They weren’t exactly shoulder to shoulder. Seungmin had some centimetres over him and it was annoying as it was attractive.) Seungmin smiled and nudged him right back. “If it’s included in the game, we obviously have to play it, Seungminnie. It’s simple logic.”

Rolling his eyes, Seungmin laughed. “Whatever, Lix.” They let their conversation quiet down once they get close to the vending machines, and Felix enjoyed the simple moment together.

“Hey, Felix,” Seungmin prompted, leading them to stand off to the side of the vendingmachines. Felix looked over with a questioning hum. “How long are you staying in LA?”

When Felix blinked at him a few times, the normally suave and well-spoken Kim Seungmin floundered a little. “I mean– not to be too invasive, or presumptuous or anything, but– I don’t know.” He looked away, and Felix almost cooed at him. “Jin and Sung said you’d be staying here for a while, and I don’t know what a while means. Or if you’re looking for better opportunities in another state or country or something. I just– I just wanted…”

Seungmin trailed off there, and Felix took that opportunity to interject, because Seungmin was just being too damn cute. He placed one hand on Seungmin’s bicep, bringing a finger under his chin to turn his face back to Felix’s again. His eyes were wide as he stared at Felix.

Felix breathed out Seungmin’s name, tone fond and amused at the same time. Seungmin squirmed a bit, and Felix took mercy on him by letting go of his chin, but the hand on his bicep remained. “Just wanted to what? What is it?”

Humming in thought, Seungmin brought a hand up to rest on the forearm holding onto his bicep. The warm touch had Felix’s breath hitching in his throat. “Well… I wanted to plan some more hangouts, with you and Jin and Sung.” His expression turned into something sheepish. “Actually, I wanted to plan some just with you. I want to spend time with you, show you around the city… get to know you better.”

“Kim Seungmin.” Felix felt lightheaded, like he was floating and the only thing tethering him to the ground was Seungmin’s touch. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

Seungmin looked nervous, like he thought that Felix would even entertain the notion of rejecting him. For such a quick-witted athlete, he sure was stupid sometimes. “Depends on what your answer is.”

“And if my answer is yes?”

Felix watched surprise and hope bloom on Seungmin’s handsome features. His heart was playing jump rope or something in his chest because he couldn’t get it under control. He felt his phone vibrate in his front pocket, but he was not letting anything take him away from that moment.

Letting go of his bicep, Felix brought both of his hands up to toy at the neckline of Seungmin’s Mahagrid shirt. Seungmin stepped closer slowly, like he couldn’t believe that the moment was real. “Don’t you worry, Kim Seungmin,” he purred, patting Seungmin’s chest a few times before his fingers trace a featherlight trail down his chest. “You’ll have plenty of time to get to know me better. I promise you that.”

It was kind of funny, seeing Seungmin’s face turn red and his expression change so much from how flustered he was. Some part of him was also a little satisfied that a man as confident as Kim Seungmin was blushing, unsure of how Felix would react to his affections.

Once it seemed like Seungmin made up his mind, Felix saw his gaze clearing. “Felix.” His heart beat faster in anticipation when Seungmin took his hand, bringing it up to his lips so he could kiss his wrist. “Can I take you on a date?”

“Yes,” he replied with a breathy voice, his other hand coming up to rest on his own chest, right over his heart. “I’d like a date with you.” The resulting smile on Seungmin’s face had a tiny whine building from the back of his throat. “Min… kiss me.”

Seungmin’s eyes softened, and he hummed in response. “Not yet… not here.” Before Felix could huff and protest and say that, actually, he was fine with making out with him tucked in the corner of a loud arcade, Seungmin added, “I want to make our first kiss special.” Though, right after he said that, he leaned in to kiss Felix’s cheek. What a charmer. “Is that okay?”

Sighing dramatically, Felix returned the kiss with one on Seungmin’s cheek. “Okay. Fine. I guess me and my strawberry lip gloss will just have to wait for this one tall, handsome baseball player to stop acting like a gentleman and have his way with me.”

His comments sparked something in Seungmin’s eyes, and Felix giggled. “Nice try, but you’re not getting me like that.” Although, it did make Seungmin smack him playfully on his waist. Felix had to hold back an embarrassing sound because the smack wasn’t even that hard. He just liked the concept of Seungmin doing that to him, preferably on his ass instead. “Let’s get the drinks before Jin and Sung open a search party for us.”

╳╳╳

Seungmin tapped lightly on his car horn twice, light honks and a wave signaling his leave. The three of them waved back at him from the front of their building, and they were left with the city noise surrounding them as they watched him drive off.

To break the silence, Felix said, “I’m going to fuck him. Actually–” Felix looked up at the sunset sky with a dreamy sigh, “–I’m gonna climb him like a fucking tree.”

“I knew you were going to say that eventually,” Hyunjin whined as they walked into the building. Felix twirled his keyring around his finger and ignored the comment with a practiced eye roll. Jisung broke into laughter and pressed the button to call the elevator as Hyunjin continued. “Lix, what the hell. Like, I know, duh, but what the hell.”

“Jinnie, you literally said he was my type.”

“Look, I know, but still!” The three of them walked into the waiting elevator, with Felix pressing the number for their floor. “I’m obligated to say this. We were gym locker buddies, Yongbok-ah.”

“Oh my god, they were roommates,” Jisung commented in a stage whisper. It took everything in Felix’s body not to laugh at the reference. He failed anyway, because the three of them shared a look and cracked up into loud laughs.

Felix led the way out of the elevator, with Jisung and Hyunjin talking about how Jisung was also surprisingly good at the retro pinball machines. When he got to their #8-01, though, he blanched at the paper taped to their door, stomach growing queasy.

“Guys,” he called out, but they didn’t hear him. He tried again, more urgently. “Guys.”

Snapping out of their conversation, Hyunjin and Jisung turned their attention to him and their door. Jisung let out a string of curse words in Korean, and Hyunjin clutched at himself.

14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT

Chapter Text

Felix couldn’t speak, sat atop one of their stools and staring down at the notice in shock. There was a flurry of movement and noise around him, phone conversations and banking app notifications, but it was hard for him to refocus on the moment.

As his memory stood, he was pretty sure he did everything right to pay rent. He logged onto the online portal and paid his share for the previous month (prorated), and for that month too.

What could he do? How could he get himself, Hyunjin, and Jisung out of their situation?

Jisung’s frustrated cry brought Felix back to earth. “Fuck – guys, I am so sorry,” he lamented, slumping over in the stool next to him, phone unlocked in his hand. He kept the screen unlocked when he sat up. “Let me explain?”

Hyunjin stood in his customary position across from them. He clutched at the counter in mild distress, but kept his gaze warm and open, even when they were all feeling upset. “Go ahead, Hannie.”

“Look– I swear I was trying to be careful with my money. Like, actually.” Felix glanced at Jisung’s phone screen, viewing a glimpse of what looked like an account snapshot on a banking app. “But, like… I spent so much on our nights out. Which I don’t regret!” Felix couldn’t hide the devastation in his expression, and Jisung matched it with a pointed look. “I’m serious, I don’t regret it. It’s my fault. I spent this much ‘cause the director kept implying I was gonna get a good bonus this month, but…”

“But your boss said, ‘fuck your bonus,’” Hyunjin finished eloquently. His voice fell flat a little, and Jisung looked down at the counter. “Sorry. I get it, Hannie. But I wish we didn’t take up so much of your funds from going out.” Hyunjin sighed and closed his eyes. “I’m sorry, too. I pay from a few different accounts, but I overdrafted and one of them didn’t go through.”

“Overdraft?” Jisung repeated.

“From like, gas and groceries.”

“Ah…”

The three lapsed into a solemn silence, not looking at each other. It was they quietest they’d been, together. Felix was rubbing his hands on his thighs, racking his brain for ideas and solutions to get them out of their possible eviction. Not that their place was necessarily the greatest, but he still would like a roof over his head. He imagined it’d be impossible to find a new place if they got kicked out of a unit that was that small to begin with.

Briefly, he thought of his family. Deep down, he knew that his parents would offer their support however they could. But, Felix already relied on them so much while he was in Paris. With the sacrifices they’d already made, he wanted to make use of the opportunities around him to make something work before depending on them again.

The beginnings of an idea formed in his head. He took a deep breath in, exhaled, and sat up straighter. “I’ll accept more photoshoot schedules.”

Hyunjin’s gaze shot up to him, eyes wide. “Lix, what?”

Jisung looked like he was about to protest, so Felix spoke first. “Look, hear me out.” Felix placed both palms on the counter and glanced between Hyunjin and Jisung. “Minho hyung has some projects for me to review, and I’ll get paid out for some of them before the deadline on the notice. I accept them all, and we’ve got some funds to cover the difference this month.”

He felt a hand rest on top of his, and he turned to face Jisung’s conflicted expression. “Lix, you don’t have to work extra hard like this. I think I’m getting my royalty payout at least within the next two weeks, and that can help too.”

“I can check my other accounts,” Hyunjin added, circling around the counter to stand closer to Felix and Jisung. “It might get a bit tight, but I can probably find my missing amount. We can get through this.”

Felix immediately reached out for both of them, seeking comfort. He turned over the hand that was already under Jisung’s, squeezing his hand gently. He used his free hand to bring Hyunjin in with a one-armed embrace. Hyunjin used his standing position to embrace the other two with ease.

“We’ll be okay, right?” Felix whispered into their group hug, squeezing his eyes shut tight when he felt them burning with tears. His question was met with affirmations and reassurances as they huddled closer to each other. He felt two kisses to both of his temples and felt himself calm down.

Later that night, he called both his mom and his sister, just to hear their voices and see their faces. He couldn’t stop his tears that time, having needed to hear their love and care more than he admitted to himself. After tearful exchanges and sweet ‘I love you’s, Felix hung up to let them enjoy their day.

Sleep didn’t come easy to him. His mind wouldn’t shut off, hung up on the ‘what if’s and the doubts that were first introduced to him by his former boss. Instead of sleeping to prepare for the schedules he agreed to for the next two weeks, Felix was moving things around his closet and vanity. Just a few days ago, he’d been proud that he was able to actually organise his room in a way that wasn’t a disaster. He flopped on his bed with a long sigh, tucking himself in and resorting to scrolling through TikToks again.

“Come in,” he called softly once he heard a knock on his door. Hyunjin and Jisung shuffled in, having changed into their pyjamas. Honestly, he was kind of expecting them to come into his room, since he had the biggest bed out of them all (although still a bit small to fit three bodies). He pulled the covers down a bit and scooted over to the middle when the other two made to climb in on either side.

It was late. Hyunjin had a marketing strategy meeting in the morning, Jisung had impending song deadlines, and Felix had some editorial shoots lined up. They hadn’t discussed sleeping together, but Felix figured they probably heard him sobbing to his mom and sister. His heart felt warm at the thought of them thinking of a way to comfort him.

Once they were all settled in bed (and in each other’s arms), Hyunjin pulled the blanket over most of their bodies and Jisung shut off his bedside lamp. Jisung gently took the phone out of Felix’s grasp so that they could lace their fingers together. After that, Felix stared up at the ceiling for a while, listening to Jisung snore and Hyunjin mutter under his breath.

Finally, Felix’s eyes fluttered shut, and he was able to drift off into sleep in the safety of Hyunjin and Jisung’s presence.

╳╳╳

“Minho, I understand–”

“You surely understand, then,” Minho’s steely tone and interjection made Felix look over from where he was drinking water, “that my client will be able to complete the shoot better if we extend his break between sets.”

The creative director closed their eyes and pinched their nose with a sigh. “Yes, but we’re behind schedule. We’ve had to monitor and re-shoot a few times now.”

Minho raised an eyebrow, unmoving. “Sure, I understand that reasoning. But rushing the shoot could lead to even more complications for the workflow.” When the director had no response, Minho glanced at Felix, who only stared back. “Let’s regroup in twenty minutes.”

Felix pretended not to hear his stylists for the day gushing over Minho’s firm authority. Though, he was inclined to agree. Sue him for also finding it attractive (in the strictly professional sense). It had been a rough few days of schedules, not to mention the stress of possible eviction, and Minho made it much better by arguing for his comfort.

The stylists ushered him off to Minho, who was tapping on his phone. Minho looked up, relaxing his shoulders a bit. “Do you want to stay out here or go back to the dressing room?”

“Dressing room, please.”

They returned to Felix’s dressing room quietly, with Minho opening and closing the door for him. Felix was sure he heard Minho mutter “fucking blaming my client?” under his breath, and he couldn’t help but smile to himself.

And also cringe a little, because, if he had to be honest, the director was kind of right. Felix was a bit stiffer than usual when they started with the first shoot.

He pulled out his phone and made himself comfortable in the vanity chair. There were a few texts from Hyunjin, asking Felix to swear to eat because he’d forgotten his lunch and strawberry milk (Hyunjin’s light lunches were the only thing he felt like eating at the moment, but he still promised and got a small snack on set). His phone also pinged with texts from his group chat of his model friends from fashion shows way back when. There was also a separate notification from Seungmin, asking about their date.

Felix worked through all the texts he received, feeling his face grow warmer when he tapped on Seungmin’s notifications.

–––

12:15 PM

Private message with Seungminnie

Seungminnie [12:15 PM]

Hey Lix

Are you free to call?

I want to ask you about some stuff to plan our date

Felix [3:17 PM]

Minnie!!

Umm text might be better for now

I have back to back shoots today

I can call you now but I wanna chill before I go back

Seungminnie [3:24 PM]

No problem, thanks for telling me

How are you feeling? Work’s not too much?

Felix [3:25 PM]

I’m fine, Minnie

What about you?

Seungminnie [3:25 PM]

Better, now that I got to talk to you

I have PT in a bit though 😪

–––

Felix paused, twisting his lips a bit in guilt in an effort not to gnaw on them.

–––

Felix [3:27 PM]

Oh

Listen

I know I’ve been kinda MIA recently…

Seungminnie [3:29 PM]

No worries. I’m not expecting you to text me every day

My reply time is also kind of bad when I’ve got a stretch of games

Please at least try to rest more when you can?

And I'm here for you if you need anything

Felix [3:29 PM]

Awww thank you Min

I’ll keep that in mind for sure 🩵

I’ll catch you up with everything super soon okay?

But definitely text me about our date!!

Seungminnie [3:30 PM]

You got it sunshine 🫡

–––

Felix reread their conversation and reacted with hearts to a few messages before locking his phone with a smitten sigh. He checked his reflection in the mirror, making sure his foundation hadn’t worn off yet. The director had wanted his freckles hidden for the shoot concept.

“Yongbok?”

Turning in his chair, he looked Minho sat on the couch. “Yes, hyung?”

Minho didn’t say anything for a few moments, but Felix could tell that he was under careful observation. This was it, he thought to himself, half-hysterically. Minho was probably fed up with his inconsistent performance during the past few days of shoots. What if Minho was tired of cleaning up after him, or – god forbid – TMT drops him?

Instead, Minho said, “If there’s something on your mind, I’m here to listen.”

His sincerity made Felix relax his shoulders a bit, exhaling a slow sigh. “I know, hyung. Thank you. I’m doing fine right now.” Well, he had to be fine, at least. Just until these next few weeks are over and the three of them paid their bills for that month. And the next month. And the month after that.

Felix smiled, small but genuine, and hoped that that was enough for Minho for now. Blessedly, Minho didn’t push, even when he clearly looked like he didn’t appreciate the light deflection.

–––

They were finally done with the shoot. Felix took a moment to enjoy the boneless feeling of collapsing on the couch before he stood back up to change into his regular clothes.

It was easier for him to refocus for the rest of the shoot, but it was just a draining environment to be in. The staff were all so kind to him, yes, and Felix pushed past his exhaustion to make the shoot easier for them, but it was clear that the creative director was projecting their earlier clash against Minho onto Felix. Talk about holding a grudge. Minho looked like he was two seconds away from murdering the creative director by the time they wrapped up the shoot.

It was only when he was safely sat in the passenger seat of Minho’s car that Felix let his guard down a little. “Hyung, I know you’re worried. It’s…” He paused, pursing his lips as he figured out what he wanted to say. “It’s been tough for me recently.”

Minho was quick to turn to him and respond. “Did I schedule you for too many shoots?” He blinked, expression shifting into that of concern. “I can reschedule some of them. It helps that you had good connections from Paris, the brands can be more lenient than you expect.”

“No! I promise it wasn’t the shoots. I know today didn’t start off great, but it’s really not about my workload.” Felix brought his hands up to stop Minho, who had started tapping at his phone, held up on his car mount. “It’s just… I haven’t been sleeping well.”

Minho hummed, giving space for Felix to continue.

Sighing to himself, Felix shifted into a more comfortable position as Minho opened his navigation app. Before Felix could help it, words flowed out of his mouth like water. Maybe he was holding onto too much.

“I dunno. It’s just been hard to sleep. Maybe ‘cause I’ve been thinking of too much? I keep thinking that my old boss is going to drag my brand down as soon as I try to start it. And… I miss my family. A lot.” Minho hummed again to show that he was still listening. “I just lived with my sister but like, it never gets easier when I live away from them. And I don’t know if I’m doing enough to help make rent, and even if we pay it by the notice date, what about next month–”

Wait.

Shit.

Felix gasped, and his hands flew to his mouth in shock as he turned to look at his manager. Minho stared at him with wide eyes and an unreadable expression, hand on the gearshift like he was about to back up his car. Minho didn’t ask him to repeat what he said. He probably didn’t need to.

They stared at each other for what felt like ages. Felix felt a cavern open up approximately where his heart sat in his chest. Trembling a little, Felix made himself as small as possible in his seat, jolting a bit when Minho exhaled. “Okay. Thank you for telling me. I’m driving you home, and we’ll talk about it. With Hyunjinnie and Jisungie, I mean. Try to rest, it’ll take a while to get there because of traffic.”

All Felix could do was reply with, “Um. Okay,” before doing the exact opposite of resting. He unlocked his phone, texting his roommates in lightning speed.

–––

5:49 PM

holy matrihomie (8-01)

oovoo javer [5:49 PM]

Hi

I may or may not have accidentally told Minho hyung about the thing

road work ahead? [5:49 PM]

oh shit

fuck

we’re kind of cooked y’all idk ヾ(｡ꏿ﹏ꏿ)ﾉﾞ

lipstick in my valentino white bag [5:50 PM]

HE’S ABOUT TO FUCKING AIRFRY ME

BARRICADE THE DOORS

oovoo javer [5:50 PM]

DO NOT BARRICADE THE DOORS???

He’s driving me home 😭

Guys I think we’re going to have this conversation with him

road work ahead? [5:51 PM]

okay… okay

i worked from home today so i’ll be ready when you get here!

lipstick in my valentino white bag [5:52 PM]

we’ll talk about it while we wait for you to get home felix!

hannie i just parked wanna split ramyeon

and lixie did you eat baby!!!!!

road work ahead? [5:52 PM]

hell yeah baby i’ll fire up the buldak

lix you still have your yummy lunch that you left

get home safe our hardworking sexy model ( ੭ ˘ ³˘)੭‎°｡⋆♡‧₊˚

oovoo javer [5:53 PM]

Yes I ate~

Oh 🥺 thank you

See you at home 🩵

–––

“Yongbok-ah.”

Felix locked his phone and stared at the window as Minho’s car pulled out of the studio parking lot and out onto the road. “Mhm.”

Minho tapped his index finger on the steering wheel a few times. “I wanted to tell you something. I texted one of Hyunjinnie and Jisungie’s friends and asked them to come over to talk about the situation.” He paused. “If you feel uncomfortable, I’ll call and ask them not to come.”

“Oh, okay.” Felix had a vague idea about who Minho would have called, so he added, “No, I should be fine. But could you tell me about them?”

“Sure. His name is Kim Seungmin. He lives in the area.” Felix choked on his breath, not because of the surprise of their mutual connection, but because of the casual way Minho mentioned him. Minho looked like he was going to say more about Seungmin, but he tactfully glanced at Felix’s reaction and kept his eyes on the road. “Already familiar with him?”

Felix stammered. “I– yes? Kind of?” He shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest. “Okay. So Seungmin will be there.” Well, great.

“Mm. I should have expected them to introduce Seungminnie to you.”

They lapsed into a short silence. Felix reached over to turn on the audio, connected to his phone. It picked up where it left off from the morning, volume low for an upbeat song that he once saw on Hyunjin’s social media post. “Hyung, I was wondering…”

Minho hummed, like he had expected Felix to ask something. He probably did. “Go ahead.”

“How do you know them?” Felix looked over at Minho, curiosity shining in his eyes. “All of them, I mean.”

Minho’s car slowed down to a crawl on the interstate. “I only knew Kim Seungmin, at first. I didn’t know anyone here when I moved for university. But Seungminnie and his family kind of took me in.”

He paused to honk and cuss out someone cutting him off, then calmed back down. Felix was a bit surprised to know that Minho and Seungmin were close enough that his parents looked after Minho. He remained quiet for a moment longer, folding his hands on his lap and looking down. “What about Jinnie and Sungie?”

“Just from watching one of Seungminnie’s uni games. Ah, but I was already assigned to manage your schedules before I knew that you knew them.” Minho allowed himself a little self-satisfied hum as he cruised past the car that cut him off just a few moments ago.

Felix hummed in thought, carefully filing the information in his head. It was fascinating, learning about how deep their connections laid. But, because he couldn’t shut his big, curious mouth, he asked another question. “What’s Seungmin like?”

“Terrible.”

He let out a surprised laugh at the instant response. “Hyung.”

“Seriously. He’s a real piece of work. Stubborn as hell. Knows how to piss you off on purpose.” Felix looked at Minho and saw his expression soften in real time the more he spoke. Oh. “But once he starts something, he sees it through. And he’s loyal, like a dog or something. I guess he’s not so bad.” Minho glanced at him with a warning look just on that side of playful. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

Felix laughed again, but his heart ached a little from the answer he got. “You really care about him. I’m glad you two have each other.”

Minho huffed, a sharp little ‘hah!’ as he slowly merged his car. At least, he tried to, but he also kept getting cut off. He gave the passing car his nastiest glare yet, which was saying something. They went quiet as Minho waited to finally manoeuvre his car onto another lane.

“Hey, about the other stuff you mentioned,” Minho continued, softer in tone. “I’m scheduling a quick meeting before your next afternoon shoot so we can review resources that you can consider for your mental health. For now, we can stop by a pharmacy by your flat to buy you some melatonin.”

Not for the first time, Felix feels touched by the intention and kindness that Minho always bestowed upon him. Their circles overlapped, so it made sense that Minho looked out for him as a manager and a friend, but it was a nice feeling, knowing that someone was truly on his side.

Though, even as he acknowledged that, his brain was stuck on the last thing Minho said. “Um. Buy? Like, on-the-counter? You can get melatonin here without a prescription?”

“How do you think I made it through university, Yongbokkie?” Minho’s grin was sharp. Then, his expression mellowed out to something more serious. “But, really. It’s important to take care of yourself in this work. It’s up to you whether you use these resources, but I want to make sure you know your options.”

Felix melted a little in his seat, watching Minho navigate the hellscape that was the Los Angeles interstate. “I know, hyung. You always look out for me. Thank you.”

He saw it again, that soft expression that adorned Minho’s face when he spoke of Seungmin. But to see it in that moment, caused by their conversation, made him feel happier than he could have imagined. “Silly. Don’t thank me for that.”

╳╳╳

Felix opened the door to #8-01 with Minho following him in. It was quiet, and he wondered why. After closing the door, removing their shoes, and walking further inside, he saw Hyunjin and Jisung slumped against each other on the futon couch with defeated expressions. Seungmin paced in front of them, his back turned to Felix and Minho.

Seungmin turned around, then paused when he saw them, and Felix was left confused. Why did he look… calm? Unrattled? Because Felix was quite literally quivering in fear on behalf of his roommates for whatever came out of Minho’s mouth next. “Hey, welcome back. How was your shoot?”

“Fine.” His voice came out a bit more sulky and venomous than intended, and he grimaced, offering Seungmin an apologetic expression. “Sorry.”

Seungmin gave him a worried glance, but nodded anyway. “Don’t worry about it.” He glanced over at Minho as Felix sat himself on one of the wooden stools. “Thank you for keeping me updated, hyung.”

Minho lifted a shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. “Naturally.”

There was a lapse in the conversation, and Felix felt like he was in some sort of standoff. He sat with his arms crossed and looked around at everyone; everyone looked back at each other. He was thinking of saying that he’d shower now rather than later so that he could step away from the awkwardness for a few moments.

Though, it was unsurprising that Seungmin spoke again and started their little impromptu meeting. “So, I came up with a few solutions to help us get through this while I was driving.”

His word choice was not lost on Felix. Seungmin didn’t even live there, but he didn’t even hesitate to share their burden as if it were his own. It made his heart flutter a little.

Still, Felix was a little confused. “Wait, what do you mean? What other solutions? I mean, Jinnie and Sungie and I are working on it. We can make it before the landlord files anything…”

“Felix.” Seungmin cut him off, but not unkindly. His tone was gentle, firm, earning attention not with loud command, but with quiet confidence. He smiled, and Felix felt his heart skip a beat. “Hear me out, okay?”

Hyunjin chimed in right after, unmoving from his position but still concerned. “Min, you don’t need to do this,” he protested. “We’d be asking too much of you.” As he spoke, Minho took a seat on the wooden stool next to Felix. Jisung looked at his lap and twiddled his thumbs, leg bouncing minutely.

Seungmin looked at Hyunjin and shook his head, lips turned down in a gentle pout that Felix just wanted to bound over and smooch into a smile despite the situation. “I know, but I want to. I’m offering because I have the means. You’re not asking for too much.” Then, he turned to address the group at large again. “I already told Hyunjin and Jisung, but let me say my ideas again before you say anything about them.” He paused, checking everyone’s face to see if he could continue. Felix nodded and shifted in his seat. “Alright. The first thing I came up with was maybe I could help with rent. And the other thing I thought of was offering my flat for you guys to move into.”

“You’re crazy,” Felix said instantly, eyes wide and disbelieving as he placed his shaking hands on his lap. “Seungmin, what the hell? I… I agree with Hyunjin, I can’t… ask this of you. For either thing.”

Instead of replying right away, Seungmin only shook his head again and smiled, first at him, then Hyunjin and Jisung. Felix felt lightheaded. Though, it was in a much different way than when Seungmin tethered him at the vending machines.

Jisung looked up again, only to pout at Seungmin. “Minnie… we know you got that bonus and everything, but… seriously.”

Seungmin stayed quiet, eyes flitting between the three of them. “What else were you thinking of, then?” His voice sounded even-keeled, even though it was clear to see the worry etched on his face.

Minho inhaled sharply next to him, and Felix turned his head over at the same time Minho looked at him. His face was, once again, unreadable, but the building frustration emanated from his being. “Please don’t tell me this was why you accepted all those schedules.”

Felix immediately looked down at his lap, confirming the answer with his silence.

No one else spoke for a few moments. Well, he could hear someone aggressively tapping away at their phone (Minho, for sure), but it was quiet other than that. “Hyung, I can still do the schedules,” he mumbled. Even if he sounded like he didn’t believe his own words, he still had to say it. He still had to show up.

Minho didn’t reply to him, not directly. But his next words still shocked him, and probably Hyunjin and Jisung. “I think you three should move in with Kim Seungmin.”

Felix stayed quiet, still staring at his lap.

“What?”

“Hyung, I don’t–”

“Let me finish,” Minho interrupted. Felix was reminded of the no-nonsense tone he used with the creative director earlier. This sounded kinder, definitely, but imperative all the same. “I don’t like how your landlord is this ready to kick you out. Say you did pay this month’s rent and utilities off. But what happens next month? Are you sure they won’t just find another excuse?”

Silence enveloped them again, more poignant than before. Felix felt a hand land gently on his shoulder and leaned into the touch right away while trying not to cry. He didn’t know why, but he didn’t have to look up to know that it was Seungmin’s comforting touch.

When Minho got up from the stool, Felix glanced over at the noise. Minho made his way around the counter into the kitchen and rifled through their kitchenware, and Felix settled back into his seat.

Seungmin traced circles along his shoulder blades with a gentle touch. “Like I said, I have the means to offer. We’ll have enough space for the four of us. You don’t have to take up a bunch of shoots or,” he turned to Jisung, “wait for your royalty payout.” His hand paused at the nape of Felix’s neck, and Felix took that as a sign to look up. He couldn’t hide his distress from his face, so Seungmin must have seen it for sure, if his small frown was any indication.

When Seungmin really looked at him, though, his expression relaxed into something more inviting, more open. “Please do consider it again,” he said to all of them, while looking at Felix. “Move in with me.”

–––

Seungmin was still in the flat by the time Felix walked out of the small bathroom. Minho had left to go home after confirming the plan to adjust Seungmin’s lease to add him, Hyunjin, and Jisung as cosigners and cooking them fried rice with the leftovers they had in the fridge.

(“Wow, hyung, what a throwback,” Seungmin teased, to which he received a towel snap to his side. Felix wondered what that meant, how much history they shared.)

In the time he was completing his night routine, Felix started warming up to the idea of moving in with Seungmin before he’d even seen the unit. It was probably difficult to do worse than giving one cramped bathroom to three tenants. And Seungmin probably spared no expense to live in a better building than theirs, with cleaner hallways and windows that let in ample sunlight and rooftop chairs that were actually fucking comfortable. But, he was still going to pay his share, or what he could of it, even if Minho was on a mission to reduce and reschedule his shoots for the next few weeks.

“Hey,” Felix called out, taking Seungmin’s attention away from his phone. Seungmin locked and pocketed his phone right away. “Are Jinnie and Sungie back in their room already?”

Seungmin moved his head from side to side a few times. “Hyunjin’s knocked out, I think Ji’s watching anime or something.”

Felix thanked him and took the opportunity to tuck both Hyunjin and Jisung into bed and kiss Jisung's forehead. Jisung, with his phone held in landscape mode, gave him the sleepiest and cutest smile he’d seen that Felix thought that he should live in his pocket forever. Like, he’d start sewing breast pockets into his shirts for Jisung to stay in. He didn’t even like breast pockets.

Once he turned off the lights and closed the door to Hyunjin and Jisung’s room, Felix bounded over to the couch before Seungmin could say he was leaving. He wrapped his arms around Seungmin and smushed his cheek against his (very broad) shoulder.

“I don’t know how to begin to thank you,” Felix said with a small sigh. “Like, seriously, Seungmin. You don’t even know me like that, like your friends. But you’re still offering this much for me.”

Seungmin used one arm to hug Felix’s shoulders and tug him a little closer. “You all mean a lot to me, even if I haven’t know you as long as them. I don’t regret my offer a single bit.” A pause, then, “Well, maybe I’ll regret it if I find Jisung’s figurines in my room somewhere.”

Felix laughs, surprised and fond. “Nah, those Miku figurines aren’t going anywhere in your room.”

They stayed quiet for a few moments. Felix couldn’t tell because he was happy to let his gaze roam over Seungmin. He looked so handsome in his oversized jumper and slightly tousled hair. Not to mention his deep care for anyone he remotely considered as friendly, and the way he took charge earlier… was Kim Seungmin really just this lovely?

Seungmin broke the silence by quietly commenting, “You have a really nice laugh.”

He blinked, pulling back from their sort-of cuddle in mild surprise. “I…”

Seungmin was already looking at him, tilting his head when he saw that Felix was surprised by the compliment. “Seriously. I’m glad I get to hear it again.” He smiled, small but full of warmth. “Your laugh is pretty, just like you.”

Felix’s heart skipped a beat, and he was left staring at a smiling Seungmin. Before he did something silly like pull him in for a passionate make out session or something, he instead said the first thing that was on his mind. “Stay the night.”

Wait.

“What?” Seungmin blinked in surprise.

Although mildly embarrassed, Felix was not a person who took back his words. He shrugged. “Well… exactly that.”

“Lix…” Seungmin started, opening and closing his mouth once, before opening it again. There was a pretty, pretty flush that covered his cheekbones. Not for the first time, Felix wanted to kiss him silly. “Um… thank you for offering. I have early training tomorrow, though…”

“Oh, I see.” Felix deflated a little. Seungmin probably lived closer to his facility, so it’d make sense for him to go back home. Or so he tried to rationalise, even as he pouted and added petulantly, “No yeah, no worries. I get it.”

Felix blinked when Seungmin leaned in, kissing his temple so tenderly that he thought he imagined it. “If it weren’t so early,” he murmured, “I would’ve liked to stay. Can I call you when I get home?”

There was no explanation as to how quickly Felix’s heartbeat picked up in rate. (Well, actually, there was one very obvious explanation right next to him, but he digressed.)

“Absolutely,” he replied, hands blindly reaching around to take a hold of both of Seungmin’s. Felix found comfort in the warmth and the calluses from all his years of baseball. “I don’t have a shoot tomorrow anymore, so I can stay up all night with you.”

When Seungmin pulled away from his temple, Felix tried not to giggle at his deadpan stare. “Ha ha, very funny Lix.” But once Felix smiled big, he didn’t seem to complain about it too much.

“Can I walk you to your car?” Felix asked.

Seungmin shook his head, moving to stand up but still keeping hold on one of Felix’s hands. “I had to park like, two blocks over. I’ll go by myself, I’ll even call you if you want.”

Following his lead, Felix stood up and hummed. “It’s cool. Just let me know you’re okay.”

They walked to the front door quietly, still holding hands. It was a bit funny to see Seungmin bending down to put on his sneakers with one hand, and he made sure to laugh at him. Or with him. Whatever.

Once he was ready to leave, Felix gained his attention back with a squeeze of his hand. Seungmin turned to him with a questioning hum, and Felix took a deep breath before standing up on his tip toes to give his cheek a sweet little peck. “Good night, Seungmin.”

When Felix pulled back, he was delighted to see Seungmin staring at him with twinkling eyes, gaze flitting down to his lips like he thought Felix wouldn’t notice. And as much as he’d love that, it didn’t feel like the right time.

Huh. Maybe Seungmin was right.

Still, he really liked seeing Seungmin actively hold himself back.

Seungmin instead settled for another kiss to his temple. “Good night, Lix.” Reluctantly, they let go of each other so that Seungmin could open the door and step out into the (not-so) cold night, far away from Felix and his warm bed and his cuddles. Not that he could blame Seungmin or his early schedule, though.

Felix closed and locked the door behind him after watching Seungmin get onto the elevator. Then, he leaned against it and slid down to the floor with a longing sigh.

He wasn’t sure what would become of their… attraction since he and Seungmin would soon be living together with their closest friends. All he knew, though, was that he still wanted to see where his feelings took them, and what could become of him and Seungmin.