foi-fede
Trust The Timing
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Skz? all time comfort | 19 | This is my first time living too
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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*Harry and Ron arguing*
Ron: imagine waking up and the first thing you have to grab is a pair of glasses
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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My writer's block!
*sigh* I feel like I literally have a major writing block and some how have another story building up, which totally different from Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer. Like a polar opposite stories, this one in my mind is much more angst than the one I'm writing right now. I wanna spill all that idea on my keyboard but I have to write the next chapter. It's so difficult to think 😭
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
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Pairing: SKZ Felix x Reader
Series: Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
Genre: Strangers to lovers, slight angst(!), smut (not in this chapter honestly), fluff, slow burn(!)
Synopsis: Running back to the last of the summer left with her, Y/N unexpectedly gets stumbled beneath the tranquil embrace of starry nights and soothing breeze, a story of unexpected encounters and emotions unfolds. Y/N's summer takes a captivating turn when she crosses paths with Felix. The vibrant lights and electric atmosphere become a backdrop for a connection that defies explanation. Amidst laughter and music, their bond grows, but new challenges and confessions test their emotions. As the waves whisper secrets, Y/N navigates a sea of feelings, unearthing a journey filled with surprises and self-discovery.
Mood board: #1
Word Count: 10k
Warning: Mention of a passed one, mention of alcohol, slight sexual tension (not much, just a little)
A/n: I was never fond of summer before this year. It's like refusing to try a new ice-cream flavor in fear of ruining the taste buds but finally trying and eventually falling in love with it. I hope reading this simple fanfic becomes one of the nice things to be remembered about summer for everyone. ^^
| Reminder: All the character's personalities and thoughts are raised from pure fiction, it is just a work of fiction. |
Read all the chapters here.
Beneath the starlit waves
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When we think of summer, our minds often drift to memories of refreshing shaved ice on the beach, or warm nights spent gathered around a crackling bonfire. And for those who are fortunate enough to have the right luxuries, perhaps sipping margaritas by the pool at noon.
There's something special about the season that just brings out the best in us - the warmth of the sun on our skin and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. It's no wonder that "they" say the beach is where you can truly experience the miracle of summer.
Even now, as the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for those long summer days. Perhaps that's why so many of us go to great lengths to hold onto the season for just a little bit longer - like driving 163 kilometers straight from town to catch up with the last couple of weeks of summer, or simply sitting on a sandy bed, watching the sunset unfold before us.
As I sit here now, surrounded by couples who seem about to start making out any moment. I completely forgot about my summer with everything that's been going on lately, until my brother made me realize that I've lost touch with myself. The sand, breeze, and salty smell of the ocean leave me with doubts. Am I here to relive that summer miracle or to drown in grief because these things remind me the summer with mom?
The thoughts pushed me to stand up and take unnoticed steps toward the sea. It felt like I was invisible to the world, which was busy making out, spinning bottles, and shoving booze around. I was so lost in thoughts, moving slowly forward and feeling the warm water up to my knees, and then gradually up my thighs, making it feel like the denim was nowhere near my legs. Just when it was about to be all damped, a hand pulled me back, jolting me out of my thoughts.
“Mam! mam! watch out where you going!”
This guy snapped me out of my thoughts in an instant, and it dawned on me just how far I had strayed from my original spot—quite a distance, indeed.
“I’m… sorry for pulling you out of it but, the tides are high at the moment. You should stay at the shore. Are you alright?”
Have you ever seen a sunset in someone's eyes? I did, at that very moment, in those eyes. The reflection of the dozing sun under the sea behind me was mirrored in his gaze. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of dopamine rush was making me observe the intricate details of a stranger's face with such intensity, as if I were completely enthralled.
"Oh yeah... sure, I'll be at the shore," I replied, already stepping toward the land.
"Thank you. I had no intentions of interrupting you, but you know, duty calls. I have to keep you safe," he said with a shrug and a chuckle, following me out of the water.
His tank tee with the whistle clearly marked him as a lifeguard on duty. Of course, it was his job to ensure everyone's safety.
"No, no, it's fine. I was just lost in my thoughts; don't worry," I cleared my throat, my gaze fixated on the hues of orange and pink across the horizon.
"Are you hanging out with that group?" he inquired, pointing at a bunch of people enjoying drinks around a newly bonfire.
"No, I'm alone," I replied.
"Oh... enjoying a peaceful sunset by yourself?" he asked.
I glanced down at the sand sticking under my feet and simply nodded, “Yeah it’s the most serene time of a rushing summer day” I responded.
"It certainly is," he agreed, his gaze sweeping across the gently receding waves. "With the crowds thinning out this week, it's even more peaceful. Usually, kids are running around the water even at this hour, which can make my job a bit challenging," he chuckled, gesturing to the beach around us.
A sense of understanding washed over me as I appreciated the his dedication and responsibility. "I can imagine. Your job must require a lot of patience and watchfulness," I remarked, admiring his commitment to ensuring everyone's safety.
He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've got that right. But it's all worth it to keep everyone safe and happy at the beach," he replied.
"I'm Felix, by the way. You should know my name, so that you can call out for help whenever you're drowning in thoughts like that again," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a warm smile.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful remark, appreciating his friendly and caring demeanor. "Yeah, sure, and I'm Y/N," I replied, feeling a sense of ease and comfort in his presence. No wonder our chance encounter now evolved into a stroll together. Sun is no where to be found and the blanket of stars slowly started to fade in.
As our conversation continued, he brought up Coastal Hangover, a popular spot filled with beachgoers during the summer. "how come I never saw you at Coastal Hangover's this summer? It's always buzzing with people from around the beach," he inquired curiously.
“That’s because I was not here the whole summer, just arrived an hour before.”
Felix's reaction was both amusing and endearing. He gasped dramatically, adding a touch of theatrical flair to his response. "No way! We're at the end of the season, and you came just now! Well, I hope you're not leaving before the Sandcastles & Starlight Festival. You might give me a heart attack" he said, placing his hand dramatically on his chest with an exaggerated look of concern.
Laughter filled the air as we both enjoyed Felix's playful theatrics. "Don't worry, I will be there," I assured him with a grin. "My friend won't let me leave before I attend the festival. He said it's either me attending the fest or my lifeless body being dragged back to college," I added in a mock-serious tone.
Felix burst into laughter, the sound mingling with the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves. "Well, it's good to have friends who know how to keep you in line."
“Oh you don’t know Felix, it’s like real hell with him.”
My phone buzzed a notification from Minho, hell is typing.
MINHELL   
 *Food might wait for you but I won’t*
 *Be here before this chicken casserole gets cold or I’ll lick it off. You won’t even get a bite of it.*
“Speak of the devil” I chuckled as I read the notification from Minho. "Well, it looks like I've got a food thief to deal with," I said to Felix with a playful grin. "I better head back before he devours the whole dinner himself. Trust me, he means it when he says he'll eat it all!”
Felix laughed, understanding the predicament. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he leaves you at least a bite," he teased.
"I couldn't have asked for a better lifeguard," I replied. "You saved me from drowning back into my thoughts." a smile appeared on my face at an instant.
"As I said before, I have to keep you safe," he responded, both of us sharing a laugh at his cheesy statement.
As I turned to leave, Felix called my name, causing me to pause and turn back. Curiosity filled my eyes as I waited to hear what he had to say. "Um... if you've got time tomorrow, wanna swing by Coastal Hangover? I'll make sure the first few drinks are on the house. You know, employee benefits," he said with a charming grin.
"You work there too?" I asked, pleasantly surprised by the revelation.
"Yeah, actually my dad runs the place, and I'm supposed to be helping him on Fridays and Saturdays," he explained.
I gasped in amazement. "Oh my goodness! You owns the place? Coastal Hangover is such a classic around here and you just gave me a tempting offer."
He chuckled at my excitement. "Not me, my dad. But I'm there often, helping out and enjoying the atmosphere. So should I be expecting you tomorrow?"
The invitation felt like the perfect continuation of the evening's serendipitous events, and the flow of the moment felt so right that I couldn't resist.
"I would love to be there."
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The sight of Minho almost dipping his tongue into the pot sent me into a frenzy. Without thinking, I swung open the backdoor to the kitchen and threw my scrunchie at his face. "No! Get your mouth away from it! I swear I'll kill you," I exclaimed.
Quickly, I grabbed a spoon from the kitchen counter and dunked it into the pot, scooping out enough food to fill my plate. I plopped down on the chair next to Minho, giving him a stern look as he smirked and continued to eat from his plate, clearly enjoying my moment of panic.
His visible mock and playful eyes angered me a little, but I knew Minho loved teasing me. "Just a few minutes late, and I would have cleaned that pot better than a dishwasher," he said with a devilish laugh, relishing in my reaction.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my smile as I playfully hit him on the arm. "You know what, you can be such a pain in ass sometimes," I said, pretending to be annoyed, but deep down, I cherished these moments of banter with him.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter at Minho's outrageous response. "Yeah, that pain which occurs when you try holding back poop," he blurted out effortlessly, clearly amused by his own remark.
"Ughh gross! Minho, I'm eating. Keep your shit jokes outside the kitchen, please!" I said, trying to contain my laughter while also pretending to be exasperated with his sense of humor.
Minho's demonic laugh filled the room, and I couldn't help but shake my head at his antics. Sometimes, he really knew how to push my buttons, but at the same time, his playful banter was part of what made our friendship so special.
"Sometimes, I wonder how you come up with these brainy things," I teased, shaking my head in mock disapproval.
"It's a gift," he replied raising his hands up as if he can communicate with gods, still chuckling at his own joke.
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my smile. "You're impossible, Minho," I said, finally giving in to the laughter that bubbled up inside me.
"But you love me," he said with a mischievous grin.
"Yeah, yeah, I do," I said, playfully nudging him. "You may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but you're my pain in the ass."
In that moment of shared laughter and joy, the room seemed to come alive with the echoes of our cackling and laughter, as if it had never been abandoned for five years. The walls held onto the memories of our giggles, as if these moments had always belonged to this kitchen. The scent of rosemary and lemons filled the air, just like it used to when Mom was still with us, living in these moments.
As we reminisced and created new memories, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia. It was as if time had folded back on itself, bringing back the warmth and happiness of those summers we used to have. The room, once filled with silence and emptiness, now resonated with the familiar sounds of laughter and camaraderie.
I glanced around, half-expecting to see Mom bustling around the kitchen, her infectious laughter mingling with ours. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that she was no longer physically with us, but she lived on in the memories we held dear.
Minho, sensing the shift in my emotions, reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "She's here with us, you know," he said softly, his eyes filled with understanding.
I nodded, a tear escaping from the corner of my eye. "I know. It just feels like she's so close, yet so far away."
"She lives in our hearts and you’ll definitely gonna feel that, we’re in her territory ," he reassured me.
And he was right. In the laughter and banter, in the warmth of friendship and the beauty of the present moment, Mom's presence was palpable. The love she had poured into this house had become an eternal thread, weaving through the tapestry of our memories.
I checked on the pantry making a list of requirements while Minho cleaned up the dishes.
I have to stay focused and not bring back the tears again. This house should not experience any more of sorrow, mom would have never let a single moment passed without bliss and I won’t leave any sorrows till the end.
___
As I continued to jot down the items on the shopping list, Minho broke the silence with one of his characteristic small talk questions. "How was the stroll to the beach?" he asked.
"Nostalgic," I replied with a smile, recalling the beautiful encounter with Felix and the rush of memories that flooded back to me during our conversation, while scribble a pack of oreo in the list. “By the way, do you remember Coastal Hangover? You and Missy met there for the first time”
"And broke up once the vacations were over, don't remind me of that," he responded with a slight grimace. "But what about it?" he added
“Nothing, I just felt like heading over there tomorrow, what do you thing?” I added spaghetti x2 in the list.
“No way we’re missing Wooyoung’s party for the place I got dumped once.”
“Then, can I go by myself? It’s not like you’re capable of dragging my ass to the party any way”
I retorted, half-teasing and half-serious.
"Nah-uh, I'm not letting you stay alone. Your brother's gonna kill me if I leave you by yourself," Minho insisted, his protective side coming to the forefront.
“Minho trust me, I’ll be fine. You know, you and Chan got to visit here more than me, you two know almost everyone through these parties but for me, this place is becoming more and more distant, I just want to feel belongingness here in my own way too”
Minho looked at me, his expression softening as he understood the sincerity in my words. "I get it, Y/N," he said gently. "And you're right. Chan and I have been coming here for years, and we know a lot of people through these parties. But that doesn't mean you can't find your own sense of belonging here."
He paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. "You're a part of this group, too, and we want you to feel like you belong here. It's just that, I worry about you being alone in a place where you have some memories that may not be the happiest or maybe too happiest to bring them back like they used to be."
“C’mon don’t look down on me, you know that I learned to embrace all my memories, happiest or saddest, doesn’t matter.”
I felt he smiled “I hope now you realized we’re not late here and still have our summer left with us. You were rambling about this the whole time on our way.”
I nodded, “You’re right we still have it”
As we stood together, our conversation took a more heartfelt turn. "I hope I'll be able to keep the essence of this house till the summer is over," I said, my voice soft with sincerity.
Minho turned to face me, his eyes filled with unwavering support “Out of all the people I think you’re the one who can keep the essence of this place just like it has always been and you know I’m here for the help” as if this moment felt warm, it got ruined with him landing both his wet hands of dish washing soap on my shoulders. I could see the bliss of mock in his eyes.
“Ugh! Why am I putting up with you?!”
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The vibrant lights of Coastal Hangover painted the evening sky in a mesmerizing display, captivating my senses and filling me with a heady mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The pulsating music and infectious laughter emanated from afar, creating an electrifying atmosphere that beckoned me closer.
The air was alive with the scent of the ocean and the intoxicating blend of various drinks being concocted at the bar. People swayed and danced in harmony with the music, their laughter blending with the melody, creating a symphony of joy.
I am wearing a delicate crocheted top adorned with intricate patterns hugged my frame, paired with my favorite shorts, which accentuated my legs, it created a relaxed and casual look. I smiled as I recalled the little star necklace that adorned my neck. It was a thoughtful gift from Chan. I trailed my hand one last time through my hair before making my way through the sea of people, catching glimpses of familiar faces and strangers alike. The smell of ocean air mingled with the aroma of soft limoncello fragrance
And then I saw him.
Amidst the crowd, I spotted Felix behind the bar, he looked effortlessly charming in his tropical shirt, the vibrant patterns perfectly complementing his puffy blonde hair. The open shirt revealed just enough of his sun-kissed tone to leave anyone mesmerized, be a sight for sore eyes. His cackling laugh is audible mixing with R&B music, stimulating a smile on my face.
Till I saw him, I was excited to spend a night in this classic place but now for some reason my mind is telling me to turn around and run out of the place, I found myself struggling to tear my gaze away.
As our eyes locked, I couldn't help but feel a surge of electricity between us. Felix's smile was like a beacon of light, drawing me closer despite my initial instinct to step back. It was a grin that spoke volumes.
He waved over as I navigated through the crowd toward the table before a guy crashed his back on me, making me stumble a little. I composed my balance before any of us could have fallen and the guy turned around, spilling apologies. I locked eyes with the guy who had accidentally bumped into me, my heart skipped a beat. Someone I had known from the past, memories flooded my mind, taking me back to a time when Hyunjin used to visit our house for my mother’s personal piano lessons.
"Y/N?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening with surprise. "Is that really you?”
I knew I’ll bump into past once I left my house, but out of all people he was unexpected. This moment opened the envelope of the memories I never knew I had.
“Hyunjin, long time no see” I exclaimed.
He hesitated for a moment, “I didn’t expected you here at all, I remember Chan telling me you started college and I thought now you’ll never come back.”
“Well eventually I did visit less than before but I just thought to pass by this year.”
Hyunjin nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Coastal Hangover has a way of pulling people back, doesn't it?" he said with a soft chuckle.
I just replied with a nod, unable to suppress the memories that flooded back.
"So, how have you been?" Hyunjin asked, his eyes searching mine for any hint of what had transpired in the time we were apart.
"I've been good, busy with college and all," I replied, deliberately keeping my answer vague. There were so many things I wanted to tell him, so many experiences and emotions that I had been through, but it felt too overwhelming to dive into all of that right now.
Hyunjin seemed to sense my hesitation and didn't press further. Instead, he smiled warmly.
My eyes glanced over to where Felix stood behind the bar, chatting with other customers. A pang of guilt washed over me as I realized I got distracted from the reason I came here in the first place. Hyunjin happened to follow my gaze and chuckle after.
“You were going to get drinks, I guess” he exclaimed catching me off guard.
“Oh no, I mean yes, actually I was invited by him. You know Felix?”
“Everyone in this room knows him” his eyes followed up to the bar, “by the way feel free to get back on your way and you should try the Piña colada, it’s a special here.”
This distance felt miles to cover when I was finally sitting in front of Felix.
"Thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely give it a try," I replied, hinting my depart.
___
"You finally made it my lady!" Felix's cheerful voice brought me back to the present, and I forced a smile in response.
"Yeah, I couldn't resist the allure of this place, lord Felix" I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray the fluttering feeling in my chest.
He giggled at my reply.
“Now, what can I get for you?” he asked flipping a cocktail spoon between his fingers. That long spoon flipping between his small cylindrical fingers left me an unexpected gulp. I’m amazed by this man being capable of luring my eyes on his every detail.
“A Piña colada, please” I answered.
Felix's playful giggle only added to the charm that surrounded him. He seemed to have an effortless way of making everything feel lighter and more enjoyable.
"Piña colada coming right up," he said with a wink, his fingers gracefully moving as he prepared the drink. I couldn't tear my eyes away as he skillfully combined the ingredients with an elegance.
As he handed me the perfectly mixed Piña colada, I thanked him with a grateful smile. Taking a sip, the sweet and tropical flavors on my taste buds instantly transported me to a paradise. I realized that it’s his specialty because it’s just like him, blonde and sprightly.
"Is it to your liking?" Felix asked, his eyes locked on mine.
"It's amazing," just like you.
A soft blush crept up my cheeks as I caught myself thinking that, but luckily, I managed to keep my thoughts to myself. Felix's gaze intensified, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips, as if he sensed there was more to my words.
"Well, I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice warm and genuine. "And you know, I have a way of making the perfect Piña colada for someone who appreciates them," he added playfully.
I smiled, feeling at ease in his company. "I believe you. You seem to have a talent for bringing a little bit of paradise into everything you do" I replied, unable to resist a playful remark of my own.
Felix's grin widened, and he gave a small bow in acknowledgment. "I must admit, I try my best to make every moment special, especially for someone as enchanting as you," he said, his compliment wrapping around me like a warm embrace.
The air around us seemed to shimmer and I found myself drawn to Felix in a way I couldn't fully explain. There was something magnetic about him, something that made me want to delve deeper into his world and get to know him beyond the lifeguard on duty.
“Let’s sit outside, what do you think? I don’t think we can chit chat clearly in here” he suggested and I nodded at it. He made me follow out from the back door of the bar so that I won’t get my drink spilled in that crowd.
“So, what else you like besides my Piña colada and this place?” he inquires, pulling a patio chair facing the sea for me. Once I was settled he sat on another chair besides me.
I couldn't help but smile at his question, delighted by his interest in getting to know me better. "Well," I began, "besides your amazing Piña coladas and this enchanting place, I love spending time by the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the feel of the sand between my toes always brings me a sense of peace and serenity.”
“I know” his eyes locked with mine again, his lips twitched into a smirk “Anyone can read that, it’s all over you”
The rush of warmth that spread through my chest was undeniable, and it took every ounce of self-control not to show how flustered I was. This feeling was familiar, yet unlike anything I had experienced before. It was as if the past encounters that had made my heart race paled in comparison to the intensity of this moment.
The unexpected pause made us look through each other’s eyes. Ocean breeze gently brushed against my skin, the distant sound of music and laughter from inside the bar now a soothing backdrop to our conversation. The view of the sea was breathtaking, the moon casting a silver glow on the rippling waves. No reality has ever been this entrancing.
"And what about the stars?" Felix asked, gesturing towards the night sky above us. "Do you love stargazing too?"
A soft smile touched my lips as I gazed up at the glittering canopy of stars. "Absolutely," I said. "There's nothing quite like lying under a blanket of stars and feeling the vastness of the universe. It makes me realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things, yet how connected we are to everything around us." I faced back to him only to find his gaze fixated on my expressions.
"What are you doing?" I couldn't help but ask, my curiosity mixed with a touch of pink hue that colored my cheeks.
Felix's gaze remained fixed on my face, his eyes holding a depth that seemed to go beyond mere words. "Star gazing," he replied softly, his voice carrying a sense of wonder as if he had discovered something extraordinary in that simple act. As the seconds ticked by, the intensity of his gaze seemed to draw me in, making it hard to look away. The atmosphere around us shifted, leaving both of us momentarily suspended in time, lost in the weight of the emotions swirling between us.
We were interrupted by a high pitch voice from behind us.
“Felix! How could you? How could you cheat on me like this?” I turned back and saw a much taller girl than me having beautiful tangerine curls with her hands on her waist.
I processed her words before I almost stood up from my chair out of this awkward situation, ready to explain. But Felix groaned turning around.
“Stop Sana, she’s just a friend.” He rolled his eyes, “Y/N before she makes you feel in an awkward situation, I’ll clear it, she’s my older sister. You’re definitely not my partner in cheating.”
Relief washed over me as Felix clarified the situation, and I couldn't help but laugh nervously at the misunderstanding. "Oh, thank goodness," I said, trying to ease the tension.
Sana's expression softened as she giggled. "I'm so sorry," she said, "I just saw you two sitting together, and I jumped to conclusions." Now that I heard her giggling, I can tell she is definitely Felix’s sister.
"It's alright, no harm done," I replied, still feeling a little flustered from the unexpected encounter.
Felix gave his sister a nudge. "You need stop freaking every women around me, This is seriously the third time you did this.”
Sana huffed, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Ok I’m sorry. Well, I won't intrude on you any longer. Carry on, I just came to ask where is the crate of malibu but I think remember now where I left it " she said before walking away.
As she disappeared into the crowd, I turned back to Felix, my heart still racing from the unexpected interruption. "Your sister seems spirited," I said, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled between us.
"Oh, she's definitely spirited," Felix replied with a chuckle. "She can be a handful sometimes."
“I think I got an older brother with same personality as your sister” I smiled at the thought of Chan pulling almost a similar stunt like that.
“You have an older brother? I thought you were a single child or something because you know older siblings always keep an eye on younger ones, like Sana, she thinks she’s a detective. ”
I chuckled at his statement “He is keeping eyes on me through our friend. He tailed Minho on me.” I sighed while sipping the last few sips of my drink.
“Minho? Lee Minho, you mean?”
I watched him confusingly “You know him?”.
“By any chance, are you Chan’s sister?” he inquired, turning on my curiosity.
“Yeah, you know him too?”
He gasped at the coincidence played here “This town is small for sure, but I didn’t expected you to be Chan’s sister. You know it’s been so long that I didn’t see those guys,?” he seemed thrilled.
A surge of curiosity washed over me. "How do you know them?" I asked, eager to unravel this unexpected connection.
Felix leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, they were quite the characters. We were close, but not really much. They always added their own unique flavor to the party scene. But then, you know how life happens. People move on, priorities shift, and our paths just haven't crossed as much in recent years. Also, I remember watching Minho getting dumped by a girl one day; that might be another reason he specifically stopped his visits."
I pursed my lips in a sympathetic expression, realizing that he had vivid memories of even the regular customers. He even remembered the incident with Minho and Missy.
“I never imagined,” he continued with a thoughtful tone, “I never imagined this place could hold bad memories for anyone. But life has its way of weaving unexpected events into our stories. I just wished it wasn't this place for him. He used to come here more than Chan.”
I nodded, realization hitting me. It was dawning on me that this place, which had once been a haven for Minho and held so many memories, had become tainted by negative emotions. It started to despise Minho, and in response, he stopped swinging by like he used to. The weight of that understanding settled on me, mingling with the sounds of the waves crashing nearby and the distant laughter from the bar. It was a bittersweet revelation, a reminder of how the places we hold dear can change along with the circumstances of our lives.
"It's strange how life works," I mused, a hint of melancholy in my voice. "The same places that used to hold happy memories can sometimes become tainted with other emotions."
Felix nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's like the setting remains the same, but the feelings associated with it change over time. Sometimes, even the most familiar places can surprise us."
He cleared his throat, his simple way to change the mood “Anyway, are they both here with you?”
"Minho is here, as I mentioned before and Chan might show up before the month end" I replied.
“Wow, I’m amazed. How come we have mutual people around us from so long but meeting this year for the first time? Sounds like a perfectly orchestrated plot of a book.”
I smiled at his conclusion, “he's adorable," I thought to myself as the night wore on. It seemed like time had flown by, and I could have spent hours more with Felix, lost in his company. But as much as I wanted to stay, I knew it was getting late, and I had to get some rest.
"Well, I should probably head home," I said, trying to hide the hint of disappointment in my voice.
Felix nodded, understanding the practicality of the situation. "Yeah, it's getting late," he agreed. "But I had a great time tonight. Thank you for keeping me company."
"The pleasure was all mine," I replied with a smile. "I had an amazing time too."
As I stood up from the patio chair, Felix did the same. We walked back inside the bar, and I returned the empty glass to the bar counter. Felix leaned against it, his smile still lighting up the room.
"Maybe we can do this again sometime?" he suggested, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “I’ll be graced to do this again, lord Felix”. His eyes softening at my adored side, forming our cackling laughter.
It felt as though we existed in our own world, isolated from the bustling crowd and the cacophony of music. In a heartbeat, his hand brushed against my cheek, a gentle touch that sent shivers down my spine. With the tenderness of his touch, he swept aside a tangle of my hair, his gaze locking onto mine with crystal clarity. A playful smirk danced upon his lips as he posed the question with swift curiosity,
"Y/N, what thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?”
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I settled onto the stairs of the porch, the cool evening breeze rustling through the leaves as I anticipated Hoshi's return with the slightly inebriated Minho. Earlier, Hoshi had given me a heads-up, mentioning that Minho was proving to be quite the challenge to handle. It seemed that Minho's adventurous spirit had led him down a merry path of revelry, and Hoshi was now grappling with the task of shepherding him back home. As I gazed out into the night, I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Hoshi's predicament. I had known Minho long enough to understand that when he was in high spirits, he could be a handful, I just wondered how come Hoshi forgot this.
As the minutes stretched into an hour of waiting, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying the mesmerizing evening I had spent with Felix. Each fleeting touch, every locked gaze that lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary, and the shared laughter seemed to dance through my mind like a vivid dream. It was as if I had been infused with a rush of sugar, my senses tingling with the intoxicating sweetness of those moments. The evening felt like a delicate flute of champagne, each sip leaving me craving more as time ticked away. I savored every drop, not wanting a single moment to slip through my fingers. But even as I soaked in the memories, an inexplicable yearning tugged at my heart. It was as if the enchanting evening had awakened a hunger in me, a desire for something intangible yet profound. I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly I longed for—was it his time, his words, the warmth of his smile, or even the mingling scents of fresh lime and the raw embrace of the sea breeze? Perhaps it was none of these individually, but rather the sum of their parts that left me yearning for more. It was a craving for something inconspicuous that ran deeper than the surface, a desire to explore the uncharted territories of emotions that had been stirred within me.
I was brought back to the present by the sight of a blue Benz pulling up in the driveway. A guy in a familiar beige leather jacket stepped out of the car and helped a visibly drunken Minho out of the passenger's seat. Minho leaned on him for support as they made their way closer. But as they approached, I realized something was off—it wasn't Hoshi.
“Hyunjin? What are you doing here?” I blurted out, surprise evident in my voice.
“No Y/N call him daddy!” Minho shouted before passing out on his shoulder.
Hyunjin started shaking his head making a sign of discomfort “He’s heavy Y/N, let’s just lay him down first.” he pleaded.
I understood the emergency, immediately pushing the front door open and guiding him to the couch in the living room. He plopped Minho on the couch and I removed his shoes, slowly pulling up a blanket on him. We both sighed as if we just tugged in a toddler to sleep.
I finally burst into laughter at Minho's drunken comment, shaking my head in amusement. "Oh Minho, you never fail to surprise, even in this state," I mused, giving Hyunjin an amused smile.
I can never understand what goes in Minho’s mind that he can blabber shit even when he’s drunk or sober, sometimes he seems crystal clear from the inside and out.
Hyunjin chuckled, looking both amused and exasperated at Minho's antics. "Yeah, he's a handful, that's for sure."
I looked up to Hyunjin “I thought Hoshi will be the one delivering this package” I pointed toward Minho.
“Yeah apparently Hoshi was the original delivery guy but his girlfriend threatened him to reach back home as soon as possible, so this package was tagged on” he replied with a mocking disappointing expression.
I chuckled at the unexpected twist. "Well, it seems like Hoshi's got his hands full with his girlfriend. I hope he survives her wrath."
Hyunjin nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Oh, he will. Hoshi has a way of sweet-talking himself out of situations. He's like a modern-day Casanova."
"That's quite the reputation," I said, shaking my head in amusement. "But hey, at least you stepped in to save the day. Minho owes you one."
Hyunjin grinned. "Oh, he owes me more than one. This won't be forgotten easily."
The night had crept in, the clock ticking past 2 am, as Hyunjin and I remained seated in the very spot where I had been waiting for Minho to arrive earlier. It was a strange feeling again, just like the time had folded back on itself, bringing us full circle. Our conversation flowed seamlessly, weaving between topics ranging from his career to the nostalgia of the summers he spent in this house learning to play the piano from my mother. It was a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about shared experiences and the passage of time.
All of sudden Minho blabbered in sleep and we let go the laugh we’ve been holding through this conversation.
___
As the conversation continued, I found myself drawn into the familiarity and comfort that had always marked our interactions. We had started as friends, bonding over summers and laughter, and as the years went by, our connection had deepened. Until a time came when one of us fell for the other.
"How did you manage to make it to Wooyoung's party when we only met this evening at the club?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. He chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, I tend to get my fair share of party invitations quite frequently. Just happened to juggle both events tonight," he shrugged as if it were a regular occurrence to be invited to multiple parties in a day.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his response. "Seems like you're quite the party-goer, then." He grinned, his gaze meeting mine. "Well, I do enjoy a good party every now and then. Keeps life interesting, you know. Also, sometimes my band is asked to perform too” I found myself comparing him to Minho for a moment, thinking about how even Minho, who is very known for his social outings, had never faced the predicament of two clashing parties in a single day during summer.
"By the way, I thought you wouldn't come back here since you've never been for the last five years," Hyunjin asked, his tone shifting to a more serious note. His question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I found myself lost in thought. The night was quiet except for the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. It was as if the weight of his question had settled over us, making our conversation take on a deeper and more contemplative tone. I had assumed that 2 am conversations were typically reserved for sensitive topics in digital chats, but here we were, delving into a meaningful exchange face to face.
I felt a lump forming in my throat as I grappled with how to respond. His question brought back memories that I had long buried, memories of a time when feelings were raw and emotions ran deep.
I looked into his eyes, searching for understanding, and then finally spoke up. "Hyunjin, it's not about you," I said, my voice steady but carrying a hint of vulnerability. "It's about... a lot of things. A lot happened in those years, and it wasn't just one reason that kept me away." His gaze remained locked on mine, and I could see a mixture of emotions in his eyes. Perhaps he still carried the weight of how he had confessed his feelings to me all those years ago, and how I seemed to have vanished in response.
"You disappeared without a trace," he said softly, his voice tinged with a touch of hurt. I nodded, my gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his again. "I know, and I'm sorry for that. I didn't handle things well back then." We sat there in the midst of the night, the words hanging in the air between us. It was a conversation that had been long overdue, a conversation that required honesty and vulnerability.
Hyunjin sighed, his expression softening. "It's okay, don't feel sorry," he said, his voice gentle. "To be honest, I was too immature for that timing. I should have understood that those days were too precarious to be handled by you alone, and then I threw my feelings into the mix, only making things even more confusing.”
His words held a weight of understanding and self-awareness. I appreciated his honesty and his ability to reflect on the past, recognizing the complexities that had shaped our interactions.
Hyunjin's hand traced upon mine, his touch offering comfort. "No need to apologize," he said sincerely.
"Y/N, you might not know this, but I've been waiting to have this conversation for the past five years," he said, his gaze fixed on mine. The sincerity in his eyes was palpable. "I always imagined hugging you the moment I saw you again, but when I saw you at Coastal Hangover today, I couldn't do it. I was too shocked to process it at first, wondering if… it could be a dream.”
His words held a raw vulnerability, and I could feel the depth of his emotions.
“We both might have moved on from the past to here, at this moment and we both might be changed but my feelings had always been constant for you and it will always be the same.”
Till now I always thought that Hyunjin confessed to me five years ago so that he can pull some pain off my chest, and that thought back then made me stop having feelings for him, he wasn't the only immature. I didn't wanted him to tell me that he likes me so that I can be happy again, forgetting the sorrows of the funeral day.
But today, as we sat together in the quiet stillness of the night, the truth struck me like a bolt of lightning. Hyunjin's feelings for me had existed long before than that confession, long before I had even considered the possibility of falling for him. The realization hit me like a tidal wave – he had been in love with me long before I had even realized my own feelings for him.
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The next morning found my self staring outside the window seated in the kitchen, nursing a cup of dark roasted coffee in an attempt to stave off the exhaustion that threatened to consume me. Sleep had eluded me, the events of the previous evening replaying in my mind like a persistent melody. It was astounding how two individuals could leave such a profound impact on me within the span of a single night.
Felix's words lingered in my thoughts, his observations about the emotions that danced across my face as he watched me stargaze. His directness, or rather his unspoken understanding, had caught me off guard. And then there was Hyunjin, bravely laying bare the sentiments he had harbored for years, as if he had been waiting for the perfect moment to unravel his emotions.
The tranquility that had enveloped me just the day before seemed to have been swept away by an unexpected tide. The little castle of calm I had built around myself was suddenly exposed, vulnerable to the crashing waves of emotions that now surged within me. The events of the previous evening had changed the course of my thoughts and feelings, and I knew that moving forward, I couldn't remain stagnant in the safety of my castle. The wave of change had arrived, and it was up to me to navigate its unpredictable currents.
My thoughts were interrupted by a yawn, and I turned to see Minho shuffling into the kitchen, scratching his head. Still clad in his clothes from the night before, he plopped down next to me and absently reached for my cup, taking a sip without much thought. The taste seemed to catch him off guard, and he made a comically disgusted expression, setting the cup back down as if it had betrayed him.
"Oh, what did I just drink? Is this an attempt at homemade poison or what?" Minho exclaimed, his face contorted in a mix of disgust and mock horror.
I chuckled at his dramatic reaction and took another sip from my cup, letting the warm liquid soothe my thoughts. As Minho continued to process the morning after the previous night's escapades, he suddenly groaned and smacked his head on the table. It was a typical Minho move, a clear sign of his frustration when something didn't quite go his way.
"I saw Missy last night," Minho began, and I had a feeling that his encounter with her had led to some interesting developments.
His statement barely registered with me, my mind still occupied with my own thoughts.
"She kissed me," he continued, his frustration evident as he pulled at his hair.
The words hit me like a sudden jolt, and I had to suppress the urge to spit out my coffee. Instead, I ended up choking on it, a fit of coughing overtaking me. Once I managed to regain my composure, I stared at Minho in disbelief, my expression a clear mirror of the "what?" that was on the tip of my tongue.
Minho's revelation immediately swept away all the thoughts that had been clouding my mind since morning.
"I don’t know how it happened," Minho continued, his frustration palpable in every word. "I wasn't even that drunk, but I vividly remember it. And... and she just kissed me after telling me how she missed me and all. I can't remember anything except this, Ughh!" he whined.
His words hung heavy in the air, and I watched as Minho paced back and forth, clearly agitated, as if the act of walking could somehow help him piece together the events of the previous night.
Sensing Minho's escalating emotions, I quickly moved to steady him. Gently, I guided him back into the chair and began to rub his arms in a soothing manner, hoping to help him regain his composure. He rested his head on his hands, clearly trying to collect himself and find some sense of calm amidst the confusion and frustration that had consumed him.
I offered him a reassuring smile, hoping to provide some comfort amidst his turmoil. "It's alright, Minho. Sometimes things like this happen out of the blue. Maybe it was just a momentary impulse on her part. You've come a long way from any feelings you had for her, so don't let this shake you too much.”
“Yeah I know, I just hope I don’t see her again. Ugh… It’s too much for attending just one party, it might been just better if I joined you instead of going that party” he exclaimed.
My response was a sympathetic pursing of my lips as I listened to his predicament.
Curiosity flickered across his face as he continued, "By the way, how did I manage to get home? I can vaguely remember Hoshi leaving the party early."
I thought back to the events of the previous night, the memories replayed in my mind before I answered him, "Hyunjin actually dropped you off last night."
As I shared this detail, I could see a mix of emotions crossing his face – surprise, confusion, and perhaps a touch of realization as well. The shock mirrored the surprise I had experienced when I first learned about the kiss.
"Y/N, do you think we're like some sort of cosmic magnet for strange events? How is it that all these bizarre things keep happening to us simultaneously?" he asked, a perplexed expression on his face.
"It wasn't exactly bizarre," I replied, feeling a bit unsure about sharing the details of that tumultuous night.
"What do you mean? Are you going to tell me what happened?" he inquired, his eyes wide with curiosity.
I recounted the entire conversation I had with Hyunjin the previous night. As I shared the details, I couldn't help but notice the shifting expressions on Minho's face.
"He's still in love with you?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
I marveled at how his mind seemed to process my words, eventually leading to that question, especially after his attentive silence throughout my narration.
I responded with a simple nod, feeling the weight of the recent events settling upon us both. The exhaustion of the previous night's revelations and the morning's unexpected surprises had left us in a state of subdued silence.
Breaking the quietude, Minho let out a sigh before posing a question, his gaze fixed on my coffee cup. "Did you feel anything about him last night?" he inquired.
"No," I answered succinctly, struggling to put into words the complex mix of emotions I had experienced. It wasn't just a lack of feeling; it was a tangle of guilt, regrets from my teenage years, and the weight of someone's unspoken emotions that I had carried unknowingly.
"Alright then, let's just leave last night behind us. It's in the past now. Let's imagine ourselves as fresh, glistening mangos after a refreshing rain shower. We have a new day ahead of us!" Minho exclaimed as he stood up from his chair.
It was ironic to hear him use that metaphor, considering his disheveled appearance and the lingering scent of alcohol, while I sat there sipping my black coffee, attempting to shake off the weariness and fatigue.
"Let's go for surfing? What do you think?" Minho exclaimed, instantly shifting the atmosphere in the room.
Minho had a knack for combating negativity by throwing himself into various activities. He had an adventurous spirit, always eager to try new things, even though his swimming skills were rather lacking. Whether it was surfing or a game of volleyball, he'd dive in without hesitation.
I got up, pushing myself to set the cup aside and clean it. "Just a reminder, you don't know how to swim," I cautioned, raising an eyebrow.
He waved off my concern with a grin. "Oh, come on! You're there to save me, honey. You're my lifeguard," he said with his usual playfulness.
As he spoke, my mind drifted back to my initial encounter with Felix. His words lingered in my thoughts: "I have to keep you safe."
My reverie was abruptly broken when Minho flung his leather jacket onto my face. I went from being lost in my thoughts to feeling slightly disgusted by the scent of alcohol that clung to the jacket.
"Put that in the laundry for me," he laughed, clearly enjoying his perfect shot.
An unexpected surge of annoyance made me stretch my arm to toss the jacket back at him, but he darted out of the room too swiftly, narrowly avoiding my aim.
"Minho, I swear if you do this again, you'll be dead," I shouted after him, my voice laced with irritation.
The sun cast a warm and golden glow over the beach as Minho and I made our way to the shoreline, surfboards in tow. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing backdrop to the excitement bubbling within us. The salty breeze tousled our hair as we approached the water's edge.
His mocking laughter echoed in reply, a mix of exasperation and amusement filling the air.
___
"Ready for this, Minho?" I grinned, my eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Minho shot me a confident smile, despite the slight nervous flutter in his stomach. "Absolutely. Let's catch some waves."
We laid our surfboards down on the sand, waxing them to ensure a smooth glide through the water. As we strapped on our leashes, Minho couldn't help but admire the vibrant expanse of the ocean before us. The waves rolled in with a steady rhythm, beckoning us to ride their crests.
"Remember, Minho, the key to surfing is balance and timing," I advised, my voice carrying the wisdom of someone who had spent plenty of time in the water.
Nodding, he watched as I demonstrated how to paddle efficiently and catch a wave. With practiced ease, I mounted my board and paddled out to where the waves were forming. He followed suit, feeling a mixture of determination and excitement coursing through him.
Positioning ourselves on the board, Minho paddled, matching my rhythm. My heart raced as we spotted a promising swell approaching. I felt a surge of adrenaline as I pushed up onto my feet, the board responding to the movements. For a moment, I was riding the crest of the wave, the salty spray misting my face.
The sensation was exhilarating, a perfect blend of freedom and connection with the ocean. I got a glimpse of the wave carried Minho closer to the shore, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. As the wave dissipated, he hopped off the board and waded back with me.
My applause and wide smile greeted him. "Nice one, Minho! You've got the hang of it."
He laughed, the rush of the wave still coursing through his veins. "That was incredible. Let's do it again!"
Minho grinned like a thrilled kid on his first water slide as he emerged from the water after another successful ride. The exhilaration was painted across his face, a mixture of adrenaline and pure joy. He couldn't believe how addictive this newfound experience had become in such a short time.
"Are you sure you don't want to ride another one, Y/N?" he asked, his voice still brimming with excitement.
After a plenty of my water stunts I chuckled, adjusting the teal swim skirt around my waist. The vibrant colors of my bikini ensemble caught the sunlight, creating a playful contrast against the sparkling sea. "I'll take a break for now and enjoy the view."
I settled down on the warm sand, leaning back on my palms as I watched the waves roll in and out. The gentle breeze toyed with strands of my hair, and the rhythmic sound of the ocean provided a soothing backdrop. As Minho headed back into the water, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.
The sun's rays kissed my skin, and I closed my eyes momentarily, embracing the tranquility of the moment. With the passing day before us, I allowed myself to get lost in my thoughts. The sound of Minho's laughter as he caught another wave brought a smile to my lips. It was moments like these that made life feel truly beautiful.
“What thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?” Felix's voice echoed in my mind.
As the waves continued their rhythmic dance and the gentle breeze lingered on my bare skin, I found myself lost in a moment of introspection. The events of the past night and the day's escapades had finally settled into a quiet lull. With each crashing wave, I felt a sense of calm washing over me, allowing me to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped me.
This place, with its sun-soaked sands and crystal-clear waters, had become a canvas for a new chapter of memories to unfold. The old recollections, once etched into my heart, were now intertwining with the new experiences, creating a tapestry of emotions that were both familiar and unknown. And in the midst of it all, there he was – Felix, his vibrant presence captured in the polaroids of my mind.
I remembered his gaze as he looked at me under the starlit sky, his curiosity evident in his eyes. In that moment, as I met his gaze and felt the warmth of his smile, a mixture of numbness out of getting caught off guard and nervousness had surged within me. But regardless those feelings, I still wanted that ‘something more’ I craved for.
By the time any other notion could cross my mind, a loud scream made me plop up from the sand bed, instantly recognizing the high pitch of Minho. I searched my gaze, finally finding the turned surfing board floating on surface without it’s owner.
"Oh, fuck!" The rush of fear surged through my veins, the moment I scanned Minho's body floating aimlessly in the water. Without a second thought, I sprinted towards the sea, diving in with all my might. My heart pounded in my chest as I swam towards his turned surfing board, desperately trying to cut through the water. My mind was laser-focused on one thing: reaching him before it was too late.
Under the surface, I spotted the leg leash tangled around Minho's body. Panic gripped me, and I immediately attempted to pull him up towards the surface. But the water resisted my efforts, making every movement seem like a struggle against an unyielding force. As I fought to maintain my grip on him, I realized that my actions were only causing us to sink deeper into the water when I felt no touch of surface above my head.
I clenched my teeth and summoned every ounce of strength in my body, but it felt as though the water was determined to keep us submerged. The air in my lungs dwindled, and a sense of desperation took over. The slowly vanishing feel of air in my lungs shot a swift dizziness in my head.
Just as I was reaching my limits, I felt an arm slip around my waist, pulling me upwards. The last sight my eyes saw was the hue of blue and greens of the undersea. Gasping for air, I broke through the surface, my body instinctively kicking to keep afloat. The arm remained wrapped around me, and I leaned against the chest of my savior to catch my breath.
"Are you alright?" Felix's voice cut through the chaos, his own breathing labored.
I turned my head to meet his gaze, his blonde hair glistening in the sunlight. But there was no time for admiration or contemplation. My focus was solely on Minho.
"Minho! I have to get him," I exclaimed urgently, determined to plunge back into the water. However, Felix's grip tightened, preventing me from moving.
"Wait, Y/N! Wait," he urged, pointing towards the shore. My gaze followed his gesture, and relief washed over me as I spotted a figure on the beach, dragging Minho onto a mat. My breaths came in ragged bursts as Felix guided us towards the shore, the waves now a gentle lull compared to the chaotic struggle that had just occurred beneath the surface.
Awareness suddenly flooded over me, and I became acutely conscious of how close I was to Felix. Just moments ago, I had been thrashing in the water, struggling to save Minho, and now I found myself tightly held against Felix's body, his arm securely wrapped around my waist. The contrast between those two moments was staggering, and a rush of conflicting emotions coursed through me.
His touch, once an urgent lifeline, now felt oddly intimate, his fingers firmly gripping my waist as if he could shield me from the sea's treacherous depths. I couldn't ignore the rapid thud of his heart against my back, each beat echoing the adrenaline-fueled chaos we had just emerged from. At first, his closeness sent a shiver down my spine, but gradually, the rhythm of his heart and the gentle rise and fall of his chest began to soothe me.
His breath, warm and unsteady, brushed against the nape of my neck, leaving a trail of comfort in its wake. It was as if our bodies had synchronized, the sea's turmoil now mirroring the calm rhythm of our shared breaths. In that suspended moment, I found myself wondering if he felt the same chaotic blend of emotions that I did.
The crashing waves, once a menacing force, now seemed distant and hushed, as if the world had been muted around us. My gaze flickered to his eyes, his expression unreadable yet strangely comforting. Was he experiencing the same mingling of sensations as I was? Could he sense the sudden shift in the air?
"Thank you, Felix," I said softly as we made our way back to the shore, the tension of the moment slowly dissipating.
His gaze, once fixed on the receding waves, shifted to meet mine. There was an intensity in his eyes, a mixture of relief and concern that seemed to transcend the words he was about to speak. His eyes wandered over my face, as if searching for reassurance that I was indeed safe and sound, as if he couldn't quite believe I was standing there beside him.
For a moment, I felt his fear of loss, his worries etched onto his features. It was as if he was holding on to this moment, desperate to capture every detail, as if he feared that blinking for just a second might cause me to disappear. His eyes traced the contours of my face, lingered on my lips, before finally returning to meet my gaze. And then, he spoke.
"Y/N," he began, his voice carrying a weight of emotion, "I know I have to keep you safe. At all costs."
His words hung in the air, carrying a depth of meaning that went beyond the surface. It was as if he was admitting something profound, a truth that he had held close for a long time. The sincerity in his voice and the vulnerability in his gaze made my heart skip a beat. In that moment, his words weren't just about the events of today – they held a significance that reached much further, into the unspoken moments between us, into the uncharted territory of our feelings.
I didn't know how to respond, how to convey the whirlwind of emotions that his words had stirred within me. So, I simply nodded, letting my eyes meet his in a silent acknowledgment of the connection we had. It was a connection that transcended words, a bond that had been deepened by the shared experience of facing the unpredictable together. And as we stood there, gazing at each other, I felt a warmth spread through me, as if the sun had found its way into my heart.
The closeness of our bodies, the desperation of catching our own breath, latching on each other in this water and some simple words, all of this might be counted as the ‘Something more’ I want from him. Let me rephrase, all of this is the ‘Something more’ I need from him.
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Next chapter coming soon.
Please let me know your thoughts, anything you liked or disliked. Just anything, It will bring me a lot courage to write more :)
Also, comment if you'd like me to create a taglist and add you in.
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Inbox open for all!!!
I finally opened my inbox and totally forgot the only way of interaction with readers 😭
But still, now that asks are open feel free to ask or give suggestions for the next chapter. Also let your emotions flow in the inbox after reading Beneath the starlit waves. I don't know why I'm so excited but let's interact, I'll be waiting for you 😉
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
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Pairing: SKZ Felix x Reader
Series: Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
Genre: Strangers to lovers, slight angst(!), smut (not in this chapter honestly), fluff, slow burn(!)
Synopsis: Running back to the last of the summer left with her, Y/N unexpectedly gets stumbled beneath the tranquil embrace of starry nights and soothing breeze, a story of unexpected encounters and emotions unfolds. Y/N's summer takes a captivating turn when she crosses paths with Felix. The vibrant lights and electric atmosphere become a backdrop for a connection that defies explanation. Amidst laughter and music, their bond grows, but new challenges and confessions test their emotions. As the waves whisper secrets, Y/N navigates a sea of feelings, unearthing a journey filled with surprises and self-discovery.
Mood board: #1
Word Count: 10k
Warning: Mention of a passed one, mention of alcohol, slight sexual tension (not much, just a little)
A/n: I was never fond of summer before this year. It's like refusing to try a new ice-cream flavor in fear of ruining the taste buds but finally trying and eventually falling in love with it. I hope reading this simple fanfic becomes one of the nice things to be remembered about summer for everyone. ^^
| Reminder: All the character's personalities and thoughts are raised from pure fiction, it is just a work of fiction. |
Read all the chapters here.
Beneath the starlit waves
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When we think of summer, our minds often drift to memories of refreshing shaved ice on the beach, or warm nights spent gathered around a crackling bonfire. And for those who are fortunate enough to have the right luxuries, perhaps sipping margaritas by the pool at noon.
There's something special about the season that just brings out the best in us - the warmth of the sun on our skin and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. It's no wonder that "they" say the beach is where you can truly experience the miracle of summer.
Even now, as the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for those long summer days. Perhaps that's why so many of us go to great lengths to hold onto the season for just a little bit longer - like driving 163 kilometers straight from town to catch up with the last couple of weeks of summer, or simply sitting on a sandy bed, watching the sunset unfold before us.
As I sit here now, surrounded by couples who seem about to start making out any moment. I completely forgot about my summer with everything that's been going on lately, until my brother made me realize that I've lost touch with myself. The sand, breeze, and salty smell of the ocean leave me with doubts. Am I here to relive that summer miracle or to drown in grief because these things remind me the summer with mom?
The thoughts pushed me to stand up and take unnoticed steps toward the sea. It felt like I was invisible to the world, which was busy making out, spinning bottles, and shoving booze around. I was so lost in thoughts, moving slowly forward and feeling the warm water up to my knees, and then gradually up my thighs, making it feel like the denim was nowhere near my legs. Just when it was about to be all damped, a hand pulled me back, jolting me out of my thoughts.
“Mam! mam! watch out where you going!”
This guy snapped me out of my thoughts in an instant, and it dawned on me just how far I had strayed from my original spot—quite a distance, indeed.
“I’m… sorry for pulling you out of it but, the tides are high at the moment. You should stay at the shore. Are you alright?”
Have you ever seen a sunset in someone's eyes? I did, at that very moment, in those eyes. The reflection of the dozing sun under the sea behind me was mirrored in his gaze. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of dopamine rush was making me observe the intricate details of a stranger's face with such intensity, as if I were completely enthralled.
"Oh yeah... sure, I'll be at the shore," I replied, already stepping toward the land.
"Thank you. I had no intentions of interrupting you, but you know, duty calls. I have to keep you safe," he said with a shrug and a chuckle, following me out of the water.
His tank tee with the whistle clearly marked him as a lifeguard on duty. Of course, it was his job to ensure everyone's safety.
"No, no, it's fine. I was just lost in my thoughts; don't worry," I cleared my throat, my gaze fixated on the hues of orange and pink across the horizon.
"Are you hanging out with that group?" he inquired, pointing at a bunch of people enjoying drinks around a newly bonfire.
"No, I'm alone," I replied.
"Oh... enjoying a peaceful sunset by yourself?" he asked.
I glanced down at the sand sticking under my feet and simply nodded, “Yeah it’s the most serene time of a rushing summer day” I responded.
"It certainly is," he agreed, his gaze sweeping across the gently receding waves. "With the crowds thinning out this week, it's even more peaceful. Usually, kids are running around the water even at this hour, which can make my job a bit challenging," he chuckled, gesturing to the beach around us.
A sense of understanding washed over me as I appreciated the his dedication and responsibility. "I can imagine. Your job must require a lot of patience and watchfulness," I remarked, admiring his commitment to ensuring everyone's safety.
He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've got that right. But it's all worth it to keep everyone safe and happy at the beach," he replied.
"I'm Felix, by the way. You should know my name, so that you can call out for help whenever you're drowning in thoughts like that again," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a warm smile.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful remark, appreciating his friendly and caring demeanor. "Yeah, sure, and I'm Y/N," I replied, feeling a sense of ease and comfort in his presence. No wonder our chance encounter now evolved into a stroll together. Sun is no where to be found and the blanket of stars slowly started to fade in.
As our conversation continued, he brought up Coastal Hangover, a popular spot filled with beachgoers during the summer. "how come I never saw you at Coastal Hangover's this summer? It's always buzzing with people from around the beach," he inquired curiously.
“That’s because I was not here the whole summer, just arrived an hour before.”
Felix's reaction was both amusing and endearing. He gasped dramatically, adding a touch of theatrical flair to his response. "No way! We're at the end of the season, and you came just now! Well, I hope you're not leaving before the Sandcastles & Starlight Festival. You might give me a heart attack" he said, placing his hand dramatically on his chest with an exaggerated look of concern.
Laughter filled the air as we both enjoyed Felix's playful theatrics. "Don't worry, I will be there," I assured him with a grin. "My friend won't let me leave before I attend the festival. He said it's either me attending the fest or my lifeless body being dragged back to college," I added in a mock-serious tone.
Felix burst into laughter, the sound mingling with the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves. "Well, it's good to have friends who know how to keep you in line."
“Oh you don’t know Felix, it’s like real hell with him.”
My phone buzzed a notification from Minho, hell is typing.
MINHELL   
 *Food might wait for you but I won’t*
 *Be here before this chicken casserole gets cold or I’ll lick it off. You won’t even get a bite of it.*
“Speak of the devil” I chuckled as I read the notification from Minho. "Well, it looks like I've got a food thief to deal with," I said to Felix with a playful grin. "I better head back before he devours the whole dinner himself. Trust me, he means it when he says he'll eat it all!”
Felix laughed, understanding the predicament. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he leaves you at least a bite," he teased.
"I couldn't have asked for a better lifeguard," I replied. "You saved me from drowning back into my thoughts." a smile appeared on my face at an instant.
"As I said before, I have to keep you safe," he responded, both of us sharing a laugh at his cheesy statement.
As I turned to leave, Felix called my name, causing me to pause and turn back. Curiosity filled my eyes as I waited to hear what he had to say. "Um... if you've got time tomorrow, wanna swing by Coastal Hangover? I'll make sure the first few drinks are on the house. You know, employee benefits," he said with a charming grin.
"You work there too?" I asked, pleasantly surprised by the revelation.
"Yeah, actually my dad runs the place, and I'm supposed to be helping him on Fridays and Saturdays," he explained.
I gasped in amazement. "Oh my goodness! You owns the place? Coastal Hangover is such a classic around here and you just gave me a tempting offer."
He chuckled at my excitement. "Not me, my dad. But I'm there often, helping out and enjoying the atmosphere. So should I be expecting you tomorrow?"
The invitation felt like the perfect continuation of the evening's serendipitous events, and the flow of the moment felt so right that I couldn't resist.
"I would love to be there."
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The sight of Minho almost dipping his tongue into the pot sent me into a frenzy. Without thinking, I swung open the backdoor to the kitchen and threw my scrunchie at his face. "No! Get your mouth away from it! I swear I'll kill you," I exclaimed.
Quickly, I grabbed a spoon from the kitchen counter and dunked it into the pot, scooping out enough food to fill my plate. I plopped down on the chair next to Minho, giving him a stern look as he smirked and continued to eat from his plate, clearly enjoying my moment of panic.
His visible mock and playful eyes angered me a little, but I knew Minho loved teasing me. "Just a few minutes late, and I would have cleaned that pot better than a dishwasher," he said with a devilish laugh, relishing in my reaction.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my smile as I playfully hit him on the arm. "You know what, you can be such a pain in ass sometimes," I said, pretending to be annoyed, but deep down, I cherished these moments of banter with him.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter at Minho's outrageous response. "Yeah, that pain which occurs when you try holding back poop," he blurted out effortlessly, clearly amused by his own remark.
"Ughh gross! Minho, I'm eating. Keep your shit jokes outside the kitchen, please!" I said, trying to contain my laughter while also pretending to be exasperated with his sense of humor.
Minho's demonic laugh filled the room, and I couldn't help but shake my head at his antics. Sometimes, he really knew how to push my buttons, but at the same time, his playful banter was part of what made our friendship so special.
"Sometimes, I wonder how you come up with these brainy things," I teased, shaking my head in mock disapproval.
"It's a gift," he replied raising his hands up as if he can communicate with gods, still chuckling at his own joke.
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my smile. "You're impossible, Minho," I said, finally giving in to the laughter that bubbled up inside me.
"But you love me," he said with a mischievous grin.
"Yeah, yeah, I do," I said, playfully nudging him. "You may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but you're my pain in the ass."
In that moment of shared laughter and joy, the room seemed to come alive with the echoes of our cackling and laughter, as if it had never been abandoned for five years. The walls held onto the memories of our giggles, as if these moments had always belonged to this kitchen. The scent of rosemary and lemons filled the air, just like it used to when Mom was still with us, living in these moments.
As we reminisced and created new memories, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia. It was as if time had folded back on itself, bringing back the warmth and happiness of those summers we used to have. The room, once filled with silence and emptiness, now resonated with the familiar sounds of laughter and camaraderie.
I glanced around, half-expecting to see Mom bustling around the kitchen, her infectious laughter mingling with ours. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that she was no longer physically with us, but she lived on in the memories we held dear.
Minho, sensing the shift in my emotions, reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "She's here with us, you know," he said softly, his eyes filled with understanding.
I nodded, a tear escaping from the corner of my eye. "I know. It just feels like she's so close, yet so far away."
"She lives in our hearts and you’ll definitely gonna feel that, we’re in her territory ," he reassured me.
And he was right. In the laughter and banter, in the warmth of friendship and the beauty of the present moment, Mom's presence was palpable. The love she had poured into this house had become an eternal thread, weaving through the tapestry of our memories.
I checked on the pantry making a list of requirements while Minho cleaned up the dishes.
I have to stay focused and not bring back the tears again. This house should not experience any more of sorrow, mom would have never let a single moment passed without bliss and I won’t leave any sorrows till the end.
___
As I continued to jot down the items on the shopping list, Minho broke the silence with one of his characteristic small talk questions. "How was the stroll to the beach?" he asked.
"Nostalgic," I replied with a smile, recalling the beautiful encounter with Felix and the rush of memories that flooded back to me during our conversation, while scribble a pack of oreo in the list. “By the way, do you remember Coastal Hangover? You and Missy met there for the first time”
"And broke up once the vacations were over, don't remind me of that," he responded with a slight grimace. "But what about it?" he added
“Nothing, I just felt like heading over there tomorrow, what do you thing?” I added spaghetti x2 in the list.
“No way we’re missing Wooyoung’s party for the place I got dumped once.”
“Then, can I go by myself? It’s not like you’re capable of dragging my ass to the party any way”
I retorted, half-teasing and half-serious.
"Nah-uh, I'm not letting you stay alone. Your brother's gonna kill me if I leave you by yourself," Minho insisted, his protective side coming to the forefront.
“Minho trust me, I’ll be fine. You know, you and Chan got to visit here more than me, you two know almost everyone through these parties but for me, this place is becoming more and more distant, I just want to feel belongingness here in my own way too”
Minho looked at me, his expression softening as he understood the sincerity in my words. "I get it, Y/N," he said gently. "And you're right. Chan and I have been coming here for years, and we know a lot of people through these parties. But that doesn't mean you can't find your own sense of belonging here."
He paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. "You're a part of this group, too, and we want you to feel like you belong here. It's just that, I worry about you being alone in a place where you have some memories that may not be the happiest or maybe too happiest to bring them back like they used to be."
“C’mon don’t look down on me, you know that I learned to embrace all my memories, happiest or saddest, doesn’t matter.”
I felt he smiled “I hope now you realized we’re not late here and still have our summer left with us. You were rambling about this the whole time on our way.”
I nodded, “You’re right we still have it”
As we stood together, our conversation took a more heartfelt turn. "I hope I'll be able to keep the essence of this house till the summer is over," I said, my voice soft with sincerity.
Minho turned to face me, his eyes filled with unwavering support “Out of all the people I think you’re the one who can keep the essence of this place just like it has always been and you know I’m here for the help” as if this moment felt warm, it got ruined with him landing both his wet hands of dish washing soap on my shoulders. I could see the bliss of mock in his eyes.
“Ugh! Why am I putting up with you?!”
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The vibrant lights of Coastal Hangover painted the evening sky in a mesmerizing display, captivating my senses and filling me with a heady mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The pulsating music and infectious laughter emanated from afar, creating an electrifying atmosphere that beckoned me closer.
The air was alive with the scent of the ocean and the intoxicating blend of various drinks being concocted at the bar. People swayed and danced in harmony with the music, their laughter blending with the melody, creating a symphony of joy.
I am wearing a delicate crocheted top adorned with intricate patterns hugged my frame, paired with my favorite shorts, which accentuated my legs, it created a relaxed and casual look. I smiled as I recalled the little star necklace that adorned my neck. It was a thoughtful gift from Chan. I trailed my hand one last time through my hair before making my way through the sea of people, catching glimpses of familiar faces and strangers alike. The smell of ocean air mingled with the aroma of soft limoncello fragrance
And then I saw him.
Amidst the crowd, I spotted Felix behind the bar, he looked effortlessly charming in his tropical shirt, the vibrant patterns perfectly complementing his puffy blonde hair. The open shirt revealed just enough of his sun-kissed tone to leave anyone mesmerized, be a sight for sore eyes. His cackling laugh is audible mixing with R&B music, stimulating a smile on my face.
Till I saw him, I was excited to spend a night in this classic place but now for some reason my mind is telling me to turn around and run out of the place, I found myself struggling to tear my gaze away.
As our eyes locked, I couldn't help but feel a surge of electricity between us. Felix's smile was like a beacon of light, drawing me closer despite my initial instinct to step back. It was a grin that spoke volumes.
He waved over as I navigated through the crowd toward the table before a guy crashed his back on me, making me stumble a little. I composed my balance before any of us could have fallen and the guy turned around, spilling apologies. I locked eyes with the guy who had accidentally bumped into me, my heart skipped a beat. Someone I had known from the past, memories flooded my mind, taking me back to a time when Hyunjin used to visit our house for my mother’s personal piano lessons.
"Y/N?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening with surprise. "Is that really you?”
I knew I’ll bump into past once I left my house, but out of all people he was unexpected. This moment opened the envelope of the memories I never knew I had.
“Hyunjin, long time no see” I exclaimed.
He hesitated for a moment, “I didn’t expected you here at all, I remember Chan telling me you started college and I thought now you’ll never come back.”
“Well eventually I did visit less than before but I just thought to pass by this year.”
Hyunjin nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Coastal Hangover has a way of pulling people back, doesn't it?" he said with a soft chuckle.
I just replied with a nod, unable to suppress the memories that flooded back.
"So, how have you been?" Hyunjin asked, his eyes searching mine for any hint of what had transpired in the time we were apart.
"I've been good, busy with college and all," I replied, deliberately keeping my answer vague. There were so many things I wanted to tell him, so many experiences and emotions that I had been through, but it felt too overwhelming to dive into all of that right now.
Hyunjin seemed to sense my hesitation and didn't press further. Instead, he smiled warmly.
My eyes glanced over to where Felix stood behind the bar, chatting with other customers. A pang of guilt washed over me as I realized I got distracted from the reason I came here in the first place. Hyunjin happened to follow my gaze and chuckle after.
“You were going to get drinks, I guess” he exclaimed catching me off guard.
“Oh no, I mean yes, actually I was invited by him. You know Felix?”
“Everyone in this room knows him” his eyes followed up to the bar, “by the way feel free to get back on your way and you should try the Piña colada, it’s a special here.”
This distance felt miles to cover when I was finally sitting in front of Felix.
"Thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely give it a try," I replied, hinting my depart.
___
"You finally made it my lady!" Felix's cheerful voice brought me back to the present, and I forced a smile in response.
"Yeah, I couldn't resist the allure of this place, lord Felix" I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray the fluttering feeling in my chest.
He giggled at my reply.
“Now, what can I get for you?” he asked flipping a cocktail spoon between his fingers. That long spoon flipping between his small cylindrical fingers left me an unexpected gulp. I’m amazed by this man being capable of luring my eyes on his every detail.
“A Piña colada, please” I answered.
Felix's playful giggle only added to the charm that surrounded him. He seemed to have an effortless way of making everything feel lighter and more enjoyable.
"Piña colada coming right up," he said with a wink, his fingers gracefully moving as he prepared the drink. I couldn't tear my eyes away as he skillfully combined the ingredients with an elegance.
As he handed me the perfectly mixed Piña colada, I thanked him with a grateful smile. Taking a sip, the sweet and tropical flavors on my taste buds instantly transported me to a paradise. I realized that it’s his specialty because it’s just like him, blonde and sprightly.
"Is it to your liking?" Felix asked, his eyes locked on mine.
"It's amazing," just like you.
A soft blush crept up my cheeks as I caught myself thinking that, but luckily, I managed to keep my thoughts to myself. Felix's gaze intensified, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips, as if he sensed there was more to my words.
"Well, I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice warm and genuine. "And you know, I have a way of making the perfect Piña colada for someone who appreciates them," he added playfully.
I smiled, feeling at ease in his company. "I believe you. You seem to have a talent for bringing a little bit of paradise into everything you do" I replied, unable to resist a playful remark of my own.
Felix's grin widened, and he gave a small bow in acknowledgment. "I must admit, I try my best to make every moment special, especially for someone as enchanting as you," he said, his compliment wrapping around me like a warm embrace.
The air around us seemed to shimmer and I found myself drawn to Felix in a way I couldn't fully explain. There was something magnetic about him, something that made me want to delve deeper into his world and get to know him beyond the lifeguard on duty.
“Let’s sit outside, what do you think? I don’t think we can chit chat clearly in here” he suggested and I nodded at it. He made me follow out from the back door of the bar so that I won’t get my drink spilled in that crowd.
“So, what else you like besides my Piña colada and this place?” he inquires, pulling a patio chair facing the sea for me. Once I was settled he sat on another chair besides me.
I couldn't help but smile at his question, delighted by his interest in getting to know me better. "Well," I began, "besides your amazing Piña coladas and this enchanting place, I love spending time by the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the feel of the sand between my toes always brings me a sense of peace and serenity.”
“I know” his eyes locked with mine again, his lips twitched into a smirk “Anyone can read that, it’s all over you”
The rush of warmth that spread through my chest was undeniable, and it took every ounce of self-control not to show how flustered I was. This feeling was familiar, yet unlike anything I had experienced before. It was as if the past encounters that had made my heart race paled in comparison to the intensity of this moment.
The unexpected pause made us look through each other’s eyes. Ocean breeze gently brushed against my skin, the distant sound of music and laughter from inside the bar now a soothing backdrop to our conversation. The view of the sea was breathtaking, the moon casting a silver glow on the rippling waves. No reality has ever been this entrancing.
"And what about the stars?" Felix asked, gesturing towards the night sky above us. "Do you love stargazing too?"
A soft smile touched my lips as I gazed up at the glittering canopy of stars. "Absolutely," I said. "There's nothing quite like lying under a blanket of stars and feeling the vastness of the universe. It makes me realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things, yet how connected we are to everything around us." I faced back to him only to find his gaze fixated on my expressions.
"What are you doing?" I couldn't help but ask, my curiosity mixed with a touch of pink hue that colored my cheeks.
Felix's gaze remained fixed on my face, his eyes holding a depth that seemed to go beyond mere words. "Star gazing," he replied softly, his voice carrying a sense of wonder as if he had discovered something extraordinary in that simple act. As the seconds ticked by, the intensity of his gaze seemed to draw me in, making it hard to look away. The atmosphere around us shifted, leaving both of us momentarily suspended in time, lost in the weight of the emotions swirling between us.
We were interrupted by a high pitch voice from behind us.
“Felix! How could you? How could you cheat on me like this?” I turned back and saw a much taller girl than me having beautiful tangerine curls with her hands on her waist.
I processed her words before I almost stood up from my chair out of this awkward situation, ready to explain. But Felix groaned turning around.
“Stop Sana, she’s just a friend.” He rolled his eyes, “Y/N before she makes you feel in an awkward situation, I’ll clear it, she’s my older sister. You’re definitely not my partner in cheating.”
Relief washed over me as Felix clarified the situation, and I couldn't help but laugh nervously at the misunderstanding. "Oh, thank goodness," I said, trying to ease the tension.
Sana's expression softened as she giggled. "I'm so sorry," she said, "I just saw you two sitting together, and I jumped to conclusions." Now that I heard her giggling, I can tell she is definitely Felix’s sister.
"It's alright, no harm done," I replied, still feeling a little flustered from the unexpected encounter.
Felix gave his sister a nudge. "You need stop freaking every women around me, This is seriously the third time you did this.”
Sana huffed, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Ok I’m sorry. Well, I won't intrude on you any longer. Carry on, I just came to ask where is the crate of malibu but I think remember now where I left it " she said before walking away.
As she disappeared into the crowd, I turned back to Felix, my heart still racing from the unexpected interruption. "Your sister seems spirited," I said, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled between us.
"Oh, she's definitely spirited," Felix replied with a chuckle. "She can be a handful sometimes."
“I think I got an older brother with same personality as your sister” I smiled at the thought of Chan pulling almost a similar stunt like that.
“You have an older brother? I thought you were a single child or something because you know older siblings always keep an eye on younger ones, like Sana, she thinks she’s a detective. ”
I chuckled at his statement “He is keeping eyes on me through our friend. He tailed Minho on me.” I sighed while sipping the last few sips of my drink.
“Minho? Lee Minho, you mean?”
I watched him confusingly “You know him?”.
“By any chance, are you Chan’s sister?” he inquired, turning on my curiosity.
“Yeah, you know him too?”
He gasped at the coincidence played here “This town is small for sure, but I didn’t expected you to be Chan’s sister. You know it’s been so long that I didn’t see those guys,?” he seemed thrilled.
A surge of curiosity washed over me. "How do you know them?" I asked, eager to unravel this unexpected connection.
Felix leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, they were quite the characters. We were close, but not really much. They always added their own unique flavor to the party scene. But then, you know how life happens. People move on, priorities shift, and our paths just haven't crossed as much in recent years. Also, I remember watching Minho getting dumped by a girl one day; that might be another reason he specifically stopped his visits."
I pursed my lips in a sympathetic expression, realizing that he had vivid memories of even the regular customers. He even remembered the incident with Minho and Missy.
“I never imagined,” he continued with a thoughtful tone, “I never imagined this place could hold bad memories for anyone. But life has its way of weaving unexpected events into our stories. I just wished it wasn't this place for him. He used to come here more than Chan.”
I nodded, realization hitting me. It was dawning on me that this place, which had once been a haven for Minho and held so many memories, had become tainted by negative emotions. It started to despise Minho, and in response, he stopped swinging by like he used to. The weight of that understanding settled on me, mingling with the sounds of the waves crashing nearby and the distant laughter from the bar. It was a bittersweet revelation, a reminder of how the places we hold dear can change along with the circumstances of our lives.
"It's strange how life works," I mused, a hint of melancholy in my voice. "The same places that used to hold happy memories can sometimes become tainted with other emotions."
Felix nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's like the setting remains the same, but the feelings associated with it change over time. Sometimes, even the most familiar places can surprise us."
He cleared his throat, his simple way to change the mood “Anyway, are they both here with you?”
"Minho is here, as I mentioned before and Chan might show up before the month end" I replied.
“Wow, I’m amazed. How come we have mutual people around us from so long but meeting this year for the first time? Sounds like a perfectly orchestrated plot of a book.”
I smiled at his conclusion, “he's adorable," I thought to myself as the night wore on. It seemed like time had flown by, and I could have spent hours more with Felix, lost in his company. But as much as I wanted to stay, I knew it was getting late, and I had to get some rest.
"Well, I should probably head home," I said, trying to hide the hint of disappointment in my voice.
Felix nodded, understanding the practicality of the situation. "Yeah, it's getting late," he agreed. "But I had a great time tonight. Thank you for keeping me company."
"The pleasure was all mine," I replied with a smile. "I had an amazing time too."
As I stood up from the patio chair, Felix did the same. We walked back inside the bar, and I returned the empty glass to the bar counter. Felix leaned against it, his smile still lighting up the room.
"Maybe we can do this again sometime?" he suggested, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “I’ll be graced to do this again, lord Felix”. His eyes softening at my adored side, forming our cackling laughter.
It felt as though we existed in our own world, isolated from the bustling crowd and the cacophony of music. In a heartbeat, his hand brushed against my cheek, a gentle touch that sent shivers down my spine. With the tenderness of his touch, he swept aside a tangle of my hair, his gaze locking onto mine with crystal clarity. A playful smirk danced upon his lips as he posed the question with swift curiosity,
"Y/N, what thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?”
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I settled onto the stairs of the porch, the cool evening breeze rustling through the leaves as I anticipated Hoshi's return with the slightly inebriated Minho. Earlier, Hoshi had given me a heads-up, mentioning that Minho was proving to be quite the challenge to handle. It seemed that Minho's adventurous spirit had led him down a merry path of revelry, and Hoshi was now grappling with the task of shepherding him back home. As I gazed out into the night, I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Hoshi's predicament. I had known Minho long enough to understand that when he was in high spirits, he could be a handful, I just wondered how come Hoshi forgot this.
As the minutes stretched into an hour of waiting, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying the mesmerizing evening I had spent with Felix. Each fleeting touch, every locked gaze that lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary, and the shared laughter seemed to dance through my mind like a vivid dream. It was as if I had been infused with a rush of sugar, my senses tingling with the intoxicating sweetness of those moments. The evening felt like a delicate flute of champagne, each sip leaving me craving more as time ticked away. I savored every drop, not wanting a single moment to slip through my fingers. But even as I soaked in the memories, an inexplicable yearning tugged at my heart. It was as if the enchanting evening had awakened a hunger in me, a desire for something intangible yet profound. I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly I longed for—was it his time, his words, the warmth of his smile, or even the mingling scents of fresh lime and the raw embrace of the sea breeze? Perhaps it was none of these individually, but rather the sum of their parts that left me yearning for more. It was a craving for something inconspicuous that ran deeper than the surface, a desire to explore the uncharted territories of emotions that had been stirred within me.
I was brought back to the present by the sight of a blue Benz pulling up in the driveway. A guy in a familiar beige leather jacket stepped out of the car and helped a visibly drunken Minho out of the passenger's seat. Minho leaned on him for support as they made their way closer. But as they approached, I realized something was off—it wasn't Hoshi.
“Hyunjin? What are you doing here?” I blurted out, surprise evident in my voice.
“No Y/N call him daddy!” Minho shouted before passing out on his shoulder.
Hyunjin started shaking his head making a sign of discomfort “He’s heavy Y/N, let’s just lay him down first.” he pleaded.
I understood the emergency, immediately pushing the front door open and guiding him to the couch in the living room. He plopped Minho on the couch and I removed his shoes, slowly pulling up a blanket on him. We both sighed as if we just tugged in a toddler to sleep.
I finally burst into laughter at Minho's drunken comment, shaking my head in amusement. "Oh Minho, you never fail to surprise, even in this state," I mused, giving Hyunjin an amused smile.
I can never understand what goes in Minho’s mind that he can blabber shit even when he’s drunk or sober, sometimes he seems crystal clear from the inside and out.
Hyunjin chuckled, looking both amused and exasperated at Minho's antics. "Yeah, he's a handful, that's for sure."
I looked up to Hyunjin “I thought Hoshi will be the one delivering this package” I pointed toward Minho.
“Yeah apparently Hoshi was the original delivery guy but his girlfriend threatened him to reach back home as soon as possible, so this package was tagged on” he replied with a mocking disappointing expression.
I chuckled at the unexpected twist. "Well, it seems like Hoshi's got his hands full with his girlfriend. I hope he survives her wrath."
Hyunjin nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Oh, he will. Hoshi has a way of sweet-talking himself out of situations. He's like a modern-day Casanova."
"That's quite the reputation," I said, shaking my head in amusement. "But hey, at least you stepped in to save the day. Minho owes you one."
Hyunjin grinned. "Oh, he owes me more than one. This won't be forgotten easily."
The night had crept in, the clock ticking past 2 am, as Hyunjin and I remained seated in the very spot where I had been waiting for Minho to arrive earlier. It was a strange feeling again, just like the time had folded back on itself, bringing us full circle. Our conversation flowed seamlessly, weaving between topics ranging from his career to the nostalgia of the summers he spent in this house learning to play the piano from my mother. It was a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about shared experiences and the passage of time.
All of sudden Minho blabbered in sleep and we let go the laugh we’ve been holding through this conversation.
___
As the conversation continued, I found myself drawn into the familiarity and comfort that had always marked our interactions. We had started as friends, bonding over summers and laughter, and as the years went by, our connection had deepened. Until a time came when one of us fell for the other.
"How did you manage to make it to Wooyoung's party when we only met this evening at the club?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. He chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, I tend to get my fair share of party invitations quite frequently. Just happened to juggle both events tonight," he shrugged as if it were a regular occurrence to be invited to multiple parties in a day.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his response. "Seems like you're quite the party-goer, then." He grinned, his gaze meeting mine. "Well, I do enjoy a good party every now and then. Keeps life interesting, you know. Also, sometimes my band is asked to perform too” I found myself comparing him to Minho for a moment, thinking about how even Minho, who is very known for his social outings, had never faced the predicament of two clashing parties in a single day during summer.
"By the way, I thought you wouldn't come back here since you've never been for the last five years," Hyunjin asked, his tone shifting to a more serious note. His question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I found myself lost in thought. The night was quiet except for the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. It was as if the weight of his question had settled over us, making our conversation take on a deeper and more contemplative tone. I had assumed that 2 am conversations were typically reserved for sensitive topics in digital chats, but here we were, delving into a meaningful exchange face to face.
I felt a lump forming in my throat as I grappled with how to respond. His question brought back memories that I had long buried, memories of a time when feelings were raw and emotions ran deep.
I looked into his eyes, searching for understanding, and then finally spoke up. "Hyunjin, it's not about you," I said, my voice steady but carrying a hint of vulnerability. "It's about... a lot of things. A lot happened in those years, and it wasn't just one reason that kept me away." His gaze remained locked on mine, and I could see a mixture of emotions in his eyes. Perhaps he still carried the weight of how he had confessed his feelings to me all those years ago, and how I seemed to have vanished in response.
"You disappeared without a trace," he said softly, his voice tinged with a touch of hurt. I nodded, my gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his again. "I know, and I'm sorry for that. I didn't handle things well back then." We sat there in the midst of the night, the words hanging in the air between us. It was a conversation that had been long overdue, a conversation that required honesty and vulnerability.
Hyunjin sighed, his expression softening. "It's okay, don't feel sorry," he said, his voice gentle. "To be honest, I was too immature for that timing. I should have understood that those days were too precarious to be handled by you alone, and then I threw my feelings into the mix, only making things even more confusing.”
His words held a weight of understanding and self-awareness. I appreciated his honesty and his ability to reflect on the past, recognizing the complexities that had shaped our interactions.
Hyunjin's hand traced upon mine, his touch offering comfort. "No need to apologize," he said sincerely.
"Y/N, you might not know this, but I've been waiting to have this conversation for the past five years," he said, his gaze fixed on mine. The sincerity in his eyes was palpable. "I always imagined hugging you the moment I saw you again, but when I saw you at Coastal Hangover today, I couldn't do it. I was too shocked to process it at first, wondering if… it could be a dream.”
His words held a raw vulnerability, and I could feel the depth of his emotions.
“We both might have moved on from the past to here, at this moment and we both might be changed but my feelings had always been constant for you and it will always be the same.”
Till now I always thought that Hyunjin confessed to me five years ago so that he can pull some pain off my chest, and that thought back then made me stop having feelings for him, he wasn't the only immature. I didn't wanted him to tell me that he likes me so that I can be happy again, forgetting the sorrows of the funeral day.
But today, as we sat together in the quiet stillness of the night, the truth struck me like a bolt of lightning. Hyunjin's feelings for me had existed long before than that confession, long before I had even considered the possibility of falling for him. The realization hit me like a tidal wave – he had been in love with me long before I had even realized my own feelings for him.
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The next morning found my self staring outside the window seated in the kitchen, nursing a cup of dark roasted coffee in an attempt to stave off the exhaustion that threatened to consume me. Sleep had eluded me, the events of the previous evening replaying in my mind like a persistent melody. It was astounding how two individuals could leave such a profound impact on me within the span of a single night.
Felix's words lingered in my thoughts, his observations about the emotions that danced across my face as he watched me stargaze. His directness, or rather his unspoken understanding, had caught me off guard. And then there was Hyunjin, bravely laying bare the sentiments he had harbored for years, as if he had been waiting for the perfect moment to unravel his emotions.
The tranquility that had enveloped me just the day before seemed to have been swept away by an unexpected tide. The little castle of calm I had built around myself was suddenly exposed, vulnerable to the crashing waves of emotions that now surged within me. The events of the previous evening had changed the course of my thoughts and feelings, and I knew that moving forward, I couldn't remain stagnant in the safety of my castle. The wave of change had arrived, and it was up to me to navigate its unpredictable currents.
My thoughts were interrupted by a yawn, and I turned to see Minho shuffling into the kitchen, scratching his head. Still clad in his clothes from the night before, he plopped down next to me and absently reached for my cup, taking a sip without much thought. The taste seemed to catch him off guard, and he made a comically disgusted expression, setting the cup back down as if it had betrayed him.
"Oh, what did I just drink? Is this an attempt at homemade poison or what?" Minho exclaimed, his face contorted in a mix of disgust and mock horror.
I chuckled at his dramatic reaction and took another sip from my cup, letting the warm liquid soothe my thoughts. As Minho continued to process the morning after the previous night's escapades, he suddenly groaned and smacked his head on the table. It was a typical Minho move, a clear sign of his frustration when something didn't quite go his way.
"I saw Missy last night," Minho began, and I had a feeling that his encounter with her had led to some interesting developments.
His statement barely registered with me, my mind still occupied with my own thoughts.
"She kissed me," he continued, his frustration evident as he pulled at his hair.
The words hit me like a sudden jolt, and I had to suppress the urge to spit out my coffee. Instead, I ended up choking on it, a fit of coughing overtaking me. Once I managed to regain my composure, I stared at Minho in disbelief, my expression a clear mirror of the "what?" that was on the tip of my tongue.
Minho's revelation immediately swept away all the thoughts that had been clouding my mind since morning.
"I don’t know how it happened," Minho continued, his frustration palpable in every word. "I wasn't even that drunk, but I vividly remember it. And... and she just kissed me after telling me how she missed me and all. I can't remember anything except this, Ughh!" he whined.
His words hung heavy in the air, and I watched as Minho paced back and forth, clearly agitated, as if the act of walking could somehow help him piece together the events of the previous night.
Sensing Minho's escalating emotions, I quickly moved to steady him. Gently, I guided him back into the chair and began to rub his arms in a soothing manner, hoping to help him regain his composure. He rested his head on his hands, clearly trying to collect himself and find some sense of calm amidst the confusion and frustration that had consumed him.
I offered him a reassuring smile, hoping to provide some comfort amidst his turmoil. "It's alright, Minho. Sometimes things like this happen out of the blue. Maybe it was just a momentary impulse on her part. You've come a long way from any feelings you had for her, so don't let this shake you too much.”
“Yeah I know, I just hope I don’t see her again. Ugh… It’s too much for attending just one party, it might been just better if I joined you instead of going that party” he exclaimed.
My response was a sympathetic pursing of my lips as I listened to his predicament.
Curiosity flickered across his face as he continued, "By the way, how did I manage to get home? I can vaguely remember Hoshi leaving the party early."
I thought back to the events of the previous night, the memories replayed in my mind before I answered him, "Hyunjin actually dropped you off last night."
As I shared this detail, I could see a mix of emotions crossing his face – surprise, confusion, and perhaps a touch of realization as well. The shock mirrored the surprise I had experienced when I first learned about the kiss.
"Y/N, do you think we're like some sort of cosmic magnet for strange events? How is it that all these bizarre things keep happening to us simultaneously?" he asked, a perplexed expression on his face.
"It wasn't exactly bizarre," I replied, feeling a bit unsure about sharing the details of that tumultuous night.
"What do you mean? Are you going to tell me what happened?" he inquired, his eyes wide with curiosity.
I recounted the entire conversation I had with Hyunjin the previous night. As I shared the details, I couldn't help but notice the shifting expressions on Minho's face.
"He's still in love with you?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
I marveled at how his mind seemed to process my words, eventually leading to that question, especially after his attentive silence throughout my narration.
I responded with a simple nod, feeling the weight of the recent events settling upon us both. The exhaustion of the previous night's revelations and the morning's unexpected surprises had left us in a state of subdued silence.
Breaking the quietude, Minho let out a sigh before posing a question, his gaze fixed on my coffee cup. "Did you feel anything about him last night?" he inquired.
"No," I answered succinctly, struggling to put into words the complex mix of emotions I had experienced. It wasn't just a lack of feeling; it was a tangle of guilt, regrets from my teenage years, and the weight of someone's unspoken emotions that I had carried unknowingly.
"Alright then, let's just leave last night behind us. It's in the past now. Let's imagine ourselves as fresh, glistening mangos after a refreshing rain shower. We have a new day ahead of us!" Minho exclaimed as he stood up from his chair.
It was ironic to hear him use that metaphor, considering his disheveled appearance and the lingering scent of alcohol, while I sat there sipping my black coffee, attempting to shake off the weariness and fatigue.
"Let's go for surfing? What do you think?" Minho exclaimed, instantly shifting the atmosphere in the room.
Minho had a knack for combating negativity by throwing himself into various activities. He had an adventurous spirit, always eager to try new things, even though his swimming skills were rather lacking. Whether it was surfing or a game of volleyball, he'd dive in without hesitation.
I got up, pushing myself to set the cup aside and clean it. "Just a reminder, you don't know how to swim," I cautioned, raising an eyebrow.
He waved off my concern with a grin. "Oh, come on! You're there to save me, honey. You're my lifeguard," he said with his usual playfulness.
As he spoke, my mind drifted back to my initial encounter with Felix. His words lingered in my thoughts: "I have to keep you safe."
My reverie was abruptly broken when Minho flung his leather jacket onto my face. I went from being lost in my thoughts to feeling slightly disgusted by the scent of alcohol that clung to the jacket.
"Put that in the laundry for me," he laughed, clearly enjoying his perfect shot.
An unexpected surge of annoyance made me stretch my arm to toss the jacket back at him, but he darted out of the room too swiftly, narrowly avoiding my aim.
"Minho, I swear if you do this again, you'll be dead," I shouted after him, my voice laced with irritation.
The sun cast a warm and golden glow over the beach as Minho and I made our way to the shoreline, surfboards in tow. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing backdrop to the excitement bubbling within us. The salty breeze tousled our hair as we approached the water's edge.
His mocking laughter echoed in reply, a mix of exasperation and amusement filling the air.
___
"Ready for this, Minho?" I grinned, my eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Minho shot me a confident smile, despite the slight nervous flutter in his stomach. "Absolutely. Let's catch some waves."
We laid our surfboards down on the sand, waxing them to ensure a smooth glide through the water. As we strapped on our leashes, Minho couldn't help but admire the vibrant expanse of the ocean before us. The waves rolled in with a steady rhythm, beckoning us to ride their crests.
"Remember, Minho, the key to surfing is balance and timing," I advised, my voice carrying the wisdom of someone who had spent plenty of time in the water.
Nodding, he watched as I demonstrated how to paddle efficiently and catch a wave. With practiced ease, I mounted my board and paddled out to where the waves were forming. He followed suit, feeling a mixture of determination and excitement coursing through him.
Positioning ourselves on the board, Minho paddled, matching my rhythm. My heart raced as we spotted a promising swell approaching. I felt a surge of adrenaline as I pushed up onto my feet, the board responding to the movements. For a moment, I was riding the crest of the wave, the salty spray misting my face.
The sensation was exhilarating, a perfect blend of freedom and connection with the ocean. I got a glimpse of the wave carried Minho closer to the shore, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. As the wave dissipated, he hopped off the board and waded back with me.
My applause and wide smile greeted him. "Nice one, Minho! You've got the hang of it."
He laughed, the rush of the wave still coursing through his veins. "That was incredible. Let's do it again!"
Minho grinned like a thrilled kid on his first water slide as he emerged from the water after another successful ride. The exhilaration was painted across his face, a mixture of adrenaline and pure joy. He couldn't believe how addictive this newfound experience had become in such a short time.
"Are you sure you don't want to ride another one, Y/N?" he asked, his voice still brimming with excitement.
After a plenty of my water stunts I chuckled, adjusting the teal swim skirt around my waist. The vibrant colors of my bikini ensemble caught the sunlight, creating a playful contrast against the sparkling sea. "I'll take a break for now and enjoy the view."
I settled down on the warm sand, leaning back on my palms as I watched the waves roll in and out. The gentle breeze toyed with strands of my hair, and the rhythmic sound of the ocean provided a soothing backdrop. As Minho headed back into the water, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.
The sun's rays kissed my skin, and I closed my eyes momentarily, embracing the tranquility of the moment. With the passing day before us, I allowed myself to get lost in my thoughts. The sound of Minho's laughter as he caught another wave brought a smile to my lips. It was moments like these that made life feel truly beautiful.
“What thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?” Felix's voice echoed in my mind.
As the waves continued their rhythmic dance and the gentle breeze lingered on my bare skin, I found myself lost in a moment of introspection. The events of the past night and the day's escapades had finally settled into a quiet lull. With each crashing wave, I felt a sense of calm washing over me, allowing me to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped me.
This place, with its sun-soaked sands and crystal-clear waters, had become a canvas for a new chapter of memories to unfold. The old recollections, once etched into my heart, were now intertwining with the new experiences, creating a tapestry of emotions that were both familiar and unknown. And in the midst of it all, there he was – Felix, his vibrant presence captured in the polaroids of my mind.
I remembered his gaze as he looked at me under the starlit sky, his curiosity evident in his eyes. In that moment, as I met his gaze and felt the warmth of his smile, a mixture of numbness out of getting caught off guard and nervousness had surged within me. But regardless those feelings, I still wanted that ‘something more’ I craved for.
By the time any other notion could cross my mind, a loud scream made me plop up from the sand bed, instantly recognizing the high pitch of Minho. I searched my gaze, finally finding the turned surfing board floating on surface without it’s owner.
"Oh, fuck!" The rush of fear surged through my veins, the moment I scanned Minho's body floating aimlessly in the water. Without a second thought, I sprinted towards the sea, diving in with all my might. My heart pounded in my chest as I swam towards his turned surfing board, desperately trying to cut through the water. My mind was laser-focused on one thing: reaching him before it was too late.
Under the surface, I spotted the leg leash tangled around Minho's body. Panic gripped me, and I immediately attempted to pull him up towards the surface. But the water resisted my efforts, making every movement seem like a struggle against an unyielding force. As I fought to maintain my grip on him, I realized that my actions were only causing us to sink deeper into the water when I felt no touch of surface above my head.
I clenched my teeth and summoned every ounce of strength in my body, but it felt as though the water was determined to keep us submerged. The air in my lungs dwindled, and a sense of desperation took over. The slowly vanishing feel of air in my lungs shot a swift dizziness in my head.
Just as I was reaching my limits, I felt an arm slip around my waist, pulling me upwards. The last sight my eyes saw was the hue of blue and greens of the undersea. Gasping for air, I broke through the surface, my body instinctively kicking to keep afloat. The arm remained wrapped around me, and I leaned against the chest of my savior to catch my breath.
"Are you alright?" Felix's voice cut through the chaos, his own breathing labored.
I turned my head to meet his gaze, his blonde hair glistening in the sunlight. But there was no time for admiration or contemplation. My focus was solely on Minho.
"Minho! I have to get him," I exclaimed urgently, determined to plunge back into the water. However, Felix's grip tightened, preventing me from moving.
"Wait, Y/N! Wait," he urged, pointing towards the shore. My gaze followed his gesture, and relief washed over me as I spotted a figure on the beach, dragging Minho onto a mat. My breaths came in ragged bursts as Felix guided us towards the shore, the waves now a gentle lull compared to the chaotic struggle that had just occurred beneath the surface.
Awareness suddenly flooded over me, and I became acutely conscious of how close I was to Felix. Just moments ago, I had been thrashing in the water, struggling to save Minho, and now I found myself tightly held against Felix's body, his arm securely wrapped around my waist. The contrast between those two moments was staggering, and a rush of conflicting emotions coursed through me.
His touch, once an urgent lifeline, now felt oddly intimate, his fingers firmly gripping my waist as if he could shield me from the sea's treacherous depths. I couldn't ignore the rapid thud of his heart against my back, each beat echoing the adrenaline-fueled chaos we had just emerged from. At first, his closeness sent a shiver down my spine, but gradually, the rhythm of his heart and the gentle rise and fall of his chest began to soothe me.
His breath, warm and unsteady, brushed against the nape of my neck, leaving a trail of comfort in its wake. It was as if our bodies had synchronized, the sea's turmoil now mirroring the calm rhythm of our shared breaths. In that suspended moment, I found myself wondering if he felt the same chaotic blend of emotions that I did.
The crashing waves, once a menacing force, now seemed distant and hushed, as if the world had been muted around us. My gaze flickered to his eyes, his expression unreadable yet strangely comforting. Was he experiencing the same mingling of sensations as I was? Could he sense the sudden shift in the air?
"Thank you, Felix," I said softly as we made our way back to the shore, the tension of the moment slowly dissipating.
His gaze, once fixed on the receding waves, shifted to meet mine. There was an intensity in his eyes, a mixture of relief and concern that seemed to transcend the words he was about to speak. His eyes wandered over my face, as if searching for reassurance that I was indeed safe and sound, as if he couldn't quite believe I was standing there beside him.
For a moment, I felt his fear of loss, his worries etched onto his features. It was as if he was holding on to this moment, desperate to capture every detail, as if he feared that blinking for just a second might cause me to disappear. His eyes traced the contours of my face, lingered on my lips, before finally returning to meet my gaze. And then, he spoke.
"Y/N," he began, his voice carrying a weight of emotion, "I know I have to keep you safe. At all costs."
His words hung in the air, carrying a depth of meaning that went beyond the surface. It was as if he was admitting something profound, a truth that he had held close for a long time. The sincerity in his voice and the vulnerability in his gaze made my heart skip a beat. In that moment, his words weren't just about the events of today – they held a significance that reached much further, into the unspoken moments between us, into the uncharted territory of our feelings.
I didn't know how to respond, how to convey the whirlwind of emotions that his words had stirred within me. So, I simply nodded, letting my eyes meet his in a silent acknowledgment of the connection we had. It was a connection that transcended words, a bond that had been deepened by the shared experience of facing the unpredictable together. And as we stood there, gazing at each other, I felt a warmth spread through me, as if the sun had found its way into my heart.
The closeness of our bodies, the desperation of catching our own breath, latching on each other in this water and some simple words, all of this might be counted as the ‘Something more’ I want from him. Let me rephrase, all of this is the ‘Something more’ I need from him.
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Next chapter coming soon.
Please let me know your thoughts, anything you liked or disliked. Just anything, It will bring me a lot courage to write more :)
Also, comment if you'd like me to create a taglist and add you in.
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
Text
Are you waiting for the next chapter??
Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
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Pairing: SKZ Felix x Reader
Series: Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
Genre: Strangers to lovers, slight angst(!), smut (not in this chapter honestly), fluff, slow burn(!)
Synopsis: Running back to the last of the summer left with her, Y/N unexpectedly gets stumbled beneath the tranquil embrace of starry nights and soothing breeze, a story of unexpected encounters and emotions unfolds. Y/N's summer takes a captivating turn when she crosses paths with Felix. The vibrant lights and electric atmosphere become a backdrop for a connection that defies explanation. Amidst laughter and music, their bond grows, but new challenges and confessions test their emotions. As the waves whisper secrets, Y/N navigates a sea of feelings, unearthing a journey filled with surprises and self-discovery.
Mood board: #1
Word Count: 10k
Warning: Mention of a passed one, mention of alcohol, slight sexual tension (not much, just a little)
A/n: I was never fond of summer before this year. It's like refusing to try a new ice-cream flavor in fear of ruining the taste buds but finally trying and eventually falling in love with it. I hope reading this simple fanfic becomes one of the nice things to be remembered about summer for everyone. ^^
| Reminder: All the character's personalities and thoughts are raised from pure fiction, it is just a work of fiction. |
Read all the chapters here.
Beneath the starlit waves
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When we think of summer, our minds often drift to memories of refreshing shaved ice on the beach, or warm nights spent gathered around a crackling bonfire. And for those who are fortunate enough to have the right luxuries, perhaps sipping margaritas by the pool at noon.
There's something special about the season that just brings out the best in us - the warmth of the sun on our skin and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. It's no wonder that "they" say the beach is where you can truly experience the miracle of summer.
Even now, as the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for those long summer days. Perhaps that's why so many of us go to great lengths to hold onto the season for just a little bit longer - like driving 163 kilometers straight from town to catch up with the last couple of weeks of summer, or simply sitting on a sandy bed, watching the sunset unfold before us.
As I sit here now, surrounded by couples who seem about to start making out any moment. I completely forgot about my summer with everything that's been going on lately, until my brother made me realize that I've lost touch with myself. The sand, breeze, and salty smell of the ocean leave me with doubts. Am I here to relive that summer miracle or to drown in grief because these things remind me the summer with mom?
The thoughts pushed me to stand up and take unnoticed steps toward the sea. It felt like I was invisible to the world, which was busy making out, spinning bottles, and shoving booze around. I was so lost in thoughts, moving slowly forward and feeling the warm water up to my knees, and then gradually up my thighs, making it feel like the denim was nowhere near my legs. Just when it was about to be all damped, a hand pulled me back, jolting me out of my thoughts.
“Mam! mam! watch out where you going!”
This guy snapped me out of my thoughts in an instant, and it dawned on me just how far I had strayed from my original spot—quite a distance, indeed.
“I’m… sorry for pulling you out of it but, the tides are high at the moment. You should stay at the shore. Are you alright?”
Have you ever seen a sunset in someone's eyes? I did, at that very moment, in those eyes. The reflection of the dozing sun under the sea behind me was mirrored in his gaze. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of dopamine rush was making me observe the intricate details of a stranger's face with such intensity, as if I were completely enthralled.
"Oh yeah... sure, I'll be at the shore," I replied, already stepping toward the land.
"Thank you. I had no intentions of interrupting you, but you know, duty calls. I have to keep you safe," he said with a shrug and a chuckle, following me out of the water.
His tank tee with the whistle clearly marked him as a lifeguard on duty. Of course, it was his job to ensure everyone's safety.
"No, no, it's fine. I was just lost in my thoughts; don't worry," I cleared my throat, my gaze fixated on the hues of orange and pink across the horizon.
"Are you hanging out with that group?" he inquired, pointing at a bunch of people enjoying drinks around a newly bonfire.
"No, I'm alone," I replied.
"Oh... enjoying a peaceful sunset by yourself?" he asked.
I glanced down at the sand sticking under my feet and simply nodded, “Yeah it’s the most serene time of a rushing summer day” I responded.
"It certainly is," he agreed, his gaze sweeping across the gently receding waves. "With the crowds thinning out this week, it's even more peaceful. Usually, kids are running around the water even at this hour, which can make my job a bit challenging," he chuckled, gesturing to the beach around us.
A sense of understanding washed over me as I appreciated the his dedication and responsibility. "I can imagine. Your job must require a lot of patience and watchfulness," I remarked, admiring his commitment to ensuring everyone's safety.
He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've got that right. But it's all worth it to keep everyone safe and happy at the beach," he replied.
"I'm Felix, by the way. You should know my name, so that you can call out for help whenever you're drowning in thoughts like that again," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a warm smile.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful remark, appreciating his friendly and caring demeanor. "Yeah, sure, and I'm Y/N," I replied, feeling a sense of ease and comfort in his presence. No wonder our chance encounter now evolved into a stroll together. Sun is no where to be found and the blanket of stars slowly started to fade in.
As our conversation continued, he brought up Coastal Hangover, a popular spot filled with beachgoers during the summer. "how come I never saw you at Coastal Hangover's this summer? It's always buzzing with people from around the beach," he inquired curiously.
“That’s because I was not here the whole summer, just arrived an hour before.”
Felix's reaction was both amusing and endearing. He gasped dramatically, adding a touch of theatrical flair to his response. "No way! We're at the end of the season, and you came just now! Well, I hope you're not leaving before the Sandcastles & Starlight Festival. You might give me a heart attack" he said, placing his hand dramatically on his chest with an exaggerated look of concern.
Laughter filled the air as we both enjoyed Felix's playful theatrics. "Don't worry, I will be there," I assured him with a grin. "My friend won't let me leave before I attend the festival. He said it's either me attending the fest or my lifeless body being dragged back to college," I added in a mock-serious tone.
Felix burst into laughter, the sound mingling with the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves. "Well, it's good to have friends who know how to keep you in line."
“Oh you don’t know Felix, it’s like real hell with him.”
My phone buzzed a notification from Minho, hell is typing.
MINHELL   
 *Food might wait for you but I won’t*
 *Be here before this chicken casserole gets cold or I’ll lick it off. You won’t even get a bite of it.*
“Speak of the devil” I chuckled as I read the notification from Minho. "Well, it looks like I've got a food thief to deal with," I said to Felix with a playful grin. "I better head back before he devours the whole dinner himself. Trust me, he means it when he says he'll eat it all!”
Felix laughed, understanding the predicament. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he leaves you at least a bite," he teased.
"I couldn't have asked for a better lifeguard," I replied. "You saved me from drowning back into my thoughts." a smile appeared on my face at an instant.
"As I said before, I have to keep you safe," he responded, both of us sharing a laugh at his cheesy statement.
As I turned to leave, Felix called my name, causing me to pause and turn back. Curiosity filled my eyes as I waited to hear what he had to say. "Um... if you've got time tomorrow, wanna swing by Coastal Hangover? I'll make sure the first few drinks are on the house. You know, employee benefits," he said with a charming grin.
"You work there too?" I asked, pleasantly surprised by the revelation.
"Yeah, actually my dad runs the place, and I'm supposed to be helping him on Fridays and Saturdays," he explained.
I gasped in amazement. "Oh my goodness! You owns the place? Coastal Hangover is such a classic around here and you just gave me a tempting offer."
He chuckled at my excitement. "Not me, my dad. But I'm there often, helping out and enjoying the atmosphere. So should I be expecting you tomorrow?"
The invitation felt like the perfect continuation of the evening's serendipitous events, and the flow of the moment felt so right that I couldn't resist.
"I would love to be there."
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The sight of Minho almost dipping his tongue into the pot sent me into a frenzy. Without thinking, I swung open the backdoor to the kitchen and threw my scrunchie at his face. "No! Get your mouth away from it! I swear I'll kill you," I exclaimed.
Quickly, I grabbed a spoon from the kitchen counter and dunked it into the pot, scooping out enough food to fill my plate. I plopped down on the chair next to Minho, giving him a stern look as he smirked and continued to eat from his plate, clearly enjoying my moment of panic.
His visible mock and playful eyes angered me a little, but I knew Minho loved teasing me. "Just a few minutes late, and I would have cleaned that pot better than a dishwasher," he said with a devilish laugh, relishing in my reaction.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my smile as I playfully hit him on the arm. "You know what, you can be such a pain in ass sometimes," I said, pretending to be annoyed, but deep down, I cherished these moments of banter with him.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter at Minho's outrageous response. "Yeah, that pain which occurs when you try holding back poop," he blurted out effortlessly, clearly amused by his own remark.
"Ughh gross! Minho, I'm eating. Keep your shit jokes outside the kitchen, please!" I said, trying to contain my laughter while also pretending to be exasperated with his sense of humor.
Minho's demonic laugh filled the room, and I couldn't help but shake my head at his antics. Sometimes, he really knew how to push my buttons, but at the same time, his playful banter was part of what made our friendship so special.
"Sometimes, I wonder how you come up with these brainy things," I teased, shaking my head in mock disapproval.
"It's a gift," he replied raising his hands up as if he can communicate with gods, still chuckling at his own joke.
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my smile. "You're impossible, Minho," I said, finally giving in to the laughter that bubbled up inside me.
"But you love me," he said with a mischievous grin.
"Yeah, yeah, I do," I said, playfully nudging him. "You may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but you're my pain in the ass."
In that moment of shared laughter and joy, the room seemed to come alive with the echoes of our cackling and laughter, as if it had never been abandoned for five years. The walls held onto the memories of our giggles, as if these moments had always belonged to this kitchen. The scent of rosemary and lemons filled the air, just like it used to when Mom was still with us, living in these moments.
As we reminisced and created new memories, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia. It was as if time had folded back on itself, bringing back the warmth and happiness of those summers we used to have. The room, once filled with silence and emptiness, now resonated with the familiar sounds of laughter and camaraderie.
I glanced around, half-expecting to see Mom bustling around the kitchen, her infectious laughter mingling with ours. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that she was no longer physically with us, but she lived on in the memories we held dear.
Minho, sensing the shift in my emotions, reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "She's here with us, you know," he said softly, his eyes filled with understanding.
I nodded, a tear escaping from the corner of my eye. "I know. It just feels like she's so close, yet so far away."
"She lives in our hearts and you’ll definitely gonna feel that, we’re in her territory ," he reassured me.
And he was right. In the laughter and banter, in the warmth of friendship and the beauty of the present moment, Mom's presence was palpable. The love she had poured into this house had become an eternal thread, weaving through the tapestry of our memories.
I checked on the pantry making a list of requirements while Minho cleaned up the dishes.
I have to stay focused and not bring back the tears again. This house should not experience any more of sorrow, mom would have never let a single moment passed without bliss and I won’t leave any sorrows till the end.
___
As I continued to jot down the items on the shopping list, Minho broke the silence with one of his characteristic small talk questions. "How was the stroll to the beach?" he asked.
"Nostalgic," I replied with a smile, recalling the beautiful encounter with Felix and the rush of memories that flooded back to me during our conversation, while scribble a pack of oreo in the list. “By the way, do you remember Coastal Hangover? You and Missy met there for the first time”
"And broke up once the vacations were over, don't remind me of that," he responded with a slight grimace. "But what about it?" he added
“Nothing, I just felt like heading over there tomorrow, what do you thing?” I added spaghetti x2 in the list.
“No way we’re missing Wooyoung’s party for the place I got dumped once.”
“Then, can I go by myself? It’s not like you’re capable of dragging my ass to the party any way”
I retorted, half-teasing and half-serious.
"Nah-uh, I'm not letting you stay alone. Your brother's gonna kill me if I leave you by yourself," Minho insisted, his protective side coming to the forefront.
“Minho trust me, I’ll be fine. You know, you and Chan got to visit here more than me, you two know almost everyone through these parties but for me, this place is becoming more and more distant, I just want to feel belongingness here in my own way too”
Minho looked at me, his expression softening as he understood the sincerity in my words. "I get it, Y/N," he said gently. "And you're right. Chan and I have been coming here for years, and we know a lot of people through these parties. But that doesn't mean you can't find your own sense of belonging here."
He paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. "You're a part of this group, too, and we want you to feel like you belong here. It's just that, I worry about you being alone in a place where you have some memories that may not be the happiest or maybe too happiest to bring them back like they used to be."
“C’mon don’t look down on me, you know that I learned to embrace all my memories, happiest or saddest, doesn’t matter.”
I felt he smiled “I hope now you realized we’re not late here and still have our summer left with us. You were rambling about this the whole time on our way.”
I nodded, “You’re right we still have it”
As we stood together, our conversation took a more heartfelt turn. "I hope I'll be able to keep the essence of this house till the summer is over," I said, my voice soft with sincerity.
Minho turned to face me, his eyes filled with unwavering support “Out of all the people I think you’re the one who can keep the essence of this place just like it has always been and you know I’m here for the help” as if this moment felt warm, it got ruined with him landing both his wet hands of dish washing soap on my shoulders. I could see the bliss of mock in his eyes.
“Ugh! Why am I putting up with you?!”
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The vibrant lights of Coastal Hangover painted the evening sky in a mesmerizing display, captivating my senses and filling me with a heady mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The pulsating music and infectious laughter emanated from afar, creating an electrifying atmosphere that beckoned me closer.
The air was alive with the scent of the ocean and the intoxicating blend of various drinks being concocted at the bar. People swayed and danced in harmony with the music, their laughter blending with the melody, creating a symphony of joy.
I am wearing a delicate crocheted top adorned with intricate patterns hugged my frame, paired with my favorite shorts, which accentuated my legs, it created a relaxed and casual look. I smiled as I recalled the little star necklace that adorned my neck. It was a thoughtful gift from Chan. I trailed my hand one last time through my hair before making my way through the sea of people, catching glimpses of familiar faces and strangers alike. The smell of ocean air mingled with the aroma of soft limoncello fragrance
And then I saw him.
Amidst the crowd, I spotted Felix behind the bar, he looked effortlessly charming in his tropical shirt, the vibrant patterns perfectly complementing his puffy blonde hair. The open shirt revealed just enough of his sun-kissed tone to leave anyone mesmerized, be a sight for sore eyes. His cackling laugh is audible mixing with R&B music, stimulating a smile on my face.
Till I saw him, I was excited to spend a night in this classic place but now for some reason my mind is telling me to turn around and run out of the place, I found myself struggling to tear my gaze away.
As our eyes locked, I couldn't help but feel a surge of electricity between us. Felix's smile was like a beacon of light, drawing me closer despite my initial instinct to step back. It was a grin that spoke volumes.
He waved over as I navigated through the crowd toward the table before a guy crashed his back on me, making me stumble a little. I composed my balance before any of us could have fallen and the guy turned around, spilling apologies. I locked eyes with the guy who had accidentally bumped into me, my heart skipped a beat. Someone I had known from the past, memories flooded my mind, taking me back to a time when Hyunjin used to visit our house for my mother’s personal piano lessons.
"Y/N?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening with surprise. "Is that really you?”
I knew I’ll bump into past once I left my house, but out of all people he was unexpected. This moment opened the envelope of the memories I never knew I had.
“Hyunjin, long time no see” I exclaimed.
He hesitated for a moment, “I didn’t expected you here at all, I remember Chan telling me you started college and I thought now you’ll never come back.”
“Well eventually I did visit less than before but I just thought to pass by this year.”
Hyunjin nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Coastal Hangover has a way of pulling people back, doesn't it?" he said with a soft chuckle.
I just replied with a nod, unable to suppress the memories that flooded back.
"So, how have you been?" Hyunjin asked, his eyes searching mine for any hint of what had transpired in the time we were apart.
"I've been good, busy with college and all," I replied, deliberately keeping my answer vague. There were so many things I wanted to tell him, so many experiences and emotions that I had been through, but it felt too overwhelming to dive into all of that right now.
Hyunjin seemed to sense my hesitation and didn't press further. Instead, he smiled warmly.
My eyes glanced over to where Felix stood behind the bar, chatting with other customers. A pang of guilt washed over me as I realized I got distracted from the reason I came here in the first place. Hyunjin happened to follow my gaze and chuckle after.
“You were going to get drinks, I guess” he exclaimed catching me off guard.
“Oh no, I mean yes, actually I was invited by him. You know Felix?”
“Everyone in this room knows him” his eyes followed up to the bar, “by the way feel free to get back on your way and you should try the Piña colada, it’s a special here.”
This distance felt miles to cover when I was finally sitting in front of Felix.
"Thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely give it a try," I replied, hinting my depart.
___
"You finally made it my lady!" Felix's cheerful voice brought me back to the present, and I forced a smile in response.
"Yeah, I couldn't resist the allure of this place, lord Felix" I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray the fluttering feeling in my chest.
He giggled at my reply.
“Now, what can I get for you?” he asked flipping a cocktail spoon between his fingers. That long spoon flipping between his small cylindrical fingers left me an unexpected gulp. I’m amazed by this man being capable of luring my eyes on his every detail.
“A Piña colada, please” I answered.
Felix's playful giggle only added to the charm that surrounded him. He seemed to have an effortless way of making everything feel lighter and more enjoyable.
"Piña colada coming right up," he said with a wink, his fingers gracefully moving as he prepared the drink. I couldn't tear my eyes away as he skillfully combined the ingredients with an elegance.
As he handed me the perfectly mixed Piña colada, I thanked him with a grateful smile. Taking a sip, the sweet and tropical flavors on my taste buds instantly transported me to a paradise. I realized that it’s his specialty because it’s just like him, blonde and sprightly.
"Is it to your liking?" Felix asked, his eyes locked on mine.
"It's amazing," just like you.
A soft blush crept up my cheeks as I caught myself thinking that, but luckily, I managed to keep my thoughts to myself. Felix's gaze intensified, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips, as if he sensed there was more to my words.
"Well, I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice warm and genuine. "And you know, I have a way of making the perfect Piña colada for someone who appreciates them," he added playfully.
I smiled, feeling at ease in his company. "I believe you. You seem to have a talent for bringing a little bit of paradise into everything you do" I replied, unable to resist a playful remark of my own.
Felix's grin widened, and he gave a small bow in acknowledgment. "I must admit, I try my best to make every moment special, especially for someone as enchanting as you," he said, his compliment wrapping around me like a warm embrace.
The air around us seemed to shimmer and I found myself drawn to Felix in a way I couldn't fully explain. There was something magnetic about him, something that made me want to delve deeper into his world and get to know him beyond the lifeguard on duty.
“Let’s sit outside, what do you think? I don’t think we can chit chat clearly in here” he suggested and I nodded at it. He made me follow out from the back door of the bar so that I won’t get my drink spilled in that crowd.
“So, what else you like besides my Piña colada and this place?” he inquires, pulling a patio chair facing the sea for me. Once I was settled he sat on another chair besides me.
I couldn't help but smile at his question, delighted by his interest in getting to know me better. "Well," I began, "besides your amazing Piña coladas and this enchanting place, I love spending time by the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the feel of the sand between my toes always brings me a sense of peace and serenity.”
“I know” his eyes locked with mine again, his lips twitched into a smirk “Anyone can read that, it’s all over you”
The rush of warmth that spread through my chest was undeniable, and it took every ounce of self-control not to show how flustered I was. This feeling was familiar, yet unlike anything I had experienced before. It was as if the past encounters that had made my heart race paled in comparison to the intensity of this moment.
The unexpected pause made us look through each other’s eyes. Ocean breeze gently brushed against my skin, the distant sound of music and laughter from inside the bar now a soothing backdrop to our conversation. The view of the sea was breathtaking, the moon casting a silver glow on the rippling waves. No reality has ever been this entrancing.
"And what about the stars?" Felix asked, gesturing towards the night sky above us. "Do you love stargazing too?"
A soft smile touched my lips as I gazed up at the glittering canopy of stars. "Absolutely," I said. "There's nothing quite like lying under a blanket of stars and feeling the vastness of the universe. It makes me realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things, yet how connected we are to everything around us." I faced back to him only to find his gaze fixated on my expressions.
"What are you doing?" I couldn't help but ask, my curiosity mixed with a touch of pink hue that colored my cheeks.
Felix's gaze remained fixed on my face, his eyes holding a depth that seemed to go beyond mere words. "Star gazing," he replied softly, his voice carrying a sense of wonder as if he had discovered something extraordinary in that simple act. As the seconds ticked by, the intensity of his gaze seemed to draw me in, making it hard to look away. The atmosphere around us shifted, leaving both of us momentarily suspended in time, lost in the weight of the emotions swirling between us.
We were interrupted by a high pitch voice from behind us.
“Felix! How could you? How could you cheat on me like this?” I turned back and saw a much taller girl than me having beautiful tangerine curls with her hands on her waist.
I processed her words before I almost stood up from my chair out of this awkward situation, ready to explain. But Felix groaned turning around.
“Stop Sana, she’s just a friend.” He rolled his eyes, “Y/N before she makes you feel in an awkward situation, I’ll clear it, she’s my older sister. You’re definitely not my partner in cheating.”
Relief washed over me as Felix clarified the situation, and I couldn't help but laugh nervously at the misunderstanding. "Oh, thank goodness," I said, trying to ease the tension.
Sana's expression softened as she giggled. "I'm so sorry," she said, "I just saw you two sitting together, and I jumped to conclusions." Now that I heard her giggling, I can tell she is definitely Felix’s sister.
"It's alright, no harm done," I replied, still feeling a little flustered from the unexpected encounter.
Felix gave his sister a nudge. "You need stop freaking every women around me, This is seriously the third time you did this.”
Sana huffed, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Ok I’m sorry. Well, I won't intrude on you any longer. Carry on, I just came to ask where is the crate of malibu but I think remember now where I left it " she said before walking away.
As she disappeared into the crowd, I turned back to Felix, my heart still racing from the unexpected interruption. "Your sister seems spirited," I said, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled between us.
"Oh, she's definitely spirited," Felix replied with a chuckle. "She can be a handful sometimes."
“I think I got an older brother with same personality as your sister” I smiled at the thought of Chan pulling almost a similar stunt like that.
“You have an older brother? I thought you were a single child or something because you know older siblings always keep an eye on younger ones, like Sana, she thinks she’s a detective. ”
I chuckled at his statement “He is keeping eyes on me through our friend. He tailed Minho on me.” I sighed while sipping the last few sips of my drink.
“Minho? Lee Minho, you mean?”
I watched him confusingly “You know him?”.
“By any chance, are you Chan’s sister?” he inquired, turning on my curiosity.
“Yeah, you know him too?”
He gasped at the coincidence played here “This town is small for sure, but I didn’t expected you to be Chan’s sister. You know it’s been so long that I didn’t see those guys,?” he seemed thrilled.
A surge of curiosity washed over me. "How do you know them?" I asked, eager to unravel this unexpected connection.
Felix leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, they were quite the characters. We were close, but not really much. They always added their own unique flavor to the party scene. But then, you know how life happens. People move on, priorities shift, and our paths just haven't crossed as much in recent years. Also, I remember watching Minho getting dumped by a girl one day; that might be another reason he specifically stopped his visits."
I pursed my lips in a sympathetic expression, realizing that he had vivid memories of even the regular customers. He even remembered the incident with Minho and Missy.
“I never imagined,” he continued with a thoughtful tone, “I never imagined this place could hold bad memories for anyone. But life has its way of weaving unexpected events into our stories. I just wished it wasn't this place for him. He used to come here more than Chan.”
I nodded, realization hitting me. It was dawning on me that this place, which had once been a haven for Minho and held so many memories, had become tainted by negative emotions. It started to despise Minho, and in response, he stopped swinging by like he used to. The weight of that understanding settled on me, mingling with the sounds of the waves crashing nearby and the distant laughter from the bar. It was a bittersweet revelation, a reminder of how the places we hold dear can change along with the circumstances of our lives.
"It's strange how life works," I mused, a hint of melancholy in my voice. "The same places that used to hold happy memories can sometimes become tainted with other emotions."
Felix nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's like the setting remains the same, but the feelings associated with it change over time. Sometimes, even the most familiar places can surprise us."
He cleared his throat, his simple way to change the mood “Anyway, are they both here with you?”
"Minho is here, as I mentioned before and Chan might show up before the month end" I replied.
“Wow, I’m amazed. How come we have mutual people around us from so long but meeting this year for the first time? Sounds like a perfectly orchestrated plot of a book.”
I smiled at his conclusion, “he's adorable," I thought to myself as the night wore on. It seemed like time had flown by, and I could have spent hours more with Felix, lost in his company. But as much as I wanted to stay, I knew it was getting late, and I had to get some rest.
"Well, I should probably head home," I said, trying to hide the hint of disappointment in my voice.
Felix nodded, understanding the practicality of the situation. "Yeah, it's getting late," he agreed. "But I had a great time tonight. Thank you for keeping me company."
"The pleasure was all mine," I replied with a smile. "I had an amazing time too."
As I stood up from the patio chair, Felix did the same. We walked back inside the bar, and I returned the empty glass to the bar counter. Felix leaned against it, his smile still lighting up the room.
"Maybe we can do this again sometime?" he suggested, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “I’ll be graced to do this again, lord Felix”. His eyes softening at my adored side, forming our cackling laughter.
It felt as though we existed in our own world, isolated from the bustling crowd and the cacophony of music. In a heartbeat, his hand brushed against my cheek, a gentle touch that sent shivers down my spine. With the tenderness of his touch, he swept aside a tangle of my hair, his gaze locking onto mine with crystal clarity. A playful smirk danced upon his lips as he posed the question with swift curiosity,
"Y/N, what thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?”
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I settled onto the stairs of the porch, the cool evening breeze rustling through the leaves as I anticipated Hoshi's return with the slightly inebriated Minho. Earlier, Hoshi had given me a heads-up, mentioning that Minho was proving to be quite the challenge to handle. It seemed that Minho's adventurous spirit had led him down a merry path of revelry, and Hoshi was now grappling with the task of shepherding him back home. As I gazed out into the night, I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Hoshi's predicament. I had known Minho long enough to understand that when he was in high spirits, he could be a handful, I just wondered how come Hoshi forgot this.
As the minutes stretched into an hour of waiting, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying the mesmerizing evening I had spent with Felix. Each fleeting touch, every locked gaze that lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary, and the shared laughter seemed to dance through my mind like a vivid dream. It was as if I had been infused with a rush of sugar, my senses tingling with the intoxicating sweetness of those moments. The evening felt like a delicate flute of champagne, each sip leaving me craving more as time ticked away. I savored every drop, not wanting a single moment to slip through my fingers. But even as I soaked in the memories, an inexplicable yearning tugged at my heart. It was as if the enchanting evening had awakened a hunger in me, a desire for something intangible yet profound. I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly I longed for—was it his time, his words, the warmth of his smile, or even the mingling scents of fresh lime and the raw embrace of the sea breeze? Perhaps it was none of these individually, but rather the sum of their parts that left me yearning for more. It was a craving for something inconspicuous that ran deeper than the surface, a desire to explore the uncharted territories of emotions that had been stirred within me.
I was brought back to the present by the sight of a blue Benz pulling up in the driveway. A guy in a familiar beige leather jacket stepped out of the car and helped a visibly drunken Minho out of the passenger's seat. Minho leaned on him for support as they made their way closer. But as they approached, I realized something was off—it wasn't Hoshi.
“Hyunjin? What are you doing here?” I blurted out, surprise evident in my voice.
“No Y/N call him daddy!” Minho shouted before passing out on his shoulder.
Hyunjin started shaking his head making a sign of discomfort “He’s heavy Y/N, let’s just lay him down first.” he pleaded.
I understood the emergency, immediately pushing the front door open and guiding him to the couch in the living room. He plopped Minho on the couch and I removed his shoes, slowly pulling up a blanket on him. We both sighed as if we just tugged in a toddler to sleep.
I finally burst into laughter at Minho's drunken comment, shaking my head in amusement. "Oh Minho, you never fail to surprise, even in this state," I mused, giving Hyunjin an amused smile.
I can never understand what goes in Minho’s mind that he can blabber shit even when he’s drunk or sober, sometimes he seems crystal clear from the inside and out.
Hyunjin chuckled, looking both amused and exasperated at Minho's antics. "Yeah, he's a handful, that's for sure."
I looked up to Hyunjin “I thought Hoshi will be the one delivering this package” I pointed toward Minho.
“Yeah apparently Hoshi was the original delivery guy but his girlfriend threatened him to reach back home as soon as possible, so this package was tagged on” he replied with a mocking disappointing expression.
I chuckled at the unexpected twist. "Well, it seems like Hoshi's got his hands full with his girlfriend. I hope he survives her wrath."
Hyunjin nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Oh, he will. Hoshi has a way of sweet-talking himself out of situations. He's like a modern-day Casanova."
"That's quite the reputation," I said, shaking my head in amusement. "But hey, at least you stepped in to save the day. Minho owes you one."
Hyunjin grinned. "Oh, he owes me more than one. This won't be forgotten easily."
The night had crept in, the clock ticking past 2 am, as Hyunjin and I remained seated in the very spot where I had been waiting for Minho to arrive earlier. It was a strange feeling again, just like the time had folded back on itself, bringing us full circle. Our conversation flowed seamlessly, weaving between topics ranging from his career to the nostalgia of the summers he spent in this house learning to play the piano from my mother. It was a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about shared experiences and the passage of time.
All of sudden Minho blabbered in sleep and we let go the laugh we’ve been holding through this conversation.
___
As the conversation continued, I found myself drawn into the familiarity and comfort that had always marked our interactions. We had started as friends, bonding over summers and laughter, and as the years went by, our connection had deepened. Until a time came when one of us fell for the other.
"How did you manage to make it to Wooyoung's party when we only met this evening at the club?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. He chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, I tend to get my fair share of party invitations quite frequently. Just happened to juggle both events tonight," he shrugged as if it were a regular occurrence to be invited to multiple parties in a day.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his response. "Seems like you're quite the party-goer, then." He grinned, his gaze meeting mine. "Well, I do enjoy a good party every now and then. Keeps life interesting, you know. Also, sometimes my band is asked to perform too” I found myself comparing him to Minho for a moment, thinking about how even Minho, who is very known for his social outings, had never faced the predicament of two clashing parties in a single day during summer.
"By the way, I thought you wouldn't come back here since you've never been for the last five years," Hyunjin asked, his tone shifting to a more serious note. His question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I found myself lost in thought. The night was quiet except for the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. It was as if the weight of his question had settled over us, making our conversation take on a deeper and more contemplative tone. I had assumed that 2 am conversations were typically reserved for sensitive topics in digital chats, but here we were, delving into a meaningful exchange face to face.
I felt a lump forming in my throat as I grappled with how to respond. His question brought back memories that I had long buried, memories of a time when feelings were raw and emotions ran deep.
I looked into his eyes, searching for understanding, and then finally spoke up. "Hyunjin, it's not about you," I said, my voice steady but carrying a hint of vulnerability. "It's about... a lot of things. A lot happened in those years, and it wasn't just one reason that kept me away." His gaze remained locked on mine, and I could see a mixture of emotions in his eyes. Perhaps he still carried the weight of how he had confessed his feelings to me all those years ago, and how I seemed to have vanished in response.
"You disappeared without a trace," he said softly, his voice tinged with a touch of hurt. I nodded, my gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his again. "I know, and I'm sorry for that. I didn't handle things well back then." We sat there in the midst of the night, the words hanging in the air between us. It was a conversation that had been long overdue, a conversation that required honesty and vulnerability.
Hyunjin sighed, his expression softening. "It's okay, don't feel sorry," he said, his voice gentle. "To be honest, I was too immature for that timing. I should have understood that those days were too precarious to be handled by you alone, and then I threw my feelings into the mix, only making things even more confusing.”
His words held a weight of understanding and self-awareness. I appreciated his honesty and his ability to reflect on the past, recognizing the complexities that had shaped our interactions.
Hyunjin's hand traced upon mine, his touch offering comfort. "No need to apologize," he said sincerely.
"Y/N, you might not know this, but I've been waiting to have this conversation for the past five years," he said, his gaze fixed on mine. The sincerity in his eyes was palpable. "I always imagined hugging you the moment I saw you again, but when I saw you at Coastal Hangover today, I couldn't do it. I was too shocked to process it at first, wondering if… it could be a dream.”
His words held a raw vulnerability, and I could feel the depth of his emotions.
“We both might have moved on from the past to here, at this moment and we both might be changed but my feelings had always been constant for you and it will always be the same.”
Till now I always thought that Hyunjin confessed to me five years ago so that he can pull some pain off my chest, and that thought back then made me stop having feelings for him, he wasn't the only immature. I didn't wanted him to tell me that he likes me so that I can be happy again, forgetting the sorrows of the funeral day.
But today, as we sat together in the quiet stillness of the night, the truth struck me like a bolt of lightning. Hyunjin's feelings for me had existed long before than that confession, long before I had even considered the possibility of falling for him. The realization hit me like a tidal wave – he had been in love with me long before I had even realized my own feelings for him.
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The next morning found my self staring outside the window seated in the kitchen, nursing a cup of dark roasted coffee in an attempt to stave off the exhaustion that threatened to consume me. Sleep had eluded me, the events of the previous evening replaying in my mind like a persistent melody. It was astounding how two individuals could leave such a profound impact on me within the span of a single night.
Felix's words lingered in my thoughts, his observations about the emotions that danced across my face as he watched me stargaze. His directness, or rather his unspoken understanding, had caught me off guard. And then there was Hyunjin, bravely laying bare the sentiments he had harbored for years, as if he had been waiting for the perfect moment to unravel his emotions.
The tranquility that had enveloped me just the day before seemed to have been swept away by an unexpected tide. The little castle of calm I had built around myself was suddenly exposed, vulnerable to the crashing waves of emotions that now surged within me. The events of the previous evening had changed the course of my thoughts and feelings, and I knew that moving forward, I couldn't remain stagnant in the safety of my castle. The wave of change had arrived, and it was up to me to navigate its unpredictable currents.
My thoughts were interrupted by a yawn, and I turned to see Minho shuffling into the kitchen, scratching his head. Still clad in his clothes from the night before, he plopped down next to me and absently reached for my cup, taking a sip without much thought. The taste seemed to catch him off guard, and he made a comically disgusted expression, setting the cup back down as if it had betrayed him.
"Oh, what did I just drink? Is this an attempt at homemade poison or what?" Minho exclaimed, his face contorted in a mix of disgust and mock horror.
I chuckled at his dramatic reaction and took another sip from my cup, letting the warm liquid soothe my thoughts. As Minho continued to process the morning after the previous night's escapades, he suddenly groaned and smacked his head on the table. It was a typical Minho move, a clear sign of his frustration when something didn't quite go his way.
"I saw Missy last night," Minho began, and I had a feeling that his encounter with her had led to some interesting developments.
His statement barely registered with me, my mind still occupied with my own thoughts.
"She kissed me," he continued, his frustration evident as he pulled at his hair.
The words hit me like a sudden jolt, and I had to suppress the urge to spit out my coffee. Instead, I ended up choking on it, a fit of coughing overtaking me. Once I managed to regain my composure, I stared at Minho in disbelief, my expression a clear mirror of the "what?" that was on the tip of my tongue.
Minho's revelation immediately swept away all the thoughts that had been clouding my mind since morning.
"I don’t know how it happened," Minho continued, his frustration palpable in every word. "I wasn't even that drunk, but I vividly remember it. And... and she just kissed me after telling me how she missed me and all. I can't remember anything except this, Ughh!" he whined.
His words hung heavy in the air, and I watched as Minho paced back and forth, clearly agitated, as if the act of walking could somehow help him piece together the events of the previous night.
Sensing Minho's escalating emotions, I quickly moved to steady him. Gently, I guided him back into the chair and began to rub his arms in a soothing manner, hoping to help him regain his composure. He rested his head on his hands, clearly trying to collect himself and find some sense of calm amidst the confusion and frustration that had consumed him.
I offered him a reassuring smile, hoping to provide some comfort amidst his turmoil. "It's alright, Minho. Sometimes things like this happen out of the blue. Maybe it was just a momentary impulse on her part. You've come a long way from any feelings you had for her, so don't let this shake you too much.”
“Yeah I know, I just hope I don’t see her again. Ugh… It’s too much for attending just one party, it might been just better if I joined you instead of going that party” he exclaimed.
My response was a sympathetic pursing of my lips as I listened to his predicament.
Curiosity flickered across his face as he continued, "By the way, how did I manage to get home? I can vaguely remember Hoshi leaving the party early."
I thought back to the events of the previous night, the memories replayed in my mind before I answered him, "Hyunjin actually dropped you off last night."
As I shared this detail, I could see a mix of emotions crossing his face – surprise, confusion, and perhaps a touch of realization as well. The shock mirrored the surprise I had experienced when I first learned about the kiss.
"Y/N, do you think we're like some sort of cosmic magnet for strange events? How is it that all these bizarre things keep happening to us simultaneously?" he asked, a perplexed expression on his face.
"It wasn't exactly bizarre," I replied, feeling a bit unsure about sharing the details of that tumultuous night.
"What do you mean? Are you going to tell me what happened?" he inquired, his eyes wide with curiosity.
I recounted the entire conversation I had with Hyunjin the previous night. As I shared the details, I couldn't help but notice the shifting expressions on Minho's face.
"He's still in love with you?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
I marveled at how his mind seemed to process my words, eventually leading to that question, especially after his attentive silence throughout my narration.
I responded with a simple nod, feeling the weight of the recent events settling upon us both. The exhaustion of the previous night's revelations and the morning's unexpected surprises had left us in a state of subdued silence.
Breaking the quietude, Minho let out a sigh before posing a question, his gaze fixed on my coffee cup. "Did you feel anything about him last night?" he inquired.
"No," I answered succinctly, struggling to put into words the complex mix of emotions I had experienced. It wasn't just a lack of feeling; it was a tangle of guilt, regrets from my teenage years, and the weight of someone's unspoken emotions that I had carried unknowingly.
"Alright then, let's just leave last night behind us. It's in the past now. Let's imagine ourselves as fresh, glistening mangos after a refreshing rain shower. We have a new day ahead of us!" Minho exclaimed as he stood up from his chair.
It was ironic to hear him use that metaphor, considering his disheveled appearance and the lingering scent of alcohol, while I sat there sipping my black coffee, attempting to shake off the weariness and fatigue.
"Let's go for surfing? What do you think?" Minho exclaimed, instantly shifting the atmosphere in the room.
Minho had a knack for combating negativity by throwing himself into various activities. He had an adventurous spirit, always eager to try new things, even though his swimming skills were rather lacking. Whether it was surfing or a game of volleyball, he'd dive in without hesitation.
I got up, pushing myself to set the cup aside and clean it. "Just a reminder, you don't know how to swim," I cautioned, raising an eyebrow.
He waved off my concern with a grin. "Oh, come on! You're there to save me, honey. You're my lifeguard," he said with his usual playfulness.
As he spoke, my mind drifted back to my initial encounter with Felix. His words lingered in my thoughts: "I have to keep you safe."
My reverie was abruptly broken when Minho flung his leather jacket onto my face. I went from being lost in my thoughts to feeling slightly disgusted by the scent of alcohol that clung to the jacket.
"Put that in the laundry for me," he laughed, clearly enjoying his perfect shot.
An unexpected surge of annoyance made me stretch my arm to toss the jacket back at him, but he darted out of the room too swiftly, narrowly avoiding my aim.
"Minho, I swear if you do this again, you'll be dead," I shouted after him, my voice laced with irritation.
The sun cast a warm and golden glow over the beach as Minho and I made our way to the shoreline, surfboards in tow. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing backdrop to the excitement bubbling within us. The salty breeze tousled our hair as we approached the water's edge.
His mocking laughter echoed in reply, a mix of exasperation and amusement filling the air.
___
"Ready for this, Minho?" I grinned, my eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Minho shot me a confident smile, despite the slight nervous flutter in his stomach. "Absolutely. Let's catch some waves."
We laid our surfboards down on the sand, waxing them to ensure a smooth glide through the water. As we strapped on our leashes, Minho couldn't help but admire the vibrant expanse of the ocean before us. The waves rolled in with a steady rhythm, beckoning us to ride their crests.
"Remember, Minho, the key to surfing is balance and timing," I advised, my voice carrying the wisdom of someone who had spent plenty of time in the water.
Nodding, he watched as I demonstrated how to paddle efficiently and catch a wave. With practiced ease, I mounted my board and paddled out to where the waves were forming. He followed suit, feeling a mixture of determination and excitement coursing through him.
Positioning ourselves on the board, Minho paddled, matching my rhythm. My heart raced as we spotted a promising swell approaching. I felt a surge of adrenaline as I pushed up onto my feet, the board responding to the movements. For a moment, I was riding the crest of the wave, the salty spray misting my face.
The sensation was exhilarating, a perfect blend of freedom and connection with the ocean. I got a glimpse of the wave carried Minho closer to the shore, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. As the wave dissipated, he hopped off the board and waded back with me.
My applause and wide smile greeted him. "Nice one, Minho! You've got the hang of it."
He laughed, the rush of the wave still coursing through his veins. "That was incredible. Let's do it again!"
Minho grinned like a thrilled kid on his first water slide as he emerged from the water after another successful ride. The exhilaration was painted across his face, a mixture of adrenaline and pure joy. He couldn't believe how addictive this newfound experience had become in such a short time.
"Are you sure you don't want to ride another one, Y/N?" he asked, his voice still brimming with excitement.
After a plenty of my water stunts I chuckled, adjusting the teal swim skirt around my waist. The vibrant colors of my bikini ensemble caught the sunlight, creating a playful contrast against the sparkling sea. "I'll take a break for now and enjoy the view."
I settled down on the warm sand, leaning back on my palms as I watched the waves roll in and out. The gentle breeze toyed with strands of my hair, and the rhythmic sound of the ocean provided a soothing backdrop. As Minho headed back into the water, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.
The sun's rays kissed my skin, and I closed my eyes momentarily, embracing the tranquility of the moment. With the passing day before us, I allowed myself to get lost in my thoughts. The sound of Minho's laughter as he caught another wave brought a smile to my lips. It was moments like these that made life feel truly beautiful.
“What thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?” Felix's voice echoed in my mind.
As the waves continued their rhythmic dance and the gentle breeze lingered on my bare skin, I found myself lost in a moment of introspection. The events of the past night and the day's escapades had finally settled into a quiet lull. With each crashing wave, I felt a sense of calm washing over me, allowing me to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped me.
This place, with its sun-soaked sands and crystal-clear waters, had become a canvas for a new chapter of memories to unfold. The old recollections, once etched into my heart, were now intertwining with the new experiences, creating a tapestry of emotions that were both familiar and unknown. And in the midst of it all, there he was – Felix, his vibrant presence captured in the polaroids of my mind.
I remembered his gaze as he looked at me under the starlit sky, his curiosity evident in his eyes. In that moment, as I met his gaze and felt the warmth of his smile, a mixture of numbness out of getting caught off guard and nervousness had surged within me. But regardless those feelings, I still wanted that ‘something more’ I craved for.
By the time any other notion could cross my mind, a loud scream made me plop up from the sand bed, instantly recognizing the high pitch of Minho. I searched my gaze, finally finding the turned surfing board floating on surface without it’s owner.
"Oh, fuck!" The rush of fear surged through my veins, the moment I scanned Minho's body floating aimlessly in the water. Without a second thought, I sprinted towards the sea, diving in with all my might. My heart pounded in my chest as I swam towards his turned surfing board, desperately trying to cut through the water. My mind was laser-focused on one thing: reaching him before it was too late.
Under the surface, I spotted the leg leash tangled around Minho's body. Panic gripped me, and I immediately attempted to pull him up towards the surface. But the water resisted my efforts, making every movement seem like a struggle against an unyielding force. As I fought to maintain my grip on him, I realized that my actions were only causing us to sink deeper into the water when I felt no touch of surface above my head.
I clenched my teeth and summoned every ounce of strength in my body, but it felt as though the water was determined to keep us submerged. The air in my lungs dwindled, and a sense of desperation took over. The slowly vanishing feel of air in my lungs shot a swift dizziness in my head.
Just as I was reaching my limits, I felt an arm slip around my waist, pulling me upwards. The last sight my eyes saw was the hue of blue and greens of the undersea. Gasping for air, I broke through the surface, my body instinctively kicking to keep afloat. The arm remained wrapped around me, and I leaned against the chest of my savior to catch my breath.
"Are you alright?" Felix's voice cut through the chaos, his own breathing labored.
I turned my head to meet his gaze, his blonde hair glistening in the sunlight. But there was no time for admiration or contemplation. My focus was solely on Minho.
"Minho! I have to get him," I exclaimed urgently, determined to plunge back into the water. However, Felix's grip tightened, preventing me from moving.
"Wait, Y/N! Wait," he urged, pointing towards the shore. My gaze followed his gesture, and relief washed over me as I spotted a figure on the beach, dragging Minho onto a mat. My breaths came in ragged bursts as Felix guided us towards the shore, the waves now a gentle lull compared to the chaotic struggle that had just occurred beneath the surface.
Awareness suddenly flooded over me, and I became acutely conscious of how close I was to Felix. Just moments ago, I had been thrashing in the water, struggling to save Minho, and now I found myself tightly held against Felix's body, his arm securely wrapped around my waist. The contrast between those two moments was staggering, and a rush of conflicting emotions coursed through me.
His touch, once an urgent lifeline, now felt oddly intimate, his fingers firmly gripping my waist as if he could shield me from the sea's treacherous depths. I couldn't ignore the rapid thud of his heart against my back, each beat echoing the adrenaline-fueled chaos we had just emerged from. At first, his closeness sent a shiver down my spine, but gradually, the rhythm of his heart and the gentle rise and fall of his chest began to soothe me.
His breath, warm and unsteady, brushed against the nape of my neck, leaving a trail of comfort in its wake. It was as if our bodies had synchronized, the sea's turmoil now mirroring the calm rhythm of our shared breaths. In that suspended moment, I found myself wondering if he felt the same chaotic blend of emotions that I did.
The crashing waves, once a menacing force, now seemed distant and hushed, as if the world had been muted around us. My gaze flickered to his eyes, his expression unreadable yet strangely comforting. Was he experiencing the same mingling of sensations as I was? Could he sense the sudden shift in the air?
"Thank you, Felix," I said softly as we made our way back to the shore, the tension of the moment slowly dissipating.
His gaze, once fixed on the receding waves, shifted to meet mine. There was an intensity in his eyes, a mixture of relief and concern that seemed to transcend the words he was about to speak. His eyes wandered over my face, as if searching for reassurance that I was indeed safe and sound, as if he couldn't quite believe I was standing there beside him.
For a moment, I felt his fear of loss, his worries etched onto his features. It was as if he was holding on to this moment, desperate to capture every detail, as if he feared that blinking for just a second might cause me to disappear. His eyes traced the contours of my face, lingered on my lips, before finally returning to meet my gaze. And then, he spoke.
"Y/N," he began, his voice carrying a weight of emotion, "I know I have to keep you safe. At all costs."
His words hung in the air, carrying a depth of meaning that went beyond the surface. It was as if he was admitting something profound, a truth that he had held close for a long time. The sincerity in his voice and the vulnerability in his gaze made my heart skip a beat. In that moment, his words weren't just about the events of today – they held a significance that reached much further, into the unspoken moments between us, into the uncharted territory of our feelings.
I didn't know how to respond, how to convey the whirlwind of emotions that his words had stirred within me. So, I simply nodded, letting my eyes meet his in a silent acknowledgment of the connection we had. It was a connection that transcended words, a bond that had been deepened by the shared experience of facing the unpredictable together. And as we stood there, gazing at each other, I felt a warmth spread through me, as if the sun had found its way into my heart.
The closeness of our bodies, the desperation of catching our own breath, latching on each other in this water and some simple words, all of this might be counted as the ‘Something more’ I want from him. Let me rephrase, all of this is the ‘Something more’ I need from him.
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Next chapter coming soon.
Please let me know your thoughts, anything you liked or disliked. Just anything, It will bring me a lot courage to write more :)
Also, comment if you'd like me to create a taglist and add you in.
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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The classic we need!!
Coffee and some miracles
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COMING SOON (This is a small part from the middle of the fic )
pairing : hyunjin x female reader
genre : you know all that cute stuff. classic bumping. strangers to lovers.
summary : ( I suck at summaries, sorry) so, y/n is an art student in paris, and on one fine mundane day she bumps into hyunjin. And the silly boy ends up spilling all his iced coffee over her art assignment. But the problem is, she only has today to submit her artwork. The clock's ticking and now only hyunjin can help her. (can't tell you everything, this is just a teaser :)
The soft scratching sound of charcoal against the paper filled your ears, diminishing all the chatter of the customers and the sizzling of coffee machines around you. Despite the flukes of today’s morning and all the jitters it caused, you felt oddly okay now. You wondered what kept you going? Was it your dearest devotion towards handing in all your artwork by the evening? Or was it the sweet stranger in front of you who had become your muse this noon? Either way, you were bound and determined to complete this last piece for the exhibition. 
The latte cups were half empty, and the brown crumbs of banana bread shined on the creme-colored coffee table. The sketch was going well and you had to add the details next. But before that, your aching hand needed a few minutes to rest. So, you set the wooden cardboard aside, wiped the excess black dust from your fingers with a rag, and stretched out your arms widely. You looked towards your model to initiate yet another banter but to your surprise found him to be already reading some poetry on your face. And you being you, decided to read an epic. 
How do I tell him? You thought to yourself. That his eyes reminded you of a warm sun on a cold winter’s evening. That his crimson lips looked eager to leave a kiss on some lover’s note. That his hands could make you know solace just by a single touch. That his presence made you think of those soft innocent crushes that remain unconfessed but never forgotten. You could continue with the praises but you realized the staring had gone for too long now. And a shy smile had taken over the boy’s face. He had put his palms above his eyes in a silly attempt to hide the meekness. 
“Look at me, Hyunjin,” you spoke softly but in such haste that it almost seemed desperate.
To that, he broke out into a small giggle. “I know what you are doing,” he declared as he uncovered his eyes. 
“And what could that be?” You questioned with raised eyebrows and a teasing smile.
“You are looking at me as if....” He reached out for your hand across the table.
“As if?”
“As if you have known me forever"
To be continued.
a/n : I hope you liked this! It's actually my first time writing a fic or literally anything so I am a bit nervous. So, I would love to hear your thoughts!
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!
Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
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Pairing: SKZ Felix x Reader
Genre: Strangers to lovers, slight angst(!), smut, fluff, slow burn(!)
Synopsis: Running back to the last of the summer left with her, Y/N unexpectedly gets stumbled beneath the tranquil embrace of starry nights and soothing breeze, a story of unexpected encounters and emotions unfolds. Y/N's summer takes a captivating turn when she crosses paths with Felix. The vibrant lights and electric atmosphere become a backdrop for a connection that defies explanation. Amidst laughter and music, their bond grows, but new challenges and confessions test their emotions. As the waves whisper secrets, Y/N navigates a sea of feelings, unearthing a journey filled with surprises and self-discovery.
Mood board: #1
Status: Ongoing
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A/n: It's been five years since I stopped writing, after not having enough confidence. But I finally thought I should give fanfics an another kick start and this time I'm gonna enjoy writing instead of worrying about whether it might fail again. Also, I really really hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing ^^
_________________________________________
Chapter 1 Beneath the starlit waves
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
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Pairing: SKZ Felix x Reader
Series: Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
Genre: Strangers to lovers, slight angst(!), smut (not in this chapter honestly), fluff, slow burn(!)
Synopsis: Running back to the last of the summer left with her, Y/N unexpectedly gets stumbled beneath the tranquil embrace of starry nights and soothing breeze, a story of unexpected encounters and emotions unfolds. Y/N's summer takes a captivating turn when she crosses paths with Felix. The vibrant lights and electric atmosphere become a backdrop for a connection that defies explanation. Amidst laughter and music, their bond grows, but new challenges and confessions test their emotions. As the waves whisper secrets, Y/N navigates a sea of feelings, unearthing a journey filled with surprises and self-discovery.
Mood board: #1
Word Count: 10k
Warning: Mention of a passed one, mention of alcohol, slight sexual tension (not much, just a little)
A/n: I was never fond of summer before this year. It's like refusing to try a new ice-cream flavor in fear of ruining the taste buds but finally trying and eventually falling in love with it. I hope reading this simple fanfic becomes one of the nice things to be remembered about summer for everyone. ^^
| Reminder: All the character's personalities and thoughts are raised from pure fiction, it is just a work of fiction. |
Read all the chapters here.
Beneath the starlit waves
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When we think of summer, our minds often drift to memories of refreshing shaved ice on the beach, or warm nights spent gathered around a crackling bonfire. And for those who are fortunate enough to have the right luxuries, perhaps sipping margaritas by the pool at noon.
There's something special about the season that just brings out the best in us - the warmth of the sun on our skin and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. It's no wonder that "they" say the beach is where you can truly experience the miracle of summer.
Even now, as the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for those long summer days. Perhaps that's why so many of us go to great lengths to hold onto the season for just a little bit longer - like driving 163 kilometers straight from town to catch up with the last couple of weeks of summer, or simply sitting on a sandy bed, watching the sunset unfold before us.
As I sit here now, surrounded by couples who seem about to start making out any moment. I completely forgot about my summer with everything that's been going on lately, until my brother made me realize that I've lost touch with myself. The sand, breeze, and salty smell of the ocean leave me with doubts. Am I here to relive that summer miracle or to drown in grief because these things remind me the summer with mom?
The thoughts pushed me to stand up and take unnoticed steps toward the sea. It felt like I was invisible to the world, which was busy making out, spinning bottles, and shoving booze around. I was so lost in thoughts, moving slowly forward and feeling the warm water up to my knees, and then gradually up my thighs, making it feel like the denim was nowhere near my legs. Just when it was about to be all damped, a hand pulled me back, jolting me out of my thoughts.
“Mam! mam! watch out where you going!”
This guy snapped me out of my thoughts in an instant, and it dawned on me just how far I had strayed from my original spot—quite a distance, indeed.
“I’m… sorry for pulling you out of it but, the tides are high at the moment. You should stay at the shore. Are you alright?”
Have you ever seen a sunset in someone's eyes? I did, at that very moment, in those eyes. The reflection of the dozing sun under the sea behind me was mirrored in his gaze. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of dopamine rush was making me observe the intricate details of a stranger's face with such intensity, as if I were completely enthralled.
"Oh yeah... sure, I'll be at the shore," I replied, already stepping toward the land.
"Thank you. I had no intentions of interrupting you, but you know, duty calls. I have to keep you safe," he said with a shrug and a chuckle, following me out of the water.
His tank tee with the whistle clearly marked him as a lifeguard on duty. Of course, it was his job to ensure everyone's safety.
"No, no, it's fine. I was just lost in my thoughts; don't worry," I cleared my throat, my gaze fixated on the hues of orange and pink across the horizon.
"Are you hanging out with that group?" he inquired, pointing at a bunch of people enjoying drinks around a newly bonfire.
"No, I'm alone," I replied.
"Oh... enjoying a peaceful sunset by yourself?" he asked.
I glanced down at the sand sticking under my feet and simply nodded, “Yeah it’s the most serene time of a rushing summer day” I responded.
"It certainly is," he agreed, his gaze sweeping across the gently receding waves. "With the crowds thinning out this week, it's even more peaceful. Usually, kids are running around the water even at this hour, which can make my job a bit challenging," he chuckled, gesturing to the beach around us.
A sense of understanding washed over me as I appreciated the his dedication and responsibility. "I can imagine. Your job must require a lot of patience and watchfulness," I remarked, admiring his commitment to ensuring everyone's safety.
He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've got that right. But it's all worth it to keep everyone safe and happy at the beach," he replied.
"I'm Felix, by the way. You should know my name, so that you can call out for help whenever you're drowning in thoughts like that again," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a warm smile.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful remark, appreciating his friendly and caring demeanor. "Yeah, sure, and I'm Y/N," I replied, feeling a sense of ease and comfort in his presence. No wonder our chance encounter now evolved into a stroll together. Sun is no where to be found and the blanket of stars slowly started to fade in.
As our conversation continued, he brought up Coastal Hangover, a popular spot filled with beachgoers during the summer. "how come I never saw you at Coastal Hangover's this summer? It's always buzzing with people from around the beach," he inquired curiously.
“That’s because I was not here the whole summer, just arrived an hour before.”
Felix's reaction was both amusing and endearing. He gasped dramatically, adding a touch of theatrical flair to his response. "No way! We're at the end of the season, and you came just now! Well, I hope you're not leaving before the Sandcastles & Starlight Festival. You might give me a heart attack" he said, placing his hand dramatically on his chest with an exaggerated look of concern.
Laughter filled the air as we both enjoyed Felix's playful theatrics. "Don't worry, I will be there," I assured him with a grin. "My friend won't let me leave before I attend the festival. He said it's either me attending the fest or my lifeless body being dragged back to college," I added in a mock-serious tone.
Felix burst into laughter, the sound mingling with the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves. "Well, it's good to have friends who know how to keep you in line."
“Oh you don’t know Felix, it’s like real hell with him.”
My phone buzzed a notification from Minho, hell is typing.
MINHELL   
 *Food might wait for you but I won’t*
 *Be here before this chicken casserole gets cold or I’ll lick it off. You won’t even get a bite of it.*
“Speak of the devil” I chuckled as I read the notification from Minho. "Well, it looks like I've got a food thief to deal with," I said to Felix with a playful grin. "I better head back before he devours the whole dinner himself. Trust me, he means it when he says he'll eat it all!”
Felix laughed, understanding the predicament. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he leaves you at least a bite," he teased.
"I couldn't have asked for a better lifeguard," I replied. "You saved me from drowning back into my thoughts." a smile appeared on my face at an instant.
"As I said before, I have to keep you safe," he responded, both of us sharing a laugh at his cheesy statement.
As I turned to leave, Felix called my name, causing me to pause and turn back. Curiosity filled my eyes as I waited to hear what he had to say. "Um... if you've got time tomorrow, wanna swing by Coastal Hangover? I'll make sure the first few drinks are on the house. You know, employee benefits," he said with a charming grin.
"You work there too?" I asked, pleasantly surprised by the revelation.
"Yeah, actually my dad runs the place, and I'm supposed to be helping him on Fridays and Saturdays," he explained.
I gasped in amazement. "Oh my goodness! You owns the place? Coastal Hangover is such a classic around here and you just gave me a tempting offer."
He chuckled at my excitement. "Not me, my dad. But I'm there often, helping out and enjoying the atmosphere. So should I be expecting you tomorrow?"
The invitation felt like the perfect continuation of the evening's serendipitous events, and the flow of the moment felt so right that I couldn't resist.
"I would love to be there."
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The sight of Minho almost dipping his tongue into the pot sent me into a frenzy. Without thinking, I swung open the backdoor to the kitchen and threw my scrunchie at his face. "No! Get your mouth away from it! I swear I'll kill you," I exclaimed.
Quickly, I grabbed a spoon from the kitchen counter and dunked it into the pot, scooping out enough food to fill my plate. I plopped down on the chair next to Minho, giving him a stern look as he smirked and continued to eat from his plate, clearly enjoying my moment of panic.
His visible mock and playful eyes angered me a little, but I knew Minho loved teasing me. "Just a few minutes late, and I would have cleaned that pot better than a dishwasher," he said with a devilish laugh, relishing in my reaction.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my smile as I playfully hit him on the arm. "You know what, you can be such a pain in ass sometimes," I said, pretending to be annoyed, but deep down, I cherished these moments of banter with him.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter at Minho's outrageous response. "Yeah, that pain which occurs when you try holding back poop," he blurted out effortlessly, clearly amused by his own remark.
"Ughh gross! Minho, I'm eating. Keep your shit jokes outside the kitchen, please!" I said, trying to contain my laughter while also pretending to be exasperated with his sense of humor.
Minho's demonic laugh filled the room, and I couldn't help but shake my head at his antics. Sometimes, he really knew how to push my buttons, but at the same time, his playful banter was part of what made our friendship so special.
"Sometimes, I wonder how you come up with these brainy things," I teased, shaking my head in mock disapproval.
"It's a gift," he replied raising his hands up as if he can communicate with gods, still chuckling at his own joke.
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my smile. "You're impossible, Minho," I said, finally giving in to the laughter that bubbled up inside me.
"But you love me," he said with a mischievous grin.
"Yeah, yeah, I do," I said, playfully nudging him. "You may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but you're my pain in the ass."
In that moment of shared laughter and joy, the room seemed to come alive with the echoes of our cackling and laughter, as if it had never been abandoned for five years. The walls held onto the memories of our giggles, as if these moments had always belonged to this kitchen. The scent of rosemary and lemons filled the air, just like it used to when Mom was still with us, living in these moments.
As we reminisced and created new memories, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia. It was as if time had folded back on itself, bringing back the warmth and happiness of those summers we used to have. The room, once filled with silence and emptiness, now resonated with the familiar sounds of laughter and camaraderie.
I glanced around, half-expecting to see Mom bustling around the kitchen, her infectious laughter mingling with ours. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that she was no longer physically with us, but she lived on in the memories we held dear.
Minho, sensing the shift in my emotions, reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "She's here with us, you know," he said softly, his eyes filled with understanding.
I nodded, a tear escaping from the corner of my eye. "I know. It just feels like she's so close, yet so far away."
"She lives in our hearts and you’ll definitely gonna feel that, we’re in her territory ," he reassured me.
And he was right. In the laughter and banter, in the warmth of friendship and the beauty of the present moment, Mom's presence was palpable. The love she had poured into this house had become an eternal thread, weaving through the tapestry of our memories.
I checked on the pantry making a list of requirements while Minho cleaned up the dishes.
I have to stay focused and not bring back the tears again. This house should not experience any more of sorrow, mom would have never let a single moment passed without bliss and I won’t leave any sorrows till the end.
___
As I continued to jot down the items on the shopping list, Minho broke the silence with one of his characteristic small talk questions. "How was the stroll to the beach?" he asked.
"Nostalgic," I replied with a smile, recalling the beautiful encounter with Felix and the rush of memories that flooded back to me during our conversation, while scribble a pack of oreo in the list. “By the way, do you remember Coastal Hangover? You and Missy met there for the first time”
"And broke up once the vacations were over, don't remind me of that," he responded with a slight grimace. "But what about it?" he added
“Nothing, I just felt like heading over there tomorrow, what do you thing?” I added spaghetti x2 in the list.
“No way we’re missing Wooyoung’s party for the place I got dumped once.”
“Then, can I go by myself? It’s not like you’re capable of dragging my ass to the party any way”
I retorted, half-teasing and half-serious.
"Nah-uh, I'm not letting you stay alone. Your brother's gonna kill me if I leave you by yourself," Minho insisted, his protective side coming to the forefront.
“Minho trust me, I’ll be fine. You know, you and Chan got to visit here more than me, you two know almost everyone through these parties but for me, this place is becoming more and more distant, I just want to feel belongingness here in my own way too”
Minho looked at me, his expression softening as he understood the sincerity in my words. "I get it, Y/N," he said gently. "And you're right. Chan and I have been coming here for years, and we know a lot of people through these parties. But that doesn't mean you can't find your own sense of belonging here."
He paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. "You're a part of this group, too, and we want you to feel like you belong here. It's just that, I worry about you being alone in a place where you have some memories that may not be the happiest or maybe too happiest to bring them back like they used to be."
“C’mon don’t look down on me, you know that I learned to embrace all my memories, happiest or saddest, doesn’t matter.”
I felt he smiled “I hope now you realized we’re not late here and still have our summer left with us. You were rambling about this the whole time on our way.”
I nodded, “You’re right we still have it”
As we stood together, our conversation took a more heartfelt turn. "I hope I'll be able to keep the essence of this house till the summer is over," I said, my voice soft with sincerity.
Minho turned to face me, his eyes filled with unwavering support “Out of all the people I think you’re the one who can keep the essence of this place just like it has always been and you know I’m here for the help” as if this moment felt warm, it got ruined with him landing both his wet hands of dish washing soap on my shoulders. I could see the bliss of mock in his eyes.
“Ugh! Why am I putting up with you?!”
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The vibrant lights of Coastal Hangover painted the evening sky in a mesmerizing display, captivating my senses and filling me with a heady mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The pulsating music and infectious laughter emanated from afar, creating an electrifying atmosphere that beckoned me closer.
The air was alive with the scent of the ocean and the intoxicating blend of various drinks being concocted at the bar. People swayed and danced in harmony with the music, their laughter blending with the melody, creating a symphony of joy.
I am wearing a delicate crocheted top adorned with intricate patterns hugged my frame, paired with my favorite shorts, which accentuated my legs, it created a relaxed and casual look. I smiled as I recalled the little star necklace that adorned my neck. It was a thoughtful gift from Chan. I trailed my hand one last time through my hair before making my way through the sea of people, catching glimpses of familiar faces and strangers alike. The smell of ocean air mingled with the aroma of soft limoncello fragrance
And then I saw him.
Amidst the crowd, I spotted Felix behind the bar, he looked effortlessly charming in his tropical shirt, the vibrant patterns perfectly complementing his puffy blonde hair. The open shirt revealed just enough of his sun-kissed tone to leave anyone mesmerized, be a sight for sore eyes. His cackling laugh is audible mixing with R&B music, stimulating a smile on my face.
Till I saw him, I was excited to spend a night in this classic place but now for some reason my mind is telling me to turn around and run out of the place, I found myself struggling to tear my gaze away.
As our eyes locked, I couldn't help but feel a surge of electricity between us. Felix's smile was like a beacon of light, drawing me closer despite my initial instinct to step back. It was a grin that spoke volumes.
He waved over as I navigated through the crowd toward the table before a guy crashed his back on me, making me stumble a little. I composed my balance before any of us could have fallen and the guy turned around, spilling apologies. I locked eyes with the guy who had accidentally bumped into me, my heart skipped a beat. Someone I had known from the past, memories flooded my mind, taking me back to a time when Hyunjin used to visit our house for my mother’s personal piano lessons.
"Y/N?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening with surprise. "Is that really you?”
I knew I’ll bump into past once I left my house, but out of all people he was unexpected. This moment opened the envelope of the memories I never knew I had.
“Hyunjin, long time no see” I exclaimed.
He hesitated for a moment, “I didn’t expected you here at all, I remember Chan telling me you started college and I thought now you’ll never come back.”
“Well eventually I did visit less than before but I just thought to pass by this year.”
Hyunjin nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Coastal Hangover has a way of pulling people back, doesn't it?" he said with a soft chuckle.
I just replied with a nod, unable to suppress the memories that flooded back.
"So, how have you been?" Hyunjin asked, his eyes searching mine for any hint of what had transpired in the time we were apart.
"I've been good, busy with college and all," I replied, deliberately keeping my answer vague. There were so many things I wanted to tell him, so many experiences and emotions that I had been through, but it felt too overwhelming to dive into all of that right now.
Hyunjin seemed to sense my hesitation and didn't press further. Instead, he smiled warmly.
My eyes glanced over to where Felix stood behind the bar, chatting with other customers. A pang of guilt washed over me as I realized I got distracted from the reason I came here in the first place. Hyunjin happened to follow my gaze and chuckle after.
“You were going to get drinks, I guess” he exclaimed catching me off guard.
“Oh no, I mean yes, actually I was invited by him. You know Felix?”
“Everyone in this room knows him” his eyes followed up to the bar, “by the way feel free to get back on your way and you should try the Piña colada, it’s a special here.”
This distance felt miles to cover when I was finally sitting in front of Felix.
"Thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely give it a try," I replied, hinting my depart.
___
"You finally made it my lady!" Felix's cheerful voice brought me back to the present, and I forced a smile in response.
"Yeah, I couldn't resist the allure of this place, lord Felix" I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray the fluttering feeling in my chest.
He giggled at my reply.
“Now, what can I get for you?” he asked flipping a cocktail spoon between his fingers. That long spoon flipping between his small cylindrical fingers left me an unexpected gulp. I’m amazed by this man being capable of luring my eyes on his every detail.
“A Piña colada, please” I answered.
Felix's playful giggle only added to the charm that surrounded him. He seemed to have an effortless way of making everything feel lighter and more enjoyable.
"Piña colada coming right up," he said with a wink, his fingers gracefully moving as he prepared the drink. I couldn't tear my eyes away as he skillfully combined the ingredients with an elegance.
As he handed me the perfectly mixed Piña colada, I thanked him with a grateful smile. Taking a sip, the sweet and tropical flavors on my taste buds instantly transported me to a paradise. I realized that it’s his specialty because it’s just like him, blonde and sprightly.
"Is it to your liking?" Felix asked, his eyes locked on mine.
"It's amazing," just like you.
A soft blush crept up my cheeks as I caught myself thinking that, but luckily, I managed to keep my thoughts to myself. Felix's gaze intensified, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips, as if he sensed there was more to my words.
"Well, I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice warm and genuine. "And you know, I have a way of making the perfect Piña colada for someone who appreciates them," he added playfully.
I smiled, feeling at ease in his company. "I believe you. You seem to have a talent for bringing a little bit of paradise into everything you do" I replied, unable to resist a playful remark of my own.
Felix's grin widened, and he gave a small bow in acknowledgment. "I must admit, I try my best to make every moment special, especially for someone as enchanting as you," he said, his compliment wrapping around me like a warm embrace.
The air around us seemed to shimmer and I found myself drawn to Felix in a way I couldn't fully explain. There was something magnetic about him, something that made me want to delve deeper into his world and get to know him beyond the lifeguard on duty.
“Let’s sit outside, what do you think? I don’t think we can chit chat clearly in here” he suggested and I nodded at it. He made me follow out from the back door of the bar so that I won’t get my drink spilled in that crowd.
“So, what else you like besides my Piña colada and this place?” he inquires, pulling a patio chair facing the sea for me. Once I was settled he sat on another chair besides me.
I couldn't help but smile at his question, delighted by his interest in getting to know me better. "Well," I began, "besides your amazing Piña coladas and this enchanting place, I love spending time by the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the feel of the sand between my toes always brings me a sense of peace and serenity.”
“I know” his eyes locked with mine again, his lips twitched into a smirk “Anyone can read that, it’s all over you”
The rush of warmth that spread through my chest was undeniable, and it took every ounce of self-control not to show how flustered I was. This feeling was familiar, yet unlike anything I had experienced before. It was as if the past encounters that had made my heart race paled in comparison to the intensity of this moment.
The unexpected pause made us look through each other’s eyes. Ocean breeze gently brushed against my skin, the distant sound of music and laughter from inside the bar now a soothing backdrop to our conversation. The view of the sea was breathtaking, the moon casting a silver glow on the rippling waves. No reality has ever been this entrancing.
"And what about the stars?" Felix asked, gesturing towards the night sky above us. "Do you love stargazing too?"
A soft smile touched my lips as I gazed up at the glittering canopy of stars. "Absolutely," I said. "There's nothing quite like lying under a blanket of stars and feeling the vastness of the universe. It makes me realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things, yet how connected we are to everything around us." I faced back to him only to find his gaze fixated on my expressions.
"What are you doing?" I couldn't help but ask, my curiosity mixed with a touch of pink hue that colored my cheeks.
Felix's gaze remained fixed on my face, his eyes holding a depth that seemed to go beyond mere words. "Star gazing," he replied softly, his voice carrying a sense of wonder as if he had discovered something extraordinary in that simple act. As the seconds ticked by, the intensity of his gaze seemed to draw me in, making it hard to look away. The atmosphere around us shifted, leaving both of us momentarily suspended in time, lost in the weight of the emotions swirling between us.
We were interrupted by a high pitch voice from behind us.
“Felix! How could you? How could you cheat on me like this?” I turned back and saw a much taller girl than me having beautiful tangerine curls with her hands on her waist.
I processed her words before I almost stood up from my chair out of this awkward situation, ready to explain. But Felix groaned turning around.
“Stop Sana, she’s just a friend.” He rolled his eyes, “Y/N before she makes you feel in an awkward situation, I’ll clear it, she’s my older sister. You’re definitely not my partner in cheating.”
Relief washed over me as Felix clarified the situation, and I couldn't help but laugh nervously at the misunderstanding. "Oh, thank goodness," I said, trying to ease the tension.
Sana's expression softened as she giggled. "I'm so sorry," she said, "I just saw you two sitting together, and I jumped to conclusions." Now that I heard her giggling, I can tell she is definitely Felix’s sister.
"It's alright, no harm done," I replied, still feeling a little flustered from the unexpected encounter.
Felix gave his sister a nudge. "You need stop freaking every women around me, This is seriously the third time you did this.”
Sana huffed, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Ok I’m sorry. Well, I won't intrude on you any longer. Carry on, I just came to ask where is the crate of malibu but I think remember now where I left it " she said before walking away.
As she disappeared into the crowd, I turned back to Felix, my heart still racing from the unexpected interruption. "Your sister seems spirited," I said, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled between us.
"Oh, she's definitely spirited," Felix replied with a chuckle. "She can be a handful sometimes."
“I think I got an older brother with same personality as your sister” I smiled at the thought of Chan pulling almost a similar stunt like that.
“You have an older brother? I thought you were a single child or something because you know older siblings always keep an eye on younger ones, like Sana, she thinks she’s a detective. ”
I chuckled at his statement “He is keeping eyes on me through our friend. He tailed Minho on me.” I sighed while sipping the last few sips of my drink.
“Minho? Lee Minho, you mean?”
I watched him confusingly “You know him?”.
“By any chance, are you Chan’s sister?” he inquired, turning on my curiosity.
“Yeah, you know him too?”
He gasped at the coincidence played here “This town is small for sure, but I didn’t expected you to be Chan’s sister. You know it’s been so long that I didn’t see those guys,?” he seemed thrilled.
A surge of curiosity washed over me. "How do you know them?" I asked, eager to unravel this unexpected connection.
Felix leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, they were quite the characters. We were close, but not really much. They always added their own unique flavor to the party scene. But then, you know how life happens. People move on, priorities shift, and our paths just haven't crossed as much in recent years. Also, I remember watching Minho getting dumped by a girl one day; that might be another reason he specifically stopped his visits."
I pursed my lips in a sympathetic expression, realizing that he had vivid memories of even the regular customers. He even remembered the incident with Minho and Missy.
“I never imagined,” he continued with a thoughtful tone, “I never imagined this place could hold bad memories for anyone. But life has its way of weaving unexpected events into our stories. I just wished it wasn't this place for him. He used to come here more than Chan.”
I nodded, realization hitting me. It was dawning on me that this place, which had once been a haven for Minho and held so many memories, had become tainted by negative emotions. It started to despise Minho, and in response, he stopped swinging by like he used to. The weight of that understanding settled on me, mingling with the sounds of the waves crashing nearby and the distant laughter from the bar. It was a bittersweet revelation, a reminder of how the places we hold dear can change along with the circumstances of our lives.
"It's strange how life works," I mused, a hint of melancholy in my voice. "The same places that used to hold happy memories can sometimes become tainted with other emotions."
Felix nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's like the setting remains the same, but the feelings associated with it change over time. Sometimes, even the most familiar places can surprise us."
He cleared his throat, his simple way to change the mood “Anyway, are they both here with you?”
"Minho is here, as I mentioned before and Chan might show up before the month end" I replied.
“Wow, I’m amazed. How come we have mutual people around us from so long but meeting this year for the first time? Sounds like a perfectly orchestrated plot of a book.”
I smiled at his conclusion, “he's adorable," I thought to myself as the night wore on. It seemed like time had flown by, and I could have spent hours more with Felix, lost in his company. But as much as I wanted to stay, I knew it was getting late, and I had to get some rest.
"Well, I should probably head home," I said, trying to hide the hint of disappointment in my voice.
Felix nodded, understanding the practicality of the situation. "Yeah, it's getting late," he agreed. "But I had a great time tonight. Thank you for keeping me company."
"The pleasure was all mine," I replied with a smile. "I had an amazing time too."
As I stood up from the patio chair, Felix did the same. We walked back inside the bar, and I returned the empty glass to the bar counter. Felix leaned against it, his smile still lighting up the room.
"Maybe we can do this again sometime?" he suggested, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “I’ll be graced to do this again, lord Felix”. His eyes softening at my adored side, forming our cackling laughter.
It felt as though we existed in our own world, isolated from the bustling crowd and the cacophony of music. In a heartbeat, his hand brushed against my cheek, a gentle touch that sent shivers down my spine. With the tenderness of his touch, he swept aside a tangle of my hair, his gaze locking onto mine with crystal clarity. A playful smirk danced upon his lips as he posed the question with swift curiosity,
"Y/N, what thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?”
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I settled onto the stairs of the porch, the cool evening breeze rustling through the leaves as I anticipated Hoshi's return with the slightly inebriated Minho. Earlier, Hoshi had given me a heads-up, mentioning that Minho was proving to be quite the challenge to handle. It seemed that Minho's adventurous spirit had led him down a merry path of revelry, and Hoshi was now grappling with the task of shepherding him back home. As I gazed out into the night, I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Hoshi's predicament. I had known Minho long enough to understand that when he was in high spirits, he could be a handful, I just wondered how come Hoshi forgot this.
As the minutes stretched into an hour of waiting, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying the mesmerizing evening I had spent with Felix. Each fleeting touch, every locked gaze that lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary, and the shared laughter seemed to dance through my mind like a vivid dream. It was as if I had been infused with a rush of sugar, my senses tingling with the intoxicating sweetness of those moments. The evening felt like a delicate flute of champagne, each sip leaving me craving more as time ticked away. I savored every drop, not wanting a single moment to slip through my fingers. But even as I soaked in the memories, an inexplicable yearning tugged at my heart. It was as if the enchanting evening had awakened a hunger in me, a desire for something intangible yet profound. I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly I longed for—was it his time, his words, the warmth of his smile, or even the mingling scents of fresh lime and the raw embrace of the sea breeze? Perhaps it was none of these individually, but rather the sum of their parts that left me yearning for more. It was a craving for something inconspicuous that ran deeper than the surface, a desire to explore the uncharted territories of emotions that had been stirred within me.
I was brought back to the present by the sight of a blue Benz pulling up in the driveway. A guy in a familiar beige leather jacket stepped out of the car and helped a visibly drunken Minho out of the passenger's seat. Minho leaned on him for support as they made their way closer. But as they approached, I realized something was off—it wasn't Hoshi.
“Hyunjin? What are you doing here?” I blurted out, surprise evident in my voice.
“No Y/N call him daddy!” Minho shouted before passing out on his shoulder.
Hyunjin started shaking his head making a sign of discomfort “He’s heavy Y/N, let’s just lay him down first.” he pleaded.
I understood the emergency, immediately pushing the front door open and guiding him to the couch in the living room. He plopped Minho on the couch and I removed his shoes, slowly pulling up a blanket on him. We both sighed as if we just tugged in a toddler to sleep.
I finally burst into laughter at Minho's drunken comment, shaking my head in amusement. "Oh Minho, you never fail to surprise, even in this state," I mused, giving Hyunjin an amused smile.
I can never understand what goes in Minho’s mind that he can blabber shit even when he’s drunk or sober, sometimes he seems crystal clear from the inside and out.
Hyunjin chuckled, looking both amused and exasperated at Minho's antics. "Yeah, he's a handful, that's for sure."
I looked up to Hyunjin “I thought Hoshi will be the one delivering this package” I pointed toward Minho.
“Yeah apparently Hoshi was the original delivery guy but his girlfriend threatened him to reach back home as soon as possible, so this package was tagged on” he replied with a mocking disappointing expression.
I chuckled at the unexpected twist. "Well, it seems like Hoshi's got his hands full with his girlfriend. I hope he survives her wrath."
Hyunjin nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Oh, he will. Hoshi has a way of sweet-talking himself out of situations. He's like a modern-day Casanova."
"That's quite the reputation," I said, shaking my head in amusement. "But hey, at least you stepped in to save the day. Minho owes you one."
Hyunjin grinned. "Oh, he owes me more than one. This won't be forgotten easily."
The night had crept in, the clock ticking past 2 am, as Hyunjin and I remained seated in the very spot where I had been waiting for Minho to arrive earlier. It was a strange feeling again, just like the time had folded back on itself, bringing us full circle. Our conversation flowed seamlessly, weaving between topics ranging from his career to the nostalgia of the summers he spent in this house learning to play the piano from my mother. It was a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about shared experiences and the passage of time.
All of sudden Minho blabbered in sleep and we let go the laugh we’ve been holding through this conversation.
___
As the conversation continued, I found myself drawn into the familiarity and comfort that had always marked our interactions. We had started as friends, bonding over summers and laughter, and as the years went by, our connection had deepened. Until a time came when one of us fell for the other.
"How did you manage to make it to Wooyoung's party when we only met this evening at the club?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. He chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, I tend to get my fair share of party invitations quite frequently. Just happened to juggle both events tonight," he shrugged as if it were a regular occurrence to be invited to multiple parties in a day.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his response. "Seems like you're quite the party-goer, then." He grinned, his gaze meeting mine. "Well, I do enjoy a good party every now and then. Keeps life interesting, you know. Also, sometimes my band is asked to perform too” I found myself comparing him to Minho for a moment, thinking about how even Minho, who is very known for his social outings, had never faced the predicament of two clashing parties in a single day during summer.
"By the way, I thought you wouldn't come back here since you've never been for the last five years," Hyunjin asked, his tone shifting to a more serious note. His question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I found myself lost in thought. The night was quiet except for the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. It was as if the weight of his question had settled over us, making our conversation take on a deeper and more contemplative tone. I had assumed that 2 am conversations were typically reserved for sensitive topics in digital chats, but here we were, delving into a meaningful exchange face to face.
I felt a lump forming in my throat as I grappled with how to respond. His question brought back memories that I had long buried, memories of a time when feelings were raw and emotions ran deep.
I looked into his eyes, searching for understanding, and then finally spoke up. "Hyunjin, it's not about you," I said, my voice steady but carrying a hint of vulnerability. "It's about... a lot of things. A lot happened in those years, and it wasn't just one reason that kept me away." His gaze remained locked on mine, and I could see a mixture of emotions in his eyes. Perhaps he still carried the weight of how he had confessed his feelings to me all those years ago, and how I seemed to have vanished in response.
"You disappeared without a trace," he said softly, his voice tinged with a touch of hurt. I nodded, my gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his again. "I know, and I'm sorry for that. I didn't handle things well back then." We sat there in the midst of the night, the words hanging in the air between us. It was a conversation that had been long overdue, a conversation that required honesty and vulnerability.
Hyunjin sighed, his expression softening. "It's okay, don't feel sorry," he said, his voice gentle. "To be honest, I was too immature for that timing. I should have understood that those days were too precarious to be handled by you alone, and then I threw my feelings into the mix, only making things even more confusing.”
His words held a weight of understanding and self-awareness. I appreciated his honesty and his ability to reflect on the past, recognizing the complexities that had shaped our interactions.
Hyunjin's hand traced upon mine, his touch offering comfort. "No need to apologize," he said sincerely.
"Y/N, you might not know this, but I've been waiting to have this conversation for the past five years," he said, his gaze fixed on mine. The sincerity in his eyes was palpable. "I always imagined hugging you the moment I saw you again, but when I saw you at Coastal Hangover today, I couldn't do it. I was too shocked to process it at first, wondering if… it could be a dream.”
His words held a raw vulnerability, and I could feel the depth of his emotions.
“We both might have moved on from the past to here, at this moment and we both might be changed but my feelings had always been constant for you and it will always be the same.”
Till now I always thought that Hyunjin confessed to me five years ago so that he can pull some pain off my chest, and that thought back then made me stop having feelings for him, he wasn't the only immature. I didn't wanted him to tell me that he likes me so that I can be happy again, forgetting the sorrows of the funeral day.
But today, as we sat together in the quiet stillness of the night, the truth struck me like a bolt of lightning. Hyunjin's feelings for me had existed long before than that confession, long before I had even considered the possibility of falling for him. The realization hit me like a tidal wave – he had been in love with me long before I had even realized my own feelings for him.
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The next morning found my self staring outside the window seated in the kitchen, nursing a cup of dark roasted coffee in an attempt to stave off the exhaustion that threatened to consume me. Sleep had eluded me, the events of the previous evening replaying in my mind like a persistent melody. It was astounding how two individuals could leave such a profound impact on me within the span of a single night.
Felix's words lingered in my thoughts, his observations about the emotions that danced across my face as he watched me stargaze. His directness, or rather his unspoken understanding, had caught me off guard. And then there was Hyunjin, bravely laying bare the sentiments he had harbored for years, as if he had been waiting for the perfect moment to unravel his emotions.
The tranquility that had enveloped me just the day before seemed to have been swept away by an unexpected tide. The little castle of calm I had built around myself was suddenly exposed, vulnerable to the crashing waves of emotions that now surged within me. The events of the previous evening had changed the course of my thoughts and feelings, and I knew that moving forward, I couldn't remain stagnant in the safety of my castle. The wave of change had arrived, and it was up to me to navigate its unpredictable currents.
My thoughts were interrupted by a yawn, and I turned to see Minho shuffling into the kitchen, scratching his head. Still clad in his clothes from the night before, he plopped down next to me and absently reached for my cup, taking a sip without much thought. The taste seemed to catch him off guard, and he made a comically disgusted expression, setting the cup back down as if it had betrayed him.
"Oh, what did I just drink? Is this an attempt at homemade poison or what?" Minho exclaimed, his face contorted in a mix of disgust and mock horror.
I chuckled at his dramatic reaction and took another sip from my cup, letting the warm liquid soothe my thoughts. As Minho continued to process the morning after the previous night's escapades, he suddenly groaned and smacked his head on the table. It was a typical Minho move, a clear sign of his frustration when something didn't quite go his way.
"I saw Missy last night," Minho began, and I had a feeling that his encounter with her had led to some interesting developments.
His statement barely registered with me, my mind still occupied with my own thoughts.
"She kissed me," he continued, his frustration evident as he pulled at his hair.
The words hit me like a sudden jolt, and I had to suppress the urge to spit out my coffee. Instead, I ended up choking on it, a fit of coughing overtaking me. Once I managed to regain my composure, I stared at Minho in disbelief, my expression a clear mirror of the "what?" that was on the tip of my tongue.
Minho's revelation immediately swept away all the thoughts that had been clouding my mind since morning.
"I don’t know how it happened," Minho continued, his frustration palpable in every word. "I wasn't even that drunk, but I vividly remember it. And... and she just kissed me after telling me how she missed me and all. I can't remember anything except this, Ughh!" he whined.
His words hung heavy in the air, and I watched as Minho paced back and forth, clearly agitated, as if the act of walking could somehow help him piece together the events of the previous night.
Sensing Minho's escalating emotions, I quickly moved to steady him. Gently, I guided him back into the chair and began to rub his arms in a soothing manner, hoping to help him regain his composure. He rested his head on his hands, clearly trying to collect himself and find some sense of calm amidst the confusion and frustration that had consumed him.
I offered him a reassuring smile, hoping to provide some comfort amidst his turmoil. "It's alright, Minho. Sometimes things like this happen out of the blue. Maybe it was just a momentary impulse on her part. You've come a long way from any feelings you had for her, so don't let this shake you too much.”
“Yeah I know, I just hope I don’t see her again. Ugh… It’s too much for attending just one party, it might been just better if I joined you instead of going that party” he exclaimed.
My response was a sympathetic pursing of my lips as I listened to his predicament.
Curiosity flickered across his face as he continued, "By the way, how did I manage to get home? I can vaguely remember Hoshi leaving the party early."
I thought back to the events of the previous night, the memories replayed in my mind before I answered him, "Hyunjin actually dropped you off last night."
As I shared this detail, I could see a mix of emotions crossing his face – surprise, confusion, and perhaps a touch of realization as well. The shock mirrored the surprise I had experienced when I first learned about the kiss.
"Y/N, do you think we're like some sort of cosmic magnet for strange events? How is it that all these bizarre things keep happening to us simultaneously?" he asked, a perplexed expression on his face.
"It wasn't exactly bizarre," I replied, feeling a bit unsure about sharing the details of that tumultuous night.
"What do you mean? Are you going to tell me what happened?" he inquired, his eyes wide with curiosity.
I recounted the entire conversation I had with Hyunjin the previous night. As I shared the details, I couldn't help but notice the shifting expressions on Minho's face.
"He's still in love with you?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
I marveled at how his mind seemed to process my words, eventually leading to that question, especially after his attentive silence throughout my narration.
I responded with a simple nod, feeling the weight of the recent events settling upon us both. The exhaustion of the previous night's revelations and the morning's unexpected surprises had left us in a state of subdued silence.
Breaking the quietude, Minho let out a sigh before posing a question, his gaze fixed on my coffee cup. "Did you feel anything about him last night?" he inquired.
"No," I answered succinctly, struggling to put into words the complex mix of emotions I had experienced. It wasn't just a lack of feeling; it was a tangle of guilt, regrets from my teenage years, and the weight of someone's unspoken emotions that I had carried unknowingly.
"Alright then, let's just leave last night behind us. It's in the past now. Let's imagine ourselves as fresh, glistening mangos after a refreshing rain shower. We have a new day ahead of us!" Minho exclaimed as he stood up from his chair.
It was ironic to hear him use that metaphor, considering his disheveled appearance and the lingering scent of alcohol, while I sat there sipping my black coffee, attempting to shake off the weariness and fatigue.
"Let's go for surfing? What do you think?" Minho exclaimed, instantly shifting the atmosphere in the room.
Minho had a knack for combating negativity by throwing himself into various activities. He had an adventurous spirit, always eager to try new things, even though his swimming skills were rather lacking. Whether it was surfing or a game of volleyball, he'd dive in without hesitation.
I got up, pushing myself to set the cup aside and clean it. "Just a reminder, you don't know how to swim," I cautioned, raising an eyebrow.
He waved off my concern with a grin. "Oh, come on! You're there to save me, honey. You're my lifeguard," he said with his usual playfulness.
As he spoke, my mind drifted back to my initial encounter with Felix. His words lingered in my thoughts: "I have to keep you safe."
My reverie was abruptly broken when Minho flung his leather jacket onto my face. I went from being lost in my thoughts to feeling slightly disgusted by the scent of alcohol that clung to the jacket.
"Put that in the laundry for me," he laughed, clearly enjoying his perfect shot.
An unexpected surge of annoyance made me stretch my arm to toss the jacket back at him, but he darted out of the room too swiftly, narrowly avoiding my aim.
"Minho, I swear if you do this again, you'll be dead," I shouted after him, my voice laced with irritation.
The sun cast a warm and golden glow over the beach as Minho and I made our way to the shoreline, surfboards in tow. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing backdrop to the excitement bubbling within us. The salty breeze tousled our hair as we approached the water's edge.
His mocking laughter echoed in reply, a mix of exasperation and amusement filling the air.
___
"Ready for this, Minho?" I grinned, my eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Minho shot me a confident smile, despite the slight nervous flutter in his stomach. "Absolutely. Let's catch some waves."
We laid our surfboards down on the sand, waxing them to ensure a smooth glide through the water. As we strapped on our leashes, Minho couldn't help but admire the vibrant expanse of the ocean before us. The waves rolled in with a steady rhythm, beckoning us to ride their crests.
"Remember, Minho, the key to surfing is balance and timing," I advised, my voice carrying the wisdom of someone who had spent plenty of time in the water.
Nodding, he watched as I demonstrated how to paddle efficiently and catch a wave. With practiced ease, I mounted my board and paddled out to where the waves were forming. He followed suit, feeling a mixture of determination and excitement coursing through him.
Positioning ourselves on the board, Minho paddled, matching my rhythm. My heart raced as we spotted a promising swell approaching. I felt a surge of adrenaline as I pushed up onto my feet, the board responding to the movements. For a moment, I was riding the crest of the wave, the salty spray misting my face.
The sensation was exhilarating, a perfect blend of freedom and connection with the ocean. I got a glimpse of the wave carried Minho closer to the shore, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. As the wave dissipated, he hopped off the board and waded back with me.
My applause and wide smile greeted him. "Nice one, Minho! You've got the hang of it."
He laughed, the rush of the wave still coursing through his veins. "That was incredible. Let's do it again!"
Minho grinned like a thrilled kid on his first water slide as he emerged from the water after another successful ride. The exhilaration was painted across his face, a mixture of adrenaline and pure joy. He couldn't believe how addictive this newfound experience had become in such a short time.
"Are you sure you don't want to ride another one, Y/N?" he asked, his voice still brimming with excitement.
After a plenty of my water stunts I chuckled, adjusting the teal swim skirt around my waist. The vibrant colors of my bikini ensemble caught the sunlight, creating a playful contrast against the sparkling sea. "I'll take a break for now and enjoy the view."
I settled down on the warm sand, leaning back on my palms as I watched the waves roll in and out. The gentle breeze toyed with strands of my hair, and the rhythmic sound of the ocean provided a soothing backdrop. As Minho headed back into the water, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.
The sun's rays kissed my skin, and I closed my eyes momentarily, embracing the tranquility of the moment. With the passing day before us, I allowed myself to get lost in my thoughts. The sound of Minho's laughter as he caught another wave brought a smile to my lips. It was moments like these that made life feel truly beautiful.
“What thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?” Felix's voice echoed in my mind.
As the waves continued their rhythmic dance and the gentle breeze lingered on my bare skin, I found myself lost in a moment of introspection. The events of the past night and the day's escapades had finally settled into a quiet lull. With each crashing wave, I felt a sense of calm washing over me, allowing me to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped me.
This place, with its sun-soaked sands and crystal-clear waters, had become a canvas for a new chapter of memories to unfold. The old recollections, once etched into my heart, were now intertwining with the new experiences, creating a tapestry of emotions that were both familiar and unknown. And in the midst of it all, there he was – Felix, his vibrant presence captured in the polaroids of my mind.
I remembered his gaze as he looked at me under the starlit sky, his curiosity evident in his eyes. In that moment, as I met his gaze and felt the warmth of his smile, a mixture of numbness out of getting caught off guard and nervousness had surged within me. But regardless those feelings, I still wanted that ‘something more’ I craved for.
By the time any other notion could cross my mind, a loud scream made me plop up from the sand bed, instantly recognizing the high pitch of Minho. I searched my gaze, finally finding the turned surfing board floating on surface without it’s owner.
"Oh, fuck!" The rush of fear surged through my veins, the moment I scanned Minho's body floating aimlessly in the water. Without a second thought, I sprinted towards the sea, diving in with all my might. My heart pounded in my chest as I swam towards his turned surfing board, desperately trying to cut through the water. My mind was laser-focused on one thing: reaching him before it was too late.
Under the surface, I spotted the leg leash tangled around Minho's body. Panic gripped me, and I immediately attempted to pull him up towards the surface. But the water resisted my efforts, making every movement seem like a struggle against an unyielding force. As I fought to maintain my grip on him, I realized that my actions were only causing us to sink deeper into the water when I felt no touch of surface above my head.
I clenched my teeth and summoned every ounce of strength in my body, but it felt as though the water was determined to keep us submerged. The air in my lungs dwindled, and a sense of desperation took over. The slowly vanishing feel of air in my lungs shot a swift dizziness in my head.
Just as I was reaching my limits, I felt an arm slip around my waist, pulling me upwards. The last sight my eyes saw was the hue of blue and greens of the undersea. Gasping for air, I broke through the surface, my body instinctively kicking to keep afloat. The arm remained wrapped around me, and I leaned against the chest of my savior to catch my breath.
"Are you alright?" Felix's voice cut through the chaos, his own breathing labored.
I turned my head to meet his gaze, his blonde hair glistening in the sunlight. But there was no time for admiration or contemplation. My focus was solely on Minho.
"Minho! I have to get him," I exclaimed urgently, determined to plunge back into the water. However, Felix's grip tightened, preventing me from moving.
"Wait, Y/N! Wait," he urged, pointing towards the shore. My gaze followed his gesture, and relief washed over me as I spotted a figure on the beach, dragging Minho onto a mat. My breaths came in ragged bursts as Felix guided us towards the shore, the waves now a gentle lull compared to the chaotic struggle that had just occurred beneath the surface.
Awareness suddenly flooded over me, and I became acutely conscious of how close I was to Felix. Just moments ago, I had been thrashing in the water, struggling to save Minho, and now I found myself tightly held against Felix's body, his arm securely wrapped around my waist. The contrast between those two moments was staggering, and a rush of conflicting emotions coursed through me.
His touch, once an urgent lifeline, now felt oddly intimate, his fingers firmly gripping my waist as if he could shield me from the sea's treacherous depths. I couldn't ignore the rapid thud of his heart against my back, each beat echoing the adrenaline-fueled chaos we had just emerged from. At first, his closeness sent a shiver down my spine, but gradually, the rhythm of his heart and the gentle rise and fall of his chest began to soothe me.
His breath, warm and unsteady, brushed against the nape of my neck, leaving a trail of comfort in its wake. It was as if our bodies had synchronized, the sea's turmoil now mirroring the calm rhythm of our shared breaths. In that suspended moment, I found myself wondering if he felt the same chaotic blend of emotions that I did.
The crashing waves, once a menacing force, now seemed distant and hushed, as if the world had been muted around us. My gaze flickered to his eyes, his expression unreadable yet strangely comforting. Was he experiencing the same mingling of sensations as I was? Could he sense the sudden shift in the air?
"Thank you, Felix," I said softly as we made our way back to the shore, the tension of the moment slowly dissipating.
His gaze, once fixed on the receding waves, shifted to meet mine. There was an intensity in his eyes, a mixture of relief and concern that seemed to transcend the words he was about to speak. His eyes wandered over my face, as if searching for reassurance that I was indeed safe and sound, as if he couldn't quite believe I was standing there beside him.
For a moment, I felt his fear of loss, his worries etched onto his features. It was as if he was holding on to this moment, desperate to capture every detail, as if he feared that blinking for just a second might cause me to disappear. His eyes traced the contours of my face, lingered on my lips, before finally returning to meet my gaze. And then, he spoke.
"Y/N," he began, his voice carrying a weight of emotion, "I know I have to keep you safe. At all costs."
His words hung in the air, carrying a depth of meaning that went beyond the surface. It was as if he was admitting something profound, a truth that he had held close for a long time. The sincerity in his voice and the vulnerability in his gaze made my heart skip a beat. In that moment, his words weren't just about the events of today – they held a significance that reached much further, into the unspoken moments between us, into the uncharted territory of our feelings.
I didn't know how to respond, how to convey the whirlwind of emotions that his words had stirred within me. So, I simply nodded, letting my eyes meet his in a silent acknowledgment of the connection we had. It was a connection that transcended words, a bond that had been deepened by the shared experience of facing the unpredictable together. And as we stood there, gazing at each other, I felt a warmth spread through me, as if the sun had found its way into my heart.
The closeness of our bodies, the desperation of catching our own breath, latching on each other in this water and some simple words, all of this might be counted as the ‘Something more’ I want from him. Let me rephrase, all of this is the ‘Something more’ I need from him.
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Next chapter coming soon.
Please let me know your thoughts, anything you liked or disliked. Just anything, It will bring me a lot courage to write more :)
Also, comment if you'd like me to create a taglist and add you in.
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
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Pairing: SKZ Felix x Reader
Series: Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
Genre: Strangers to lovers, slight angst(!), smut (not in this chapter honestly), fluff, slow burn(!)
Synopsis: Running back to the last of the summer left with her, Y/N unexpectedly gets stumbled beneath the tranquil embrace of starry nights and soothing breeze, a story of unexpected encounters and emotions unfolds. Y/N's summer takes a captivating turn when she crosses paths with Felix. The vibrant lights and electric atmosphere become a backdrop for a connection that defies explanation. Amidst laughter and music, their bond grows, but new challenges and confessions test their emotions. As the waves whisper secrets, Y/N navigates a sea of feelings, unearthing a journey filled with surprises and self-discovery.
Mood board: #1
Word Count: 10k
Warning: Mention of a passed one, mention of alcohol, slight sexual tension (not much, just a little)
A/n: I was never fond of summer before this year. It's like refusing to try a new ice-cream flavor in fear of ruining the taste buds but finally trying and eventually falling in love with it. I hope reading this simple fanfic becomes one of the nice things to be remembered about summer for everyone. ^^
| Reminder: All the character's personalities and thoughts are raised from pure fiction, it is just a work of fiction. |
Read all the chapters here.
Beneath the starlit waves
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When we think of summer, our minds often drift to memories of refreshing shaved ice on the beach, or warm nights spent gathered around a crackling bonfire. And for those who are fortunate enough to have the right luxuries, perhaps sipping margaritas by the pool at noon.
There's something special about the season that just brings out the best in us - the warmth of the sun on our skin and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. It's no wonder that "they" say the beach is where you can truly experience the miracle of summer.
Even now, as the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for those long summer days. Perhaps that's why so many of us go to great lengths to hold onto the season for just a little bit longer - like driving 163 kilometers straight from town to catch up with the last couple of weeks of summer, or simply sitting on a sandy bed, watching the sunset unfold before us.
As I sit here now, surrounded by couples who seem about to start making out any moment. I completely forgot about my summer with everything that's been going on lately, until my brother made me realize that I've lost touch with myself. The sand, breeze, and salty smell of the ocean leave me with doubts. Am I here to relive that summer miracle or to drown in grief because these things remind me the summer with mom?
The thoughts pushed me to stand up and take unnoticed steps toward the sea. It felt like I was invisible to the world, which was busy making out, spinning bottles, and shoving booze around. I was so lost in thoughts, moving slowly forward and feeling the warm water up to my knees, and then gradually up my thighs, making it feel like the denim was nowhere near my legs. Just when it was about to be all damped, a hand pulled me back, jolting me out of my thoughts.
“Mam! mam! watch out where you going!”
This guy snapped me out of my thoughts in an instant, and it dawned on me just how far I had strayed from my original spot—quite a distance, indeed.
“I’m… sorry for pulling you out of it but, the tides are high at the moment. You should stay at the shore. Are you alright?”
Have you ever seen a sunset in someone's eyes? I did, at that very moment, in those eyes. The reflection of the dozing sun under the sea behind me was mirrored in his gaze. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of dopamine rush was making me observe the intricate details of a stranger's face with such intensity, as if I were completely enthralled.
"Oh yeah... sure, I'll be at the shore," I replied, already stepping toward the land.
"Thank you. I had no intentions of interrupting you, but you know, duty calls. I have to keep you safe," he said with a shrug and a chuckle, following me out of the water.
His tank tee with the whistle clearly marked him as a lifeguard on duty. Of course, it was his job to ensure everyone's safety.
"No, no, it's fine. I was just lost in my thoughts; don't worry," I cleared my throat, my gaze fixated on the hues of orange and pink across the horizon.
"Are you hanging out with that group?" he inquired, pointing at a bunch of people enjoying drinks around a newly bonfire.
"No, I'm alone," I replied.
"Oh... enjoying a peaceful sunset by yourself?" he asked.
I glanced down at the sand sticking under my feet and simply nodded, “Yeah it’s the most serene time of a rushing summer day” I responded.
"It certainly is," he agreed, his gaze sweeping across the gently receding waves. "With the crowds thinning out this week, it's even more peaceful. Usually, kids are running around the water even at this hour, which can make my job a bit challenging," he chuckled, gesturing to the beach around us.
A sense of understanding washed over me as I appreciated the his dedication and responsibility. "I can imagine. Your job must require a lot of patience and watchfulness," I remarked, admiring his commitment to ensuring everyone's safety.
He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've got that right. But it's all worth it to keep everyone safe and happy at the beach," he replied.
"I'm Felix, by the way. You should know my name, so that you can call out for help whenever you're drowning in thoughts like that again," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a warm smile.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful remark, appreciating his friendly and caring demeanor. "Yeah, sure, and I'm Y/N," I replied, feeling a sense of ease and comfort in his presence. No wonder our chance encounter now evolved into a stroll together. Sun is no where to be found and the blanket of stars slowly started to fade in.
As our conversation continued, he brought up Coastal Hangover, a popular spot filled with beachgoers during the summer. "how come I never saw you at Coastal Hangover's this summer? It's always buzzing with people from around the beach," he inquired curiously.
“That’s because I was not here the whole summer, just arrived an hour before.”
Felix's reaction was both amusing and endearing. He gasped dramatically, adding a touch of theatrical flair to his response. "No way! We're at the end of the season, and you came just now! Well, I hope you're not leaving before the Sandcastles & Starlight Festival. You might give me a heart attack" he said, placing his hand dramatically on his chest with an exaggerated look of concern.
Laughter filled the air as we both enjoyed Felix's playful theatrics. "Don't worry, I will be there," I assured him with a grin. "My friend won't let me leave before I attend the festival. He said it's either me attending the fest or my lifeless body being dragged back to college," I added in a mock-serious tone.
Felix burst into laughter, the sound mingling with the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves. "Well, it's good to have friends who know how to keep you in line."
“Oh you don’t know Felix, it’s like real hell with him.”
My phone buzzed a notification from Minho, hell is typing.
MINHELL   
 *Food might wait for you but I won’t*
 *Be here before this chicken casserole gets cold or I’ll lick it off. You won’t even get a bite of it.*
“Speak of the devil” I chuckled as I read the notification from Minho. "Well, it looks like I've got a food thief to deal with," I said to Felix with a playful grin. "I better head back before he devours the whole dinner himself. Trust me, he means it when he says he'll eat it all!”
Felix laughed, understanding the predicament. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he leaves you at least a bite," he teased.
"I couldn't have asked for a better lifeguard," I replied. "You saved me from drowning back into my thoughts." a smile appeared on my face at an instant.
"As I said before, I have to keep you safe," he responded, both of us sharing a laugh at his cheesy statement.
As I turned to leave, Felix called my name, causing me to pause and turn back. Curiosity filled my eyes as I waited to hear what he had to say. "Um... if you've got time tomorrow, wanna swing by Coastal Hangover? I'll make sure the first few drinks are on the house. You know, employee benefits," he said with a charming grin.
"You work there too?" I asked, pleasantly surprised by the revelation.
"Yeah, actually my dad runs the place, and I'm supposed to be helping him on Fridays and Saturdays," he explained.
I gasped in amazement. "Oh my goodness! You owns the place? Coastal Hangover is such a classic around here and you just gave me a tempting offer."
He chuckled at my excitement. "Not me, my dad. But I'm there often, helping out and enjoying the atmosphere. So should I be expecting you tomorrow?"
The invitation felt like the perfect continuation of the evening's serendipitous events, and the flow of the moment felt so right that I couldn't resist.
"I would love to be there."
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The sight of Minho almost dipping his tongue into the pot sent me into a frenzy. Without thinking, I swung open the backdoor to the kitchen and threw my scrunchie at his face. "No! Get your mouth away from it! I swear I'll kill you," I exclaimed.
Quickly, I grabbed a spoon from the kitchen counter and dunked it into the pot, scooping out enough food to fill my plate. I plopped down on the chair next to Minho, giving him a stern look as he smirked and continued to eat from his plate, clearly enjoying my moment of panic.
His visible mock and playful eyes angered me a little, but I knew Minho loved teasing me. "Just a few minutes late, and I would have cleaned that pot better than a dishwasher," he said with a devilish laugh, relishing in my reaction.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my smile as I playfully hit him on the arm. "You know what, you can be such a pain in ass sometimes," I said, pretending to be annoyed, but deep down, I cherished these moments of banter with him.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter at Minho's outrageous response. "Yeah, that pain which occurs when you try holding back poop," he blurted out effortlessly, clearly amused by his own remark.
"Ughh gross! Minho, I'm eating. Keep your shit jokes outside the kitchen, please!" I said, trying to contain my laughter while also pretending to be exasperated with his sense of humor.
Minho's demonic laugh filled the room, and I couldn't help but shake my head at his antics. Sometimes, he really knew how to push my buttons, but at the same time, his playful banter was part of what made our friendship so special.
"Sometimes, I wonder how you come up with these brainy things," I teased, shaking my head in mock disapproval.
"It's a gift," he replied raising his hands up as if he can communicate with gods, still chuckling at his own joke.
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my smile. "You're impossible, Minho," I said, finally giving in to the laughter that bubbled up inside me.
"But you love me," he said with a mischievous grin.
"Yeah, yeah, I do," I said, playfully nudging him. "You may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but you're my pain in the ass."
In that moment of shared laughter and joy, the room seemed to come alive with the echoes of our cackling and laughter, as if it had never been abandoned for five years. The walls held onto the memories of our giggles, as if these moments had always belonged to this kitchen. The scent of rosemary and lemons filled the air, just like it used to when Mom was still with us, living in these moments.
As we reminisced and created new memories, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia. It was as if time had folded back on itself, bringing back the warmth and happiness of those summers we used to have. The room, once filled with silence and emptiness, now resonated with the familiar sounds of laughter and camaraderie.
I glanced around, half-expecting to see Mom bustling around the kitchen, her infectious laughter mingling with ours. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that she was no longer physically with us, but she lived on in the memories we held dear.
Minho, sensing the shift in my emotions, reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "She's here with us, you know," he said softly, his eyes filled with understanding.
I nodded, a tear escaping from the corner of my eye. "I know. It just feels like she's so close, yet so far away."
"She lives in our hearts and you’ll definitely gonna feel that, we’re in her territory ," he reassured me.
And he was right. In the laughter and banter, in the warmth of friendship and the beauty of the present moment, Mom's presence was palpable. The love she had poured into this house had become an eternal thread, weaving through the tapestry of our memories.
I checked on the pantry making a list of requirements while Minho cleaned up the dishes.
I have to stay focused and not bring back the tears again. This house should not experience any more of sorrow, mom would have never let a single moment passed without bliss and I won’t leave any sorrows till the end.
___
As I continued to jot down the items on the shopping list, Minho broke the silence with one of his characteristic small talk questions. "How was the stroll to the beach?" he asked.
"Nostalgic," I replied with a smile, recalling the beautiful encounter with Felix and the rush of memories that flooded back to me during our conversation, while scribble a pack of oreo in the list. “By the way, do you remember Coastal Hangover? You and Missy met there for the first time”
"And broke up once the vacations were over, don't remind me of that," he responded with a slight grimace. "But what about it?" he added
“Nothing, I just felt like heading over there tomorrow, what do you thing?” I added spaghetti x2 in the list.
“No way we’re missing Wooyoung’s party for the place I got dumped once.”
“Then, can I go by myself? It’s not like you’re capable of dragging my ass to the party any way”
I retorted, half-teasing and half-serious.
"Nah-uh, I'm not letting you stay alone. Your brother's gonna kill me if I leave you by yourself," Minho insisted, his protective side coming to the forefront.
“Minho trust me, I’ll be fine. You know, you and Chan got to visit here more than me, you two know almost everyone through these parties but for me, this place is becoming more and more distant, I just want to feel belongingness here in my own way too”
Minho looked at me, his expression softening as he understood the sincerity in my words. "I get it, Y/N," he said gently. "And you're right. Chan and I have been coming here for years, and we know a lot of people through these parties. But that doesn't mean you can't find your own sense of belonging here."
He paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. "You're a part of this group, too, and we want you to feel like you belong here. It's just that, I worry about you being alone in a place where you have some memories that may not be the happiest or maybe too happiest to bring them back like they used to be."
“C’mon don’t look down on me, you know that I learned to embrace all my memories, happiest or saddest, doesn’t matter.”
I felt he smiled “I hope now you realized we’re not late here and still have our summer left with us. You were rambling about this the whole time on our way.”
I nodded, “You’re right we still have it”
As we stood together, our conversation took a more heartfelt turn. "I hope I'll be able to keep the essence of this house till the summer is over," I said, my voice soft with sincerity.
Minho turned to face me, his eyes filled with unwavering support “Out of all the people I think you’re the one who can keep the essence of this place just like it has always been and you know I’m here for the help” as if this moment felt warm, it got ruined with him landing both his wet hands of dish washing soap on my shoulders. I could see the bliss of mock in his eyes.
“Ugh! Why am I putting up with you?!”
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The vibrant lights of Coastal Hangover painted the evening sky in a mesmerizing display, captivating my senses and filling me with a heady mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The pulsating music and infectious laughter emanated from afar, creating an electrifying atmosphere that beckoned me closer.
The air was alive with the scent of the ocean and the intoxicating blend of various drinks being concocted at the bar. People swayed and danced in harmony with the music, their laughter blending with the melody, creating a symphony of joy.
I am wearing a delicate crocheted top adorned with intricate patterns hugged my frame, paired with my favorite shorts, which accentuated my legs, it created a relaxed and casual look. I smiled as I recalled the little star necklace that adorned my neck. It was a thoughtful gift from Chan. I trailed my hand one last time through my hair before making my way through the sea of people, catching glimpses of familiar faces and strangers alike. The smell of ocean air mingled with the aroma of soft limoncello fragrance
And then I saw him.
Amidst the crowd, I spotted Felix behind the bar, he looked effortlessly charming in his tropical shirt, the vibrant patterns perfectly complementing his puffy blonde hair. The open shirt revealed just enough of his sun-kissed tone to leave anyone mesmerized, be a sight for sore eyes. His cackling laugh is audible mixing with R&B music, stimulating a smile on my face.
Till I saw him, I was excited to spend a night in this classic place but now for some reason my mind is telling me to turn around and run out of the place, I found myself struggling to tear my gaze away.
As our eyes locked, I couldn't help but feel a surge of electricity between us. Felix's smile was like a beacon of light, drawing me closer despite my initial instinct to step back. It was a grin that spoke volumes.
He waved over as I navigated through the crowd toward the table before a guy crashed his back on me, making me stumble a little. I composed my balance before any of us could have fallen and the guy turned around, spilling apologies. I locked eyes with the guy who had accidentally bumped into me, my heart skipped a beat. Someone I had known from the past, memories flooded my mind, taking me back to a time when Hyunjin used to visit our house for my mother’s personal piano lessons.
"Y/N?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening with surprise. "Is that really you?”
I knew I’ll bump into past once I left my house, but out of all people he was unexpected. This moment opened the envelope of the memories I never knew I had.
“Hyunjin, long time no see” I exclaimed.
He hesitated for a moment, “I didn’t expected you here at all, I remember Chan telling me you started college and I thought now you’ll never come back.”
“Well eventually I did visit less than before but I just thought to pass by this year.”
Hyunjin nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Coastal Hangover has a way of pulling people back, doesn't it?" he said with a soft chuckle.
I just replied with a nod, unable to suppress the memories that flooded back.
"So, how have you been?" Hyunjin asked, his eyes searching mine for any hint of what had transpired in the time we were apart.
"I've been good, busy with college and all," I replied, deliberately keeping my answer vague. There were so many things I wanted to tell him, so many experiences and emotions that I had been through, but it felt too overwhelming to dive into all of that right now.
Hyunjin seemed to sense my hesitation and didn't press further. Instead, he smiled warmly.
My eyes glanced over to where Felix stood behind the bar, chatting with other customers. A pang of guilt washed over me as I realized I got distracted from the reason I came here in the first place. Hyunjin happened to follow my gaze and chuckle after.
“You were going to get drinks, I guess” he exclaimed catching me off guard.
“Oh no, I mean yes, actually I was invited by him. You know Felix?”
“Everyone in this room knows him” his eyes followed up to the bar, “by the way feel free to get back on your way and you should try the Piña colada, it’s a special here.”
This distance felt miles to cover when I was finally sitting in front of Felix.
"Thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely give it a try," I replied, hinting my depart.
___
"You finally made it my lady!" Felix's cheerful voice brought me back to the present, and I forced a smile in response.
"Yeah, I couldn't resist the allure of this place, lord Felix" I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray the fluttering feeling in my chest.
He giggled at my reply.
“Now, what can I get for you?” he asked flipping a cocktail spoon between his fingers. That long spoon flipping between his small cylindrical fingers left me an unexpected gulp. I’m amazed by this man being capable of luring my eyes on his every detail.
“A Piña colada, please” I answered.
Felix's playful giggle only added to the charm that surrounded him. He seemed to have an effortless way of making everything feel lighter and more enjoyable.
"Piña colada coming right up," he said with a wink, his fingers gracefully moving as he prepared the drink. I couldn't tear my eyes away as he skillfully combined the ingredients with an elegance.
As he handed me the perfectly mixed Piña colada, I thanked him with a grateful smile. Taking a sip, the sweet and tropical flavors on my taste buds instantly transported me to a paradise. I realized that it’s his specialty because it’s just like him, blonde and sprightly.
"Is it to your liking?" Felix asked, his eyes locked on mine.
"It's amazing," just like you.
A soft blush crept up my cheeks as I caught myself thinking that, but luckily, I managed to keep my thoughts to myself. Felix's gaze intensified, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips, as if he sensed there was more to my words.
"Well, I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice warm and genuine. "And you know, I have a way of making the perfect Piña colada for someone who appreciates them," he added playfully.
I smiled, feeling at ease in his company. "I believe you. You seem to have a talent for bringing a little bit of paradise into everything you do" I replied, unable to resist a playful remark of my own.
Felix's grin widened, and he gave a small bow in acknowledgment. "I must admit, I try my best to make every moment special, especially for someone as enchanting as you," he said, his compliment wrapping around me like a warm embrace.
The air around us seemed to shimmer and I found myself drawn to Felix in a way I couldn't fully explain. There was something magnetic about him, something that made me want to delve deeper into his world and get to know him beyond the lifeguard on duty.
“Let’s sit outside, what do you think? I don’t think we can chit chat clearly in here” he suggested and I nodded at it. He made me follow out from the back door of the bar so that I won’t get my drink spilled in that crowd.
“So, what else you like besides my Piña colada and this place?” he inquires, pulling a patio chair facing the sea for me. Once I was settled he sat on another chair besides me.
I couldn't help but smile at his question, delighted by his interest in getting to know me better. "Well," I began, "besides your amazing Piña coladas and this enchanting place, I love spending time by the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the feel of the sand between my toes always brings me a sense of peace and serenity.”
“I know” his eyes locked with mine again, his lips twitched into a smirk “Anyone can read that, it’s all over you”
The rush of warmth that spread through my chest was undeniable, and it took every ounce of self-control not to show how flustered I was. This feeling was familiar, yet unlike anything I had experienced before. It was as if the past encounters that had made my heart race paled in comparison to the intensity of this moment.
The unexpected pause made us look through each other’s eyes. Ocean breeze gently brushed against my skin, the distant sound of music and laughter from inside the bar now a soothing backdrop to our conversation. The view of the sea was breathtaking, the moon casting a silver glow on the rippling waves. No reality has ever been this entrancing.
"And what about the stars?" Felix asked, gesturing towards the night sky above us. "Do you love stargazing too?"
A soft smile touched my lips as I gazed up at the glittering canopy of stars. "Absolutely," I said. "There's nothing quite like lying under a blanket of stars and feeling the vastness of the universe. It makes me realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things, yet how connected we are to everything around us." I faced back to him only to find his gaze fixated on my expressions.
"What are you doing?" I couldn't help but ask, my curiosity mixed with a touch of pink hue that colored my cheeks.
Felix's gaze remained fixed on my face, his eyes holding a depth that seemed to go beyond mere words. "Star gazing," he replied softly, his voice carrying a sense of wonder as if he had discovered something extraordinary in that simple act. As the seconds ticked by, the intensity of his gaze seemed to draw me in, making it hard to look away. The atmosphere around us shifted, leaving both of us momentarily suspended in time, lost in the weight of the emotions swirling between us.
We were interrupted by a high pitch voice from behind us.
“Felix! How could you? How could you cheat on me like this?” I turned back and saw a much taller girl than me having beautiful tangerine curls with her hands on her waist.
I processed her words before I almost stood up from my chair out of this awkward situation, ready to explain. But Felix groaned turning around.
“Stop Sana, she’s just a friend.” He rolled his eyes, “Y/N before she makes you feel in an awkward situation, I’ll clear it, she’s my older sister. You’re definitely not my partner in cheating.”
Relief washed over me as Felix clarified the situation, and I couldn't help but laugh nervously at the misunderstanding. "Oh, thank goodness," I said, trying to ease the tension.
Sana's expression softened as she giggled. "I'm so sorry," she said, "I just saw you two sitting together, and I jumped to conclusions." Now that I heard her giggling, I can tell she is definitely Felix’s sister.
"It's alright, no harm done," I replied, still feeling a little flustered from the unexpected encounter.
Felix gave his sister a nudge. "You need stop freaking every women around me, This is seriously the third time you did this.”
Sana huffed, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Ok I’m sorry. Well, I won't intrude on you any longer. Carry on, I just came to ask where is the crate of malibu but I think remember now where I left it " she said before walking away.
As she disappeared into the crowd, I turned back to Felix, my heart still racing from the unexpected interruption. "Your sister seems spirited," I said, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled between us.
"Oh, she's definitely spirited," Felix replied with a chuckle. "She can be a handful sometimes."
“I think I got an older brother with same personality as your sister” I smiled at the thought of Chan pulling almost a similar stunt like that.
“You have an older brother? I thought you were a single child or something because you know older siblings always keep an eye on younger ones, like Sana, she thinks she’s a detective. ”
I chuckled at his statement “He is keeping eyes on me through our friend. He tailed Minho on me.” I sighed while sipping the last few sips of my drink.
“Minho? Lee Minho, you mean?”
I watched him confusingly “You know him?”.
“By any chance, are you Chan’s sister?” he inquired, turning on my curiosity.
“Yeah, you know him too?”
He gasped at the coincidence played here “This town is small for sure, but I didn’t expected you to be Chan’s sister. You know it’s been so long that I didn’t see those guys,?” he seemed thrilled.
A surge of curiosity washed over me. "How do you know them?" I asked, eager to unravel this unexpected connection.
Felix leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, they were quite the characters. We were close, but not really much. They always added their own unique flavor to the party scene. But then, you know how life happens. People move on, priorities shift, and our paths just haven't crossed as much in recent years. Also, I remember watching Minho getting dumped by a girl one day; that might be another reason he specifically stopped his visits."
I pursed my lips in a sympathetic expression, realizing that he had vivid memories of even the regular customers. He even remembered the incident with Minho and Missy.
“I never imagined,” he continued with a thoughtful tone, “I never imagined this place could hold bad memories for anyone. But life has its way of weaving unexpected events into our stories. I just wished it wasn't this place for him. He used to come here more than Chan.”
I nodded, realization hitting me. It was dawning on me that this place, which had once been a haven for Minho and held so many memories, had become tainted by negative emotions. It started to despise Minho, and in response, he stopped swinging by like he used to. The weight of that understanding settled on me, mingling with the sounds of the waves crashing nearby and the distant laughter from the bar. It was a bittersweet revelation, a reminder of how the places we hold dear can change along with the circumstances of our lives.
"It's strange how life works," I mused, a hint of melancholy in my voice. "The same places that used to hold happy memories can sometimes become tainted with other emotions."
Felix nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's like the setting remains the same, but the feelings associated with it change over time. Sometimes, even the most familiar places can surprise us."
He cleared his throat, his simple way to change the mood “Anyway, are they both here with you?”
"Minho is here, as I mentioned before and Chan might show up before the month end" I replied.
“Wow, I’m amazed. How come we have mutual people around us from so long but meeting this year for the first time? Sounds like a perfectly orchestrated plot of a book.”
I smiled at his conclusion, “he's adorable," I thought to myself as the night wore on. It seemed like time had flown by, and I could have spent hours more with Felix, lost in his company. But as much as I wanted to stay, I knew it was getting late, and I had to get some rest.
"Well, I should probably head home," I said, trying to hide the hint of disappointment in my voice.
Felix nodded, understanding the practicality of the situation. "Yeah, it's getting late," he agreed. "But I had a great time tonight. Thank you for keeping me company."
"The pleasure was all mine," I replied with a smile. "I had an amazing time too."
As I stood up from the patio chair, Felix did the same. We walked back inside the bar, and I returned the empty glass to the bar counter. Felix leaned against it, his smile still lighting up the room.
"Maybe we can do this again sometime?" he suggested, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “I’ll be graced to do this again, lord Felix”. His eyes softening at my adored side, forming our cackling laughter.
It felt as though we existed in our own world, isolated from the bustling crowd and the cacophony of music. In a heartbeat, his hand brushed against my cheek, a gentle touch that sent shivers down my spine. With the tenderness of his touch, he swept aside a tangle of my hair, his gaze locking onto mine with crystal clarity. A playful smirk danced upon his lips as he posed the question with swift curiosity,
"Y/N, what thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?”
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I settled onto the stairs of the porch, the cool evening breeze rustling through the leaves as I anticipated Hoshi's return with the slightly inebriated Minho. Earlier, Hoshi had given me a heads-up, mentioning that Minho was proving to be quite the challenge to handle. It seemed that Minho's adventurous spirit had led him down a merry path of revelry, and Hoshi was now grappling with the task of shepherding him back home. As I gazed out into the night, I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Hoshi's predicament. I had known Minho long enough to understand that when he was in high spirits, he could be a handful, I just wondered how come Hoshi forgot this.
As the minutes stretched into an hour of waiting, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying the mesmerizing evening I had spent with Felix. Each fleeting touch, every locked gaze that lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary, and the shared laughter seemed to dance through my mind like a vivid dream. It was as if I had been infused with a rush of sugar, my senses tingling with the intoxicating sweetness of those moments. The evening felt like a delicate flute of champagne, each sip leaving me craving more as time ticked away. I savored every drop, not wanting a single moment to slip through my fingers. But even as I soaked in the memories, an inexplicable yearning tugged at my heart. It was as if the enchanting evening had awakened a hunger in me, a desire for something intangible yet profound. I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly I longed for—was it his time, his words, the warmth of his smile, or even the mingling scents of fresh lime and the raw embrace of the sea breeze? Perhaps it was none of these individually, but rather the sum of their parts that left me yearning for more. It was a craving for something inconspicuous that ran deeper than the surface, a desire to explore the uncharted territories of emotions that had been stirred within me.
I was brought back to the present by the sight of a blue Benz pulling up in the driveway. A guy in a familiar beige leather jacket stepped out of the car and helped a visibly drunken Minho out of the passenger's seat. Minho leaned on him for support as they made their way closer. But as they approached, I realized something was off—it wasn't Hoshi.
“Hyunjin? What are you doing here?” I blurted out, surprise evident in my voice.
“No Y/N call him daddy!” Minho shouted before passing out on his shoulder.
Hyunjin started shaking his head making a sign of discomfort “He’s heavy Y/N, let’s just lay him down first.” he pleaded.
I understood the emergency, immediately pushing the front door open and guiding him to the couch in the living room. He plopped Minho on the couch and I removed his shoes, slowly pulling up a blanket on him. We both sighed as if we just tugged in a toddler to sleep.
I finally burst into laughter at Minho's drunken comment, shaking my head in amusement. "Oh Minho, you never fail to surprise, even in this state," I mused, giving Hyunjin an amused smile.
I can never understand what goes in Minho’s mind that he can blabber shit even when he’s drunk or sober, sometimes he seems crystal clear from the inside and out.
Hyunjin chuckled, looking both amused and exasperated at Minho's antics. "Yeah, he's a handful, that's for sure."
I looked up to Hyunjin “I thought Hoshi will be the one delivering this package” I pointed toward Minho.
“Yeah apparently Hoshi was the original delivery guy but his girlfriend threatened him to reach back home as soon as possible, so this package was tagged on” he replied with a mocking disappointing expression.
I chuckled at the unexpected twist. "Well, it seems like Hoshi's got his hands full with his girlfriend. I hope he survives her wrath."
Hyunjin nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Oh, he will. Hoshi has a way of sweet-talking himself out of situations. He's like a modern-day Casanova."
"That's quite the reputation," I said, shaking my head in amusement. "But hey, at least you stepped in to save the day. Minho owes you one."
Hyunjin grinned. "Oh, he owes me more than one. This won't be forgotten easily."
The night had crept in, the clock ticking past 2 am, as Hyunjin and I remained seated in the very spot where I had been waiting for Minho to arrive earlier. It was a strange feeling again, just like the time had folded back on itself, bringing us full circle. Our conversation flowed seamlessly, weaving between topics ranging from his career to the nostalgia of the summers he spent in this house learning to play the piano from my mother. It was a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about shared experiences and the passage of time.
All of sudden Minho blabbered in sleep and we let go the laugh we’ve been holding through this conversation.
___
As the conversation continued, I found myself drawn into the familiarity and comfort that had always marked our interactions. We had started as friends, bonding over summers and laughter, and as the years went by, our connection had deepened. Until a time came when one of us fell for the other.
"How did you manage to make it to Wooyoung's party when we only met this evening at the club?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. He chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, I tend to get my fair share of party invitations quite frequently. Just happened to juggle both events tonight," he shrugged as if it were a regular occurrence to be invited to multiple parties in a day.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his response. "Seems like you're quite the party-goer, then." He grinned, his gaze meeting mine. "Well, I do enjoy a good party every now and then. Keeps life interesting, you know. Also, sometimes my band is asked to perform too” I found myself comparing him to Minho for a moment, thinking about how even Minho, who is very known for his social outings, had never faced the predicament of two clashing parties in a single day during summer.
"By the way, I thought you wouldn't come back here since you've never been for the last five years," Hyunjin asked, his tone shifting to a more serious note. His question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I found myself lost in thought. The night was quiet except for the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. It was as if the weight of his question had settled over us, making our conversation take on a deeper and more contemplative tone. I had assumed that 2 am conversations were typically reserved for sensitive topics in digital chats, but here we were, delving into a meaningful exchange face to face.
I felt a lump forming in my throat as I grappled with how to respond. His question brought back memories that I had long buried, memories of a time when feelings were raw and emotions ran deep.
I looked into his eyes, searching for understanding, and then finally spoke up. "Hyunjin, it's not about you," I said, my voice steady but carrying a hint of vulnerability. "It's about... a lot of things. A lot happened in those years, and it wasn't just one reason that kept me away." His gaze remained locked on mine, and I could see a mixture of emotions in his eyes. Perhaps he still carried the weight of how he had confessed his feelings to me all those years ago, and how I seemed to have vanished in response.
"You disappeared without a trace," he said softly, his voice tinged with a touch of hurt. I nodded, my gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his again. "I know, and I'm sorry for that. I didn't handle things well back then." We sat there in the midst of the night, the words hanging in the air between us. It was a conversation that had been long overdue, a conversation that required honesty and vulnerability.
Hyunjin sighed, his expression softening. "It's okay, don't feel sorry," he said, his voice gentle. "To be honest, I was too immature for that timing. I should have understood that those days were too precarious to be handled by you alone, and then I threw my feelings into the mix, only making things even more confusing.”
His words held a weight of understanding and self-awareness. I appreciated his honesty and his ability to reflect on the past, recognizing the complexities that had shaped our interactions.
Hyunjin's hand traced upon mine, his touch offering comfort. "No need to apologize," he said sincerely.
"Y/N, you might not know this, but I've been waiting to have this conversation for the past five years," he said, his gaze fixed on mine. The sincerity in his eyes was palpable. "I always imagined hugging you the moment I saw you again, but when I saw you at Coastal Hangover today, I couldn't do it. I was too shocked to process it at first, wondering if… it could be a dream.”
His words held a raw vulnerability, and I could feel the depth of his emotions.
“We both might have moved on from the past to here, at this moment and we both might be changed but my feelings had always been constant for you and it will always be the same.”
Till now I always thought that Hyunjin confessed to me five years ago so that he can pull some pain off my chest, and that thought back then made me stop having feelings for him, he wasn't the only immature. I didn't wanted him to tell me that he likes me so that I can be happy again, forgetting the sorrows of the funeral day.
But today, as we sat together in the quiet stillness of the night, the truth struck me like a bolt of lightning. Hyunjin's feelings for me had existed long before than that confession, long before I had even considered the possibility of falling for him. The realization hit me like a tidal wave – he had been in love with me long before I had even realized my own feelings for him.
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The next morning found my self staring outside the window seated in the kitchen, nursing a cup of dark roasted coffee in an attempt to stave off the exhaustion that threatened to consume me. Sleep had eluded me, the events of the previous evening replaying in my mind like a persistent melody. It was astounding how two individuals could leave such a profound impact on me within the span of a single night.
Felix's words lingered in my thoughts, his observations about the emotions that danced across my face as he watched me stargaze. His directness, or rather his unspoken understanding, had caught me off guard. And then there was Hyunjin, bravely laying bare the sentiments he had harbored for years, as if he had been waiting for the perfect moment to unravel his emotions.
The tranquility that had enveloped me just the day before seemed to have been swept away by an unexpected tide. The little castle of calm I had built around myself was suddenly exposed, vulnerable to the crashing waves of emotions that now surged within me. The events of the previous evening had changed the course of my thoughts and feelings, and I knew that moving forward, I couldn't remain stagnant in the safety of my castle. The wave of change had arrived, and it was up to me to navigate its unpredictable currents.
My thoughts were interrupted by a yawn, and I turned to see Minho shuffling into the kitchen, scratching his head. Still clad in his clothes from the night before, he plopped down next to me and absently reached for my cup, taking a sip without much thought. The taste seemed to catch him off guard, and he made a comically disgusted expression, setting the cup back down as if it had betrayed him.
"Oh, what did I just drink? Is this an attempt at homemade poison or what?" Minho exclaimed, his face contorted in a mix of disgust and mock horror.
I chuckled at his dramatic reaction and took another sip from my cup, letting the warm liquid soothe my thoughts. As Minho continued to process the morning after the previous night's escapades, he suddenly groaned and smacked his head on the table. It was a typical Minho move, a clear sign of his frustration when something didn't quite go his way.
"I saw Missy last night," Minho began, and I had a feeling that his encounter with her had led to some interesting developments.
His statement barely registered with me, my mind still occupied with my own thoughts.
"She kissed me," he continued, his frustration evident as he pulled at his hair.
The words hit me like a sudden jolt, and I had to suppress the urge to spit out my coffee. Instead, I ended up choking on it, a fit of coughing overtaking me. Once I managed to regain my composure, I stared at Minho in disbelief, my expression a clear mirror of the "what?" that was on the tip of my tongue.
Minho's revelation immediately swept away all the thoughts that had been clouding my mind since morning.
"I don’t know how it happened," Minho continued, his frustration palpable in every word. "I wasn't even that drunk, but I vividly remember it. And... and she just kissed me after telling me how she missed me and all. I can't remember anything except this, Ughh!" he whined.
His words hung heavy in the air, and I watched as Minho paced back and forth, clearly agitated, as if the act of walking could somehow help him piece together the events of the previous night.
Sensing Minho's escalating emotions, I quickly moved to steady him. Gently, I guided him back into the chair and began to rub his arms in a soothing manner, hoping to help him regain his composure. He rested his head on his hands, clearly trying to collect himself and find some sense of calm amidst the confusion and frustration that had consumed him.
I offered him a reassuring smile, hoping to provide some comfort amidst his turmoil. "It's alright, Minho. Sometimes things like this happen out of the blue. Maybe it was just a momentary impulse on her part. You've come a long way from any feelings you had for her, so don't let this shake you too much.”
“Yeah I know, I just hope I don’t see her again. Ugh… It’s too much for attending just one party, it might been just better if I joined you instead of going that party” he exclaimed.
My response was a sympathetic pursing of my lips as I listened to his predicament.
Curiosity flickered across his face as he continued, "By the way, how did I manage to get home? I can vaguely remember Hoshi leaving the party early."
I thought back to the events of the previous night, the memories replayed in my mind before I answered him, "Hyunjin actually dropped you off last night."
As I shared this detail, I could see a mix of emotions crossing his face – surprise, confusion, and perhaps a touch of realization as well. The shock mirrored the surprise I had experienced when I first learned about the kiss.
"Y/N, do you think we're like some sort of cosmic magnet for strange events? How is it that all these bizarre things keep happening to us simultaneously?" he asked, a perplexed expression on his face.
"It wasn't exactly bizarre," I replied, feeling a bit unsure about sharing the details of that tumultuous night.
"What do you mean? Are you going to tell me what happened?" he inquired, his eyes wide with curiosity.
I recounted the entire conversation I had with Hyunjin the previous night. As I shared the details, I couldn't help but notice the shifting expressions on Minho's face.
"He's still in love with you?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
I marveled at how his mind seemed to process my words, eventually leading to that question, especially after his attentive silence throughout my narration.
I responded with a simple nod, feeling the weight of the recent events settling upon us both. The exhaustion of the previous night's revelations and the morning's unexpected surprises had left us in a state of subdued silence.
Breaking the quietude, Minho let out a sigh before posing a question, his gaze fixed on my coffee cup. "Did you feel anything about him last night?" he inquired.
"No," I answered succinctly, struggling to put into words the complex mix of emotions I had experienced. It wasn't just a lack of feeling; it was a tangle of guilt, regrets from my teenage years, and the weight of someone's unspoken emotions that I had carried unknowingly.
"Alright then, let's just leave last night behind us. It's in the past now. Let's imagine ourselves as fresh, glistening mangos after a refreshing rain shower. We have a new day ahead of us!" Minho exclaimed as he stood up from his chair.
It was ironic to hear him use that metaphor, considering his disheveled appearance and the lingering scent of alcohol, while I sat there sipping my black coffee, attempting to shake off the weariness and fatigue.
"Let's go for surfing? What do you think?" Minho exclaimed, instantly shifting the atmosphere in the room.
Minho had a knack for combating negativity by throwing himself into various activities. He had an adventurous spirit, always eager to try new things, even though his swimming skills were rather lacking. Whether it was surfing or a game of volleyball, he'd dive in without hesitation.
I got up, pushing myself to set the cup aside and clean it. "Just a reminder, you don't know how to swim," I cautioned, raising an eyebrow.
He waved off my concern with a grin. "Oh, come on! You're there to save me, honey. You're my lifeguard," he said with his usual playfulness.
As he spoke, my mind drifted back to my initial encounter with Felix. His words lingered in my thoughts: "I have to keep you safe."
My reverie was abruptly broken when Minho flung his leather jacket onto my face. I went from being lost in my thoughts to feeling slightly disgusted by the scent of alcohol that clung to the jacket.
"Put that in the laundry for me," he laughed, clearly enjoying his perfect shot.
An unexpected surge of annoyance made me stretch my arm to toss the jacket back at him, but he darted out of the room too swiftly, narrowly avoiding my aim.
"Minho, I swear if you do this again, you'll be dead," I shouted after him, my voice laced with irritation.
The sun cast a warm and golden glow over the beach as Minho and I made our way to the shoreline, surfboards in tow. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing backdrop to the excitement bubbling within us. The salty breeze tousled our hair as we approached the water's edge.
His mocking laughter echoed in reply, a mix of exasperation and amusement filling the air.
___
"Ready for this, Minho?" I grinned, my eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Minho shot me a confident smile, despite the slight nervous flutter in his stomach. "Absolutely. Let's catch some waves."
We laid our surfboards down on the sand, waxing them to ensure a smooth glide through the water. As we strapped on our leashes, Minho couldn't help but admire the vibrant expanse of the ocean before us. The waves rolled in with a steady rhythm, beckoning us to ride their crests.
"Remember, Minho, the key to surfing is balance and timing," I advised, my voice carrying the wisdom of someone who had spent plenty of time in the water.
Nodding, he watched as I demonstrated how to paddle efficiently and catch a wave. With practiced ease, I mounted my board and paddled out to where the waves were forming. He followed suit, feeling a mixture of determination and excitement coursing through him.
Positioning ourselves on the board, Minho paddled, matching my rhythm. My heart raced as we spotted a promising swell approaching. I felt a surge of adrenaline as I pushed up onto my feet, the board responding to the movements. For a moment, I was riding the crest of the wave, the salty spray misting my face.
The sensation was exhilarating, a perfect blend of freedom and connection with the ocean. I got a glimpse of the wave carried Minho closer to the shore, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. As the wave dissipated, he hopped off the board and waded back with me.
My applause and wide smile greeted him. "Nice one, Minho! You've got the hang of it."
He laughed, the rush of the wave still coursing through his veins. "That was incredible. Let's do it again!"
Minho grinned like a thrilled kid on his first water slide as he emerged from the water after another successful ride. The exhilaration was painted across his face, a mixture of adrenaline and pure joy. He couldn't believe how addictive this newfound experience had become in such a short time.
"Are you sure you don't want to ride another one, Y/N?" he asked, his voice still brimming with excitement.
After a plenty of my water stunts I chuckled, adjusting the teal swim skirt around my waist. The vibrant colors of my bikini ensemble caught the sunlight, creating a playful contrast against the sparkling sea. "I'll take a break for now and enjoy the view."
I settled down on the warm sand, leaning back on my palms as I watched the waves roll in and out. The gentle breeze toyed with strands of my hair, and the rhythmic sound of the ocean provided a soothing backdrop. As Minho headed back into the water, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.
The sun's rays kissed my skin, and I closed my eyes momentarily, embracing the tranquility of the moment. With the passing day before us, I allowed myself to get lost in my thoughts. The sound of Minho's laughter as he caught another wave brought a smile to my lips. It was moments like these that made life feel truly beautiful.
“What thoughts crossed your mind while I was lost in stargazing you?” Felix's voice echoed in my mind.
As the waves continued their rhythmic dance and the gentle breeze lingered on my bare skin, I found myself lost in a moment of introspection. The events of the past night and the day's escapades had finally settled into a quiet lull. With each crashing wave, I felt a sense of calm washing over me, allowing me to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped me.
This place, with its sun-soaked sands and crystal-clear waters, had become a canvas for a new chapter of memories to unfold. The old recollections, once etched into my heart, were now intertwining with the new experiences, creating a tapestry of emotions that were both familiar and unknown. And in the midst of it all, there he was – Felix, his vibrant presence captured in the polaroids of my mind.
I remembered his gaze as he looked at me under the starlit sky, his curiosity evident in his eyes. In that moment, as I met his gaze and felt the warmth of his smile, a mixture of numbness out of getting caught off guard and nervousness had surged within me. But regardless those feelings, I still wanted that ‘something more’ I craved for.
By the time any other notion could cross my mind, a loud scream made me plop up from the sand bed, instantly recognizing the high pitch of Minho. I searched my gaze, finally finding the turned surfing board floating on surface without it’s owner.
"Oh, fuck!" The rush of fear surged through my veins, the moment I scanned Minho's body floating aimlessly in the water. Without a second thought, I sprinted towards the sea, diving in with all my might. My heart pounded in my chest as I swam towards his turned surfing board, desperately trying to cut through the water. My mind was laser-focused on one thing: reaching him before it was too late.
Under the surface, I spotted the leg leash tangled around Minho's body. Panic gripped me, and I immediately attempted to pull him up towards the surface. But the water resisted my efforts, making every movement seem like a struggle against an unyielding force. As I fought to maintain my grip on him, I realized that my actions were only causing us to sink deeper into the water when I felt no touch of surface above my head.
I clenched my teeth and summoned every ounce of strength in my body, but it felt as though the water was determined to keep us submerged. The air in my lungs dwindled, and a sense of desperation took over. The slowly vanishing feel of air in my lungs shot a swift dizziness in my head.
Just as I was reaching my limits, I felt an arm slip around my waist, pulling me upwards. The last sight my eyes saw was the hue of blue and greens of the undersea. Gasping for air, I broke through the surface, my body instinctively kicking to keep afloat. The arm remained wrapped around me, and I leaned against the chest of my savior to catch my breath.
"Are you alright?" Felix's voice cut through the chaos, his own breathing labored.
I turned my head to meet his gaze, his blonde hair glistening in the sunlight. But there was no time for admiration or contemplation. My focus was solely on Minho.
"Minho! I have to get him," I exclaimed urgently, determined to plunge back into the water. However, Felix's grip tightened, preventing me from moving.
"Wait, Y/N! Wait," he urged, pointing towards the shore. My gaze followed his gesture, and relief washed over me as I spotted a figure on the beach, dragging Minho onto a mat. My breaths came in ragged bursts as Felix guided us towards the shore, the waves now a gentle lull compared to the chaotic struggle that had just occurred beneath the surface.
Awareness suddenly flooded over me, and I became acutely conscious of how close I was to Felix. Just moments ago, I had been thrashing in the water, struggling to save Minho, and now I found myself tightly held against Felix's body, his arm securely wrapped around my waist. The contrast between those two moments was staggering, and a rush of conflicting emotions coursed through me.
His touch, once an urgent lifeline, now felt oddly intimate, his fingers firmly gripping my waist as if he could shield me from the sea's treacherous depths. I couldn't ignore the rapid thud of his heart against my back, each beat echoing the adrenaline-fueled chaos we had just emerged from. At first, his closeness sent a shiver down my spine, but gradually, the rhythm of his heart and the gentle rise and fall of his chest began to soothe me.
His breath, warm and unsteady, brushed against the nape of my neck, leaving a trail of comfort in its wake. It was as if our bodies had synchronized, the sea's turmoil now mirroring the calm rhythm of our shared breaths. In that suspended moment, I found myself wondering if he felt the same chaotic blend of emotions that I did.
The crashing waves, once a menacing force, now seemed distant and hushed, as if the world had been muted around us. My gaze flickered to his eyes, his expression unreadable yet strangely comforting. Was he experiencing the same mingling of sensations as I was? Could he sense the sudden shift in the air?
"Thank you, Felix," I said softly as we made our way back to the shore, the tension of the moment slowly dissipating.
His gaze, once fixed on the receding waves, shifted to meet mine. There was an intensity in his eyes, a mixture of relief and concern that seemed to transcend the words he was about to speak. His eyes wandered over my face, as if searching for reassurance that I was indeed safe and sound, as if he couldn't quite believe I was standing there beside him.
For a moment, I felt his fear of loss, his worries etched onto his features. It was as if he was holding on to this moment, desperate to capture every detail, as if he feared that blinking for just a second might cause me to disappear. His eyes traced the contours of my face, lingered on my lips, before finally returning to meet my gaze. And then, he spoke.
"Y/N," he began, his voice carrying a weight of emotion, "I know I have to keep you safe. At all costs."
His words hung in the air, carrying a depth of meaning that went beyond the surface. It was as if he was admitting something profound, a truth that he had held close for a long time. The sincerity in his voice and the vulnerability in his gaze made my heart skip a beat. In that moment, his words weren't just about the events of today – they held a significance that reached much further, into the unspoken moments between us, into the uncharted territory of our feelings.
I didn't know how to respond, how to convey the whirlwind of emotions that his words had stirred within me. So, I simply nodded, letting my eyes meet his in a silent acknowledgment of the connection we had. It was a connection that transcended words, a bond that had been deepened by the shared experience of facing the unpredictable together. And as we stood there, gazing at each other, I felt a warmth spread through me, as if the sun had found its way into my heart.
The closeness of our bodies, the desperation of catching our own breath, latching on each other in this water and some simple words, all of this might be counted as the ‘Something more’ I want from him. Let me rephrase, all of this is the ‘Something more’ I need from him.
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Next chapter coming soon.
Please let me know your thoughts, anything you liked or disliked. Just anything, It will bring me a lot courage to write more :)
Also, comment if you'd like me to create a taglist and add you in.
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
Chapter: Beneath the starlit waves
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Sunset Serenade: The Last of Summer
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Pairing: SKZ Felix x Reader
Genre: Strangers to lovers, slight angst(!), smut, fluff, slow burn(!)
Synopsis: Running back to the last of the summer left with her, Y/N unexpectedly gets stumbled beneath the tranquil embrace of starry nights and soothing breeze, a story of unexpected encounters and emotions unfolds. Y/N's summer takes a captivating turn when she crosses paths with Felix. The vibrant lights and electric atmosphere become a backdrop for a connection that defies explanation. Amidst laughter and music, their bond grows, but new challenges and confessions test their emotions. As the waves whisper secrets, Y/N navigates a sea of feelings, unearthing a journey filled with surprises and self-discovery.
Mood board: #1
Status: Ongoing
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A/n: It's been five years since I stopped writing, after not having enough confidence. But I finally thought I should give fanfics an another kick start and this time I'm gonna enjoy writing instead of worrying about whether it might fail again. Also, I really really hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing ^^
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Chapter 1 Beneath the starlit waves
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Comfort in a way
You smile at words sometimes sniffles too.
Probably it makes your heart bloom or sometimes sorrow with gloom.
But still you comfort in a way someone would never do and you comfort her differently like I always wanted to.
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foi-fede · 1 year ago
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Numb & Abandoned
He touched my cheek with his cylindrical numb fingers, giving me shivers with each touch.I know what's on his lips upcoming.
I know he'll say it anyway after rubbing off my tears.
"We're better apart "
And his hand left my cheek abandoned just like my heart.
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foi-fede · 2 years ago
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foi-fede · 2 years ago
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foi-fede · 2 years ago
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Don't lock us in pride and prejudice
- feel my rhythem
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