One Time Only ☆ Hyunlix. [EN]

IV

★☆★☆★

The drive home felt longer than usual, filled with a quiet tension that hovered like a fragile mist. Minho's jaw remained clenched, but his grip on the wheel had relaxed. Felix stole glances at him, a mixture of gratitude and guilt swirling within him. In the backseat, Hyunjin seemed lost in thought, his fingers drumming a silent rhythm against his thigh.

As they pulled up to their modest apartment building, Felix exhaled a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. They climbed the stairs in silence, the creak of the wooden steps echoing in the narrow hallway. Minho unlocked the door, and they stepped into their small, cluttered living room.

Felix's textbooks were strewn across the coffee table, a half-eaten bowl of cereal perched precariously on the edge. The apartment was a testament to their chaotic but loving life together. Minho dropped his keys into the bowl by the door and turned to Felix.

"Sit down," he said, his voice softer now. Felix obeyed, sinking into the worn-out couch. Hyunjin perched on the armrest, his presence a strange but comforting addition to their space.

Minho paced the room for a moment before stopping in front of Felix. "I'm not mad at you," he began. "I'm just worried. You're my little brother, and I promised Mom and Dad I'd take care of you. Seeing you at that club... it was a shock."

Felix nodded, his eyes downcast. "I understand, Minnie. I really do. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

Hyunjin cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "If we're going to move forward, we need a plan. Felix, you mentioned you've thought about auditioning. Let's make that happen. Minho, do you know anyone in the industry?"

Minho rubbed the back of his neck. "Not really. But I can ask around. There's got to be someone who knows someone."

Felix looked up, a spark of hope in his eyes. "You'd really do that for me?"

Minho's expression softened into a rare smile. "Of course. We're in this together."

Hyunjin stood up, stretching. "And I'll talk to some people I know. Maybe we can get you an audition with one of the bigger companies. But you'll need to practice, Felix. We have to make sure you're ready."

Felix nodded vigorously. "I'll do whatever it takes. I promise."

The three of them sat in the living room, brainstorming and planning late into the night. Ideas flew back and forth, punctuated by laughter and the occasional serious discussion. The bonds between them grew stronger with each passing hour, a tapestry of trust and determination weaving them together.

As the first light of dawn began to creep through the curtains, Minho yawned and stretched. "Alright, we should get some sleep. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."

Hyunjin nodded, rising to his feet. "I'll head home. But I'll be back tomorrow. We'll start your training, Felix."

Felix stood and walked Hyunjin to the door. "Thank you, Hyunjin. For everything."

Hyunjin smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "You're welcome. Get some rest, Felix. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life."

As the door closed behind him, Felix turned to Minho, who was already half-asleep on the couch. He pulled a blanket over his brother and whispered, "Good night, Minnie."

Felix retreated to his small bedroom, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. He lay down, staring at the ceiling, dreams of a brighter future swirling in his mind. For the first time in years, he felt a sense of purpose, a clarity that had been missing.

Tomorrow, he would dance not for survival, but for his dreams. And with Minho and Hyunjin by his side, he knew he could conquer any challenge that lay ahead.

★☆★☆★

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