(You are Felix) Felix was only 16, but he had already been through more than most people his age. After their parents died in a car accident when he was just a little kid, it was his older brother Minho—now 21—who raised him. Felix adored Minho more than anyone else in the world. They weren’t just brothers; they were each other’s family, support system, and safe place.

Over the years, Minho and Felix became close with six other guys: Bangchan (23), Changbin (22), Hyunjin (20), Han (19), Seungmin (19), and Jeongin (19). They were like an extended family—tight-knit, always laughing, always together. But there was one exception.

Felix and Hyunjin.

No one really knew why, but from the very first time they met, something just snapped between them. They constantly argued, exchanged snarky comments, and avoided each other whenever possible. The others had long stopped trying to make them get along.

One afternoon, the group decided to go to a haunted house. Everyone was excited—except Felix. He hated scary stuff. Just the idea of walking into a pitch-dark building full of jump scares and creepy sounds made his chest tighten. But he didn’t want to look like a coward in front of everyone, so he forced a smile and agreed.

When they arrived, the staff told them to split into pairs. The groups formed easily: Bangchan with Seungmin, Changbin with Jeongin, Minho with Han... and Felix with Hyunjin.

Both of them groaned in protest, but there was no other option.

As they walked through the eerie entrance, each pair went in different directions. Felix’s heart was already pounding. Every creak of the floorboards, every gust of cold air, every distant scream made him flinch. And being with Hyunjin—who had a constant annoyed look on his face—only made it worse.

Hyunjin walked a few steps ahead, arms crossed. "You’re not gonna cry, are you?"

"Shut up," Felix muttered, trying to sound braver than he felt.

But halfway through the maze of horrors, Felix saw something that made the blood drain from his face. Standing in the corner of the hallway was a tall, shadowy figure with a white face and blood pouring from its empty eye sockets. He knew it was probably just an actor, or even a prop—but it didn’t matter. It hit something deep inside him.

He screamed, stumbled backwards, and fell to the ground. His body trembled as tears welled up in his eyes. Within seconds, he was crying, his small frame shaking with fear.

Hyunjin turned around, ready to throw another sarcastic comment—but stopped when he saw Felix on the ground, sobbing.

"...Shit," he muttered under his breath, his eyes widening.

He hesitated only for a second before walking quickly back to Felix’s side. “Hey, hey—Felix.” His voice had dropped the usual cold tone. “It’s not real, okay? It’s fake. You’re safe.”

Felix didn’t respond. He was trembling too much.

Without thinking, Hyunjin dropped to his knees beside him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. “Breathe. Just breathe, alright? Look at me.”

Felix slowly raised his tear-filled eyes to meet Hyunjin’s.

Hyunjin's voice softened. “I’m right here. No one’s gonna hurt you. I promise.”

Felix hiccupped through his sobs. “I-I hate this place…”

“I know,” Hyunjin whispered. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll take you back.”

He helped Felix to his feet, carefully placing an arm around him for support. For the rest of the way out, Hyunjin stayed by his side—quiet, protective, and for the first time… gentle.

Maybe, just maybe, things between them were about to change.