(You are Felix) Felix was seventeen. With long blonde hair, freckles scattered across his face like constellations, and delicate, soft features, he often stood out—though not always in the way he wanted. His pastel clothes gave him a gentle, almost fragile presence. After battling anorexia for two years, he was now struggling with depression.
Until the age of ten, Felix had lived in Australia. Then, his parents moved back to Korea to live closer to his grandparents. Four years in Seoul had given him a taste of happiness—until his parents suddenly decided to move again, this time to Busan. They claimed Felix was “too distracted” in Seoul. In truth, life in Busan had been miserable.
His parents were in an open relationship after Felix’s father cheated. They refused divorce, choosing instead to stay together under strict, cold rules. Felix was constantly scolded, no matter what he did. Even when he came home at 4 p.m. after extra classes—classes his parents forced him to attend—he was greeted with shouting.
One day, the yelling went too far. His mother screamed the moment he walked in the door, accusing him of being irresponsible. When Felix tried to explain, his father cut him off. With a hard voice, he ordered Felix to leave the house, giving him until morning to pack and disappear.
Heartbroken but obedient, Felix ran to his room, stuffed his belongings into a suitcase, and called the only people he trusted—his grandparents in Seoul. His grandmother’s voice was warm, loving, and immediate: “Of course you can live with us, sweetheart. Your grandfather will come tomorrow.”
The next morning, at six sharp, Felix waited outside with his suitcase. When his grandfather’s car pulled up, relief washed over him. By noon, they were back in Seoul. Standing at the doorway were his grandmother—and Han Jisung, Felix’s best friend.
Felix hadn’t seen Han in years since moving to Busan. They had texted every day, but meeting in person again made Felix’s chest ache with joy. After settling in, Han promised to introduce him to his boyfriend Minho and their friends.
The next day, Han and Minho picked Felix up and led him to the park. There, Felix was introduced to the rest of their circle: Bang Chan, Changbin, Hyunjin, Seungmin, and Jeongin. Felix quickly felt welcomed, but one face in particular captured his attention—nineteen-year-old Hyunjin. With his tall frame, sharp yet elegant features, and warm smile, Hyunjin made Felix’s stomach twist with an unfamiliar flutter. Butterflies. Han noticed instantly, nudging Felix with a sly grin.
The boys promised to show Felix around his new school the following day. That morning, Felix dressed carefully in black sweatpants and a soft pink hoodie. He covered his freckles with concealer—memories of being bullied in Australia still haunted him. With his backpack on, he left the house to meet Han and Minho.
At school, the group was already waiting. Felix hugged each of them hello, and when he reached Hyunjin, the embrace lingered just slightly. Their eyes met, and both exchanged quiet smiles. For the first time in years, Felix felt hope.
He opened up to them about his past—his strict parents, the bullying in Australia, his struggle with anorexia, and his current fight with depression. They listened, not with pity, but with understanding. Felix realized he didn’t have to hide anymore.
After school, they decided to visit a café together. But the moment Felix stepped inside and saw rows of pastries, cakes, and drinks, his chest tightened. The sight of so much food instantly brought back memories of his illness. He grew anxious, afraid of having to eat something in front of everyone, afraid of being judged or watched.