Bigger dreams

-Lix? Lix, you're going to be late! Lix?

Minho opened the door and found his younger brother laying on his bed. He took a seat on the edge of the bed and placed his hand on the younger's shoulder.

-Hey, buddy... What's wrong? Does something hurt? Are you sick?

Felix had his eyes opened, filled with tears ready to soak his pillow.

-What's wrong, Lix? Minho's tone became serious.

-I don't know. I don't feel good. I can't get up. I feel like a tight rope is around my neck. I can't breathe, my stomach is squeezing and my heart is racing.

-Can you get up a bit? To look at me.

Felix did as he was told and was caught off guard by Minho's embrace.

-It's alright. You can stay home today. You are exhausted. If you need me to keep you company, I can tell Jisung to take care of the shelter.

-No. I'm fine. Please... I want to be alone, he whispered ashamed.

He didn't want it to sound rude. He needed some alone time. That was all.

-I got you. Call me if you need anything.

At the high school, 2 hours later-Where's Felix? Changbin barged into the teachers' room with no shame.

Everyone looked at him in shock as he searched with his gaze for the freckled boy.

He found Seungmin and fastened his pace towards him while bowing to the others.

-Where's Felix? he whispered in Seungmin's ear.

-You're not allowed here, Seungmin whispered back.

-Then answer my question and I'll leave. He was supposed to teach me this morning. He doesn't answer his phone. Did I do something?

Seungmin sighed and dragged Changbin by the collar out on the hall. He took his phone out of the blazer's pocket and dialed Felix's number only to receive no answers.

-He doesn't reply to any of my messages either. I called his brother and he told me he's sick.

-Oh... Should I go bring some soup or...

-You don't get it, Seungmin stopped Changbin from talking. Felix came to school when he had pneumonia. He's not sick.

-Then... what can it be?

-Felix is... Felix is a gentle heart, hyung. But sometimes things get overwhelming. He struggles a lot with life. I don't blame him. Life hasn't been easy on him. He may be hiding in his room to avoid everything.

-Why? Shouldn't we all be there for him?

-He's ashamed. He doesn't let anyone be near him when he's like that. You should just wait. He'll answer you when he gets better.

-No! This... This is not right. I know he says he doesn't want us there, but... I don't believe that. Let me try it. Let me talk to him. He may be lonely.

-You don't have any keys, Einstein. Here! Seungmin showed Changbin a phone number. This is his brother's number. Go and ask for his keys.

-Thank you! Changbin hugged Seungmin before sprinting down the the hall.

-Could he be Felix's saving boat? Seungmin mumbled to himself before returning to his fellow teachers.

The ShelterJisung was cleaning the counter when a figure entered the shelter with his face covered by the hoodie and sunglasses.

-Are you Minho? he asked after checking the surroundings.

-No? Are you a thief?

-What? No, I'm... Can you call Minho? he took off his hoodie.

-Changbin? Is that you, right? Minho's voice echoed from behind Jisung. Hello, I'm Minho! Nice to meet you! he shook hands with the younger. Jisung, this is the kpop idol Changbin. Changbin, this is my co-worker, Jisung. He's a bit cautious when it comes to strangers.

-That's alright. I am trying to avoid paparazzi, you know?

-Yeah, Minho laughed. So you said you needed to talk to me about Felix? Is that right? I had no idea Felix knows an idol.

-He is my choreographer.

-He is? That's amazing! I'm so proud of him!

-He's excellent. But... he didn't come this morning and I got worried.

-Oh, yeah, he is sick at home.

-Seungmin told me otherwise.

Minho's smile dropped as his lips parted in shock.

-Oh... You know Seungmin too?

-My manager is sleeping with him. Anyway, I was wondering if I could check on Felix. I'm really worried about him.

-He wants to be alone and... Minho tried his best to refuse the younger in the most kind way possible.

-I know, but maybe if I try... Please! I know I'm a stranger that asks you to give him the keys to your apartment to see your brother. It sounds crazy and bad. I know. But I need to see him... he pleaded with his eyes.

-Let him do it, Jisung grabbed Minho by the sleeve.

-What? the older whiped his head in confusion.

-I'll go with him. It won't take long. Hyunjin is right next door. Look at him! He's in love. Felix always plays Cupid for everyone around him. I have never seen him do something for himself. Help him. If something bad happens, you know I can kick some asses. Besides, Chan hyung is one call away from a murder.

-Since when do you help my brother in his romantic life? he raised his brow.

-Since your brother is the reason I'm here with you now. I owe him more than I could provide.

-Fine. Go with him! Be careful, he kissed him shortly before handing him the keys.

Changbin widened his eyes at the view before following Jisung outside.

-"Co-worker", huh? What kind of job is that?

-I'm not taking that from someone whipped for his choreographer, Jisung spat back.

-Fair enough.

The high school, a few hours later-Jeongin? Seungmin startled as he saw the younger outside the high school yard. What are you doing here?

-I have prepared something. Or are you too tired for a little trip?

-No, I can take it, Seungmin smiled shyly. Where are we going?

-You'll see, Jeongin smiled wide as he took his boyfriend by the hand.

They got inside his car, Jeongin's right hand still holding Seungmin's tightly.

After 15 minutes, Jeongin parked in an underground parking lot under a huge mall.

-Are we going shopping or something? Seungmin asked.

-Not really, Jeongin got out of the car and opened the door for the older.

Seungmin looked around at the cars parked in the dark. There was no sound, no soul, no movement there.

-Okay, so it will sound crazy. You can leave anytime you want. I'll take you home when you want, Jeongin mumbled, fidgeting nervously.

It was the first time Seungmin had ever seen the boy like that.

-Breathe, Jeongin! What is going on?

-I'm embarrassed, he chuckled. Sorry, I'll just say it, he gulped. I've never told anyone this, but I have a dream.

-A dream?

-When I was a kid I didn't have friends. My parents were strict and I wasn't allowed outside after 7 pm. The point is... I've always dreamed of hanging out in a parking lot with someone special. To have someone that I could tell him that. Then I found you and I thought... I thought I made it. I know it's stupid, I'm sorry! he squinted his eyes, waiting for the rejection.

Seungmin couldn't help but smile at the purity of the boy. His youthness was refreshing.

Yes, Seungmin was just one year older, but the circumstances forced him to grow up faster. He couldn't even remember the last time he had fun as a kid.

-Thank you for trusting me with you secret! he cupped Jeongin's flushed face and placed a kiss on his forehead.

-You don't think it's stupid?

-All of us have dreams. There are no bigger or smaller dreams. Every dream is big. Now... Let's make your dream reality, shall we?

Seungmin put his phone on the concrete and turned on the music.

Jeongin rushed to the car and turned on the lights.

They approached each other and started dancing, their silhouettes spinning from car to car as the echoes of their laughs filled their hearts.

-Is this how you imagined it?

-Better, Jeongin stated. Do you have a dream, hyung?

-Making money. I grew up poor. I would use the money to travel to London, New York, Milan...

-I will make your dream come true! London in December? How does that sound? I promise one day I'll help you with your dream! Because you made my own come true.

-I didn't do that much, Seungmin shrugged.

-You did! I finally found my best friend. Thank you, hyung! For being you. For saying yes to someone like me. I am very grateful! he swallowed his tears.

Seungmin's heart broke into pieces when he saw the younger getting emotional over such small gesture.

He engulfed him in a hug and kissed his ear.

Jeongin closed his eyes and enjoyed the warm hug as he inhaled Seungmin's perfume. It smelled like home.

-Wanna make a dance battle? Seungmin asked in a cheerful tone.

-Really? Jeongin asked excited.

-The loser pays for ice cream?

-Deal! I want two flavours! he laughed.