A Bias Wreck

The hotel path curves along the coastline, the morning breeze soft and salty against his skin, but there’s this heaviness sitting quietly over everything now. The kind that settles in once something beautiful is about to end. Or maybe not end. Change. But that sounds scarier somehow.

Felix keeps his hand in yours the entire walk down to the farewell brunch. When the two of you step into the restaurant, a server comes with a tray of mimosas. He takes two flutes and hands one to you. The other couple is arriving not long after, filtering in through different entrances with sleepy smiles and sunglasses perched on noses and the glow of the vacation clinging to their faces.

However, Felix also notices the slightly subdued mood hanging over the room. Nobody wants to say it out loud, but this is it. It’s the last, last moment before everyone stepping back into reality. The last moment before jobs and phones and responsibilities and outside opinions. The last moment before things become real in an entirely different way.

Felix pulls your chair out for you first before taking the seat beside you, immediately draping an arm along the back of your chair. His thumb absentmindedly rubs your shoulder while everyone else is still settling into their seats.

Rob leans back in his seat first, glancing around the table. “So… how’s everyone feeling about vacation ending and going back home?”

“I’m ready for it,” Shane answers almost immediately with a wide grin. “I’ve loved this entire experience, but I kind of want to see if everything works in the real world too.”

Across the table, Sonya smiles softly into her drink. “I feel torn. I want to stay here forever, but I’m also excited to introduce everyone back home to Rob.”

Rob practically melts beside her, not hesitating to give Sonya a quick peck on the lips.

Then Jim cuts in, brushing his hair to the back before putting on a hat over it. “It’s weird how everyone feels so familiar already.”

Morgan snorts beside him. “That’s because we all dated each other.”

The entire table bursts into laughter.

Felix laughs too, head dipping slightly as he squeezes your shoulder closer into his side.

Then Morgan points directly at you. “What about you, honeymoon couple?”

You immediately smile, already fighting laughter. “To be frank, I’m not ready to share Felix yet. I don’t know if I ever will.”

Felix’s entire face lights up so fast it almost hurts his cheeks.

You continue, jokingly dramatic, “I might just stay here and keep him with me forever.”

Felix is hit with a severe cuteness aggression. He doesn’t stop himself from leaning in, placing a big kiss on your cheek.

You laugh in amusement, shoulders scrunching as the rest of the table erupts into teasing noises.

“She’s right though,” Felix says easily, pulling you even closer. “I don’t mind staying here forever.”

Your smile softens at that and for a second, everything feels suspended again, warm and safe until the two hosts arrive.

The entire table straightens when they stand at the end of the table, putting on an elegant stance and politely look at everyone.

“Good morning, everyone!” The male host begins with a bright smile. “Hope you've enjoyed your romantic getaway.”

You shift on your seat, body slightly facing the two hosts now and Felix drops his arm around your waist now as he steals another quick kiss on your temple.

“In this blind love experiment, you guys chose each other. You fell in love, and then you got engaged to the person who is now your fiancé before ever seeing one another,” the female host continues, smiling just as brightly. “You've had an amazing opportunity here to begin to grow your emotional connection into a physical one.”

“I'm guessing some of you had more fun with that than others,” the male host teases while running his eyes at the faces around the table.

There’s a wave of guilty laughter, everyone exchanging knowing glances and smiling secretly to each other. On the other hand, Felix gently rests his chin on your shoulder, catching you holding your laughter in. And yeah, the two of you feel called out by that. But no guilt whatsoever.

The male host clasps his hands together in front of him. “Now it's time for you to leave this paradise and start building your lives together,” he pauses for a dramatic effect before. “Each of you will move into a new home. A neutral space for you guys to deepen your relationships. But it's important that you continue to support each other when you go back home.”

The female host takes over by further share the rest of the announcement. “Each couple is going to be moving into the same complex.”

It takes Felix a moment to process it but the male host emphasizes it as he looks at everyone, hands gesturing toward the table as he announces, “Meet your new neighbors!”

The table erupts in all kinds of responses, but mostly in surprise.

Felix bursts out laughing as Jim cracks a joke about feeling sorry to whoever lives next to him because it’s going to be a little noisy at night.

“Oh, this is going to be messy,” Shane mutters, already entertained.

Felix glances at you, smiling when he sees your amused expression.

The light, playfully atmosphere evaporates in a second when the female host turns a little serious before she speaks. “Your wedding are three weeks away,” she announces, there’s a firmness in the edge of her voice.

Felix instantly feels the way your body stiffens beside him for a fraction but it’s enough for him to notice, enough for him to immediately start rubbing slow, soothing circles against your arm.

“In the pods, you guys all built an amazing foundation. And if you make it through these tests,” she pauses to fix the strand of hair caught in her glossy lips from the sea breeze. “Your marriage is going to move forward on extremely solid ground. We're giving you the absolute best chance for lifetime success. But will you allow opinion of family and friends, the allure of other people, the distractions of social media to sabotage your wedding? Your happiness?”

The whole table seem to hold its breath as the two hosts taking turns talking about how the rest of the show is going to be with an edge to their voice that it suddenly feels like a high-stake gambling instead of a dating show. 

“This is all part of the experiment,” the male host seamlessly takes over. “Will you judge one another for your looks, your age, your family or your circumstance? Will any of that really matter?”

His angular face turns tense as he firmly asks, “Or love will be enough? Is who you are on the inside enough? Are you enough?”

Felix asks himself those questions in his head. He has no doubts about you and he senses the same conviction in you, but no one truly knows what you exactly you feel inside or that your heart will remain rooted. He nervously scratches his neck, feeling his pulse under the skin.

“Ultimately,” the female host effortlessly manage to raise the tension even more. “In front of your family and friends, you're going to decide will you say ‘I do’ to the person you chose sight unseen? Or are you going to walk away from them forever?”

Firmer, she asks the one big question, “Is love blind?”

Felix gently holds your waist because all of a sudden, he feels like you’re about to slip away. But you’re there, placing your hand on his and loosely lacing your fingers together.

The male host breaks some of the tension with an encouraging smile and says, “We hope that you prove it is.”

The hosts finally come to the end of the announcement, smiles tugging at their lips now.  “Everyone, we wish you a safe trip back home and good luck on your wedding plans!”

With that, the two hosts step away, leaving everyone to enjoy the brunch. Conversation slowly starts up again around the table, but Felix barely hears any of it because he’s looking at you.

You stare down at your drink for a moment too long, clearly thinking. Overthinking, more like.

His thumb brushes softly against your arm again until you finally look at him. The second your eyes meet, Felix gives you the gentlest smile he can manage. “It’ll be great,” he murmurs quietly.

Words don’t seem sufficient, so he leans in and kisses you softly. Slow enough for you to feel it. Long enough for you to breathe again.

And when he pulls away, a smile slowly blooms on your face.

“How about a toast? Everyone?” Jim suggests, already raising his glass of mimosa in the air.

Everyone doesn’t respond but follow suit, getting their drinks to the center of the table and clinking their glasses together, toasting for what they’ve survived and for what’s coming their way.

-

FELIX: I think everyone’s just… really in their heads right now. Because this is the scary part, yeah? Back there, in the pods and on vacation, it’s easy to focus only on each other. But now real life is coming. I think some people are thinking too hard already instead of just embracing what they feel. I don’t know about other couples but… [softly smiles] I know what we have. I’m sure we’re making it to that ‘I do.’

-

The hotel suite feels strange already with your suitcase lying open on the bed like the room already knows you’re leaving.

You’re folding clothes with slower, almost reluctant movements, your fingers lingering over fabrics before placing them neatly inside the suitcase. Outside the balcony doors, the ocean still glimmers under the afternoon sun, beautiful and cruel for continuing like nothing’s changing.

You don’t want to leave. Not really. Because once this ends, reality starts. No more waking up tangled in Felix’s arms with nowhere else to be. No more endless hours together with no phones, no work, no distractions pulling at either of you. Just you and him. Only you and him. And maybe that’s why your chest feels heavier with every piece of clothing you fold.

The room stays mostly quiet except for the rustling of fabrics and the occasional sound of zippers. You know Felix notices it from the way he keeps glancing at you while packing his own suitcase but he doesn’t force you to talk or explain yourself. He understands and just lets you feel it. And that makes you love him more.

Once he finishes packing, he straightens from beside his suitcase and looks over at you.

“Need help, baby?”

“Actually, yeah,” you answer as you glance up at him and manage a soft smile. “Can                                                                                                                                                                                                 you please grab my makeup bag from the bathroom?”

“Yeah, of course.”

He crosses the room immediately, pressing a quick kiss against your shoulder as he passes behind you. It’s such a small thing yet it melts something in you anyway.

You continue folding another sweater while he disappears into the bathroom, and a moment later he returns holding your makeup bag triumphantly in one hand.

“Need help with anything else?” he offers.

You laugh softly. “No, thank you.”

He hands it to you before settling himself on the edge of the bed beside your suitcase, naturally picking up one of your shirts and beginning to fold it neatly on his lap. Silence settles between the two of you for another moment before the thought slips out of you before you can stop it.

“Once we go home…” you start quietly, fingers pausing over one of your dresses, “we’re not going to get to spend this much time together anymore.”

Felix looks up immediately, a little confused by what you said.

You rush to explain before the sadness settles too deeply in your voice. “I mean—we still can. Obviously.” You let out a small chuckle. “I just…”

Your shoulders lift slightly. “I’m going to miss this. This ‘just us’ thing.”

He nods slowly as he smooths his hand over the folded jacket before placing it carefully into your suitcase. “We’ll still have that.”

You look at him then and see the certainty in his eyes, the calm smile he gives you like he genuinely believes every word he says and somehow… you do too.

He reaches over and helps you zip the suitcase shut before lifting it off the bed effortlessly and wheeling it toward the door. Then he turns back to you.

“Ready?”

You immediately shake your head while laughing under your breath. “No.”

Felix smiles softly at that and walks back toward you until he’s standing right in front of you.

Then he takes your hand in his, thumb rubbing the inside of your wrist. “Let’s just take it step by step.”

He leans in and kisses you gently. When he pulls away, he softly adds, “Together.”

And then he kisses you again.

Your heart aches so badly from how loved you feel that all you can do is smile brightly against his lips. A little emotional. A little nervous. But excited too.

Eventually, the two of you grab your suitcases and drag them behind you toward the door. You take one last look around the suite, reminiscing moments the two of you shared in this very room and then take Felix’s hand in yours.

And together, the two of you leave the hotel suite.

-

YOU: I’m sad that we’re leaving. [pouts] [laughs] I’m still nervous about going back home, obviously. But I think I’m more excited now. And also, curious. I really want to see what our life looks like outside of all this. [smiles]

-

From the airport, all of the couples get into a minibus. Everyone looks tired in that specific way that comes after too much traveling and too many emotions at once. Some couples lean against each other sleepily while others stare out the windows at the city slowly returning around them.

Reality. It’s here now.

Felix sits beside you with one arm stretched comfortably around your shoulders while your head rests against him. Every now and then, he glances down at you just to check on you. You always catch him doing it too and every time, you smile a little.

By the time the minibus finally pulls into the apartment complex, the sun is already beginning to set, painting everything in warm orange light. Everyone slowly piles out with luggage and tired excitement while production staff hand them back their devices and keys to their shared apartment.

Felix takes both of the larger suitcases immediately before you can even reach for one.

“I can carry one,” you protest automatically.

“It’s okay. I’ll do it,” he easily says with a smile.

You insist on carrying his backpack for him in return and he lets you.

The two of you eventually make your way to 8th floor and walk down the hallway together until you stop in front of your shared apartment door. You stand there fumbling slightly with the keys before finally getting the right one, and right before unlocking the door, you glance over your shoulder at him with the brightest grin on your face.

“Ready?”

With hands still holding Felix immediately smiles back. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

Your grin somehow widens even more and then you turn the handle and push the door open.

The apartment lights are already turned on, revealing a clean, modern space with wide windows, soft lighting, and just enough room to actually feel like a home instead of a temporary setup.

You keep the door open while Felix wheels both suitcases inside and then the two of you just… Look at each other and simultaneously let out low excited noises.

“Oh my god,” you lowly gasp, excitement overriding your exhaustion for at least a moment.

“This is nice,” Felix says, eyes sweeping around the room.

The kitchen catches his attention first. Bright countertops. A proper stove. Enough counter space.

“Oh, this kitchen is sexy,” he blurts out absentmindedly.

You laugh loudly from somewhere near the living room. “Did you just call the kitchen sexy?”

“Yes.”

“Whatever,” you shrug nonchalantly. “I’m sexier.”

He grins at that but you suddenly grab his hand and tug him toward the bedroom instead.

The second you push the door open, the two of you linger on the doorway, just looking at the sight of the plush, neatly made bed, comfortable and inviting.

The two of you exchange a knowing glance and Felix notices your expression change mischievously before you place both hands against his chest, gently pushing him backward toward the living room.

“Let’s eat first,” you insist through laughter. “I’m starving.”

Felix lets himself be pushed willingly. “Fine.”

A little while later, takeout containers are spread across the dining table while the two of you quietly eat side by side. Neither of you talks much at first. The exhaustion from the flight and the long travel day settles heavily now that everything’s finally still again.

Felix watches you sip your water before you glance around the apartment thoughtfully.

“I like it,” you murmur with your eyes scanning the space. “I think I like it more because it’s new and clean though. Everything’s still tidy.”

That makes Felix snorts and look at you curiously. “Are you a very organized person?”

You chuckle like you’re guilty. “I just don’t like clutter.”

Felix nods slowly while chewing his food and honestly, he already knows that about you from the way you packed your suitcase.

You look at him, narrowing your eyes playfully at him. “Are we going to have problems?”

He quickly swallows first before answering. “I think I’m pretty organized.”

You nod approvingly at that. “You are a chef after all.”

Exactly. Cleanliness basically comes with the profession. Then Felix points his chopsticks at you slightly. “But how organized are we talking here?”

You laugh in guilt again before leaning back in your chair. “I hope it’s nothing you can’t handle.”

That answer does not reassure him at all. Felix slowly grabs his soda can and lifts it without drinking yet. “Depends,” he carefully says, a teasing smile tugging at his small lips. “Are you going to make me unpack my suitcase tonight?”

You burst into laughter immediately. “No. We don’t have to unpack tonight.”

Felix visibly relaxes. “Then we won’t have any problems,” he easily concludes and finally takes a sip of his soda.

You laugh at that and the sound fills the apartment so warmly that Felix already feels at home.

-

FELIX:That’s the point of living together, right? We’re going to learn a lot about each other. Learning each other’s habits, routines, little quirks and figuring out how to balance all of that together. I think that part is important, yeah? Hopefully without me getting yelled at for leaving my suitcase unpacked for too long. [laughs]

-

The apartment already feels lived in somehow. Not because the suitcases are still sitting by the hallway or because there are half-empty takeout containers spread across the dining table, but because Felix is in it. Because his laugh keeps bouncing off the walls. Because every few seconds, he reaches for you without even thinking about it.

You finish the last bite of your dinner while he gathers the containers and tosses them into the bin. You join him there, leaning your elbows against the counter while watching him move around the kitchen like he belongs there already.

Felix opens a bottle of wine next, pouring the crimson liquid carefully into two glasses before handing one to you. “To our new place,” he says with a warm smile.

“To our new place,” you softly echo, gently clinking your glass against his.

The wine barely touches your tongue before Felix suddenly reaches for his phone, aims the camera at you and—

Click.

You narrow your eyes suspiciously. “What are you doing?”

“Taking pictures of my beautiful fiancé,” he simply answers.

Your heart aches in the softest way at that, like it hasn’t fully sink in yet that you are indeed his fiancé.

He candidly snaps another photo of you sitting on the kitchen stool, wine glass in hand, hair slightly messy from the long day. You lift the glass to cover half your face. “Stop—”

Click.

“Felix!”

Click.

He is absolutely shameless about it too, grinning behind his phone while taking more pictures anyway.

“You look cute,” he says casually, like that explains everything.

“No,” you groan in disagreement. “My hair is a mess from hours of flight.”

Felix keeps laughing to himself and then places a gentle hand on your waist, “Come, babe. Let’s take one together.”

Your annoyance melts almost immediately at his sweet coaxing. “Okay.”

You slide off the stool and stand beside him while Felix stretches his arm out with the phone. His other arm wraps around your waist, pulling you snugly against his side and you smile instinctively at the contact.

The first few photos are of you and Felix smiling to the camera, making cute and silly faces next. At one point, the photos become blurry because Felix starts laughing halfway through.

And for the last one, you turn your face toward him just as he looks down at you and the kiss happens naturally. But it still leaves warmth blooming across your cheeks when he lowers the phone.

Felix scrolls through the photos with the fondest smile you’ve ever seen. “These are cute,” he murmurs.

You sip your wine again to hide your own smile.

Felix glances up from his phone and carefully asks, “Do you mind if I call my mom?”

“No, you can’t call your mom,” you say, feigning seriousness but it only lasts a few second before you break into soft laughter.

He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly as he dials the number. “I’ve never gone this long without calling her.”

Your heart melts a little at that as you stay perched on the stool quietly while he waits for the call to connect.

The second his mother picks up, his entire face lights up like sunlight spilling through curtains. “Mum,” he says warmly.

You can faintly hear her voice through the phone, asking Felix the kind of questions mother would to her son. “Are you okay? Have you been eating properly? Are you taking care of yourself?”

Your chest aches unexpectedly at how soft they sound together, how affection dripping in the way they talk to each other.

Felix leans against the counter while talking to her, smiling the entire time. He tells her bits and pieces about the trip. About the apartment. About finally being back home. And then—

“Yeah, I’m here with her right now.”

Your stomach flips instantly as he mentions you, his hand holding yours on the counter.

Felix glances toward you with a smile before suddenly putting the call on speaker. “She’s great,” he says as he looks at you.

Then he adds, completely serious, “She said she makes good omelets and I knew I had to marry her.”

Your eyes widen in disbelief. You cover your mouth to muffle your laughter while glaring at him.

Felix only grins harder and on the phone, his mother laughs warmly. “That sounds about right.”

“Oh my god,” you whisper under your breath while Felix chuckles proudly.

“She’s right here,” he tells his mother before looking at you. “Say hi.”

You suddenly feel shy for absolutely no reason. Still, you lean slightly toward the phone. “Hi,” you sheepishly say.

His mother’s voice turns immediately gentle. “How are you doing, sweetheart?”

“I’m doing great,” you answer politely.

“And?” she asks teasingly. “Did you find your dream man?”

You glance at Felix and he is already staring at you. You softly laugh before answering, “I hope so.”

His mother laughs warmly at that while Felix’s grin turns almost unbearably smug. “We’ll visit you guys soon,” he tells her.

“Oh, we can’t wait to see you.”

The conversation continues for another minute before Felix finally says, “We just got back, so I think we’re going to rest now.”

“Well then, you’d better some sleep then,” his mother says fondly.

“Love you, mom”

“I love you, son.”

And listening in on their phone call, suddenly you understand exactly where Felix gets his gentleness from.

The call ends shortly after. Felix sets his phone down before turning toward you again.

You’re still staring at him, softly and fondly. You don’t stop when he notices it.

“So…” you mutter, a little too seductively than you planned. “What’s next?”

Instead of answering, he takes both wine glasses from your hands and places them onto the counter. Then before you can even process it, he scoops you up into his arms.

A startled squeal leaves you immediately as your arms fling around his shoulders, clinging to him.

He laughs while carrying you toward the bedroom and pushes the door open with his shoulder. You’re still laughing when he drops the two of you onto the mattress, the bed bouncing underneath your bodies.

Felix immediately hovers above you, blond hair falling into his eyes slightly as he looks down at you with pure affection and mischief tangled together. Then he mutters very seriously, “It’s time to break this bed.”

You burst into laughter and you’re still laughing when he leans down then kisses you.

“And bless the place with our hot and passionate love,” he murmurs.

You laugh harder against his mouth, fingers curling into his shirt as he crashes his lips on yours again. This time, a little deeper, hungrier, stealing all of the air in your lungs. You gasp when he lets go but it’s only to bury his mouth in your neck, kissing you there.

“Mmh, baby…” you softly moan and the sound echoing in the shared space.

-

YOU: The honeymoon might be over… [mischievously smiles] But I think the honeymoon phase is still very much happening.

-

The steering wheel creaks softly beneath his grip as he drives, sunlight flickering through the windshield. Beside him, you're comfortably settled in the passenger seat, absentmindedly playing with the engagement ring on your finger. The sight makes his chest warm, but unfortunately, it doesn't do much for the nerves currently eating him alive.

You eventually turn your head, looking at him, looking at him long enough that he’s sure you notice something on him. Then your hand reaches for the nape of his neck, playing with the hair there.

“Babe, you’re nervous,” you say, not a question, just a fact.

Felix glances over and lets out a laugh despite himself. "You can tell?"

“Yes. Unclench your jaw, please!” you say with a low chuckle, hand moving there to gently cup his jaw.

A few seconds later he finally sighs. “Maybe, I am. A little.”

That earns a snort from you. You lean in to his side, eyes narrowing with suspicion glinting in them. “Why? Do you have something to hide?”

Felix pokes his cheek with his tongue and points dramatically. "You're about to find out I don't."

"That only makes it suspicious."

"You're suspicious."

You laugh at that and affectionately cupping his chin with your hand before slowly letting go as he makes a turn into his neighborhood.

The houses become more familiar now and Felix unconsciously slows the car. A minute later he pulls into the driveway. He notices the way you look at the front of his house.

“I think it’s cute,” you comment with a smile tugging at your smile.

“Yeah?” Felix asks, nerves declining by three percent at that.

You look at him with a brighter smile. “Yeah.”

Before you can reach for the door handle, he's already getting out and opening the door for you. He's holding out a hand to help you step out of the car and you take it without hesitation, your fingers slide into his.

Together you walk up the short path toward the front porch. The keys jingle in his hand as he takes it out of his jeans pocket. He glances over his shoulder, finding you looking around with open curiosity.

With that, Felix unlocks the front door and then steps aside. "After you."

You flash him a smile before stepping in and take slow steps further inside.

Felix has never been this aware of his own house before. But now, every little thing suddenly feels important. He follows closely behind and notices that a few of his things are not where they belong — his gym bag resting on top of the shoe cabinet, jacket lying on the sofa, the door to the laundry room is open, exposing the laundry spilling out of the dryer. He grimaces at the sight of it and can only hope that you don’t see it.

Then you stop there, in the middle of the living room and turn around to look at him. “You actually have furniture,” you say, gesturing dramatically around the living room.

The audacity. Felix dramatically gasps at that. "I’ll try not to be offended."

You chuckle at that before leaning in, placing a quick kiss on his cheek as an apology. Then you point toward the kitchen. "I thought you slept in there, cuddling with your pans and skillets.”

Felix doubles down. “What?”

“You know, like a kitchen goblin,” you say.

The living room receives only a brief inspection before your eyes find the staircase. “I can safely assume your bedroom is upstairs,” you say, eyebrow quirking up in mischief.

"You want to see the bedroom?”

"Maybe."

He snorts and then leads the way upstairs. The nerves are still there, but it’s manageable now because every reaction so far has been good. Or at least entertaining.

Felix inhales air as he turns the knob and pushes the door open to his most personal space — his bedroom.

You step in and take your time to look around the space. You glance at his bed and then nod once. “You made the bed. That’s good.”

The judgment in your voice is devastating yet he laughs anyway. "The bar is that low, huh?"

You nod without hesitation and then disappear into the bathroom next to do further inspection.

Felix doesn’t have to worry about that so instead of following you, he grabs a backpack from his closer and starts gathering a few things to pack for him to bring to the shared apartment — notebook, chargers, a few more clothes. By the time he starts folding everything together, you join him in the closet.

"So many hoodies," you comment, hand grabbing the sleeve of the hanged clothing.

Felix doesn't even look up. "Yeah."

A second later, he hears the clinking of hanger and when he turns, you're holding the oversized black hoodie. One of his favorites of all things.

"Can I borrow this?"

"Yeah,” he answers without a beat.

You grin at that. “Do you know that 'Borrow' means I'm claiming it forever.”

Felix grins widely. "That's fine."

"Really?"

He zips the backpack shut and then looks directly at you. "What's mine is yours, remember?”

The smile that spreads across your face is soft and bright. Dangerously cute. You clutch the hoodie dramatically against your chest.

"No takebacks."

"No takebacks,” he repeats, leaning down and presses a quick kiss against your temple.

Once he made sure he packed everything he needs, the two of you head out of the bedroom only for Felix to stop again when he sees the door to his study room.

“Oh, I need to get my laptop too."

You follow him into the smaller room at the end of the hall and the second you step inside, Felix realizes something too late because your eyes immediately land on the gaming setup.

You slowly turn toward him. “So… you’re into gaming?”

Felix already knows where this is going. “Yeah…” he drags the word a little before he adds a little more certainly, "Maybe a little."

"A little?" Your eyebrows rise and then glance at the three monitors, the keyboard, the headset and gaming chair. Then look back at him.

"Okay, okay,” he says, throwing his hands up in defeat. "Maybe more than a little."

"Thought so,” you cheekily say with a sly, victorious smile.

He leans against the desk. "This is how I unwind."

You nod and casually drop into the gaming chair. One of the stress balls immediately catches your attention. You pick it up and squeeze it in your hand.

"Are you good at it?"

Felix scoffs even though the question is harmless at all. "I’m pretty great."

You lean back on his gaming chair and squeeze the stress ball again. "Then why do you have a tray full of stress balls?"

"Gaming can be stressful.”

You stare at him and then break into laughter. The sound fills the room instantly. "How do you unwind if gaming stresses you out too?"

Felix points at the setup. "More gaming."

Your laughter grows louder and the look on your face says everything. The skepticism is a little brutal.

He shrugs. "It works, you know."

You don’t say anything to that and he finds it a little unsettling. Because he can’t tell if you find his gaming habit a good or a bad thing. Or neither?

Felix decides not to overthink it and jokingly says, "I should bring the setup to our apartment."

Your head snaps up, eyes immediately find his. "Don't you dare."

The horrified glare you're giving him is priceless and Felix nearly falls off laughing.

“Felix!” you call with a scolding tone.

“I’m kidding,” he assures you but his hand reaching for the portable game console on the desk.

And somehow, you only watch as he puts it into his bag and he takes it that you have no problems with his gaming.

-

FELIX: Showing somebody your personal space is weird. It's one thing for someone to know you emotionally. It's another thing for them to see how you actually live. I didn't want her to walk in and suddenly think less of me because of my furniture choices or my gaming setup. [softly laughs] But I think… I think it went really well. [smiles]

-

The second you and Felix make it downstairs, you drift toward the kitchen like you've lived in his house for years. Or at least like you've earned visitation rights. You open his fridge, inspecting it like you’re searching for clues and he quietly laughs behind you.

"What are you looking for?"

"I don't know."

You inspect the contents anyway, looking at the ridiculous amount of ingredients and various sauces. Several containers neatly labeled. Everything arranged with the kind of organization only a chef would maintain.

You take something wrapped in a clear Ziploc bag. “What’s this?”

Felix calmly answers, “It’s vanilla sticks.”

“Oh?!” you lowly gasp, slightly intrigued. You rip open just enough to take a sniff of the vanilla scent. “Isn’t it expensive?”

“Yeah. You’re holding $400 worth of it,” he answers with a sly grin.

Your eyes widen at that and slowly putting the plastic bag into the fridge, looking the slightest bit horrified.

Felix laughs at that but it slowly dies down the second he watches you move toward the pantry next. You pull open the door and then—

"Oh my God."

He reaches you in two long strides. "What happened?" he innocently asks.

You stare at the shelves and point at the stack of boxes. "Why do you have boxes of snacks and drinks?"

Felix presses his lips together, holding himself back from laughing. He follows the way your eyes glancing at the boxes stacked neatly against one wall. Another stack beside it. And another. And another.

You point dramatically toward the opened box, exposing the canned drinks inside. "Do you like this that much? Or was it on sale?"

The look you give him makes him unable to contain his laughter anymore. After a while, he finally admits, "When I like something, I buy it in bulk."

You stare at him for a second then look at the shelves again. Then back at him. “Okay… Yeah, I can see that."

His laughter fills the pantry. He grabs two can of the sparkling juice and hands on to you. “It’s good,” he says, his tone reassuring.

You pop it open and take a sip. You nod once and take another sip. "Oh, yeah. It’s good."

Felix beams immediately. "Right?"

“I understand completely.”

He looks at you and carefully asks, “Should we bring a box of them to the apartment?"

“Yeah, definitely,” you answer without hesitation.

A little while later, you're walking back toward the car. Felix has a cardboard box tucked an arm and another balanced against his hip. Meanwhile you've somehow ended up carrying his backpack for him.

Together, you put everything to the back of the car before driving to your place next. you navigate the way there and when Felix turns into your neighborhood, his gaze shifts toward the houses.

“It's quiet.”

“I like quiet,” you say with a smile, leaning back into your seat. "I'm very protective of my peace."

Felix nods thoughtfully. “I can tell.”

The closer you get, the more nerves begin creeping into your stomach. Because your home is small and simple, but very much yours. And you suddenly are aware that someone else is about to see it. Someone who matters to you.

The car eventually stops at the side of the streets and you take a breath, then another. Felix notices but says nothing, he just waits and patiently follows you as you lead the way to your house. You try not to think much as you unlock the front door and push it open, stepping in to keep the door open for him.

For a second, he just looks around, taking everything in. The warm lighting. The plants. The carefully chosen furniture. The neatly organized shelves. The little touches that make the space feel like home. His smile grows and grows until he finally looks at you.

“This is exactly what I imagined.”

“Really?” you ask.

“Yeah,” he says while nodding and gesturing around. “It’s warm and cozy.”

You narrow your eyes and Felix only smiles. Then he glances around again before adding, "It's also so tidy that I'm scared to touch anything."

You can’t help but laugh at that.

His gaze sweeps over a shelf. "I feel like if I move one thing, you'll know."

Your laughter continues but then, all of a sudden, something orange launches itself across the room.

Felix nearly jumps out of his skin. "What was that?!"

You scoop up the culprit before he can make a second attack. The orange tabby meows indignantly. “This is Gnocchi,” you announce proudly.

Felix places a hand over his heart. “Gnocchi tried to kill me.”

“He was saying hello,” you playfully answer, then your eyes narrow for a fraction. “Are you allergic to cats?”

“No.”

You nod in approval. “That earns you extra ten points.”

"Only ten?"

"Don't get greedy."

The cat decides he's done being held. You barely have time to react before Gnocchi launches himself free and lands dramatically on the sofa. Felix watches him settle in and then offers his hand. Or rather, his knuckles. Allowing the cat to investigate. Gnocchi gives him approximately two seconds of attention before completely ignoring him.

"Wow," Felix flatly says in rather disbelief.

“Uh-oh, you’ve been rejected," you teasingly say.

Felix only nods in defeat and calmly says, “That’s okay. We still have time to get to know each other.”

The tour doesn't take long as there’s only so much space to cover. But Felix seems genuinely interested in every room and reacts accordingly. And for the last one, you take him to your little studio where you design your handmade jewelleries.

Felix lingers on the doorway for a moment, just taking it in. His eyes scanning around in quiet awe, glancing at the mood boards pinned carefully on the wall, containers full of charms and beads and chains. And the tools that is organized into its place in a wooden shelf.

For some reason, this moment makes you weirdly emotional because this room feels the most personal to you. A part of yourself most people never see. But Felix looks at it like it's the most interesting thing in the world. Eventually you move toward a tray and pick up a bracelet, one of the design samples you made.

"Here. Wear this,” you say, unclasping the chain to put it on for him.

He doesn’t say anything but holding his hand out at you. “You made it yourself?” he curiously asks.

"Yeah,” you answer with a smile as you fasten it around him before letting it go and watch how the bracelet settles around his dainty wrist.

He lifts his wrist and examines it, turning it slightly beneath the light. Then he smiles, the kind that reaches his eyes. “I love it.”

Your chest warms at that. “I’m glad,” you answer with a bright smile.

His gaze lifts, softly gazing into your eyes. "Thank you."

Before you can respond, he leans down and kisses you on the lips, softly and slowly. When he pulls away, he's still smiling.

“I’ll cherish it forever,” he mutters earnestly.

And when you look at the bracelet again it looks exactly right on him like it belongs there. Like he does.

-

YOU: I'm kind of a loner. [sheepishly laughs] I don't invite people over very often. Actually, I almost never do. Having your own space becomes part of your identity after a while. Especially when you're used to being on your own. And having Felix there… [softly sighs] I realized that I could just give up my personal space forever. That’s a little scary. But I don't want to get trapped in my head about it. So for once... I'm going to listen to my heart. [smiles]

-

The house is quiet, the comfortable kind. A lamp glows softly from the corner of the room, washing everything in warm amber light. Felix sinks deeper into the corner of your sofa, one arm stretched comfortably along the backrest while a half-finished glass of wine rests in his other hand. And you are sitting beside him with your legs tucked underneath yourself, nursing your own glass of wine. Your cat is somewhere nearby, probably hiding behind one of the potted plants, likely plotting violence.

It's simple, ordinary and yet, Felix can't stop smiling.

Your place is small. Objectively speaking, it is. But it doesn't feel cramped. It feels warm and comfortable. And safe.

It feels—

"You."

The word leaves his mouth before he even realizes he's spoken.

"What?" you say, feeling summoned.

"This place,” he says with a soft chuckle. "It feels like you."

A smile immediately tugs at your lips. You take another sip of your wine and then narrow your eyes at him playfully. "So... you want to live here?"

The answer comes before he can think about it. “Yeah.”

Your laughter bursts out instantly. You shake your head, amused. “This place is way too small.”

Felix looks around dramatically. “I fit.”

"You fit,” you say, pointing at him and then you gesture between the two of you. "But we don't."

Felix snorts. "Yeah, okay."

“And you need a proper kitchen to function,” you add with a sly smile.

"Then you can move in with me,” he suggests so casually like this is just a dinner plan and not a long-term one. But he likes how easy it feels between the two of you.

You don't immediately dismiss it either. Instead, you hum thoughtfully. “Maybe.”

Felix smiles at that and then a bit later, you add, “But if we're having seven kids, we'll need a bigger house.”

He quietly smiles because you thought of it like the seven kids plan is not just a mere inside joke anymore. That it’s there, listed in one of the long-term plans.

"Guess we'll have to buy a farm,” he easily, playfully resolves.

The image alone makes him grin. A giant farmhouse. A kitchen bigger than some apartments. Children running everywhere. Farm animals roaming around outside.

You laugh at his answer but something thoughtful takes over. "Honestly... Yeah, why not? At some point, we'll probably need a bigger place anyway.”

He smiles at that, because the thought of building a life, a family with you makes him content with immense joy.

But all of a sudden, your expression dims just slightly. “But I’m afraid it’ll take time for us to afford it.”

The earnestness in your voice catches his attention. He sets his drink down and then reaches for your hand. You let him take it, fingers automatically settling between his.

Felix rests your joined hands on his lap and carefully asks, “What do you mean, baby?”

A small laugh escapes you before you begin talking. "When I started my business... I took out a loan."

Felix nods, intently listening and giving you all of his attention.

“And before you panic,” you pause to let out a chuckle. “My credit score is good."

He offers you a smile and you smile back at him. “Business is going great, yeah?” he warmly asks, not pushing.

“Yeah. It’s great. It’s just…” You glance down at you glass of wine before continuing. “I still have about two years left on it. It'll probably take time before we'd qualify for something bigger. You know, like a farm."

The room grows quiet but not the kind that is uncomfortable. It’s actually the opposite because both of you feel safe to have this kind of conversation.

Felix squeezes your hand gently and carefully asks, “Are you struggling with it?”

You look at him and calmly answer, “No. I’m good. I just want you to know that.”

Felix nods and his smile deepen at that. He puts his other hand on top of your joined hands. “I trust you can manage it on your own. But I’d appreciate it if you share or when you need my help.”

It takes you a moment to finally nod. “Okay,” you answer with a smile.

He brings your hand to his lips and places a sweet kiss on it. “Well figure it out,” he mutters with a smile. “The seven kids. The farm. We'll figure it out together.”

The smile that slowly appears on your face makes his chest feel lighter. Like maybe he said exactly what you needed to hear. Before either of you can say anything else, a blur of orange launches onto the sofa and directly onto your lap. The cat circles twice before settling dramatically.

Felix watches Gnocchi. Gnocchi watches Felix. The rivalry remains alive.

You scratch behind the cat's ears. Then glance toward Felix. “You know... Your biggest concern right now isn't a bigger house."

Felix narrows his eyes at the feline creature, suddenly they’re in a heating staring contest. "No?"

You shake your head. Then point at the cat. "It's getting him to like you."

"I thought we were making progress,” Felix answers without looking away, not willing to lose.

Gnocchi immediately turns his back to Felix as if proving your point.

You burst into laughter and Felix groans dramatically. "Okay,” he groans, pointing at the cat. "This is personal."

Gnocchi burrow deeper into your lap and remains completely unbothered.

-

FELIX: I think conversations like that are really important. The romance is still there. But now you're talking about real things. Houses. Loans. Finances. Future plans. And I appreciate how open she was with me. She didn't try to hide anything, didn’t avoid the conversation. Because if we're going to build a life together, we need to be able to have those conversations. There's still a lot for us to figure out. But hearing her be open and honest with me... It reassures me. It makes me feel like we're a team. [softly smiles]

-

19 DAYS UNTIL WEDDING

The apartment is quiet when you step through the front door. But mostly, there is the absence of Felix. You knew he would be late. He told you on the phone nearly an hour ago and even then, you'd caught the exhaustion in his voice.

So you showered, changed into comfortable clothes. Washed your face. Finished your skincare routine. Brought a notebook with you and sit curled on the sofa, listing down wedding preparations.

Somewhere along the way, waiting for him became your favorite part of the day. Once in a while, you glance at the clock. Then back at the page. Then at the clock again.

The moment you hear keys rattling outside the apartment door, you're already getting to your feet. Your heart does that ridiculous flip like it always does now.

The door eventually opens and the exhaustion is evident on his face but there he is. His shoulders droop slightly beneath his jacket. His hair is a little messy. There are faint shadows beneath his eyes. But the second he sees you standing there waiting for him, his entire face lights up like someone switched the sun back on.

“Hey, baby,” he says with a wide grin.

You smile immediately. “Hey, you…"

He doesn't even make it three steps inside before you're opening your arms and he walks right into them.

“Welcome home,” you murmur.

His arms wrap around your waist instantly and you feel him press a kiss against your cheek. Then another. Then one near your jaw. “Missed you,” he mumbles.

“Missed you,” you softly echo then press a light kiss on his jaw.

He finds your lips first, kissing you softly but somehow, it takes the edge off the entire day.

When he pulls away, you reluctantly loosen your hold on him. But you keep your hand on the nape of his neck, playing with the hair there. "How was work?"

Felix groans dramatically. "Tiring. Fun but tiring."

You smile because that answer sounds more like him.

"How about you? How was your day?"

"It was okay."

"Just okay?"

You shrug as you look up at him. “It’s better now.”

He hums knowingly before leaning in and kissing your lips again, longer than the previous like he’s making up for the hours being apart from you.

The two of you eventually drift toward the living room together, hands lacing together. Felix drops his bag beside the sofa and rolls his shoulders.

“Are you hungry?” you ask.

"Kind of. Yeah.”

“I can make you something,” you offer with a smile.

He smiles back at you and rubs your arm. "You don't have to. You're probably tired too."

"I'm not,” you assure him.

"You worked all day."

"And you've been cooking for other people all day so the last thing you want to do is… cook," you say, making a valid point that he can’t deny.

He starts laughing before you even finish. "Okay."

“Husband 101,” you tell him with a pleased smile. “Trust that the wife is always right.”

Felix grins at that. “But babe, we’re not married yet,” he retorts.

You glare at him but it does nothing but makes him break into deep, warm laughter. "What do you want to eat?"

Felix pretends to consider it seriously and a while later, a mischievous smile appears. "I want your sad omelet."

Your jaw drops and stare at him, offended. “Is that what you’re calling it?”

He breaks into laughter and then cups your face with both hands. “I’m sorry, baby,” he says with an apologetic smile.

But then you start laughing too while lightly slapping his chest and mutter, “You're unbelievable.”

"You love me,” he mutters back, pulling you into a hug.

Unfortunately, he's right. You hug him back before pulling away just enough to look at him and sigh dramatically. "I'm making fried rice."

"Can it come with sad omelet?" he teases more.

You narrow your eyes. "Keep talking and you’ll have my fist for dinner.”

“I’d better stop before things get too violent,” he jokingly says. He leans to press a quick kiss on your lips.

"I'll be right back,” he murmurs when he pulls away and then he escapes before you can properly scold him.

Coward. You smile as you watch him disappear into the bedroom.Then you walk to the kitchen to get late dinner started.

The apartment feels lived in now. Shared. You smile to yourself as the fried rice sizzles in the pan. And despite all the worries that still linger in the corners of your mind, you feel strangely calm.

The sound of Felix’s footsteps snaps you out of your head and you glance up to find Felix already dressed in a white t-shirt and dark sweatpants. His hair is still slightly damp from the shower.

“Please, sit down,” you tell him with a smile. “Dinner is almost ready.”

Felix flashes you his bright grin as he pulls a chair and then sits on it, patiently waiting and watching you plating the fried rice. And honestly, you feel a little nervous still about serving the food to him. Afraid that the chef in him won’t approve.

“Fried rice,” you say, serving the plate in front of him.

An eyebrow raised in question. “And the—"

Before he can finish his sentence, you put a smaller plate next to his fried rice. “And the sad omelet,” you say with a subtle eyeroll.

“There it is,” Felix brightly says before putting an arm around your waist and gives you a side hug. His eyes filled with loving glint when he looks at you and sincerely says, “Thank you, baby.”

Your heart does that stupid thing again. The one it only does for him. You tenderly brush his hair to the back and hold it there. “You’re so very welcome.”

A few minutes later, the two of you settle at the dining table. You take the chair next to him, resting your chin on your hand while watching him, waiting for his reaction on the food you cooked in anticipation.

Felix scoops up a bite of fried rice, brings it to his mouth and chews. His expression changes almost suddenly. His eyebrows knit together.  His mouth twists.

You immediately sit up straighter. "What?”

He says nothing and keeps chewing, but the grimace deepens.

Your eyes narrow in slight panic. “Is it… is it bad?”

He looks at you with a serious face and holds for exactly one second longer before he bursts out laughing. “It’s good. It’s good,” he assures you.

You groan and throw a napkin at him, but he catches it effortlessly while still laughing, still looking at you like you're his favorite person in the world and that makes everything worth it.

By the time Felix finished with dinner, the apartment has settled into its usual evening quiet.

The dishes are done. The lights are dimmed. You disappear into the bedroom and change into your nightdress before brushing your hair one last time in front of the mirror.

When you return to the bedroom, you expect Felix already there but the bed is cold. With a sigh and a smile, you pad back into the living room and sure enough, he’s there, sitting on the sofa, playing on his portable game console, completely absorbed. His eyebrows are furrowed in concentration. His thumbs move rapidly over the controls.

You walk over quietly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Baby, you're not tired yet?”

Without taking his eyes off the screen, he answers immediately. “I'll only play for a bit. Is that okay?”

You hum and then drape an arm across his chest from behind. Leaning down, you press a coaxing kiss against the side of his neck. Another near his jaw.

His shoulders visibly relax at that. “Mm.”

You smile against his skin. “Are you coming to bed soon?”

This time he finally pauses the game. He reaches up and places a hand over yours, turning his head just enough to meet your eyes. His smile is soft and fond when he says, “I’ll be there soon.”

You study him for a second and understand immediately. He needs this to unwind from the day, having a little space between work and sleep. So you lean down and place a sweet kiss on the top of his head. “Don't stay up too late, yeah?”

"I won't."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

You narrow your eyes in suspicion.

Felix breaks into laughter. "I'll be there soon," he promises once more.

"Okay."

With that, you reluctantly let him go and head back to the bedroom.

The room is dark when you slip beneath the blankets. At first, you try scrolling through your thoughts, trying to force sleep to arrive. It doesn’t'. Because somewhere out in the living room, the deep voiced man starts groaning in frustration.

“AHH!”

You close your eyes, still trying to sleep and then—

“OH, COME ON!”

You bury your face in your pillow and a few minutes later, comes another groan, another frustrated complaint or a dramatic sigh. You can hear everything because you keep the bedroom door ajar and every sound travels perfectly.

Wonderful.

Eventually the apartment falls quiet again and you’ve been lying there, wide awake. And soon, you can hear his footsteps approaching and then the creak of the bedroom door opens. Then mattress dips as Felix settles beside you.

When he snuggles up to you, only then does he realize your eyes are open. "Babe, you’re awake?"

His arm tightens around your waist, pulling you against his chest. "Did I wake you?"

You slowly turn your head toward him. "What do you think?" You ask while continue staring him in the eyes. "How could I sleep when you're out there screaming for your life?"

Felix immediately starts laughing. His forehead drops onto your shoulder. "Oh no."

"Oh yes."

"Was I really that loud?"

You playfully glare at him. "What? With that deep voice of yours?”

His laughter grows worse and softly, he says, "I'm sorry."

You turn on the bed, facing him now and place a hand to cup the side of his face. “You know I don't mind you playing games.”

“I know.”

“But you're tired.”

Felix nods. “Yeah.”

“And it's late.”

“Yeah.”

“You worked all day.”

“Yes.”

“And instead of resting, you're screaming at game characters.”

His shoulders shake with another laugh and then his voice softens as he apologizes once more. “I'm sorry, baby.”

You try very hard to stay annoyed but the problem is that Felix looks entirely too cute when he's apologizing with his slightly pouty lips and doe eyes. You huff dramatically at him. "And because of you, I can't sleep."

A grin immediately appears on his face. “That’s easy,” he lightly says as he brushes a strand of hair away from your face. "I'll just have to help you fall asleep."

You raise an eyebrow at that, knowing where this is going especially with the way his hand glides down the curve of your ass. "Don't even try to get lucky."

His grin returns as he leans forward and presses a light kiss against your lips. When he pulls back, his voice is warm. "I'm marrying you soon."

And before you can think of a response, he lands another brief, tender kiss and then adds, "I couldn't get any luckier than that."

Just like that, the argument evaporates.

You hate when he does that.

You love when he does that.

-

YOU: I think it's really important to talk about things right away. Not every disagreement needs to become a huge problem. If something bothers me, I'd rather say it. And Felix is really good about that. [smiles] He's open. He's willing to listen. And he's willing to apologize when he's wrong. I think we communicate really well. [nods] And knowing we can talk through things before they grow into something bigger makes me feel really secure in this relationship.

-

Felix can't stop looking at you. Your naked body painted in warm glow of the bedside lamp, the sheets are tangled around your legs, one of the pillows half-stolen and tucked beneath you, and somehow the sight hits him harder than anything else ever could. Not only because it's provocative, because it’s you, trusting yourself to him.

You glance over your shoulder, immediately catching him staring. A smile curves across your lips. “What is it, baby?” you lowly speak, almost like a mewl.

Felix reaches forward and brushes your hair away to the side, allowing him to land a kiss on your bare shoulder. “I just like looking at you,” he mutters against your skin.

Your smile widens.

"That's a dangerous thing to admit."

"Why?"

"Because now I know."

He laughs quietly. The sound is low and fond. "I think you've known for a while."

You don't deny it. Instead, you reach for him, an arm curved around his neck and pull him down, just enough for you to kiss him. “You don’t have to try so hard. You’re marrying me soon,” you tease, lips grazing his as you speak.

Instead of responding, he crashes his lips against yours again and a moment later, he slowly pulls away. The mattress dips beneath his weight as he settles beside you, a hand trailing down your spine.

He looks at you, eyes widen and brimming with admiration as he takes the shape of you. With that pillow tucked under you, your ass is raised higher than the rest of your body, presenting him that arousing sight of your wetness opening. His hand finds your waist automatically, angling you just right as he aligns his cock with your entrance.

“Oh, baby…” his voice somehow deeper and rough around the edges. “I don’t think I can hold myself back anymore.”

Thankfully, he’s already put the condom on before anything else, knowing that his patience would get in the way sooner than later. Slowly, he pushes himself into you with a steady grip on your waist.

A raw groan spills out of his parted mouth at the way you’re welcoming him. The warmth. The closeness. The tightness. It’s overwhelming and yet, he can’t get enough. Will never get enough.

His grips on your waist tighten as he pushes more into you, muttering broken profanities in between hisses and rough groans. He pauses with his length half disappeared into you, needing a second to collect himself.

He buries his head in the crook of your neck, hastily kisses the skin there before pressing his mouth close to your ear. “How do you always take me well, mmh?”

There’s no answer. Only breathless moans coming out of your mouth and muffled by the pillow. You somehow able to arch your back, launching him deeper into you.

“Fuck, baby,” he gasps, teeth faintly biting at your shoulder. He reigns himself fast, not wanting to let go. Not yet. Not this quick.

Yet, Felix thrusts the remaining length into you in one swift push, making you both gasp at the sudden fullness, the heat.  The air between you thick with the kind of intimacy that has nothing to do with words. His back pressed against your back, mouth pressed against your neck while yours is into the pillow.

Neither of you says anything for a moment. But at one point, you prop your elbows against the mattress and drop your head to the side.

Felix doesn’t waste a second to indulge on your exposed neck, lathering the sensitive skin with haste, hot kisses. His hand goes under, cupping at your breast in gentle fondles. You curve an arm around him, hand tangled in his blond locks.

“Can’t get enough of you, baby,” he mutters into the skin before hastily capturing your lips in a deep, rough kiss.

When he’s calmed enough, only then he begins moving, thrusting into you from behind, slowly and steadily, barely making any noise. But the quiet that hangs in the room only adds to the mounting tension.

Felix closes his eyes, centering himself. He props his hands on each side of you, fingers loosely clawing at the sheets as he keeps the pace, still as slow but with more intensity. When he glances down, he finds you looking at him. Your mouth slightly parted, eyes soft and wide, filled with more than just lust but also affection and admiration. He feels something in his chest tighten because God, he’s never been loved like this before.

You slowly blink and your eyes are still on him, still with the same fondness. “You feel so good, baby,” you murmur with an almost sleepy smile.

He slowly leans down, placing a long, lingering kiss on your lips. “I know, baby,” he mutters against your lips when he pulls away. “Cause you feel good around me too.”

Felix lowers himself on top of you, propping against his forearms now as to not let his whole weight on you. His head is once again buried his head in your neck as he keeps thrusting into you, his pace quickening while you're tightening around him. He knows you’re close, knows it from the way he feels like he’s being sucked deep into you.

When you tilt your head up again, your eyes are a little hazy. “Felix, baby, I don't think I can hold it anymore,” you whine.

Felix only smiles before kissing you and keeps kissing you even though you barely kissing him back, too overwhelmed by the pleasure. “Just let go, yeah?” he murmurs, rolling his hips in pulsating motions now, deeper and harder.

Soon enough, you’re clenching, fluttering around him. Your body tightens and loosens in the next second as the waves of pleasure washing over you. His hands finding yours and lacing them together, holding you through it.

“That’s it, baby,” he mutters, hot breath ghosting your neck. “Come around me. Just like that…”

Even with your eyes still clouded with pleasure, you find his immediately when you turn your head his way. “Want you to come, babe,” you mumble, a second from crashing your lips against him.

With that, Felix continues moving, slowly chasing his high with his body still tangled with yours. Somehow, you’re more sensitive than before, breathlessly moaning in every thrust, fingers gripping the side of the pillow. But it’s the way your velvety walls clinging to him that undoes him.

His hips stuttering, the pace turns sloppy until eventually, Felix loses all of the control and just… let go. The growl that rips out of him is raw and rough, almost animalistic. With the pleasure still rushing through hi, he collapses on top of you, an arm coming under and around you, holding you tight as he kisses your bare shoulder and neck and at last, your lips.

“I love you.”

The words tumbling out of his mouth so naturally and it feels right.

Your eyes soften, lips curving into a fond smile. “I love you too, baby.”

The answer lands somewhere deep inside him. Somewhere permanent. He leans forward and presses a lingering kiss to your lips. The kind that says more than words ever could.

The rest of the world can wait. The wedding can wait. Reality can wait.

Tonight it's just the two of you wrapped up in warmth and affection and the growing certainty that whatever comes next, you'll face it together.

-

FELIX: I know it won't always be sunshine and rainbows. There'll be disagreements. Arguments. Moments where we annoy each other. But what makes me feel good is knowing we talk things through. And honestly, that's what gives me confidence. Because every time something comes up, we end up understanding each other better afterward. [smiles] So yeah… if we happen to make up with a great sex afterward... [chuckles] I'm not complaining. [nonchalantly shrugs]

-

The wrinkles between your brows deepen when you stop at a red light. You don't even realize you're doing it until a warm hand settles over yours where it rests on the gearshift.

You glance sideways and finds Felix is already looking at you. Not saying anything. His fingers squeeze yours once before letting go.

The bouquet of flowers rests on his lap, the box of pastries balanced carefully beside him.

He looks ridiculously handsome for someone who's only going to meet your mother and somehow that makes you even more nervous. You deeply inhale and focus on the road, driving through the familiar streets, familiar turns.

“So, what do you think your mom's reaction is going to be?” Felix asks, probably trying to distract you.

You let out a small breath, then shrug. “I think she'll be excited.”

“Yeah?”

A smile tugs at your lips at the thought. “Mostly because she'll finally think I'm settling down.”

That gets a laugh out of him and you can see him loosening up.

Then you add, with a playful smile. “Though she's probably not expecting any of this.”

Felix glances over. "What do you mean?"

You wince. "Well..." you pause and laugh nervously. “I might have told her I was leaving for a business trip.”

His head snaps toward you. "You what?"

You burst out laughing. "It sounded better than telling her I was disappearing to marry a stranger."

His mouth falls open. “So, your mom doesn't know? About the experiment?”

You shake your head.

Felix looks absolutely stunned. “Oh my God. We’re just dropping an engagement on her.”

You grip the steering wheel tighter. "Please stop reminding me."

His laughter fills the car and despite yourself, it eases some of the tension sitting heavily in your chest. Until the neighborhood appears and you feel like you’re being transported back to when you were younger except that now the roads seem narrower and the houses seem smaller.

You glance toward Felix wondering and worrying if he'll judge you from it. You admit that it isn’t the most ideal neighborhood to raise a child in. But when you sneak another look at him, he's staring out the window with genuine curiosity and nothing else.

By the time you pull into the driveway, your palms are sweating. You put the car in park and the silence settles immediately. Neither of you moves for a brief moment and then you look at him.

Felix flashes you a comforting smile even though you know he’s just as nervous as you. But there’s excitement there too. Then he gathers the bouquet of flowers and the box of pastries he insisted on buying because for some reasons, he believes your mom would love it.

“I’m ready,” he says with a bright and hopeful smile like he’s genuinely happy to be here.

You smile back at him, hoping that it’s equally bright and hopeful. “Okay.”

And suddenly it doesn't feel quite so terrifying.

Together, you climb out of the car and walk toward the house. Your hand trembles slightly when it closes around the doorknob and you quietly laugh to yourself. You take a breath and then push the door open.

Immediately, familiar voices drift toward you. You immediately find your mother sits at the dining table with your aunt beside her. Your cousin in the kitchen with her baby balanced on her hip. Three heads turn at once when you come into their sight.

"Mom,” you begin, voice slightly shaking.

You take another step forward and behind you, Felix quietly follows. Close enough that you can feel his presence. Far enough that he's letting you take the lead.

You greet everyone first, giving quick hugs and cheek-to-cheek kisses, and exchanging pleasantries in between. Then finally, you turn toward Felix and everyone's attention land on him.

"This is Felix," you warmly introduce with a smile.

You notice almost everything — the way your aunt's eyebrows shoot upward, the way your cousin tries to keep her cool. But your mother… she looks confused by his presence.

To not let awkwardness gets in the way, you quickly introduce everyone back to Felix and he politely greet each one of them with such warmth and charms. And when you finally introduce your mother, he straightens almost immediately like the way people do when meeting someone important.

"It’s really lovely to meet you,” he says to your mother with the brightest smile you ever seen on him.

Your mother looks surprised and you believe it’s mostly because such deep voice come from such a small body. Then the two exchange a brief hug.

Felix carefully hands over the flowers. “I hope you like it,” he sweetly says.

Your mother’s face softens instantly and her lips curl into a soft smile, genuinely touched. “Oh. These are beautiful.”

"And these too," Felix says, placing the box of pastries on the table.

Your aunt shamelessly complimenting what a handsome man he is and Felix is visibly flustered by it. But as soon as it gets quiet, you realize there's no avoiding this anymore.

Your mother notices how nervous you are and asks, "What is going on?"

You laugh nervously and swallow air before speaking. “Remember that business trip?”

Your mother nods slowly.

“Well...” You glance at Felix and then back at her. “It wasn't exactly a business trip.”

Immediately, her face scrunches in confusion. Your aunt looks intrigued. Your cousin invested in this more than the baby babbling for her attention.

“I actually joined an experiment. A social experiment. And...” you pause because suddenly, your throat feels dry and your heart pounding as your eyes slowly drifting toward Felix’s. “And I met someone.”

Your mother gets quiet for one second too long and you look down at your left hand, holding it out to her. The engagement ring glints under the afternoon sun.

There’s a gasp, a shout and they’re all in disbelief. Your cousin’s mouth hanging open as she bounces the baby in her arms while your aunt slaps a hand over her mouth. And your mother's eyes widen so much you think they might stay that way forever.

“You're engaged?” The question comes out as a whisper like she genuinely doesn't believe it.

You nod, grinning despite yourself. "Yeah."

And you figure that it’s best to share the rest of the news with them so you add, "And we're getting married in eighteen days"

That gets everyone talking at once. Your mother looks completely overwhelmed. She reaches for your hand, pulling it closer and examining the ring. She turns it slightly under the light and all of a sudden, her eyes fill with tears.

“Mom, why are crying?” you lowly ask.

Her fingers tighten around yours as she keeps staring at the ring. Then at you. Then at Felix.

You genuinely don't know what she's feeling. Is she happy? Sad? Shocked? Overwhelmed? Maybe all of it at once?

All you know is that your mother is crying and this is the first time you’ve seen her like this.

-

YOU: This is completely uncharted territory for me. I've never brought a man home to meet my mom before. And now the first guy I bring home is apparently my fiancé. [chuckles] I genuinely can't tell what she's feeling. She's just started tearing up when she knows. And I don't know if those are happy tears, shocked tears, angry tears, or all three at the same time. [smiles] So... [shrugs] We'll find out.

-

The dining table is crowded with teacups, half-eaten pastries, and lively conversations. The bouquet he brought sits in a vase your mother somehow found within minutes of receiving it. Felix likes being among your family. He likes it because he can see where you come from.

Everything is going surprisingly well until your mother looks directly at him and he immediately knows he's about to be interviewed.

“Is he reliable?”

You groan beside him. “Mom.”

“Is he financially stable?”

“Mom,” you repeat, dragging the word out this time.

"What?" she says unapologetically. “I need to know if he can take care of you.”

You sigh dramatically. “I can take care of myself, you know.”

Your mother ignores you entirely. “That’s beside the point.”

Under the table, Felix reaches for your hand and gives it a gentle squeeze and your fingers immediately curl around his. and also, he expected those questions and he doesn’t mind at all.

"I work full-time," he answers politely. "And yes, I'm financially stable."

"He's a chef, mom," you add with a proud smile.

Your mother nods slowly. Not convinced. Not unconvinced either. Just quietly processing. She folds her hands together on her lap and then comes the next question.

“Why are you marrying my daughter?”

The room quiets except for your cousin's baby who is still making tiny noises in her baby stool. But everyone is listening, everyone is paying attention.

Felix takes a slow breath and then looks at your mother. Then at you. You look nervous which strangely makes him feel calmer. “It's because of how she makes me feel,” he easily answers.

Your mother's expression softens as Felix continues talking. “When I'm with her, I feel like the best version of myself.”

His thumb tenderly caressing the back of your hand under the table. “She makes me feel settled."

He glances down at your joined hands. “At ease.”

Then back up. “And once I realized that, I knew she was someone I wanted beside me for the rest of my life.”

Your aunt immediately lets out a soft coo, completely smitten. "Aww…"

Your cousin nods approvingly while you look seconds away from melting into your chair.

Meanwhile, your mother studies him carefully. Still evaluating. Still deciding. “You know, she's had it tough because it was just the two of us.”

Felix's smile fades into something gentler, he intently listens knowing that there’s more to it.

Your mother glances toward you, her voice wavers as she adds, “And she’s been hurt— we’ve been hurt.”

You lower your eyes, pressing your lips together into a thin line. A tell that you’re holding yourself back from crying.

"As a parent, that's my biggest fear,” she says, her voice somehow quieter than before. “I don’t want her to experience the same hurt like I did.”

Your mother wipes quickly at her eye with the back of her hand, embarrassed by the tears.

Felix's chest aches because he understands your mother’s worries. This is her daughter, the person she spent years protecting, the person she loves the most.

“I think you raised an amazing girl,” he softly, earnestly says.

“I know,” your mother answers without a beat. “She's smart. She works hard. She’s confident in herself. Though, she can be very stubborn at times.”

The whole table burst into soft laughter while you point accusingly at your mother. "Mom!"

Felix shakes his head fondly. Then looks at your mother again. “When I met her, I knew she was already a whole person.”

Your eyes immediately find his and continue to look at him with fondness brimming your eyes.

“I wasn't looking for someone to complete me. And I'm not here to complete her either.” He squeezes your hand again. “I want to build a life together with her.”

Your mother stares at him for a long moment and tears begin pooling in her eyes again. She points a finger at him. “You'd better take care of her.”

Felix doesn't hesitate to answer confidently and without the slightest of doubt, “I will.”

Your mother nods. Then glances toward you. “Because that's my baby right there," she says, voice breaking in between words.

Felix turns his head to the side and sees that you are already crying. Tears shining in your eyes. His heart nearly explodes with mix of emotions by it.

He manages to steadily look into your mother’s eyes. “I know,” he says softly.

Under the table, he squeezes your hand once more. This time you squeeze back.

Your mother turns toward you. “What about you? What did it for you?”

You quickly wipe your eyes as the entire table shifts their attention toward you. You laugh nervously and then shrug. “Our conversations were easy. We just clicked.”

You glance at Felix, fond eyes and a shy smile. And his stomach flips. Every single time.

“And I thought he'd make a really good best friend.”

Your mother nods at that.

Then you add, “And an even better husband.”

The table erupts in a wave of coos. Felix’s hand flies to his neck, absentmindedly scratching the skin there. His cheeks heat, flustered.

You laugh seeing his flustered state but continue talking anyway. “The craziest part is I didn't even know what he looked like.”

Your cousin's eyes widen at that. “You said yes to his proposal before seeing him?”

You grin and nod.

Your aunt looks horrified but invested in it. “So it’s all based on conversations? And hearing each other?”

“Yes.”

Everyone exchanges weird stares with each other while both you and Felix are laughing because, honestly, hearing it out loud still sounds ridiculous.

“That actually sounds like the right way to find a man,” your mother playfully says.

The entire table bursts into laughter. Even Felix. Especially Felix. Because in the span of an afternoon, he thinks he might actually be winning your mother over.

-

FELIX: I knew meeting her family was going to be important. Her mum wants the best for her. Of course she does. So I wanted her mum to like me. Because if I'm going to marry her daughter, I want her family to feel confident about that. I want them to know I'll take care of her. I think it went pretty well. [smiles] But if her mum doesn’t approve… That would be very, very tough.

-

The barbecue starts before sunset. By the time the sky turns orange and purple above the apartment complex, music is already playing from someone's speaker, drinks are flowing freely, and the entire park smells like grilled meat and charcoal. It's nice to be with the other couples again like a real neighborhood gathering rather than a reality dating show.

Felix naturally migrates toward the grill the second he sees it. He knows that that is his expertise and rises to the occasion. And you don't think anyone is surprised either.

He's standing beside the barbecue now, sleeves rolled up, tongs in hand, carefully turning pieces of meat while Morgan assembles everything onto paper plates before distributing it to everyone.

Across the lawn, Rob is attempting some ridiculous beer-drinking stunt while Shane films it on his phone. Sonya is dancing. Laura is laughing. Someone misses a beer pong shot so badly it nearly hits a bush. It’s a chaos. Warm, familiar chaos.

And somewhere along the way, you get a little too generous with your alcohol consumption. Now you're curled up on a garden chair with both feet tucked beneath you, a drink balanced precariously in your hands, watching the party through pleasantly blurry eyes.

Jim eventually drops into the chair beside yours, nursing a bottle of beer and from the flushed cheeks, you can tell that he’s just as tipsy. Though somehow still looking considerably more sober than you.

He takes one look at your current position. “You okay there?”

“Very.”

“You look like a folded lawn chair.”

You snort into your drink.

Jim grins and then slumps on his chair. “How's living together been?”

You look across the park, at Felix who’s now grilling skewers while talking animatedly with Shane now. The sight warms your heart in the best way.

“It's been great,” you honestly share. “I’m still struggling though. Because I used to live alone.”

Jim immediately understands. “Yeah. It’s an adjustment.”

You stare down at your drink and maybe it’s the alcohol that loosens something inside you and the careful way you normally package your feelings. And because it's Jim, because he’s one of the few people who might actually understand the feeling.

“Being in love is terrifying,” you blurt out.

Jim takes a sip from his bottle. Then nods. “Yep.”

You softly laugh and it’s mostly because you're relieved he didn't look at you like you were crazy. “The more in love I am with Felix... The more scared I get.”

A crease formed between Jim’s eyebrows. “What are you scared of?”

You glance across the lawn again and see Felix laughs so hard now he's doubled over slightly while Rob demonstrates whatever stupid thing he's trying to do with the ping pong ball.

The sight makes your chest squeeze because he looks happy. Because you love him. Because that's exactly the problem.

“That something's going to screw it up.”

Jim immediately raises a hand, stopping you from talking. “No. We’re not going to do that,” he says while shaking his head.

You ignore his warning. “The happier I get, the more I think about losing it.”

“No.”

You laugh. “Will you let me finish?”

Jim points at you. “You can't do that.”

“Do what?”

“Catastrophize.”

You wrinkle your nose and open your mouth, but nothing comes out. But your smile fades a little. Because the fear is still there.

“It just feels... It feels too good to be true,” You look down at your lap. “And I've never been this happy.”

The barbecue party is still going and yet suddenly everything feels very small. But it’s just you and your fear of something that probably won’t happen at all. “I can't afford to lose a love like this.”

Your voice cracks slightly but you continue anyway. “If I did… It would fucking destroy me.”

For once, Jim doesn't immediately joke. He just sits there, looking at you. Then he reaches over and puts a hand on your shoulder. “You've gotta stop putting that much pressure on it.”

You look at him and his voice stays gentle as he adds, “If things are working, then let them work.”

The simplest answer in the world and somehow the hardest one.

“If you’re happy, then be happy. Enjoy it. Embrace it,” he says, hand squeezes your shoulder once. “Because you finally deserve it.”

The words hit harder than you expect. Your eyes sting and you quickly blink it away. Then give him a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Jim.”

And across the lawn, Felix glances over as if he can somehow feel you looking. His face immediately brightens when he spots you. He lifts a pair of tongs, waving it at you.

And just like that, the knot in your chest loosens.

-

YOU: I don't know. [softly laughs] Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy it. And I am enjoying it. But sometimes I get scared. I keep waiting for something to go wrong. Because I just... [heavily sighs] I can't seem to get over this feeling that I don't deserve any of it. But I'm trying. [smiles] I'm really trying.

-

The beer pong game is an absolute disaster. Mostly because you are no longer taking it seriously. Not that you were particularly competitive to begin with, but now you're standing beside Felix with both arms wrapped around one of his, cheek pressed against his shoulder while Laura and Shane patiently wait for you to take your turn.

“Babe.”

“Hm?”

“It's your throw.”

“Oh.”

You glare at the ping pong ball in your hand as though you've never seen one before. Then you throw it.

The ball bounces nowhere near the table and everyone bursts into laughter.

You immediately hide your face against Felix's shoulder. "Oh my God."

The rest of the game continues much the same way. You miss shots. You keep stealing kisses from him between turns. At one point, you forget whose team you're on. And every time Felix says anything remotely funny, you laugh like he's the funniest person who has ever existed. Instead of annoyed, he finds you adorable.

Thankfully, the party wrapped up not long after and one by one, everyone begins saying their goodbyes before heading to their respective apartments.

Once the two of you get into your shared apartment, he carries you in his arms and takes you to the bedroom. He gently kicks open the door with his foot before carefully settling you onto the bed. He kneels to remove your shoes next, takes your jacket off so you’re comfortable. He brings a glass of water from the kitchen and makes you drink half of it despite your complaints.

When he gets off the bed, you immediately curl beneath the blankets. He takes a moment to admire this small ball of limbs and blankets and sleepy grumbling. Then, he’s off to get ready for bed.

When he finally slides into bed beside you, he's surprised to find your eyes open and you immediately turn toward him, still bundled up in blanket.

“Feel better?” he softly asks.

You nod. “I feel a little sober now.”

He puts an arm around you, hand continuously landing slow, comforting rubs on your back as the room falls quiet.

You scratch your nose with your finger and then randomly ask, “Did I do anything embarrassing tonight?”

“Not really,” he says, reaching over and brushing loose hair away from your face. “I think you were cute the whole time.”

You pout and narrow your eyes in suspicion.

Felix smiles and then leans forward, pressing a quick kiss to your lips. When he pulls away, he stays there, leaving only inches away between your faces.

Your eyes drift over his face, quietly tracing his facial features like you’re trying to imprint it in the back of your head. And then you randomly ask again, “How do you feel after meeting my family?”

The question catches him off guard. Not because of the question itself. Because of the timing and the vulnerability sitting behind it.

He considers it carefully before answering. “They're great. Very lovely people.”

“You sound surprised,” you teasingly say.

“I’m being honest,” he tells you with a grin tugging at his lips. And without thinking, he adds, “And I didn't expect you to grow up in that house.”

The second the words leave his mouth, your expression turns sour, your shoulders tense and your eyes lower, then narrow. “What does that mean?”

“It doesn't mean anything bad,” he calmly says.

“You pity me?” you ask, rather accusatory instead of a question.

“No, baby,” Felix calmly answers once more.

Your gaze sharpens and so does your voice. “Is that what this whole thing is? You don’t love me. You pity me.”

Felix inhales air to keep his composure because inside, he feels a little angry because you mistook it, you misunderstood it. And because he recognizes this as the same fear you've warned him before. The same fear that waits for cracks, for proof that someone might leave.

He reaches for your arm, gently holding you there as he patiently says, “You know that's not what I meant.”

You don't answer but tears already gathering in your eyes.

Felix's heart breaks a little. He’s never meant to make you cry or worse, hurt you. Instead of pulling you, he moves closer. “It's actually the opposite.”

Your gaze finally lifts and he holds your gaze, not letting you look away. “I wouldn't have guessed because of the person you are now. You built a life for yourself. You worked hard on it. You’re strong.”

The tears begin spilling anyway and Felix immediately wipes them away with his thumb. “And despite your circumstance, you grew up well. You made a life for yourself.”

You shakily inhale air but tears continue to stream down your cheek.

“I'm not pitying you. I'm amazed by you,” he speaks gently but there’s firmness to it like he needs you to know that he means every word that comes out of his mouth.

Your face crumples as more tears flood down your face and Felix immediately pulls you closer. Your body folds into his immediately. His arms wrap around you tightly, holding you together.

“I'm so proud of you, baby,” he says it with so sincerely that his chest aches with it.

That does it. You bury your face against his chest and your cry turns into a full-on sob. It’s years and years of hurt finding a crack to escape through.

Felix holds you through all of it. One hand rubbing your back and the other cradling the back of your head. Occasionally pressing kisses into your hair, your forehead, your temple. Just anywhere he can reach.

Eventually your breathing steadies but you stay tucked against him like you're afraid to move.

Felix presses another kiss to the top of your head. Then he glances down to find your eyes and when they meet, only then he mutters, “I love you.”

There’s no answer but he knows you heard it, feel it. You close your eyes and your eyelids fluttering from the emotions you try to contain behind them.

Despite it, he says it again just because. “I love you so much,” he mutters with another kiss that lands on your forehead. “And I'm not going anywhere.”

You nod against his chest and he holds you tighter. And lets the silence do the rest.

-

FELIX: She warned me about this. This fear. This old hurt telling her to prepare for the worst. And I know that's not something that's going to disappear overnight. Maybe it won't ever disappear completely. But that's okay. [smiles] Because I'm patient. And if she needs reassurance a hundred times, then I'll give it a hundred times. [softly laughs] A thousand times if I have to.

-

You stand in front of the bedroom mirror for what feels like the hundredth time.

The first dress had been too formal. The second had been too casual. The third somehow made you feel twelve years old. Now all three are draped across the bed behind you like evidence of a breakdown in progress.

With a frustrated sigh, you smooth your hands down the simple black dress you originally picked out an hour ago. The one you should have worn from the beginning because it’s modest yet elegant. You stare at your reflection and inspect your make-up next. You lean closer to the mirror, adjusting a strand of hair behind your ear.

Tonight, it isn't just dinner. Tonight, you’re finally meeting Felix's family. The people who raised him. The people he loves. The people whose approval feels far more important than you want to admit. The thought alone makes your chest feel tight and reconsider your choice of dress.

A soft knock sounds against the bedroom door snaps you out of your head. "Baby?"

You immediately turn, voice slightly shaking as you answer, “In here.”

The door opens and he peeks inside, wearing an apron over a black shirt, looking entirely too handsome for a man currently making dinner. His eyes sweep over you and then a fond smile bloom on his face.

“You look beautiful.”

You roll your eyes. “You're clearly biased.”

“I am,” he agrees without hesitation. Then he points at you. “But doesn’t change that fact that you're beautiful.”

Heat rises to your cheeks despite yourself.

Felix grins, clearly pleased that he managed to make you blush. “Come on,” he hooks a thumb toward the hallway. “I need my hype girl while I cook.”

You nod, but don’t move until you take one more look at the mirror and smooth down the hem of your dress.

The apartment smells incredible when you come out of the bedroom. You wander straight into the kitchen where every surface seems occupied by bowls, ingredients, sauces, and carefully prepared dishes.

Naturally, you move toward the nearest cutting board. “Need help?”

“No. Thank you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep.”

You reach for a bowl anyway.

Felix immediately intercepts you. “No.”

He doesn’t even give you a chance to complaint but gently turns you around by your shoulders and steers you toward one of the dining chairs. “All you have to do is sit here and look pretty for me.”

You huff dramatically but obey. Mostly because you're too nervous to argue. And you don’t trust yourself near the knife or the stove in this state.

Felix chuckles to himself before opening a bottle of wine. A moment later, a glass appears in front of you. “For the nerves.”

Your shoulders sag, finding relief at the sight of the crimson-colored wine. "Oh thank God.”

You don’t wait to take a grateful sip and it’s not enough to make the anxiety disappear. But enough to dull the sharpest edges.

Across the room, Felix moves easily through the kitchen. Checking the roasted chicken in the oven. Arranging food. Setting serving bowls. He looks comfortable and confident in the way he moves. In contrast to a nervous wreck you are right now.

Felix glances up, catching the tension on your face. "Hey," he softly calls.

You look at him, eyes wide and a bit distracted. “Yes?”

“It's going to be alright,” he says.

You try to smile but it comes out flat. “Yeah.”

He tilts his head, looking offended. “You don't believe me?”

You laugh weakly and put down the wine glass you’ve been holding. “Don’t believe in myself, more like.”

He sets down the last piece of cutlery and walks over. Without saying anything, he crouches beside your chair. His hand finds yours, his eyes softly gazing into yours. “You have nothing to worry about.”

You look down at your intertwined fingers. Then at him. “I feel like I have everything to worry about.”

His eyebrows pull together. “Why?”

Because what if they don't like me? Because what if I'm not enough? Because what if they look at me and wonder why you chose me?

But the words stay trapped inside your head and you shrug instead.

Felix studies you for a long moment. Like he knows there's more you're not saying. Then he lifts your hand and presses a kiss against your knuckles. “My family is going to love you.”

You wish you had his confidence. You really do. Before you can answer, the sharp sound of the doorbell rings through the apartment. You nearly jump out of your chair. Your wine glass rattles.

Felix immediately bursts out laughing. “Babe, it’s just the doorbell.”

You place a hand over your heart, head nodding but your brain is barely computing.

He gets to his feet and looks at the direction of the front door. “Well, they're here,” he easily says like he didn’t just make everything more real. Like you’re not nervous already.

They're here. They're actually here. You stand so quickly the chair scrapes against the floor.Suddenly your palms are sweaty.Your mouth is dry.Your legs feel strangely unsteady.

Felix notices all of it and that’s why his smile fades into something gentler. He extends his hand toward you.

You stare at it for a second before taking it and the moment your fingers touch his, he knows. You can tell from the way his eyes flick down to your trembling hand. Your entire body is.

He squeezes your hand once and then lets go. For a brief second you panic at the loss of contact until his hand settles against the small of your back instead. Together, you walk toward the front door.

Felix reaches for the doorknob and then pauses. His hand resting on the handle when he looks over his shoulder with a warm smile tugging at his lips. “Ready?”

You inhale deeply, trying to gather every ounce of courage you have. “Yeah.”

The lie leaves your mouth easily. Because the truth is, you're nowhere close to ready. Not even a little.

But Felix’s smile grows warmer and brighter. And it’s all you need to make you believe that maybe, if he's on the other side of this with you, everything will be okay.

-

YOU: I was really nervous. Meeting Felix's family felt... important. Because I wanted them to like me. I wanted to make a good impression. [thinly smiles] I think the hard part is that deep down... [sadly sighs] I still struggle with feeling like I deserve any of this. Felix. His family. This future. And what if they can see that? What if they think that I don’t deserve it? [tears up] [sniffles]

-

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