Chemistry class.
God, how much I hate it.

The subject itself was horrible enough as Chan doesn't care the slightest bit about chemistry but having Felix here makes it the worst.
It's the morning after Chan had witnessed Minho hanging out with the others. So although he wasn't with him as it's one of the few classes the two of them didn't share, Chan didn't mind. In fact, he was almost glad. For once in a while, he didn't feel like talking to his best friend.

It's not like he was mad at Minho. Or maybe he was. But that's not the issue. The problem is that Chan is mad at himself for being so affected by such a simple thing.
He didn't want to take it out on him.
It's not Minho's fault Chan didn't have a lot friends.

He was scrambling on his paper, trying to clear his thoughts. Barely being able to form proper lyrics though, it didn't work as Chan hoped.

So instead he was for once facing the teacher. Not really trying to understand what he was trying to explain to the students. Although he desperately tried not to, he couldn't help but be annoyed at the fact Felix was once again participating perfectly. Understanding it, probably as the only one, completely.
Chan couldn't help it.
He knew there's nothing wrong with Felix. But only his mindset, jealousy, envy.
His own dissatisfaction.

He saw so many flaws in himself.
How come Felix seemingly has none?

Just when Chan was actually paying attention, the teacher introduced a group project. Great.
Without Minho, in fact without a seat-mate or even a friend at all, he hated group work. They were allowed to make their own groups of three. A crowd built up around Felix. Of course almost the whole class wanted to partner up with Felix as he was probably the only one who somehow understood every lecture so far. Only to get a good grade for themselves.
Greedy bastards, standing there like a bunch of insects around a source of light.

Just then Felix walked over to Chan.
Confused he looked up to Felix who was standing in front his desk.

"Would you mind to be my partner for the project?", he smiled.

Chan was puzzled. Taken aback.
Out of all people why him?
"I figured, it won't work out if everyone goes into groups of three.. and you didn't seem to have a group yet-"
"Yeah, yeah whatever.", Chan mumbled.
He sighed inaudible. Save it.

Now what he supposed to do? Felix was for sure the only one who was willing to pair up with him. And to be fair, he doesn't get chemistry the slightest.
Although he had hoped for anyone else, it is was it is in the end.

"Sure.", he stared coldly into the warm eyes of the younger. Why'd he choose him?
Pity? As he was all on his own.
Probably.

"Alright, alright. I see everyone found their groups. I'll elaborate now what you'll be..."
Chan stopped listening.
If he had Felix with him now it didn't matter whether he'd listen or not. He'll know what to do. Besides even if Chan tried to comprehend what the teacher was saying, it was pointless as he didn't pay attention the past few lessons anyway.

... "So where are we gonna do the research and all? At your place?", Chan asked Felix.
"Ah uh.. I thought about your place if you don't mind. Otherwise we could also go to the library.", he said scratching the lower back of his neck.
"Sure, I guess.", he eyed Felix.
He didn't expect such a reaction.

The bell rang.
Chan immediately got up to leave, not having to pack his things as he had never taken them out of his bag anyway.
"So uhm.. we'll meet at the front gate after the last lesson?"
"Sure.", he left.

.

Felix is like the ocean.
A warm beach with a sunset.
Beautiful. Eye-catching. Delightful.
He appears charming, radiant, miraculous.
Everyone is adoring his beauty, loving him.
But the ocean isn't something for anyone.
Some dislike it.
Some are afraid to drown.
Chan is afraid to drown,
to get left behind.

.

He spent the last 2 lessons of the day wondering why Felix had asked him.
Although he'd love to talk to Minho about it, he also didn't want to. He was done talking to Minho about Felix.
Just as they made their way to the front gate and saw Felix, Chan shortly explained that the two of them had a chemistry project and were going to his place.
Before Minho could comment on it, Chan briefly said goodbye and started walking away. Felix following right behind him.

The whole way back to his house, Chan refused to have a conversation with Felix. After many attempts by Felix to start one, he also let it drop.

"My old man is probably home, but I'd say we just go my room.", Chan informed Felix just as they arrived at the front door.
"Yes, sure.", the younger smilingly nodded.

"I'm home!", Chan voice being heard all around the house.
A man as tall as Chan with short black hair walked around the corner.
"Hey there, oh, you brought someone with you?", his dad smiled.

"Yes.. this is.."
"Felix. My name is Felix.", he beamed.
"Nice to meet you Felix. It's been so long since Chan brought friends other than Minho home.", the man excitingly shook Felix's hand.

Felix a friend, huh?