A Shared Dream Rekindled

The late afternoon sun, the color of diluted honey, slanted through the large window of Felix’s recovery room, painting stripes across the polished wooden floor. Outside, the city hummed, a distant, muffled symphony that felt a world away from the quiet stillness within these four walls. Felix, propped against a mountain of plush pillows, traced the condensation blooming on his water glass, a small, wistful smile playing on his lips. His usually vibrant eyes, the color of a sun-drenched ocean, held a touch of weariness, a subtle shadow that hadn't been there a few months ago.

The door creaked open, and Hyunjin’s silhouette filled the frame, carrying with him the fresh scent of the crisp autumn air and a familiar, comforting energy. He held a small, brown paper bag, its contents emitting a faint, sweet aroma. “Brought you some of those almond croissants you like,” he said, his voice a low murmur, careful not to startle the other idol. “From that little bakery down the street. The one with the grumpy baker who secretly has a heart of gold.”

Felix’s smile widened, reaching his eyes this time. “You always know what I need, Hyunjin.” He watched as Hyunjin placed the bag on the bedside table and then settled into the armchair opposite him, his posture relaxed but his gaze attentive.