No ones pov:
Felix woke up just before dawn, blinking as the soft, early morning light filtered through the curtains. He felt the familiar warmth of Hyunjin’s arm draped over his waist, holding him close even in sleep.
A smile crept onto Felix’s face, but as his stomach rumbled, he was reminded of the sudden craving that had woken him up in the first place. He carefully lifted Hyunjin’s arm, trying not to wake him, and tiptoed out of the room, leaving his boyfriend to dream in peace.
As Felix wandered into the kitchen, the idea of fluffy pancakes filled his mind. He could already imagine the golden-brown batter sizzling in the pan, the sweet smell filling the air, and the way the soft, buttery taste would melt in his mouth. .
Excited by the thought, he started to gather the ingredients, only to realize that they were missing a few essentials. Frowning, Felix checked the fridge one more time, hoping he’d somehow overlooked the eggs or the vanilla extract, but there was no mistaking it, they were out of the basics.
“Great,” Felix muttered to himself, crossing his arms.
“How am I supposed to make breakfast now?” But rather than giving up, he saw it as an opportunity.
“Guess it’s time for a ride,” he mumbled, already heading toward the closet where they kept their motorcycle gear.
Just as Felix was about to slip on his boots, Jisung shuffled into the living room, his hair sticking out in all directions and sleep still heavy in his eyes.
“Felix? Why are you dressed like you’re about to rob a bank?” Jisung yawned, rubbing his eyes and blinking slowly at Felix.
“I’m not robbing a bank,” Felix laughed, shaking his head.
“I’m going to the mall. We’re out of stuff, and I’m craving pancakes.”
“Pancakes?” Jisung’s eyes lit up instantly, and he seemed to wake up a little more. “Wait, you’re going now? Like, right now?”
Felix nodded, fastening his jacket.
“Yeah, thought it’d be a good excuse to take the bikes out, you know? Clear our heads before everyone wakes up.”
“Count me in!” Jisung said, his excitement growing.
“I could use a ride. Besides, it’s not every day I get to ride with you at sunrise.”
“Great, go grab your stuff,” Felix instructed, and as Jisung hurried off to change, Seungmin stepped into the living room, looking just as curious.
“What’s with all the commotion?” Seungmin asked, tilting his head as he watched Jisung frantically searching for his helmet.
“Where are you guys going?”
“Mall run,” Felix explained, holding up his helmet.
“We’re out of pancake ingredients, and I’m not about to let that stop me.”
“I’m coming too. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a ride.” Seungmin’s eyes lit up, and he nodded quickly.
The trio geared up, quietly sneaking out of the apartment so they wouldn’t disturb the others. As they reached the garage, Felix looked back at them.
“Alright, let's keep it simple. We’ll take a quick ride there, grab what we need, and get back before anyone even realizes we’re gone.” He paused, grinning.
“Got it?”
“Yes, sir!” Jisung mock-saluted, and Seungmin just nodded, amused by their enthusiasm.
They revved up their bikes and took off, the cool morning air rushing past them as they sped down the nearly empty streets. The intercoms crackled to life as Felix’s voice cut through the silence.
“You know, I’ve been thinking,” he started.
“We’ve been going non-stop with the MotoGP stuff lately. It’s kind of nice to just ride like this, no pressure, no expectations.”
“Right?” Jisung agreed, his tone matching Felix’s.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love the races, but sometimes it’s good to just be out here, enjoying the ride for what it is.” He hesitated for a moment before adding.
“I was actually starting to feel burnt out. This is a good reset.”
Seungmin, riding a little behind them, listened quietly. It wasn’t often that he had moments like this with Felix and Jisung, and he appreciated how the conversation felt more personal, more relaxed.
“I’m glad you guys invited me,” Seungmin said softly.
“It’s nice to just be here, not having to worry about anything.”
“We’re glad you’re here too, Seungmin,” Felix replied, a smile evident in his tone.
“We should do this more often. Maybe next time we’ll wake everyone up and have a proper ride.”
“Yeah, except Chan would make us follow every traffic rule to the letter,” Jisung joked, making them all laugh as they arrived at the mall.
The mall was still fairly empty, which suited them just fine. They parked their bikes and made their way inside, keeping their helmets on but flipping up their visors to see better.
“Alright, here’s the plan,” Felix said, taking charge once again.
“Seungmin, you get the eggs and sugar. Jisung, vanilla extract and powdered sugar. I’ll grab the fruit and whatever else the others usually like.”
“Easy enough,” Jisung said with a thumbs-up.
“And if I find anything else interesting, I’m grabbing that too.”
Felix rolled his eyes but didn’t argue as they split up, navigating the aisles. As he moved through the produce section, Felix picked out strawberries, bananas, and even blueberries, figuring they’d be a nice addition.
He also grabbed a couple of snack bags for everyone, smiling as he thought about how much Jeongin loved sour candies and how Minho would always pretend he didn’t care about gummy bears, only to eat half the bag anyway.
Jisung soon came bounding back, his arms laden with far more than just vanilla extract and powdered sugar. He had managed to collect an assortment of gummy candies, chocolate bars, and even a few packs of jelly beans.
“Jisung, seriously? Are you trying to feed an army?” Felix looked at the pile, raising an eyebrow.
“You know everyone’s going to want some. Besides, have you ever tried the new peach rings? They’re amazing.” Jisung just grinned.
“Alright, fine, put them in the basket. But you’re carrying it.” Felix sighed, but he couldn’t help but smile.
“Deal,” Jisung said, eagerly dumping his collection into the basket.
Meanwhile, Seungmin was having a small crisis in the baking aisle, staring at the different kinds of sugar. There were so many options: granulated, caster, powdered, brown…
“Why are there so many types of sugar? Felix should’ve been more specific.” He muttered to himself.
Finally, he grabbed what he thought was the most standard choice and turned to head back. As he did, he accidentally bumped into a tall man carrying a basket, causing him to drop some of his items.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Seungmin apologized quickly, crouching down to pick up the man’s things.
The man, however, didn’t seem interested in forgiveness.
“Watch where you’re going, kid,” he snapped, glaring down at Seungmin.
“You bikers think you’re so damn important.”
Seungmin froze for a moment but quickly remembered Felix’s advice: always keep your helmet on when dealing with people who seem like they might cause trouble. He flicked down his visor and continued apologizing, holding out the man’s items.
“I didn’t mean to bump into you. I’m really sorry.”
“You’re just a bunch of wannabe punks. Think you’re tough because you ride motorcycles?” The man scoffed, knocking Seungmin’s hand away.
Seungmin tried to stay calm, but his hands were starting to shake. He quickly switched on his intercom and called for Felix.
“Felix, I need you. I’m in the baking aisle.”
“I’m on my way.” Felix’s tone instantly became serious.
“Stay here. Seungmin needs me.” He handed his basket to Jisung.
“What? Why? Is he okay?” Jisung’s face filled with concern.
“Not sure, but I’ll handle it,” Felix replied before sprinting off.
When Felix arrived at the baking aisle, he saw the guy towering over Seungmin, who was doing his best to keep his distance. Without hesitation, Felix grabbed the man’s hoodie from behind, yanking him back.
“Back off,” Felix growled, his Australian accent cutting through the silence.
“And who the hell are you supposed to be?” The man looked Felix up and down, clearly unimpressed.
Felix’s eyes narrowed.
“Someone who’s not afraid to make you regret it if you don’t back off.” *that sounded WAY better in my head-* His fingers twitched, ready to defend Seungmin, but Jisung arrived just in time, grabbing Felix’s arm.
“Felix, don’t,” Jisung warned, nodding toward the approaching security guard.
Felix took a deep breath, nodding reluctantly.
“You’re not worth it,” he said to the man, and with that, he took Seungmin’s hand, leading him away.
“Are you alright?” Felix asked softly, concern lacing his voice.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Seungmin replied shakily.
“Thanks, Felix.”
They paid for their items quickly and made their way back to the apartment. As they were about to slip inside, the door suddenly swung open, and Chan stood there, arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
“And where exactly have you three been?” Chan’s voice was calm but firm, his gaze flicking between Felix, Jisung, and Seungmin, who all froze like deer caught in headlights.
“You were gone before any of us even woke up. And I had to find out from Changbin that your bikes were missing from the garage.” Felix swallowed, mentally preparing himself for the inevitable lecture.
“We went out to grab some stuff for pancakes,” he began, holding up the grocery bags as if they were proof of his good intentions.
“I woke up craving them, and we didn’t have the ingredients, so I thought it’d be a quick run.”
“A quick run?” Chan repeated, raising an eyebrow.
“You took off without telling anyone, and I’ve been worried sick wondering where you guys were!”
“Channie, come on, we’re all fine. Besides, Felix really wanted to surprise everyone with pancakes! And you know how he gets when he has a craving. It’s like trying to stop a freight train.” Jisung, sensing the tension rising, stepped forward and put on his most innocent smile.
Chan let out a frustrated sigh, but some of the tension left his shoulders.
“You still should’ve told me,” he said, his voice softer now.
“Anything could’ve happened out there.”
Seungmin, who had been silent this entire time, finally spoke up.
“Actually… something did happen.” He glanced at Felix, silently asking for permission to continue, and Felix nodded encouragingly.
“I bumped into this guy at the mall, and he got pretty aggressive. Felix stepped in before things could get out of hand, but it could’ve been bad.”
“You what? Are you okay? Seungmin, did he touch you?” Chan’s eyes widened in alarm, and he immediately turned to Felix.
“No, he didn’t. Felix got there in time,” Seungmin reassured, feeling the weight of Chan’s worry.
“He was amazing, actually. Calm and controlled. But the guy was definitely looking for a fight.”
Felix shrugged, trying to brush it off.
“It wasn’t a big deal, really. We handled it, and we’re back now. Besides,” he added with a cheeky grin.
“I got all the ingredients, so we’re still making those pancakes.”
“You’re unbelievable, you know that?” Chan ran a hand down his face, torn between exasperation and relief.
“Yeah, but you love me,” Felix teased, finally earning a small chuckle from Chan, who nodded.
“Fine, I do. But next time, just… don’t leave without letting us know, okay?”
“Promise,” Felix said, giving Chan a quick hug before heading to the kitchen.
“Now, help me whip up these pancakes. I need my sous-chef.”
As Chan joined Felix in the kitchen, Jisung and Seungmin followed, unloading the bags and setting everything out on the counter. Soon, the scent of pancakes filled the apartment, drawing the rest of the group out of their rooms one by one.
Hyunjin was the first to appear, his hair tousled from sleep and eyes still half-closed.
“What’s all the noise?” he mumbled, leaning against the doorframe, and then his nose twitched.
“Wait, are those pancakes?”
“Yup! Figured we’d start the day off right.” Felix beamed.
“Felix woke up craving them and dragged us to the mall,” Jisung chimed in, causing Hyunjin to smile fondly at his boyfriend.
“You’re always full of surprises, Lixie,” Hyunjin said, pulling him into a kiss.
“Need any help?”
“Just grab the fruit and set the table?” Felix suggested, and Hyunjin nodded, getting to work.
Minho and Changbin were next to stumble out, looking like they’d just rolled out of bed.
“Is that syrup I smell?” Minho asked, his eyes lighting up.
“You bet it is,” Jisung grinned.
“And I might’ve gone a little crazy with the toppings, so you’re in for a treat.”
“I’m not even hungry, but that smell is making me reconsider my life choices.” Changbin rubbed his eyes, yawning.
“Well, reconsider fast because breakfast is ready,” Felix announced, flipping the last pancake onto the plate.
Jeongin, the last to emerge, looked at the stack of pancakes with wide eyes.
“You guys went all out,” he said, genuinely impressed.
“Did you wake up at dawn or something?”
“Something like that,” Felix replied, dodging the details as they all sat down to eat.
The conversation flowed easily as they enjoyed the meal, each of them praising Felix’s cooking.
“You should be a chef, seriously,” Jisung said, stuffing his face with another bite.
“You could open up a pancake restaurant.”
“Only if you promise to be my taste tester,” Felix replied with a grin.
“Deal!” Jisung laughed.
To Be Continued...