His Chains, My Crown || Minsung

Felix stood alone in the corridor long after the others had gone. His hands were still trembling. His chest ached, but it wasn’t from exhaustion. It was a pain deeper, more stubborn, and far crueler.

He had failed.

Jisung had made his choice.

And it wasn’t him.

The ice magic he summoned had long faded, leaving a faint crackle on the floor where Minho had stood, unfazed. Felix stared at it like it might offer answers. It didn’t.

Footsteps behind him. Light. Familiar.

"You shouldn't be here alone." came Changbin’s voice.

Felix didn't turn. "You saw it. You saw everything. He... He chose him."

Changbin was silent for a moment before stepping beside him. "He did."

"He shouldn’t have." Felix snapped, fists clenching. "Minho hyung’s darkness, his cruelty, it’s going to consume Jisung."

"You sure it's not Jisung's chaos that's consuming Minho?" Changbin countered gently. "He hasn't changed him. Not really. Jisung is still the same. Still fire, still madness, still laughter in the face of danger. That boy wouldn't survive a day with someone who tried to control him."

Felix's lips parted, then closed. The sting of truth hurt worse than his brother's chains ever could.

"You love him." Changbin continued. "I know. But loving someone doesn't always mean they belong to you. And you never noticed his true color. Not really. You offered him friendship and he took that. But the truth is...Jisung is not as bright as you think he is. He never was."

Felix's heart clenched. "I just wanted to protect him."

"So does Minho. In his own twisted, merciless way. But Jisung doesn’t want saving. He never did."

Felix's shoulders sagged. For the first time, the cold inside him wasn’t from his magic.

Changbin reached out, a warm hand brushing Felix’s arm. "Come on. You need rest."

"I can’t sleep." Felix muttered.

"Then let me help. Again."

Felix finally turned. Their eyes met. Felix remembered the night before, Changbin's warmth, the soft glittering gold, the whispered promise of peace.

Maybe it was time to let go.

He gave a faint nod.

Changbin offered his hand. Felix took it.

Together, they walked into the quiet of the castle, where the fire still burned behind throne room doors, but this time, Felix didn’t look back.