The Curse Between Us

[The van hummed softly as it sped through the city streets, the night city lights shining against the darkening sky.]

The boys of Rune slouched in their seats, exhaustion evident in their expressions. Felix sat in the farthest corner, his headphones resting around his neck, his fingers absentmindedly playing with the strings of his hoodie. Kelvin, seated beside him, scrolled through his phone, occasionally glancing Felix's way but saying nothing.

In the front passenger seat, Rika, their manager, turned around to face them. Her clipboard was balanced on her lap, her expression a mix of professionalism and a hint of warmth.

"Alright, boys, listen up," she began, her voice firm but not unkind. "You've earned this day off, but I need you to be mindful. We're in a delicate phase of your promotions. Paparazzi have been...tireless, especially after the buzz about your upcoming album. So, keep a low profile., understood?"

"Got it," Grey said with a lazy grin, stretching his arms.

"Low profile is my specialty," Zach added with a smirk, earning a chuckle from Mitchell, who was already half-asleep against the window.

Rika's gaze shifted to Kelvin, the unofficial spokesperson. "Kelvin, make sure they behave, okay? Especially those two." She pointed at Grey and Zach.

Kelvin gave a sharp nod. "As always."

Felix raised an eyebrow but said nothing, sinking deeper into his seat. He was grateful for the break. The strain of keeping his secret intact had been heavier than usual. The last thing he needed was another slip-up. I should learn to control it.

Rika adjusted her glasses and hesitated for a moment before continuing, "One last thing. Felix, a fan event is being planned in your hometown. We're still finalizing details, but it's likely to be part of your solo promotions."

At her words, Felix tensed. "Hometown? Why there?"

"Marketing, of course," Rika explained. "A nostalgic approach always sells. Plus, some local sponsors are involved. Don't worry, I'll handle the paperwork. You just have to show up and smile."

Kelvin noticed the sudden stiffness in Felix's posture. His brow furrowed as he observed the usually carefree idol's unease.

"Great," Felix muttered, his tone unreadable. He tugged his hoodie tighter around him and turned to stare out the window, avoiding Kelvin's inquisitive glance.

The tension stayed for a moment before Grey broke the silence. "Hey, Felix, maybe you'll run into an old crush. Hometown romances are a thing, right?"

Felix forced a laugh. "Yeah, sure. That's exactly what I'm looking forward to."

As the van moved on, Kelvin couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Felix's reaction than simple nerves.

After a while of driving, the van came to a halt and the boys stumbled into their shared apartment, their bags hitting the floor in a chaotic pile by the door.

"I'm calling the big TV!" Grey shouted, bolting to the living room like a kid on Christmas morning.

"You always call the big TV," Zach complained, kicking off his shoes. "But not this time—this is war!"

Mitchell was already grabbing controllers, a sly grin on his face. "You guys can fight over the screen. It won't change the fact that I'm going to destroy all of you."

Felix plopped onto the couch, pulling his hoodie over his head. "You're awfully confident, Mitch. Don't forget, I beat you last time."

Mitchell laughed as he handed out the controllers. "You got lucky because Grey was blocking me the whole time. Tonight, though? I'm winning fair and square."

Kelvin rolled his eyes but joined in, sitting cross-legged on the floor. "Just start the game before we all fall asleep."

They dove into their favorite fighting game, and chaos erupted instantly.

"Stop targeting me!" Grey yelled, mashing his buttons furiously.

"You're in the way," Mitchell replied with a shrug, delivering the final blow.

Zach's character cornered Felix. "Sorry, man. Nothing personal."

Felix smirked, dodging the attack and countering with a brutal combo. "Oh, it's personal now."

The room was filled with shouts, laughter, and the sound of furious button-clicking. By the time Mitchell claimed his fifth win in a row, they were all sprawled out on the floor, exhausted but still buzzing with energy.

"Okay, okay," Grey panted. "New plan. Let's play Truth or Dare!"

Felix groaned. "I'm out."

"Come on," Zach nudged him. "You're no fun. Don't be a chicken."

"Yeah," Grey chimed in. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"You could make Felix and kelvin kiss! That's the worse!" Mitchell replied, rolling his eyes.

Felix hesitated. His mind had been racing all day, and maybe some dumb game would help distract him. "Fine. But if this gets stupid, I'm done."

"It's always stupid," Mitchell said with a grin, "and that's the point."

Grey went first. "Mitchell, truth or dare?"

"Dare," Mitchell replied confidentq$ly.

"I dare you to…drink a glass of hotsauce."

The room erupted in laughter.

"That's disgusting!" Mitchell said, but he grabbed the bottle from the kitchen. After gagging dramatically through the dare, the game continued.

Zach dared Grey to wear socks on his hands for the rest of the night. Mitchell made Kelvin sing the chorus of their most recent song in a terrible opera voice. Kelvin retaliated by daring Zach to confess his weirdest crush.

Finally, it was Felix's turn.

"Truth or dare?" Grey asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Dare," Felix replied, crossing his arms.

"I dare you to…" Grey paused, then grinned. "Go outside and shout 'I'm the king of Rune' at the top of your lungs."

Felix raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? That's your dare?"

Grey shrugged. "Unless you're too scared."

Felix rolled his eyes, stood up, and walked to the balcony. He leaned over the edge, cupped his hands around his mouth, and bellowed, "I'M THE KING OF RUNE!"

The neighbors yelled back, "SHUT UP!"

The entire group burst out laughing, doubling over as Felix returned with a triumphant smirk.

The game went on until their stomachs hurt from laughing. By the time the sun began to peek through the curtains, the boys were sprawled across the couch and floor, their energy spent.

For the first time in days, Felix felt lighter, his worries momentarily forgotten in the chaos of friendship and stupid dares.

The game was reaching peak ridiculousness when Zach leaned forward with a devilish grin. "Alright, Kelvin. Truth or dare?"

Kelvin, lounging back against the couch with his arms crossed, smirked. "Dare, obviously."

Zach clapped his hands together. "Perfect. I dare you to act like the father of the group and pick someone to be the mom."

The room erupted in groans and laughter.

"Why is this even a dare?" Grey asked, rolling onto his stomach.

"Because it's hilarious," Zach replied.

Kelvin's smirk widened as he straightened up, rubbing his chin like he was making a serious decision. "Alright, if I'm the dad…" His eyes scanned the group dramatically before landing on Felix, who was sitting just inches away.

"I pick Felix as the mom."

Felix froze, his jaw tightening. "What?"

"You heard me," Kelvin said, his voice oozing fake sincerity. "You've got that…uh, caring vibe. Plus, you're always nagging me, so it fits."

Grey and Zach burst out laughing, while Mitchell whistled. "Ooh, he's got you there, Felix. No... I mean mom."

"I do not nag you," Felix shot back, lightly shoving Kelvin's shoulder.

"Sure you do," Kelvin teased, leaning closer with an infuriating grin. "'Kelvin, stop leaving your stuff everywhere.' 'Kelvin, we're going to be late.' You're like a natural at this."

Felix's cheeks flushed slightly, but he crossed his arms. "If anyone's the mom, it's Mitchell. He's the one who made us eat vegetables last week."

"That was one time!" Mitchell protested, though he didn't seem too offended.

Kelvin, clearly enjoying himself, leaned even closer to Felix, their faces now dangerously close. "Come on, Wifey. Accept it."

Felix glared at him, his voice dripping with mock annoyance. "You're annoying."

"Love you too, dear," Kelvin quipped, grinning like he'd won the lottery.

The others were practically in tears from laughing, while Felix scooted an inch farther from Kelvin, muttering, "This game is stupid."

But even as he pretended to be annoyed, Felix couldn't stop the small, begrudging smile that tugged at the corner of his lips.

Soon the chaos of the game finally died down as the boys decided to call it a night. One by one, they dragged themselves to their bedrooms.

Felix lingered for a moment in the hallway, watching the others disappear behind their doors. His mind still buzzed from the night's events, and a faint smile played on his lips.

"Good night, Wifey!" Kelvin called from his room, making Felix roll his eyes.

"Shut up," he muttered, though there was no real heat in his voice.

Once inside his own room, Felix closed the door with a soft click and leaned against it, exhaling deeply. His room was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the city outside his window. He pulled off his hoodie and tossed it onto the chair, letting his shoulders relax.

And then, it happened.

A familiar warmth spread through his body, but this time it wasn't accompanied by the sharp pain he usually felt when he shapeshifted. Instead, it was smooth, almost comforting, like his body had been waiting for this moment.

Felix looked down at his hands as they slimmed slightly, his fingers becoming more delicate. He rushed to the mirror, watching as his reflection shifted. His features softened, his hair lengthened, and his frame grew smaller.

He blinked at the female version of himself staring back at him in the mirror.

"What…?" he whispered, touching his face.

For the first time, he didn't feel the usual panic or discomfort that came with an unexpected shift.

He tilted his head, examining his reflection. His female form looked…natural, as if it had always been there, waiting to surface.

Felix ran his fingers through his longer hair and let out a soft laugh. "Well, this is new," he muttered to himself.

Despite the surprise, he didn't feel like complaining. For once, his curse wasn't a burden—it was almost a relief.