DO NOT hate me for this😭
_____________________________________

The air in the gallery was thick with the scent of old paint and nervous anticipation. Felix, his hands trembling slightly, adjusted the final painting on the wall. It was a vibrant abstract, a swirl of colors that mirrored the chaos in his own heart. Tonight was his first exhibition, a result of months of tireless work and agonizing self-doubt.

He glanced around the room, his gaze lingering on the faces of the expected guests: his parents, a few close friends, and a sprinkling of art critics and collectors. He was terrified, exhilarated, and utterly alone.

Then he saw him.

Standing by the entrance, a figure emerged from the shadows, a silhouette against the fading light of the day. Tall, lean, with a shock of dark hair falling over his forehead, the man exuded an aura of brooding intensity that instantly captivated Felix. His eyes, scanned the room, taking in the art, the people, and seemingly, Felix.

Felix felt a strange mixture of fear and exhilaration. He had never felt this way before - drawn to someone with such raw, untamed energy in such a short amount of time.

The man moved through the crowd, his movements fluid and graceful. He stopped in front of Felix's painting, his gaze fixed on it for a long moment. Felix held his breath, his heart pounding against his ribs.

The man turned, his eyes finally meeting Felix's. A slow smile spread across his lips, and Felix felt a shiver crawl down his spine.

"Remarkable," the man murmured, his voice a low, husky drawl that sent shivers down Felix's spine. "You have a... unique perspective."

Felix, speechless, could only nod.

"I'm Chris," the man said, extending a hand. His grip was firm, almost possessive. "A journalist".

"Felix," he managed to stammer, shaking Chris's hand. His fingers tingled where they touched.

Chris's eyes, dark and intense, held Felix captive. "Your work... it's unsettling, in the best possible way. It speaks of a soul both tormented and beautiful."

Felix, usually shy and reserved, found himself drawn into Chris's orbit. He felt an inexplicable connection, a sense of recognition in those piercing eyes.

As they moved through the gallery, Chris proved to be an insightful and engaging conversationalist. Felix, usually hesitant to express his own opinions, found himself drawn into a lively debate, his words flowing more freely than he ever imagined.

Later, as the gallery began to empty, Chris suggested they grab a drink. Felix, hesitant at first, found himself agreeing with surprising ease.

~•~

The club pulsed with a throbbing bass, the air thick with smoke and the scent of cheap perfume. Felix, unaccustomed to such a vibrant atmosphere, felt a surge of adrenaline. Chris, however, seemed perfectly at ease, navigating the crowded dance floor with a practiced grace.

As the evening progressed, Chris remained by Felix's side, his presence a constant source of both anxiety and exhilaration. He offered insightful critiques, his words laced with a dangerous kind of admiration.

"You're afraid, aren't you?" Chris observed, his voice a low rumble.

Felix, surprised by his honesty, admitted, "Yes. Terrified."

Chris smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Good. Fear is a powerful motivator."

He leaned closer, his breath warm against Felix's ear. "Don't let it hold you back."

The words sent a jolt of adrenaline through Felix. He felt a strange exhilaration, a desire to push his boundaries, to explore the depths of his own emotions, both dark and light.

Later, as the night dwindled down, Chris suggested they leave. He said he wanted to discuss Felix's work further, in a more... intimate setting.

Felix, hesitant at first, after all he had known Chris for a few hours only, found himself unable to resist. He felt a strange pull towards Chris, a need to be closer to him, to understand the intensity of his gaze, the darkness that simmered beneath his charming exterior.

Chris drove, his hands gripping the steering wheel with a fierce intensity - his other one resting on Felix's thigh. The city lights blurred into streaks of color as they sped through the night. Felix, mesmerized by Chris's profile, felt a nervous flutter in his stomach.

They arrived at Chris's apartment, filled with an eclectic mix of furniture and art. The air was thick with the scent of sandalwood and something else, something darker, more primal.

Chris moved through the space with a predatory grace, his movements fluid and purposeful. He poured them both a drink, his eyes never leaving Felix.

"Tell me about your work," Chris urged, his voice husky. "What inspires you?"

Felix, captivated by Chris's intense gaze, found himself pouring out his heart. He spoke of his fears, his insecurities, his dreams. He didn't know but that was a mistake. He felt a strange sense of liberation, as if he was finally able to be truly honest with someone, to expose the raw, vulnerable parts of himself.

Chris listened intently, his expression a mixture of fascination and something darker, a gleam in his eyes.

"You're a tortured soul, Felix," Chris observed, his voice low and seductive. "And I find that... incredibly intriguing."

He moved closer, his hand brushing against Felix's arm. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through Felix, making his breath catch in his throat.

"You're beautiful," Chris murmured, his eyes tracing the lines of Felix's face. "More beautiful than any of your paintings."

Felix felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He had never been the object of such intense desire, such raw, unfiltered admiration.

Chris leaned in, his lips brushing against Felix's ear. "Let me show you beauty, Felix," he whispered, his voice a silken caress.

Felix, lost in the intoxicating haze of Chris's touch, found himself unable to resist. He leaned into the kiss, his senses reeling.

The kiss was a storm of passion and desire. Chris tasted of whiskey and something else, something bitter. Felix, lost in the moment, surrendered to the sensation, his body trembling with a mixture of fear and exhilaration.

They moved to the couch, their bodies entwined, their mouths seeking and exploring. Chris's hands roamed over Felix's body, tracing the contours of his muscles, his skin. Felix, breathless, arched into Chris's touch, his senses overwhelmed.

The night deepened, the city lights fading into the distance. Lost in the intoxicating embrace of Chris, Felix felt a strange sense of both fear and exhilaration. He knew this was dangerous, that he was playing with fire. But in that moment, he didn't care. He was lost in the intoxicating haze of Chris's touch, his soul consumed by a desire he didn't fully understand.

Felix, nestled in the crook of Chris's arm, felt a strange sense of peace. He had never felt so alive, so utterly consumed by another human being. But beneath the exhilaration, a seed of doubt began to take root. He had a feeling this was just the beginning of a dangerous game, a game he might not be able to win.
_____________________________________

I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! Let me know if you'd like me to continue with the next one.

I always wanted to try something dark...... Just understand that it's my first time trying out this style of writing too😭😭

-Mrin