Bloodlust | Jeonghan

07

07 : WHERE THERE IS LIGHT

JEONGHAN HAD INSISTED ROSIE CANCEL all her plans for the day, offering no explanation other than, "Just trust me."

Now, as she stood in front of the mirror, braiding her long black hair, she couldn't shake the feeling that whatever he had in mind was about to turn her world upside down.

Wonwoo opened the door to the connecting bathroom and paused when he saw her. Leaning against the doorway, he crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes widening slightly in surprise before settling into a curious gaze. One eyebrow arched as he took in the scene, the hint of a smirk playing at the corner of his lips, as if he were deciding whether to break the silence or just observe.

But Rosie caught sight of him in the mirror, her eyes lighting up with delight. She immediately broke the silence. "Hi, Won!" she greeted, her voice overly cheerful, which only deepened Wonwoo's curiosity.

Wonwoo tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked her up and down, noting that she was wearing her "outside clothes." He then shifted his gaze back to the mirror, taking in the wide, excited smile on her face.

"Going somewhere?"

"Yup!" Rosie chirped, popping the 'p' as she rocked back and forth on her feet. "Your brother's taking me somewhere. Dunno where," she shrugged.

His eyebrows furrowed as he asked, "My brother? Which one?"

Rosie momentarily paused, glancing over her shoulder at him. "Jeonghan," she said, as if it were the most obvious answer in the world.

"Jeonghan, huh? What, you two are close now or something?" Wonwoo asked, his voice dropping as he spoke. An unfathomable knot formed in his chest at the thought of Rosie alone with his brother. Concern? Caution? A hint of protectiveness?

Fear?

He wasn't quite sure.

Over the past few days, they had grown closer, though Rosie still felt a bit awkward around him because of the vision. Despite that, Jeonghan had been nothing but kind and sweet — so different from the man in that damned vision. They often sat next to each other during meals, with Jeonghan leaning in to whisper something that made Rosie giggle like a schoolgirl. He'd frequently walk her to her door, bidding her goodnight with a smile. They had become almost inseparable, earning a few puzzled looks from the others — not that they cared.

Rosie finished her braids and turned to face him, leaning against the sink with her arms crossed over her chest. A playful look danced across her face as she wiggled her eyebrows at him.

"What? Don't tell me you're jealous," she teased, a soft laugh escaping her lips. She met his eyes directly, making him shift uncomfortably.

"Don't worry, Won, you're still my best friend," she reassured the man.

Wonwoo's cheeks flushed light pink, and he quickly looked down, shaking his head in disbelief. He tried to hide the slight grin forming on his face, but Rosie caught it immediately.

Rosie's heart warmed at the sight. One thing she'd noticed about Wonwoo was that he rarely smiled, and when he did, it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen — or at least, the second most beautiful, since Jeonghan's smile was number one for her, but she'd rather eat a cactus and call it a salad than admit that out loud.

"Nah, shut up. Ain't jealous of anything," he scoffed, forcing his lips into a straight line as he looked back up at her. "Just worried, is all."

"Don't be. I'll be with your brother."