GUNS & ROSES | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

xxxix.

𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒊𝒙.

D-1 to the Eclipse

As Mr. Bae and Jangmi exited the chamber, the melodic tones of a digital lock echoed through the air, signifying their departure. 

I shifted my gaze towards Seungcheol, his form still tightly bound to the bedposts. 

Like me, his ankles and wrists were restrained, making it impossible for either of us to move closer to one another.

"Cheol..." I called out, my voice cracking slightly as worry filled my words.

"Dani..." Seungcheol's response carried a mixture of concern and confusion. "What happened? Why are you alone? Where are the others?" His questions tumbled out in rapid succession, revealing his apprehension for the safety of our comrades.

I hesitated for a moment, my mind grappling with the memories of the infiltration battle. 

It had been a fierce encounter, and though our team had faced the Kings, the Supremes had proven to be a formidable force. 

Mingyu and Jun, who possessed remarkable strength, had been vital in our defense, but the outcome of their clash remained unspoken between us.

"They're all okay, Seungcheol, don't worry!" I hurriedly reassured him, sensing the weight of concern etched on his features. "We managed to retreat quickly to the base. Everyone is safe."

A wave of relief washed over Seungcheol, bringing color back to his pallid face. 

Yet, his relief soon transformed into a new wave of realization as he observed my current state. 

His eyes widened with alarm, and his voice trembled with worry. "But what about you? Why are you here instead of recovering at the base?"

I met his gaze, searching for the right words to explain my presence. "After the retreat, I ran into Mr. Bae and Jangmi. They somehow managed to capture me."

Seungcheol's brows furrowed, a mix of anger and determination burning in his eyes. "We can't let them get away with this," he declared, his voice laced with a newfound resolve. "We'll find a way to escape, Dani. Together."

A hushed silence descended upon us, enveloping the air like a delicate veil. 

The weight of the moment hung palpably, begging for words to break the stillness. 

With my eyes fixed intently on Seungcheol's, I mustered the courage to breach the unspoken depths between us.

"Are you okay?" I inquired softly, my voice carrying the weight of a thousand emotions. 

In that simple question, I sought to unravel the intricacies of his heart, to unearth the hidden currents swirling beneath the surface.

It was a question that spoke volumes, conveying the tumultuous mixture of astonishment, hope, and trepidation that coursed through our veins. 

For Jangmi, once presumed lost to us, stood there before us, breathing and alive. 

How could such a revelation not stir a maelstrom of emotions within Seungcheol's soul?

As my query hung in the air, Seungcheol's expression morphed into a wistful smile, tinged with bitterness. 

In that fleeting moment, a lifetime of memories, both joyous and painful, seemed to flicker across his face. 

His response, though tinged with uncertainty, carried an undertone of resolute determination.

"I don't know how to feel," he confessed, his voice a mere whisper that resonated with the weight of his unspoken turmoil. "But one thing is certain: it no longer matters how I used to feel about her."