An unsettling chill gnawed at Seonghwa's senses, an ineffable wrongness that made every nerve in his body twitch. He could not pinpoint it, but everything felt dissonant and skewed. He grabbed his belongings with an almost frantic urgency, his movements erratic as he made his way toward the door. His steps were unsteady, as if his legs were betraying him with each wavering stride.
The moment the door clicked shut behind him, a rush of relief flooded his senses. It was as though a veil of oppressive air had been lifted, allowing him to draw a full breath for the first time in what felt like ages.
Seonghwa slumped against the door, his back pressing into the cool surface as he sank down to the floor. His mind replayed those eyes—their intensity, the haunting glow that defied reality. The memory of Hongjoong's gaze was etched vividly in his thoughts, unsettling and surreal. He tried to steady his breathing, whispering to himself, "Calm down, Seonghwa. Just calm down."
Leaning heavily against the door frame, Seonghwa struggled to pull himself upright. A shiver of heat prickled across his skin, radiating from his chest and heightening his discomfort. The bewildering fog in his mind only deepened, leaving him grappling with the disconcerting strength of his reaction. The ordinary world outside seemed distant and unfathomable as he wrestled with the disquieting remnants of his encounter.
Seonghwa fumbled with the water bottle from his bag, his hands trembling as he unscrewed the cap. He lifted it to his lips and took a swig, hoping the cool liquid would offer some reprieve from the searing discomfort in his chest. Despite the refreshing chill, the pain within him remained unabated, a relentless burn that refused to subside.
The world seemed to tilt as he struggled to stay upright, each step a battle against the encroaching dizziness. Leaning heavily against the nearest wall, he paused, trying to steady his breathing as it came in shallow, ragged bursts. His attempts to appear composed were undermined by his evident struggle, though the crowd around him seemed oblivious to his distress.
With a determined effort, Seonghwa pushed open the heavy black doors, the sound of his unsteady footsteps resonating against the hard tiled floor. He made his way to the sink, gripping the edge of the counter for support. Gritting his teeth, he hesitated before glancing at his reflection in the mirror. The stark difference between his usually vibrant complexion and the pallid face staring back at him was jarring.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then splashed his face with cool water from the tap. The brief, invigorating chill provided a momentary respite, sharpening his blurred vision and offering a fleeting sense of relief. But as soon as the initial clarity faded, a fresh wave of nausea surged in his stomach, amplifying the discomfort that had taken hold of him.
