Arrange Marriage | JC

Epilogue: To the end of worlds

2 months later~

Red or blue?

"Red looks good, but blue is your color, sunflower," Seokmin's voice cut through the stillness, causing Joshua to gasp as he spun around to see Seokmin leaning casually against the doorframe.

The silver cufflinks slipped from Joshua's fingers, clattering softly onto the vanity as he stood up, his expression hardening.

"What did I tell you about barging in? You know I hate it," Joshua's voice was sharp as he crossed the room, each step deliberate, eyes narrowed as he bore down on Seokmin.

Seokmin's usual confidence wavered, his smile turning apologetic as he extended a hand, catching Joshua by the wrist and pulling him close.

"I'm sorry," Seokmin murmured, his tone low and contrite, "I won't barge in again, I promise." Joshua's gaze flickered with something unreadable as he stared at Seokmin, searching for cracks in his apology.

"Shouldn't you be with Seungcheol? What are you doing here?" Joshua's words were laced with suspicion, his tone biting as he toyed with the idea of pushing Seokmin away.

But Seokmin held firm, his hand gently brushing a stray lock of hair from Joshua's forehead, his touch almost possessive as his arms snaked around Joshua’s waist, pulling him closer, leaving little space for air.

"I came to pick you up," Seokmin said quietly, his voice a murmur against Joshua’s ear. "I was there the whole time." His words were soft, yet there was an edge to them, a dangerous undercurrent that made Joshua tense.

"What's got you so worried, hm?" Seokmin's gaze bore into Joshua's, his eyes dark and probing as he felt Joshua's heartbeat quicken against his chest.

Joshua sighed, his breath shaky as he dropped his gaze, fingers fidgeting with Seokmin's collar, the silence between them heavy, loaded with unspoken thoughts.

"Nothing," Joshua finally whispered, his voice barely audible as he focused on the cool fabric beneath his fingers, avoiding Seokmin's eyes.

But Seokmin wasn't fooled. He tightened his grip, forcing Joshua to meet his gaze again, the darkness between them growing thicker, more suffocating.

Seokmin’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening just enough to remind Joshua of his place. "You’re lying," he said, his voice dangerously calm.

The weight of his stare made Joshua feel exposed, vulnerable, as though Seokmin could see every secret he was trying to hide.

Joshua flinched, his resolve wavering under Seokmin's intense scrutiny. "I’m not," he protested weakly, but even he could hear the tremor in his voice, the way it betrayed the truth he was desperate to conceal.

Seokmin’s lips curled into a knowing smirk, a dark amusement glinting in his eyes as he leaned in closer, his breath hot against Joshua’s ear.

"You forget, Solnyshko, I know you too well," Seokmin murmured, his voice a low rasp that sent a shiver down Joshua’s spine.

"I can hear it in your voice, feel it in the way you tremble when I touch you." He let his hand drift lower, sliding along Joshua's back, his fingers brushing just enough to make Joshua tense. "You’re scared. But of what, I wonder?"