Love Beyond Expectations

Chapter 25: Eclipsed Shadows

Dear Wattpad Readers,

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back from my break! As you can see, my computer woes have finally been resolved, and I'm ready to dive back into the world of writing with renewed energy and inspiration. Your patience and support during this time have meant the world to me, and I can't wait to share more stories and adventures with you. I can't wait to embark on this journey together once again,

Warm regards,

Sunflowersatdusk 🌻🤍

Zuri retreated to a secluded corner of the break area, her thoughts a tumultuous whirlpool of confusion and dismay. The sterile fluorescent lighting overhead cast a harsh glow on the laminate tables and vinyl chairs, accentuating her sense of isolation. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to shake off the unsettling encounter with Briley, who'd left her with more questions than answers. What was this whole charade about, anyway? The cryptic mention of an ultimatum involving Suho clawed at her, demanding attention she wasn't sure she wanted to give.

She found herself staring blankly at a potted plant, its leaves a vibrant splash of green in the otherwise drab room. The quiet hum of the vending machine filled the silence, offering a strange sort of comfort in its consistency. She was so engrossed in her own world that she barely noticed the door swing open.

Suho walked into the break room, laughter spilling from him like a melody. He was accompanied by a cute brunette with doe eyes and a smile that reached all the way to her twinkling eyes. A pang of jealousy shot through Zuri, sharp and unexpected. She watched, her heart sinking a fraction, as Suho shared a joke with Miss Doe Eyes, who laughed with an easy grace that made Zuri's stomach churn. What else was he hiding from her? She wondered if he told Miss Doe Eyes everything, sharing secrets that were kept from her.

Then, he spotted Zuri. His laughter faded into a boyish grin that made his eyes crinkle charmingly at the corners. He excused himself from Miss Doe Eyes, who looked momentarily forlorn as he walked away, and made a beeline towards Zuri. The surge of unadulterated pleasure that shot through her at being his chosen destination was almost enough to wash away the bitterness of the past few minutes.

"Hey," he greeted, his voice a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves.

Zuri cocked her head, trying to suppress the frustration and curiosity bubbling inside her. She managed a smile, though it probably resembled more of a demented giraffe than anything genuinely cheerful. "Hey."

Suho reached her and, without hesitation, pulled her into a warm embrace. He smelled of woodsy undertones with a hint of lavender — not musk, but something more subtle and inviting. She allowed herself a moment to breathe him in, the familiar scent grounding her.

"I'm so glad to see you," Suho murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

"I-I'm glad to see you too." She pulled back slightly to look at him, his almond-shaped eyes searching hers for something she couldn't quite define. "So... um," Zuri began, her gaze drifting to the TV mounted on the wall, where a fishing channel played to an uninterested audience. She pretended it was the most captivating thing she'd ever seen, unable to meet his curious gaze. "Do you have anything to tell me?"

The question hung between them, heavy with implications and unspoken truths. Zuri held her breath, waiting for his response, hoping for honesty but bracing for more deception. The room seemed to shrink, the air thick with anticipation, as she waited for him to shatter the fragile peace they'd found in each other's arms.

As Suho searched Zuri's face, her less-than-cheerful expression sent his mind into a tailspin. Her question echoed in his head, but no coherent answer formed. "Umm... no? I don't think so," he stammered, his words sounding feeble even to his own ears. He noticed the frown creasing her forehead, deepening like a chasm that threatened to swallow up the fragile connection they shared. It unnerved him, that frown, like a dark cloud obscuring the sun.