Eclipse || Seongjoong

Chapter 16: Kiss

⚠️ TW: mention of SA || Assault ⚠️

Seonghwa did not know where he was or how he arrived at his location.

All he knew was that he grew angered by the words he overheard Hongjoong and the bartender speak.

Seonghwa's emotions churned within him as he sat in the dimly lit corner of the bustling tavern, his attention ensnared by the conversation drifting from the nearby bar counter. The cadence of Hongjoong's voice first caught his ear, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the hum of patrons. A knot tightened in Seonghwa's stomach as he strained to catch every word.

Seonghwa didn't know why he was so angered by Hongjoong's words when he told the same to others. He didn't hear anything past Chan agreeing to give Hongjoong a 'glass' of some sort, but he didn't care. Seonghwa had heard what they spoke of beforehand, and that's all that mattered.

Seonghwa's chest tightened with a surge of discomfort, his irritation palpable as he absorbed Hongjoong's words. The air in the room felt stifling, each breath seemingly constricted by the weight of the disagreement hanging between them. With a decisive push against the armrests of his chair, Seonghwa rose, the wooden legs scraping against the floor in protest.

His movements were deliberate, each step a silent declaration of his need to escape the suffocating atmosphere. His hand reached out instinctively for the door handle, a glimmer of relief flickering in his eyes as freedom seemed within reach. Yet, before he could grasp it fully, Yunho's voice sliced through the tense silence like a sharp blade.

"You can't go alone," Yunho interjected, his tone firm yet tinged with concern, his eyes locking onto Seonghwa's retreating figure. The weight of his words settled heavily in the air, a silent reminder of the need for vigilance, even in moments of discord.

Seonghwa's jaw tightened, his frustration mounting at the unexpected obstacle blocking his path to solitude. The sense of being confined, both physically and emotionally, tightened its grip around him, threatening to engulf him entirely. Despite the protest bubbling within him, he knew that resistance against Yunho's unwavering resolve would be futile.

Seonghwa's frustration simmered, bubbling beneath the surface like a dormant volcano on the brink of eruption. The condescension he faced grated on his nerves, each patronizing word and gesture adding fuel to the fire of his indignation. It was a familiar feeling born of the assumption that he lacked the cognitive faculties to navigate his thoughts and actions.

He understood the reasons behind their behavior; perhaps it stemmed from genuine concern or a desire to protect him, but that didn't make it any less exasperating. The sting of being treated like a fragile child when he was perfectly capable of handling himself gnawed at him.

In a gesture of understanding, Yunho extended an olive branch, offering to step outside with him and provide a semblance of space. It wasn't a perfect solution, and Seonghwa bristled at the notion of being babysat like a wayward toddler. However, he recognized the sincerity in Yunho's offer, a genuine attempt to alleviate the tension and grant him some respite.

Reluctantly, Seonghwa acquiesced, his pride warring with his need for a moment of solitude. Stepping outside, he found himself enveloped in the cool embrace of the evening air, a welcome contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside. From his vantage point, he watched the world unfold before him, grateful for the opportunity to collect his thoughts amidst the chaos of his emotions. It wasn't the freedom he craved but a temporary reprieve—a chance to regroup before plunging back into the fray.