Living ĐɆ₳Đ Roses || SeongJoong

CHAPTER 3: hUNgEr

Food.

Seonghwa's senses were instantly awakened by the tantalizing aroma of freshly made waffles blended with the sweet scent of ripe bananas. The fragrant allure was so potent that it felt like it had woven its way into the fabric of their dreams, compelling them to consciousness.

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, Seonghwa's eyes snapped open, alert and wary. They catapulted themselves out of bed with a sense of urgency, their feet hitting the floor with a thud. Heart pounding, they flung open their bedroom door, only to be greeted by an overwhelming wave of breakfast scents that enveloped them, almost as if challenging their sanity. Had they sleepwalked into the kitchen and whipped up a breakfast feast without recollection?

A cold shiver ran down their spine as the reality of the situation sank in. Seonghwa was certain they hadn't prepared breakfast, and the creeping suspicion that someone else had was too unsettling to ignore. Acting instinctually, they darted back to their room, their mind racing. They needed something, anything, to defend themselves with.

Frantically scanning the room, their eyes settled on a broomstick leaning against the wall. Determined, they seized it, swiftly removing the bristled end to create a makeshift weapon. Their phone was next, hastily slipped into their pocket as they prepared to confront the unknown intruder.

Descending the stairs, each step felt like an eternity. Their once-familiar surroundings now seemed foreign and eerie. As they neared the kitchen, a soft, haunting tune reached their ears—a whispering melody that sent chills down their spines.

Realization dawned upon them; they were not alone. Someone—or something—had infiltrated their sanctuary. Grip tightening around the broomstick, Seonghwa steeled themselves for what lay ahead. With shaky hands but resolute determination, they braced to confront and defend against the mysterious presence that had invaded their once peaceful abode.

This will be the day they die.

Oh, but they have so much to do!

Thank God.

"Good morning, Author Seonghwa," greeted a voice from behind them, sending a sudden jolt through Seonghwa's nerves.

With a startled yelp, Seonghwa's reflexes kicked in as they swung the broomstick they were holding with all the force they could muster. The wooden handle whizzed through the air towards the unsuspecting figure behind them. The man reacted swiftly, ducking just in time. Seonghwa's broomstick hit the door frame with a resounding thud, leaving a noticeable dent in its wake.

"Woah, there," the voice chuckled, recognizable and warm. The man moved gracefully, disarming Seonghwa by gently yanking the broomstick out of their hands. "Is that how you say thank you?"

"You!" Seonghwa exclaimed, eyes wide with a mixture of shock and indignation. They quickly distanced themselves from the man, their heart still pounding from the adrenaline rush. "What are you doing in my house!"

Hongjoong's smile was playful, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he skillfully twirled the broomstick in his grasp before leaning on it casually. "You really should consider locking your windows, you know."

"I'm calling the police!" Seonghwa's voice rang out, a mixture of fear and anger causing it to quiver. Their hand trembled as they delved into their pocket, fingers searching desperately for their phone. But before they could even grasp it, Hongjoong swooped in, deftly plucking the device from Seonghwa's hand in a fluid motion.

"Easy now," Hongjoong's soothing voice contrasted with Seonghwa's frantic tone. He expertly flipped Seonghwa's phone in his hand, showing calm dexterity, before offering it back to them. "Just hear me out first. I won't stop you if you still want to call them afterward."