A thousand roses | SS

Chapter 7: Moments in bloom

Joshua's eyes danced with an ethereal light as they lingered on Seokmin, drawn like a moth to the flame of Seokmin's crimson lips, which seemed to radiate their own warmth against the cool breeze of the evening.

"You're absolutely enchanting," Seokmin whispered against the tender caress of Joshua's lips, his fingers tracing delicate patterns along the contours of Joshua's soft cheeks, as if each stroke was a testament to his adoration.

"Can I sketch you?" Joshua's voice, soft and melodious, broke the silence that enveloped them as they stood entwined, their hearts beating in synchrony.

Seokmin's cheeks flushed a rosy hue as he considered Joshua's request, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a halo around him, enhancing his already mesmerizing allure.

"You want to sketch me? You could capture the beauty of this mountain, the cherry blossoms--" Seokmin's voice trailed off, a shy smile playing on his lips, as if humbled by the mere suggestion.

Joshua's gaze softened, a tender smile gracing his lips as he gently cupped Seokmin's cheek, his touch imbued with reverence. "But you're more captivating," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes reflecting the depth of his love.

As they settled against the sturdy embrace of the ancient tree, Seokmin's laughter danced through the air like the tinkling of wind chimes, a melody that harmonized with the rustle of leaves overhead.

"This feels like a scene from 'Jack and Rose'," Seokmin remarked, a playful twinkle in his eyes as he adjusted his posture against the tree, the dappled light dappling his features with an enchanting allure.

Joshua chuckled softly, the sound a symphony of affection as he prepared his materials, the canvas a blank slate waiting to capture the essence of his beloved.

"But you're still fully clothed," Joshua teased gently, a mischievous glint in his eye as he admired Seokmin's modesty, his cheeks tinted with a blush that mirrored the delicate hues of a spring bloom.

"Shh," Seokmin retorted with mock indignation, though his eyes sparkled with mirth as he met Joshua's gaze, the love between them a palpable presence in the tranquil sanctuary of their shared moment.

"Let's get started," Joshua says as he begins with drawing the rough sketch first, while Seokmin stays quiet, afraid that speaking might ruin Joshua's drawing.

"Why are you so quiet?" Joshua asks as he sharpens his tool, watching as Seokmin just stares at him awkwardly.

"If I keep talking, it might be very annoying," Seokmin says, staring at the pink petals flowing in the wind, some finding a resting place on Joshua's blond hair.

"It's not, and moreover, I love listening to you. Keep talking," Joshua assures Seokmin with a smile.

"What do I even talk about?" Seokmin questions, plucking small strands of grass, his gaze still fixed on Joshua, who is giving his full attention to the drawing.

"Anything is fine. Maybe about your office work, your colleagues?" Joshua suggests, and Seokmin nods.

"So there's this man named Mingyu in our office, and he has this very obvious crush on my deskmate, Wonwoo—" the talk continues, with Seokmin sharing and Joshua sketching him with a soft smile.

Their bond is ever so pure, needing only each other to stand against the world.

Joshua looks up to see Seokmin still talking, wondering how he got so lucky to find someone like Seokmin in his dull and broken life.

Maybe everything that happens, happens for a reason, a reason as beautiful and sweet as Seokmin for Joshua. Maybe all you need to do is sometimes accept the things life throws at you and look at them in a positive way. After all, not everything you choose is the right decision, like how Joshua was so stubborn with Junhui, but life gave him Seokmin.

A person so bubbly, about whom Joshua can only dream. Maybe some changes are meant to happen for the betterment of ourselves, to build a more beautiful version of ourselves.

With every stroke of Joshua's pencil, Seokmin's features come to life on the paper, capturing not just his physical appearance, but the essence of his being. There's a warmth in Joshua's smile as he works, a contentment in knowing that he has someone like Seokmin by his side.

As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the park where they sit, Joshua puts the finishing touches on the sketch, his heart overflowing with gratitude for the chance encounter that brought Seokmin into his life.

In that moment, they both realize that some things are simply meant to be, that destiny has a way of bringing people together, even in the most unexpected of ways. And as they pack up their things and head home, hand in hand, they know that they are ready to face whatever the future may hold, as long as they have each other.

"--and so, with my help, he was finally able to confess to Wonwoo, and they have been dating for three years now," Seokmin completes his story, his throat itching a bit as he gets up to grab the bottle to gulp down water.

"It's done," Joshua says, setting his pencil down as he moves closer to Seokmin to show him his art.

Seokmin's lips tug into a smile as he stares at the paper version of himself. A little heart is drawn as a signature at the left end of the canvas.

"It's perfect," Seokmin says as he pulls Joshua into a side hug, causing the male to lay his head on his shoulder.

"It's not, the structure of your jaw—"

"Either way it is. You have drawn me," Seokmin says, tucking Joshua's hairs behind his ears as he cups his cheeks.

"Everything related to you is perfect and proper," he says, pressing a small kiss against Joshua's forehead.

"We should get going now. It's almost dark," Joshua says as he starts to pack up things with Seokmin's help. Soon they were ready to depart. Staring at the cherry blossom tree, Joshua blinks his eyes at Seokmin.

"Did you enjoy the day?" Seokmin questions, slipping his hands into Joshua's hands, fingers interlaced as they made their way out of the forest.

"This is one of the best days of my life," Joshua says as he wraps his left hand around Seokmin's biceps, who smiles at him.

"You're exaggerating," Seokmin says, his lips forming a pout, but Joshua just laughs. His melodious laugh causes a smile to tug at Seokmin's lips.

"I'm not," Joshua insists as he presses a kiss against Seokmin's cheek.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Seokmin says, squeezing Joshua's hands.

Their words are punctuated by the warmth of their affection, each sentiment echoing in the quiet of the evening as they walk, hand in hand, towards home.

"Thank you for opening the doors to your heart for me again..."

"Thank you for being the reason for my smile again...."

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-Vaish

Im so sensitive that even a tiny bit of green flag moves makes me feel like I'm achieves the best person ever 🤡🫢