A thousand roses | SS

Chapter 16: Parks and past

Saturday.

It was Saturday, and Saturdays always meant quality time with Seokmin. Joshua cherished these weekends, knowing that Seokmin would arrive home earlier than usual. Saturdays were his favorite; they meant spending more precious time with Seokmin.

Last weekend, they had crafted candles together with Yumi’s help, their kitchen filled with the warm scents of wax and essential oils. The weekend before that, they baked a cake, laughter filling the air as flour dusted their noses and cheeks.

These small, intimate moments stitched Joshua's married life together, making it more peaceful and full of love. Each Saturday was a celebration of their bond, a reminder of the simple joys that made their life together so special.

"Babe! Are you done?" Seokmin calls out from the living room, grabbing his jacket, wallet, and car keys as he makes his way towards the door. Today, they decided to spend the day at the park and just relax.

"Yes," Joshua replies, emerging from the bedroom with his puffer jacket. The air in Japan was chilly, not quite snowy, but the cold still bit at their skin. Joshua runs his hands through his hair and steps out of the house, locking the door behind him.

Seokmin glances back at Joshua while standing by the elevator. "You look cute," he says with a smile. Joshua's brown hair bounces with each step, and his cheeks are a rosy pink from the cold weather.

"Huh?" Joshua huffs, standing beside Seokmin and looking at him in confusion.Seokmin chuckles as he reaches out to brush a speck of dust from Joshua's cheek. "I said you look extra cute today," he repeats, squeezing Joshua's cheeks gently. Joshua blushes, leaning into Seokmin’s touch.

"Thank you," Joshua says, his lips forming a pout as he looks up at Seokmin. "You look... just as usual," he jokes, a soft laugh bubbling between them.

Seokmin laughs, a sound that warms Joshua more than any jacket could. "Oh, just as usual, huh?" Seokmin teases, leaning in closer. "So, my usual self is just okay?"

Joshua grins, his eyes sparkling with affection. "No, your usual self is perfect."

They both step into the elevator, and Seokmin immediately encircles his arms around Joshua, pulling him closer. "I love spending time with you," he mutters, his lips brushing against Joshua's skin.

"Me too," Joshua replies, his slender fingers stroking Seokmin's hair gently. Their shared warmth and the quiet hum of the elevator create an intimate cocoon around them.

Suddenly, the elevator doors open with a soft chime, and Joshua panics, pushing Seokmin away a bit too forcefully. Seokmin stumbles and crashes lightly against the metal wall, a surprised laugh escaping his lips.

"Uncle Josh!" A small voice exclaims. Joshua's smile widens as he turns to see little Hyeri stepping into the elevator.

"Hi, Hyeri!" Joshua bends down to greet the girl, who beams up at him. Seokmin clears his throat, straightening up and nodding at Sung Hanbin, Hyeri's dad, who follows her in.

"Hello, Hanbin," Seokmin says with a friendly smile.Hanbin returns the smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Early from work?" he asks, as Hyeri threads her fingers into his hand.

"Weekend," Seokmin replies with a grin, earning an understanding nod from Hanbin.

"Ah, the best time of the week," Hanbin chuckles. "We’re just heading to the park. Hyeri's been excited all morning."

Hyeri looks up at Joshua, her eyes wide with excitement. "Are you and Uncle Seokmin going to the park too?"

"Yes, we are!" Joshua says enthusiastically. "Maybe we can play together."

Hyeri's face lights up even more. "Yay! That sounds fun!"

Seokmin glances at Joshua, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like our relaxing day just got a lot more exciting."

Joshua laughs, the sound filling the small space of the elevator. "I don't mind at all."

The elevator doors open to the lobby, and they all step out, the energy lively and bright. As they walk towards the car, Seokmin leans in to whisper in Joshua's ear, "You’re amazing with kids."

Joshua grins widely, slipping his hand into Seokmin's, who pulls him closer. "They are adorable. I've always loved these kids. Maybe we can—"

"Joshua and Seokmin!" They both stop and turn around. Joshua smiles as he spots Jeonghan waving at them. Alongside him are Seungcheol and Chan, with a small dog tagging along whose leash Seungcheol is holding.

"Hey, Jeonghan! What a surprise!" Joshua says, hugging Jeonghan. The long-haired man smiles, his cheeks forming a bun shape. Seokmin waves at Seungcheol, who waves back.

"Surprise, surprise! We live in that building," Jeonghan says, pointing to a tall building to the left. The park is conveniently situated between Joshua's and Jeonghan's buildings.

"Whoa, I didn’t know you lived here, hyung," Seokmin says, and Jeonghan nods.

"We used to live on Street 74 before this, but then we moved," Seungcheol explains, and Seokmin nods in understanding.

"Here for a walk?" Joshua asks.

"Yes, Kkuma hates being cooped up at home all the time, so we’re taking her for a walk now," Jeonghan says, pointing at the white puppy Seungcheol has on a leash.

"Okay then, please come to my house if you have time. We stay on the 8th floor, apartment number 10," Jeonghan says, and Joshua smiles at him.

"Of course, and you should visit ours too, apartment 6 on the third floor," Joshua responds.

"Let's get going then. Enjoy your walk," Jeonghan says as they bid their goodbyes and walk away.

As Joshua and Seokmin head towards their car, Joshua leans into Seokmin with a contented sigh. "It's nice running into friends like that."

"Yeah, it makes the neighborhood feel even more like home," Seokmin agrees, giving Joshua's hand a gentle squeeze.

They continued strolling through the park, the sun casting long shadows as it began to set. They shared stories and laughter, their hands occasionally brushing against each other, sending a small spark of electricity through Seokmin each time.

Seokmin watched Joshua, his eyes lighting up as he animatedly recounted how he had cried while watching a reality show earlier. Joshua's expressions were so vivid and heartfelt that Seokmin couldn't help but smile. It had been such an unexpected twist of fate for Seokmin, attending his father’s best friend's son's wedding only to end up marrying the son himself.

Yet, Seokmin was genuinely happy about it. This serendipitous turn had brought Joshua into his life, the man he adored and practically worshiped every single day.

"Seok! The one who reaches the ice cream stall last has to pay for it!" Joshua called out, turning to face Seokmin before sprinting off. Seokmin looked surprised for a moment, then took off running too. The two of them, grown adults, were racing down the pavement, their laughter ringing through the air. Joshua's laughter echoed as he glanced back to see Seokmin catching up to him.

"Haha! You're gonna lose—" Joshua's words were cut off as he collided with someone. He had been so focused on looking back at Seokmin that he didn't see where he was going.

"Joshua!" Seokmin shouted, running even faster towards Joshua, who was now on the ground, kneeling. "Baby! Are you okay?" Seokmin asked, wrapping his arms around Joshua, who leaned into him.

"Shit, I am so sorry!" Joshua began to apologize, but stopped short when he saw the face of the man he had bumped into. The very man he despised. The man who had left him alone on his wedding day, now standing right in front of him.

Wen Junhui.

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-Vaish