Seokmin jumps off the swing the moment he spots Joshua walking towards him. With a quick brush of his hand, he straightens his clothes and runs his fingers through his hair, trying to compose himself.
"Are you done?" Seokmin asks as he strides over to Joshua. He can't help but notice Joshua's rosy cheeks, a lovely flush that accentuates his apple cheeks as he smiles and steps into Seokmin's embrace.
"Yes," Joshua replies, his voice soft and warm as he wraps his arms around Seokmin's neck. He leans in, their faces close, and places a gentle kiss on Seokmin's lips. Joshua's heart flutters, the sensation of their connection becoming a sweet addiction. He was slowly becoming addicted to kissing Seokmin.
Joshua's heart flutters, the sensation of their connection becoming a sweet addiction. The kiss, tender and brief, leaves Seokmin wanting more. He tightens his hold around Joshua's waist, pulling him closer until their bodies are pressed together. The world around them fades as they lose themselves in each other’s eyes.
"Aren't you going to ask me who that was?" Joshua says as he leans his forehead against Seokmin's, his gaze intense and searching. It always made him wonder why Seokmin never questioned anything. How and why Joshua had been left alone at their wedding, or why he had agreed to marry him in the first place—none of those whys and whats had ever been directed at him.
"Aren't you curious?" Joshua whispers, his eyes hooded as he looks at Seokmin, who gazes back at him with innocent, doe-like eyes. "Trust me when I say that I am more than curious to know who it was, what you talked about, and everything else. But I don't want to force you to say anything. Tell me when you are ready," Seokmin replies softly, tucking a stray strand of Joshua's hair behind his ear with a gentle touch.
Joshua continues to stare at Seokmin, overwhelmed by the depth of his understanding and patience. How did he get so lucky with this man? The warmth of Seokmin's hand lingers on his skin, a reminder of the love and acceptance he offers so freely. Joshua's heart aches with gratitude and affection, his breath hitching slightly as he absorbs the sincerity in Seokmin's eyes.
"I don’t deserve you," Joshua murmurs, his voice barely audible. His eyes glisten with unshed tears, the weight of his secrets and past threatening to spill over.
Seokmin’s expression softens further, his thumb brushing tenderly over Joshua's cheek. "You deserve all the love in the world, Joshua," he whispers. "And I'll be here, every step of the way, until you're ready to share it all with me."
A tear escapes Joshua’s eye, and Seokmin gently wipes it away, his touch as delicate as a feather. The vulnerability in Joshua’s gaze meets the unwavering strength in Seokmin’s, creating a silent but powerful bond between them. In that moment, surrounded by the fading light of the day, Joshua feels a profound sense of belonging and hope, knowing that with Seokmin, he is truly home.
"Thank you," Joshua says, his voice thick with emotion. He wraps his arms around Seokmin, holding him tightly, as if afraid to let go. Seokmin's embrace is firm and reassuring, his presence a steady anchor in the tumultuous sea of Joshua’s thoughts.
"It was Wen Junhui, my ex-boyfriend whom I was supposed to marry," Joshua says as they continue to walk towards their house, hand in hand under the soft glow of the streetlights. "We had been together since our university days. You know something about love at first sight? Yes, it was that."
Seokmin stares at Joshua's side profile, captivated by the way his features are illuminated in the evening light. How could he tell him that it was the same case for him too? That he felt a spark for Joshua the first time he saw him, but over time, it grew into something deeper. He fell for his cute little giggles, for his soft doe eyes that squint when he smiles fully. He fell for Joshua the moment they met but truly realized it and embraced it when their lips first met.
"We fell in love and had lots of fun together until we decided to get married. But I guess it was a bubble dream I was living in, thinking that Junhui loved me back as much as I loved him. He did, but somewhere along the way, he fell out of love and was afraid to tell me. I know Junhui; he would never do anything to upset me," Joshua chuckles, but Seokmin notices the deep breath he takes, trying not to break in front of him.
"So how was he supposed to tell me that he fell out of love? Even today, he didn't say it outright, but I could see it. His look, his attitude, his eyes—everything has changed. He talked about being in modeling now. He was back then too. And I'm just happy that he's getting his life together," Joshua's voice wavers slightly, betraying the pain he tries to hide.
Seokmin's heart aches for Joshua, feeling the weight of his words and the depth of his unspoken sorrow. He squeezes Joshua's hand tighter, offering silent support and comfort.
"You know, Joshua," Seokmin begins, his voice tender but firm, "I'm grateful for Junhui in a way. Not for hurting you, but because if he hadn't left, I wouldn't have found you. Sometimes, life takes away something precious to give us something even more valuable. When I look at you, I see someone who is kind, loving, and strong. I see the man I've fallen deeply in love with."
Joshua turns to look at Seokmin, surprise and emotion evident in his eyes.
"I don't want to minimize your pain," Seokmin continues, "but I am thankful for the chance to love you, to be the one who gets to stand by your side. If Junhui hadn't left, our paths might never have crossed this way. And for that twist of fate, I am profoundly grateful. You're my greatest gift, Joshua."
Joshua's eyes glisten with tears, his heart touched by Seokmin's heartfelt words. "Thank you, Seokmin," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."
As they reach their home, Seokmin pulls Joshua into a tight embrace. "You're not alone, Joshua. We’ll get through this together," he says softly, kissing Joshua's forehead. The warmth of Seokmin's embrace and the sincerity in his words bring a sense of peace to Joshua's troubled heart.
In that moment, Joshua realizes that with Seokmin by his side, he can face anything. The past may have its scars, but the future holds the promise of healing and happiness, a promise that begins and ends with the love they share.
-----
-Vaish
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A thousand roses | SS
RomansJoshua didn't understand when it happened, but he was happy that it did. Being left alone at his own wedding, and to save him the embarrassment when his father asked for the brown-haired smiley man to marry Joshua, Joshua didn't like it. He wanted...
