Horizon | C.JH , K.YS | rewrite

{8}

Yeosang kept his gaze fixed on his worn-out shoes as they walked through the grand mansion that served as the 'base.' The ride there had been mostly silent, punctuated only by Mingi's occasional questions about trivial matters like their favourite colours. The quiet made the mansion's return even more surreal, sending shivers down Yeosang's spine.

San and Mingi, engaged in a conversation about someone named Junseo or Minhyuk and some warehouse, left abruptly, leaving Yeosang and Wooyoung alone in the vast hallway. Yeosang didn't care who Junseo was; all he knew was that he was exhausted and longed for rest.

Beside him, Wooyoung stood uncharacteristically silent, his arms crossed as he surveyed their surroundings. It was unusual for Wooyoung, who was never typically quiet. Concerned, Yeosang placed a hand on Wooyoung's back, prompting him to turn and meet his gaze.

Yeosang moved closer, ready to break the silence. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft but laced with concern.

Wooyoung sighed, uncrossing his arms. "Just a lot to take in," he admitted, glancing around the mansion again. "But we'll be okay."

Yeosang nodded, taking comfort in his friend's words. For now, they were safe, and that was enough.

"Are you okay?" Yeosang asked, his voice soft with concern.

Wooyoung huffed and nodded, but then he added, "I'm mad at you."

Yeosang furrowed his eyebrows, confused. "Why? What did I do now?"

Wooyoung's face twisted into a sulk as he glared at Yeosang. "You never told me San was that hot!" he whispered.

Yeosang's eyes widened in surprise. "San?"

Wooyoung glanced around to make sure no one was listening. The mansion was still eerily quiet. "Are you serious? I thought you didn't want a relationship anymore," Yeosang said.

"Who said anything about relationships? I just think he's really handsome."

Yeosang shrugged. "It's the same thing, really."

"It's not, but I don't have the energy to argue with you right now. I'm just mad because you didn't tell me."

"Do you really think you don't want anything to do with him?" Yeosang asked.

Wooyoung sighed. "Not exactly sure, but I think he's pret—"

"And we meet again," a familiar voice interrupted.

Yeosang quickly turned around, biting the inside of his cheek as he saw Jongho descending the stairs in his usual work attire, wearing that same intense look. Seeing Jongho's eyes scan his body, Yeosang felt a wave of shame wash over him. He was suddenly acutely aware of his own appearance, dressed in sweatpants and a simple shirt, feeling cheap and out of place.

Avoiding Jongho's gaze, Yeosang stared down at his feet, feeling a deep sense of inadequacy that he had never experienced before. This was different, and he wasn't sure how to handle it.

"Is that Jongho?" Wooyoung whispered, receiving a nod from Yeosang.

"Wow," was all Wooyoung managed before he bowed to Jongho, who descended the stairs and extended his hand. Wooyoung shook it eagerly.

"Hey, I'm Jung Wooyoung," he said, then wrapped his arm around Yeosang's shoulders. "Yeosang's best friend since kindergarten."

Yeosang's head snapped up. Was Wooyoung crazy? Why would he say that in front of Jongho? Jongho's eyes lingered on the spot where Wooyoung's arm rested for a few seconds before he hummed in acknowledgment.

"Choi Jongho," he introduced himself.

Wooyoung smiled, and Jongho stepped closer, his hands still in his pockets, stopping right in front of them. Yeosang looked down again, not feeling confident enough to meet Jongho's gaze, though he was tempted. The scent of Jongho's cologne, rough and undoubtedly expensive, made Yeosang's head spin.

"Thank you for letting us stay here," Wooyoung said. "We really had no choice, and we'll leave as soon as we find a new apartment."

"No need to rush. Feel free to stay as long as you need to," Jongho replied. "You can find one of the empty rooms to sleep in. I'll have someone bring your belongings tomorrow morning." He directed this mainly at Wooyoung.

Yeosang sensed Jongho's gaze shift to him for a few moments before returning to Wooyoung. Wooyoung thanked Jongho and started to pull Yeosang along.

"Let's go, come on—"

"Actually, I need to talk to your friend. May I borrow him for a minute?" Jongho interrupted, halting them in their tracks.

Yeosang looked up, their eyes meeting before he glanced at Wooyoung, who was about to protest when Jongho spoke again.

"He's in safe hands. I don't bite, I promise," Jongho said, half-jokingly, though his tone remained cold.

Yeosang silently pleaded with Wooyoung not to leave him alone with Jongho. The thought of being alone with him again made him uneasy.

"You can find one of the maids upstairs. They're probably up by now since they heard the door. They will show you around," Jongho continued.

Wooyoung glanced at Yeosang, uncertain, but then nodded and released his friend. "If you say so. I'm leaving him here then."

Yeosang felt a wave of irritation at Wooyoung for not picking up on his silent pleas. "Fuck you, Wooyoung! Why do you always leave me when you're not supposed to?"

Despite his silent protests, Wooyoung headed upstairs to find someone to assist him, leaving Yeosang alone with Jongho. The silence between them was heavy, and Yeosang could feel Jongho's eyes on him, making him increasingly uneasy. He waited for Jongho to speak, but the man remained silent.

"I won't do anything, I promised you that already," Jongho finally said, his voice calm. Even with Jongho's reassurance, Yeosang only nodded, his gaze fixed on his feet.

Then, cold fingers gently lifted his chin, forcing Yeosang to look up. He shivered at how close Jongho was, noting the colour of his eyes and the way they sparkled in the light. His breath caught at the sight of Jongho's beautiful, plump lips, imagining for a fleeting moment that they would taste sweet.

"You can look at me, you know?" Jongho whispered, holding Yeosang's head up with his fingers.

Yeosang gulped, their eyes locking again. The intensity of Jongho's gaze made Yeosang's mind race with thoughts he struggled to suppress.

"I've been wondering lately," Jongho murmured, a few moments of silence passing before he continued. "Do your lips taste as good as they look?"