Downfall || Seongjoong

- sixty-six -

Hongjoong || Seonghwa

Yunho returned to the hotel around two hours later, feeling significantly calmer. It was now 5 PM, and despite the tension earlier, the day was just beginning. 

The group had planned to explore the city. While they had often visited famous spots like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island, the outskirts of Seoul and this particular area were new to them, offering a fresh adventure.

However, Yeosang and Wooyoung declined to join. They refused to face the others and communicated via text, citing laziness, though everyone knew it was fear of confrontation with San and Jongho. 

They didn't want to ruin the experience for everyone else, so they opted to stay behind. This left six of them to go on the walk.

Back in our room, Hongjoong and I got ready together. I borrowed almost all of his clothes, pairing them with the slippers Min had given me. 

As I tried to dress, Hongjoong's affection made the task both delightful and challenging. He constantly back-hugged me, his arms wrapped around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder.

"Hongjoong, you're not letting me dress in peace," I chuckled, trying to pull on a sweater.

He tightened his hold slightly, nuzzling his face into my neck. "I can't help it. I've missed you too much," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.

I laughed softly, managing to slip my arms into the sweater sleeves despite his embrace. "You're making this very difficult, you know."

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Good. I want to make sure you know just how much I missed you." He kissed the side of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

I finally managed to pull the sweater over my head, turning around in his arms to face him. "There, happy now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hongjoong's smile widened, and he pulled me closer, pressing a kiss to my lips. "Very," he whispered against my mouth.

I couldn't help but smile, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I missed you too, you know."

His eyes softened, and he leaned in to kiss me again, slower this time, savoring the moment. We stayed like that for a while, just enjoying each other's presence. Eventually, I broke the kiss, resting my forehead against his.

"We should finish getting ready," I said softly, though I made no move to pull away.

"Just a few more minutes," Hongjoong pleaded, his voice low and tender.

I sighed, but it was a happy sigh. "Okay, just a few more minutes."

Hongjoong held me close, his hands gently running up and down my back. I felt safe and loved in his arms, the earlier stress and chaos fading away. This was what I had missed the most, these quiet moments of affection and connection.

Finally, we both managed to finish getting dressed, though Hongjoong continued to sneak in kisses and hugs at every opportunity. By the time we were ready to leave, my heart was full, and I couldn't stop smiling.

"Ready to explore?" Hongjoong asked, lacing his fingers with mine.

"Ready," I replied, squeezing his hand.

As Hongjoong and I descended to the lobby, the sight that greeted us was one of palpable tension. The rest of the guys were already there, scattered awkwardly across the waiting area couches. It was clear that everyone was still reeling from the earlier arguments.

San and Jongho sat together, yet there was an evident distance between them. Their bodies faced slightly away from each other, a stark contrast to their usual camaraderie.