SHADOWLESS |seongjoong|

JongSang special

Yeosang:

The workshop was a world away from my typical work environment. Yet, it was here, in this space filled with the scent of metal and leather, that I found a sense of peace. Jongho, was my connection to the mortal world, guiding me in reality I was still learning to navigate.

Jongho was still in the process of healing, but he was here to clean up and organize. I knew how important this place was to him. So, I armed with a towel and cleaning spray. I'd volunteered to help him. Even be his cleaning fairy. I needed to help him when he was injured.

I was hopeless at it. No matter how much I scrubbed the windows, the dirt on them wasn't coming out. And the metal was refusing to shine no matter how hard I tried. Jongho watched my weak attempts with a mixture of amusement and tenderness. I felt terrible for making things worse.

"Yeosangie, you don't need to do this," Jongho said firmly.

"I want to help," I replied, shaking my head.

Jongho chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. With a gentle hand, he took the towel from him. Then he asked me to bring him some water. I could do at least that. Even if cleaning wasn't my thing, I could at least do so much for him. So, I nodded and went to the main house.

Seonghwa sipped his coffee as Hongjoong sat beside him with a loving smile. I was envying them for being so affectionate. I nodded at them before moving to the kitchen for water. On my way out Seonghwa's words stopped me.

"Cleaning the workshop is difficult, isn't it?" Hwa asked me, and I nodded. "Don't mind it, just keep company to Jongho." Seonghwa's words eased my feeling of guilt. And I managed to return to Jongho, feeling a little better.

I walked inside the workshop, just to see a beautiful view. Jongho was sinking into the worn wooden chair. As he worked, I found myself captivated by the rhythm of his movements. His hands, strong and rough, moved with an effortless grace that belied his injury. There was peacefulness in his actions and a sense of purpose that was inspiring and grounding. At that moment, I understood that my role wasn't of a cleaner, but as a companion. I was there to be a silent witness to his strength, his resilience, his passion. And as I watched him, I felt a warmth spreading through me, a feeling so deep and profound that it took my breath away.

Time flew by as I watched Jongho work. The midday sun casts a warm glow over the workshop, turning the metal surfaces into shimmering pools of light. Jongho, despite my earlier pleas, was still engrossed in his task, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Jongho, I'm serious. You need rest," I repeated, my voice gentle but firm. I moved closer to him, placing my hand on his shoulder. His skin, warm beneath my touch, was a stark contrast to the cool metal he polished. Jongho looked up, his eyes holding a mixture of determination and a hint of sadness.

"I know, Yeosangie, but I've been cooped inside for weeks. I need to change the surroundings, even if it's just my workshop," Jongho pouted a little while speaking. His words hit me like a cold shower. I knew he was right. Being confined to his house must have been incredibly frustrating for him.

"I know, baby," I replied, using a pet name for the first time. The word slipped out somehow naturally, a testament to the depth of my feelings.

"Baby?" Jongho's eyes widened in surprise, a blush creeping up his cheeks. And a playful grin spread across his face.

"How about we go out? Just the two of us. A change of scenery might do you good," I said, ignoring his teasing.

Jongho's eyes lit up at the suggestion. I could see the hope flickering in his beautiful gaze. His rough hand found its way to mine and he stood up, smiling like a child. Jongho was adorable.