Drawn to You

love and loyalty

Jeonghan took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. He set his hair back in place, wiped away the tears from his face, and buttoned up his shirt. He needed to look calm and collected, even if his heart was racing with anxiety.

But he couldn't shake off the fear that had driven him out of the mansion. He was scared to go back to his room, terrified that Hyungwon might still be there, waiting for him with a twisted glint in his eye. The thought sent shivers down Jeonghan's spine, and he knew he had to escape.

With a determined look on his face, Jeonghan walked out of the mansion, into the cool evening air. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew he needed to get away from the suffocating atmosphere inside.

As he stepped onto the driveway, he noticed Joshua standing near the car, still engrossed in the same phone call he had received when they were together earlier. Jeonghan's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.

Joshua ended his call and approached Jeonghan, his expression concerned. "Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Jeonghan forced a smile, trying to brush off his emotions. "I'm fine. Just needed some fresh air."

But Joshua wasn't buying it. He took a step closer, his eyes locked onto Jeonghan's. "What happened? You can tell me."

Jeonghan hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about Joshua's concerned gaze put him at ease.

"It's just...Hyungwon," Jeonghan said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And my father. They're...they're forcing me into something I don't want."

Joshua's expression turned grim. "I knew it. I knew something was off. Tell me, Jeonghan. What's going on?"

Jeonghan tried to change the topic, attempting to deflect Joshua's concern. "Hey, you were taking so long on the phone. Who were you talking to?"

But Joshua wasn't having it. He looked deep into Jeonghan's eyes, his gaze piercing. "I saw Hyungwon entering the mansion," he said, his voice low and serious. "Did he do anything to you?"

Jeonghan's heart skipped a beat as he tried to maintain a neutral expression. But Joshua's eyes seemed to bore into his soul, as if he could see the truth hidden behind Jeonghan's facade.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about," Jeonghan stammered, trying to brush it off.

But Joshua took a step closer, his eyes never leaving Jeonghan's face. "Don't lie to me, Jeonghan. I know something's wrong. Tell me what happened."

Jeonghan felt his resolve crumble under Joshua's intense gaze. He couldn't keep it inside anymore. "He...he tried to kiss me," Jeonghan whispered, his voice trembling. "And my father...he said I have to marry him."

Joshua's expression turned dark, his jaw clenched in anger. "I'll take care of it," he growled. "You don't have to face this alone."

Joshua's eyes widened in outrage. "What?! Kiss? Just kiss?!"

Jeonghan nodded, his head still down, tears streaming down his face. "No, it was more than a kiss...he tried to harass me...and when I told Dad about it, he just said it's okay...that until I take care of Mingyu, Hyungwon will take care of me...and that he's going to be my future husband..."

Joshua's face turned red with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. "That's not okay, Jeonghan! Your dad can't just dismiss this! Hyungwon can't just...can't just..."

Jeonghan's tears fell harder, his body shaking with sobs. "I know...I know...but what can I do? Dad won't listen...he just wants me to marry Hyungwon and be done with it...he doesn't care about me...about what I want..."

Joshua took a step closer, his voice softening. "Jeonghan, I'm here for you...I'll help you through this...we'll figure something out...you don't have to face this alone..."

But Jeonghan just shook his head, feeling helpless and trapped. "It's too late...I've already said yes...I have to go through with it now..."

Joshua's arms wrapped tightly around Jeonghan, holding him close as he wiped away his tears. "Don't worry, my prince," he whispered, his voice full of determination. "I'll do anything to help you. We'll get through this together."

Jeonghan felt a wave of comfort wash over him as he buried his face in Joshua's shoulder. He had never felt so safe, so protected. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt like he could breathe again.

"Thank you, Joshua," Jeonghan whispered, his voice muffled against Joshua's shirt. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Joshua's grip tightened, his arms holding Jeonghan like a lifeline. "You'll never have to find out," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I'll always be here for you, Jeonghan. Always."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Jeonghan felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way out of this mess together. Maybe they could find a way to be happy, despite the odds against them.

Jeonghan's voice cracked as he spoke, his words tumbling out in a heartfelt confession. "It's truly hard to find a friend like you, Joshua. Please don't leave me."

Joshua's heart skipped a beat as he heard the words, a pang of sadness echoing through his chest. He had harbored one-sided feelings for Jeonghan for what felt like an eternity, and being called a friend was a bittersweet reminder of the boundaries between them.

But he couldn't bring himself to reveal his true emotions, not now, not when Jeonghan needed him most. So he forced a smile, his voice firm and resolute. "No, I won't leave you, my prince. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Jeonghan's eyes lit up with gratitude, his face still wet with tears. "Thank you, Joshua. That means everything to me."

Joshua's heart ached as he looked at Jeonghan, his feelings threatening to spill over. But he kept them locked away, hidden behind a mask of friendship and loyalty. For now, it was enough to be by Jeonghan's side, to support him through the trials ahead. But deep down, Joshua couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be more than just a friend.

Joshua's voice was firm and resolute as he added, "I'll protect you at any cost, my prince. You're safe with me."

Jeonghan felt a wave of relief wash over him, his heart filled with gratitude for Joshua's unwavering support. But as he looked into Joshua's determined eyes, he couldn't shake off the memory of Mingyu's words, spoken with equal conviction: "You can always count on me, Jeonghan. I would die for you."

A pang of guilt and confusion hit Jeonghan, his mind torn between the two people who had promised to protect him. He didn't know what to make of his feelings, or who to trust. All he knew was that he couldn't lose either of them, not now, not ever.

"Thank you, Joshua," Jeonghan said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "That means everything to me."

Joshua's face softened, his eyes filled with a deep affection. "You don't have to thank me, my prince. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

But Jeonghan's heart was still racing, his thoughts consumed by the memory of Mingyu's words. He knew he had to see Mingyu again, to talk to him and figure out what was happening. Little did he know, his heart was about to be torn in two, caught between the love and loyalty of two people who would stop at nothing to protect him........