SHADOWLESS |seongjoong|

#18#

Seonghwa:

A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of jasmine through the garden, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil. Hongjoong and I sat on the garden swing, our bodies bathed in the soft, silvery moonlight. Two glasses of ruby-red wine, nearly empty, sat on the small table in front of us. I could feel the warmth of Hongjoong's body beside mine. And the soft touch of his hand, holding mine.

I leaned back, my head resting against the wood. I took a sip of wine, glancing at my beloved. My gaze then drifted upwards, tracing the constellations, that dotted the night sky. I pointed out Scorpio, telling Hongjoong how it reminded me of him. Hongjoong's laughter, soft and melodic, captured me.

"Can you believe how many stars there are?" I asked, gazing upon the most beautiful star beside me.

"Yes, there are many. And some mortals believe those stars are their lost loved ones, did you know?" Hongjoong smiled.

I rested my head comfortably on Hongjoong's shoulder, a sense of peace washing over me. The gentle rhythm of his immortal heartbeat was a soothing lullaby. I could feel myself drifting towards sleep when I noticed something in the corner of my eye. My senses were alert, even if I knew no trouble would come to my door.

Three figures emerged from the darkness, their silhouettes distorted by the dim garden lights. A shiver ran down my spine as I recognized the familiar shapes. San and Woo were coming towards us, bringing an unknown guest with them. I tried to concentrate on the third person, but he swiftly hid in the shadows.

"Hyung, I bring you a present!" San chirped.

"San, that's not a present, that's a human being," I noted.

"But he is a shaman! He can help you learn more about your powers!" San's excitement was growing.

The stranger stepped into the light, revealing himself. A slender figure covered in black clothing. His piercing eyes, a striking shade of dark brown glimpsing under the dim lights, almost black, deeply unsettling. In contrast to his pale skin, pale like the moonlight shining upon us. And a long ink-black hair tied in a bun. But the most unsettling thing about this man was the energy he emitted. It was a strong spiritual aura, almost suffocating. This person was a powerful shaman.

"My name is Nakamoto Yuta," the man introduced himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you," the man spoke, his eyes piercing me. His face was a mask of indifference.

I could feel his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary, a flicker of scepticism crossing his features. I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I kept my cool. I returned the gaze with a steady look. Then, a polite nod passed between the two of us, a fragile truce in the face of unspoken tension.

Hongjoong squeezed my hand, a silent anchor in the storm of emotions swirling within me. I forced a calm smile, assuring Hongjoong. It was a delicate dance, a game of pretence, and I was determined to play my part flawlessly.

"Can we speak privately?" Yuta asked me, his eyes not losing the sight of me.

"What?" San raised his voice.

"San, please, go inside," I looked at my brother.

San's hand tightened around the handle of his sword, something he always did when he was nervous. But Wooyoung took the hint and pulled him towards the house. Now, there were only the three of us. Yuta's eyes moved to Hongjoong with the same sharp glance. But Hongjoong was unmoved. My beloved had taken the front of a cold grim reaper. The dame front I met long ago. So, after they met the cold confrontation between them, Yuta sat down, his concentration moving back to me.

"I have heard tales of the Park clan," he began, his voice low and measured. "A family of legendary shamans, feared by monsters and respected by people. Yet, it is said that every member of the clan perished in a brutal massacre."

"And yet, here I stand," I responded, keeping my voice steady. "The last of the Park clan."

Yuta paused for a moment, his eyes studying my face. Was he searching for any signs of deception? Well, there were none because I was the last person remaining of the once mighty Park clan. Hongjoong sensed the tension around us. He again squeezed my hand. I could feel Hongjoong's dissatisfaction growing inside of him.

As the conversation deepened, a complex tapestry of revelations unfolded. Yuta spoke of a powerful shaman clan rooted deep in the heart of Japan, of which he was the strongest member. His words, were filled with quiet pride. But also a hint of weariness. I could sense he wasn't lying. But also, I could sense that his spiritual power was weaker compared to mine.

I listened intently while my mind was racing. The shaman's knowledge and power were undeniable, but there was something raw and untamed about Yuta's abilities. It intrigued me. I could feel the spark igniting within me, a desire to learn, to grow beyond what I already knew. And Yuta could teach me if I played my cards the right way.

Hongjoong:

I watched the growing connection between Seonghwa and Yuta, feeling a pang of jealousy. My protective instincts kicked in, and I found myself closer to Seonghwa. I had to claim my territory. Seonghwa was mine. Even if I couldn't teach him the shaman's ways, he was better with me. Not to mention how unsettling this new guy was. He had no pure intentions towards my Seonghwa.

I was ready to punch that guy in the face, but he stood up. We also stood up since Seonghwa pulled my hand. I could sit down and watch him leave. But it seemed that Seonghwa had different plans. I couldn't read his mind, so I had to wait.

"I need to go find a place for the night," Yuta spoke. Hearing that made me feel slightly at ease. But it wasn't for long, as Seonghwa spoke.

"If you don't have a place to stay, feel welcome to take one of our guest rooms," Seonghwa said.

That cheeky guy agreed right away without giving it a second thought. My blood was starting to boil, but I had to keep my face in front of Seonghwa. I kept silent as Seonghwa led us inside the house. Before leading that guy to one of the guest rooms, Seonghwa told me to wait for him in his room. I didn't want to upset him no matter how much my blood boiled.

I obediently waited for Seonghwa. With every passing moment I waited, my patience grew thinner and thinner. I needed to have Seonghwa close to me. I didn't know what that guy could do to my boyfriend. Seonghwa was mine and only mine. No other man could touch my Seonghwa.

The moment I heard the door opening, I grabbed Seonghwa by the collar and tossed him on the bed. He was under me, tightly in my grasp. My mind went blank with every kiss I laid on Seonghwa's lips and body. I had to mark my territory. It didn't matter what I did, kissing and biting. I could feel my hands going under his shirt. I had to mark him everywhere.

Seonghwa:

I could never predict what Hongjoong was going to do to me, but it felt exciting. I knew only one thing, I was a hot mess under his touch. Because everything he did to me felt good, Hongjoong could do anything to me, at that moment.