SHADOWLESS |seongjoong|

#19#

Hongjoong:

I decided to leave Seonghwa to catch some sleep after last night. Carefully, I slipped out of bed, putting on a pair of Seonghwa's shorts. Then, I left the room. I could hear voices coming from the kitchen. Among those voices was Yuta's. Perfect, my plan was starting as I had planned.

I walked into the kitchen, meeting the eyes of everyone there. They stared at me and my bare torso, covered with marks of passionate night. I couldn't help but grin as everyone pierced me with their stares. I could see a mixture of emotions on their faces. Jongho's face was bright red, and Wooyoung and San observed me with proud looks. As for Yuta, his eyes were full of animosity, trying to avoid looking at me. The cocky Japanese shaman wasn't as arrogant now. He understood my silent declaration of war. Seonghwa was mine only. If he wanted to take him, he had to go through me.

"Morning, hyung," Woo grinned at me. "Seems like you had fun last night."

"You can say that," I agreed, accepting a cup of coffee from Woo.

"I couldn't sleep because the two of you were too loud," Jongho noted.

I leaned back in my chair, my posture radiating confidence. The room fell silent as we had our morning drinks. There was tension going around the room. My act was a declaration of ownership, a bold statement that left no doubt about my intentions.

Seonghwa:

I entered the kitchen, my heart pounding in my chest. Immediately, I was struck by the heavy atmosphere. The air was thick with tension, and everyone's eyes were on Hongjoong. I was ready to die on the spot as I saw my boyfriend. Hongjoong stood under the bright sunlight, fully shirtless. His back was covered in bright red scratches made by my hands. As I watched him, I felt the heat coming up my face. I wanted to turn away and hide. But it was too late.

I quietly sat down beside Hongjoong. Despite my attempt to keep a low profile, Hongjoong placed his hand around me and kissed me. It was enough for my brothers and Wooyoung. The moment they saw us like that, they gave us the looks. I had to prepare myself for all the teasing because I knew my brothers.

"So, hyung, how was last night?" San teased me first.

"Looks like someone had a wild time," Jongho joined, pointing to the hickeys around my neck.

"I think it's time for a honeymoon," Wooyoung chirped last.

I was ready for the ground to open up and swallow me on the spot. My face heated up even more as I tried to laugh it off. But my heart was pounding in my chest, and I could feel Hongjoong's eyes on me. Hongjoong was doing this show on purpose. He wanted to state borders in front of Yuta, but that wasn't needed. Yuta was only a potential mentor to me. There was no such need for a flashy show.

After breakfast, Yuta asked me to talk in private. I agreed and led him to the armoury. Over there we could talk without getting disrupted. After all, it was about an important matter. It was about my future training. I watched every move of his, as Yuta leaned against one of the cabinets. His expression was difficult to read. And his dark eyes were following me.

"I've made a decision. If you want to learn the shaman ways from me, you'll have to come with me back to Japan." Yuta told me, his voice was cold but fair.

"What? Going to Japan? Is it impossible to do it here in Korea?" I asked him. Because leaving Korea meant leaving everything and everyone I loved.

"I understand that this isn't an easy choice. But this is the only way. If you want to learn, you must follow me," Yuta told me firmly.

Deep inside, I knew Yuta had his reasons to ask this of me. Yet, I couldn't make such a choice on this short notice. I had too much going on here to just throw it aside and follow him to Japan. Even if this was a rare opportunity, it came with a heavy price. I needed some time to think about it.

"Give me some time to think about it," I asked him.

"Two days. That's all I can give you."

With those words, Yuta turned and left me alone in the armoury. My brain was racing with thoughts. I was torn between two paths, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, I have everything here. My family, my friends, my life. But on the other hand, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yuta was the only one who could teach me. Could such an opportunity come to me again in this lifeline? Probably not.

I ran my hand through my hair, frustration filling my body. I paced around the room, trying to find clarity. Because what if I made the wrong choice? Would I regret it for the rest of my life? The weight of this decision was a heavy burden on my shoulders. I knew that whatever I chose, there would be consequences.

I decided to talk to Hongjoong. Maybe he could help me make my choice? After all, Hongjoong was immortal and had seen a lot in his lifetime. Also, Hongjoong was my lover. I had to share this with him. It was my choice, but I couldn't leave or stay without discussing it with Joong. I asked Hongjoong to come with me to the garden.

"What's wrong, babe?" Hongjoong asked me.

"I spoke with Yuta about my training," I began, a hefty chunk stuck in my throat. "He wants me to follow him to Japan."

Hongjoong's expression shifted. His bright smile was long forgotten and replaced by a cold stone mask. My lover's blood was boiling. Hongjoong grabbed my wrist tightly in his grasp. He was hurting me.

"You can't leave," Joong said, his voice laced with cold anger.

"I also want to stay. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me," I said, trying to set myself free from his grasp.

"You can't leave me like that. What about us?" his voice was now showing traces of jealousy and possessiveness.

"You can come with me!" I offered him.

"No, I can't. A grim reaper can't leave his country," Joong said. "I can't let you leave."

My heart broke as I watched the coldness in his eyes. Hongjoong was the person I loved the most, but I also wanted to learn and grow. And hongjoong's possessiveness was scaring me. At that moment, someone else was standing in front of me. Talking to Hongjoong didn't help me make my choice. Instead, it made it more complicated.

"I don't know what to do. I love you, Joongie, but I also want to learn from Yuta."

Our argument continued, each of us trying to make the other understand. At some point, Hongjoong raised his voice at me before he melted away in the shadows. Now, I stood alone in the garden, tears filling my eyes. What was I going to do when I couldn't even make a choice now?

...

The two days passed by in a blink. But I had already made up my mind. I had to follow Yuta to Japan and learn everything I could. So, before we left, I gathered my family and friends for one last goodbye. I could feel the tears burning my eyes. Everyone there was happy for me. But one person was missing. For the past two days, Hongjoong was impossible to reach. He was ignoring everyone. And in Wooyoung's words, Hongjoong worked tirelessly. I wished I could spend my last two days in Korea with my lover, but if this was his choice, I was ready to accept it.

Before we left for the airport, I decided to text Hongjoong. He didn't respond to my previous attempts to contact me. Yet, I had something to tell him. I took out my phone and wrote a message to him.

"Hongjoong, please don't be angry with me. I know this is a difficult decision, but I have to do this. I promise I'll come back. Please wait for me, my love."

I hit send and, knowing Hongjoong would see it eventually. With a heavy heart, I took my baggage and followed Yuta towards the airport terminal. By making this choice, I left a part of myself with my family. But I also knew I was embarking on a journey that could change my life forever.