The Shadows (Underworld 4) JH

43: My Precious Star

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains of the penthouse, casting a warm glow over the room where Junhui and Minghao sat together, sharing a quiet moment. Minghao had been hesitant to bring up his upcoming trip, knowing how possessive Jun could be. But he couldn't delay it any longer.

"Jun," Minghao began carefully, his voice gentle as he broke the silence, "I need to go back to China for another art exhibition. It's important."

Junhui's eyes, which had been soft and adoring, instantly sharpened with concern. His grip on Minghao's hand tightened, the very thought of being apart from him causing his heart to clench. "China?" he echoed, his tone edged with worry. "How long?"

"Almost a week," Minghao replied, watching Jun's reaction closely. He knew how deeply Jun's obsession ran, and he wasn't sure how his lover would take the news. "I'll be back before you know it."

For a moment, Junhui was silent, his gaze fixed on Minghao as if trying to assess just how serious this trip was. Then, to Minghao's surprise, Junhui's expression shifted, determination settling in his eyes. "I'm coming with you."

Minghao blinked, taken aback by the certainty in Junhui's voice. "What? Jun, you can't just leave everything in Korea for a week. You have responsibilities, work—"

"I don't care about any of that," Junhui interrupted, his voice low but firm. He leaned in closer, his eyes boring into Minghao's with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. "Nothing is more important to me than you. Wherever you go, I go. I won't let you be alone, not even for a single day."

Minghao's heart skipped a beat, both flattered and unnerved by the depth of Junhui's devotion. He had always known Jun was obsessed with him—ever since they'd first met, Jun had made it clear that his world revolved around Minghao. But this... this was different. The idea that Jun would drop everything in his life, just to follow him to China, was overwhelming.

"Jun, you don't have to do this," Minghao said, his voice softening. "I'll be fine. It's just an exhibition."

Junhui shook his head, his expression unwavering. "You don't understand, Star. I can't be away from you. The thought of you being in China, alone, without me there to watch over you... it's unbearable. I need to be with you. I'll always need to be with you."

Minghao's breath caught in his throat. The way Junhui spoke, with such raw emotion, left no room for doubt. Jun wasn't just saying these things to placate him; he meant every word. Minghao could see it in his eyes, in the way Junhui looked at him as if he were the only person in the world that mattered. It was overwhelming, this all-consuming love that Jun had for him. It was more than love—it was obsession, a need so deep and fierce that it bordered on madness.

"But what about your work? Your life here?" Minghao tried again, though he already knew what Jun's answer would be.

Junhui smiled, but it wasn't the soft, gentle smile of someone in love. It was a smile filled with dark, possessive adoration, the kind that spoke of a love so deep it was almost frightening. "My life is with you, Star. Everything else is secondary. If you're going to China, then so am I. I'll be by your side every step of the way, just like I've always been."

Minghao swallowed hard, his mind racing. There was no arguing with Junhui when he was like this—when his obsession with Minghao overrode everything else. And the truth was, as much as it scared him sometimes, a part of Minghao found comfort in it. Junhui's love was like a safety net, always there to catch him, to protect him, even when it felt like too much.

"Okay," Minghao finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Okay, you can come with me."

Junhui's smile softened then, his eyes filling with warmth as he pulled Minghao closer, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead. "Thank you," he murmured, his lips brushing against Minghao's skin. "You won't regret this, Star. I promise, I'll take care of everything. You just focus on your art."