Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 54

~This chs a bit shortt sryyy. Still pls VOTE and COMMENT~

-Start of Chapter 54-

"This is the safest route through Blackwood Forest." Jake says, his voice steady. "We'll need to stay close to the southern edge where the terrain is more stable. Any further north, and we risk running into the more dangerous areas—wild animals, unpredictable weather, and... well, worse things."

"Worse?" Sunoo raises an eyebrow, leaning in to get a better look at the map.

Jake gives him a grim nod. "There are rumours about strange things happening in the deeper parts of the forest. We don't want to be caught there, trust me."

Sunghoon, standing on the other side of the table, taps his fingers against the map thoughtfully. "And if we go along the eastern edge? It more safer than the rest."

"Yeah that's true but it'll take much longer." Jake responds. "We'll have to be cautious. Move only during daylight hours and set up camp before nightfall. Wild animals tend to roam after dusk, and we'll be vulnerable in the open."

"When do we leave though?" I ask.

"In a week. Because new moon is coming soon. And we need to arrive at the Elaria Palace "

The room falls quiet as everyone absorbs the information. 

Heeseung breaks the silence. "So, it's settled then? We leave at dawn in a week?"

Everyone nods in agreement, the mood tense but focused. One by one, the boys begin to disperse, gathering their things as the room empties out. Sunoo is the last to leave.

He pauses by the door, his eyes lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. "Take care, Y/N." he says softly before disappearing down the hall.

The door clicks shut, and suddenly, it's just me and Sunghoon.

The room feels different now, quieter, the weight of all the unspoken things between us filling the silence. Sunghoon moves around the table to stand beside me, his fingers brushing against mine as we both stare at the map in front of us. I can feel the warmth of his presence, the way he draws me in without even trying.

Sunghoon glances down at me, his eyes searching mine. "You're really ready for this?"

"I have to be. For you." I answer, my voice soft, barely audible in the stillness.

There's a vulnerability in his voice that he rarely lets show, and it tugs at something deep inside me. He reaches out, his hand finding mine, and I don't pull away. Instead, I let myself lean into him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest.

For a moment, we just stand there, close enough to hear each other breathe, close enough to forget everything else that's waiting for us in Elaria. The journey, the secrets, the dangers—all of it fades in the background, leaving only the two of us.

"You're the only one for me, My Lady." Sunghoon says softly, his words wrapping around me like a promise.  "I don't want you to doubt that. Ever."

I laugh, a warm feeling spreading though me.

His gaze softens, and before I can respond, he takes my hand in his, gently pulling me closer until I'm standing between his legs, his arms wrapping loosely around my waist. Sunghoon leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before resting his against mine.

~~~~~~~

Sunoo's POV