The Thirteen Shadows / SEVENTEEN FF

Chapter 25: Some Answers

As they arrived back at the mansion from the club, the atmosphere felt heavy, thick with everything that had unfolded. Seungcheol stepped out of the car first, moving to help Maya, his expression unreadable but his eyes dark with something between frustration and protectiveness. Jeonghan followed closely behind, his eyes never leaving Maya, quietly observing her state.

Seungcheol moved to Maya's side and offered his arm, saying softly, "I'll help you to your room. Then, Jeonghan we'll talk."

But the moment his intense gaze met hers, the memories of the night came flooding back—his eyes during the fight, the chaos of it all. She instinctively recoiled, wanting space, needing calm. Without even thinking, she called out, "Jeonghan... Can you please help me get upstairs?"

Seungcheol paused, the shift in the air palpable. 

Jeonghan, catching the request, looked at her with soft eyes, a small but warm smile pulling at his lips. He glanced quickly at Seungcheol, noticing the silent tension, before stepping forward toward Maya.

"Hold onto my neck," Jeonghan said softly, his voice gentle and comforting, his hands ready to lift her. There was no hesitation in his tone, and Maya, feeling the weight of the night and craving the solace she found in Jeonghan's presence, immediately wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn't even look back at Seungcheol, too drained to face his simmering frustration.

With ease, Jeonghan lifted her in a bridal style, holding her close as he carried her upstairs. As soon as her body pressed against his, Maya closed her eyes, sinking into the warmth and comfort of his embrace. His steps were smooth and steady, each one taking her further from the storm she'd been through that night. It felt safe—being in his arms—like nothing from that chaotic world could reach her.

Seungcheol stood rooted to the spot, watching them disappear up the stairs. His jaw clenched, eyes dark with disbelief. He hadn't expected Maya to choose Jeonghan over him, especially after everything he had done to protect her. Something inside him twisted, a mix of confusion, frustration, and something else he couldn't quite place.

Jeonghan, still holding Maya as they reached the top of the stairs, cast a glance back down at Seungcheol, the unspoken tension between them lingering. But for now, Jeonghan's focus was solely on Maya, as he carefully carried her to her room, the quiet intimacy of the moment settling around them.

Seungcheol watched them until they were out of sight, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of what had just happened.

Jeonghan's POV

I carried Maya up to her room, her body still tense but beginning to relax in my arms. Once I placed her down gently on the bed, she immediately shifted, curling herself into the comfort of the blankets. She was exhausted, both mentally and physically. As I tucked her in, making sure the covers were snug around her, I could see the relief slowly settling over her face.

I turned to leave, careful not to disturb her, but before I reached the door, I heard her soft voice call my name.

"Jeonghan..." she whispered, barely audible.

I glanced back, my hand still on the doorframe. "Yeah?" I asked, keeping my tone as gentle as possible.

"Thank you," she said, her eyes already drifting closed again as she laid back down, letting the exhaustion finally take over.

I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. "Anytime, sweetheart," I replied, knowing she likely didn't hear me as she slipped into sleep. I closed the door behind me quietly and made my way downstairs.