Arrange Devotion | SS

Epilogue 1: Love in the Lights

"Here," Joshua held out the chocolate to the small boy, who blinked up at him with wide, doe-like eyes and puffed cheeks. He was adorable.

"Does he talk?" Joshua asked, turning to Jeonghan, who walked in holding a warm milk bottle.

"Not really," Jeonghan replied, sitting beside the boy. "He just nods and keeps staring."

The boy had been brought home by Seungcheol last week. He hadn't explained much, but Jeonghan had a feeling it was related to their business.

"Just finish the paperwork and have it signed by tomorrow," Jeonghan heard Seungcheol say as he came down the stairs, looking tense and stressed-something that rarely happened, which made it all the more concerning.

Joshua glanced between the couple, biting his inner cheek. He pushed a strand of hair behind his ear, the diamond ring on his finger catching the light as he looked back at the boy, who was still holding the chocolate without opening it.

"Has he eaten anything?" Seungcheol asked as he sat beside Jeonghan, his hand naturally resting on his waist.

"Only liquids," Jeonghan replied, leaning slightly into Seungcheol's chest.

"Did you guys adopt him?" Joshua asked, fiddling with the boy's little figurines.

"No," Seungcheol said, his tone was sharp. "He's the son of a man who crossed me... Turns out his father was involved in sex trafficking."

Joshua's heart skipped a beat. "Where's his father now? In jail?"

"He's dead," Seungcheol answered flatly, and Joshua fell silent.

"So... are you planning to send him to an adoption center?" Joshua asked, noticing Jeonghan's mood shift.

"Yes-"

"No," Jeonghan interrupted, gently pushing Seungcheol off. "He'll stay here. I'll take care of him."

Joshua's lips curled into a sad smile. Lately, Jeonghan has become more attached to children. It was rare but beautiful.

"We can't just keep a kid-"

"Then use your power and make it happen," Jeonghan said firmly, holding the boy closer. "What's the point of having money if it can't make your family happy?"

"Chan is staying. He's not going anywhere," Jeonghan declared before walking out, leaving Seungcheol to process his words.

Seungcheol ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply as he watched Jeonghan disappear down the hallway with the boy in his arms.

The tension in the room was thick, and Joshua could sense Seungcheol's internal struggle.

"I don't get it," Joshua said softly, glancing at Seungcheol. "What are you afraid of? He's just a kid."

Seungcheol's jaw clenched as he stared at the empty space where Jeonghan had just been. "It's not that simple, Joshua. You don't know what's involved here."

Joshua raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "So explain it to me."

Seungcheol's eyes flicked toward him, a hardened edge to his gaze. "The people this kid's father was involved with-let's just say they don't leave loose ends. If they know the boy's with us, it could bring trouble. I don't want that."

Joshua's chest tightened at the thought. "But sending him away isn't going to solve anything. If anything, it puts him in more danger."

Seungcheol sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know. But keeping him here-it puts Jeonghan at risk. It puts all of us at risk."