Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 3

The Return of the Missing Piece

It was a peaceful morning at Jeonghan's flower shop, the gentle hum of customers moving in and out creating a comforting rhythm. The shop was bathed in soft sunlight, which streamed through the large windows, casting warm shadows over the displays of roses, lilies, and daisies. Jeonghan stood on the porch, apron loosely tied around his waist, watering the roses in their pots. His fingers gently caressed the velvety petals, as if offering each flower a moment of affection. The breeze was cool, brushing strands of his soft hair into his face, carrying with it the scent of fresh blooms.

Inside, Joshua was handling the customers, arranging flowers into vibrant bouquets with the help of their part-time worker, Taehyung. Seokmin was at his classes, and Seungkwan had just left to take vocal lessons with Woozi over Skype.

Jeonghan took a deep breath, inhaling the floral scent that had become so familiar. His eyes drifted toward the sky, now a gentle shade of blue with cotton clouds drifting lazily. As the cool breeze kissed his skin, a wave of nostalgia washed over him, and his thoughts wandered to his parents, who he hadn't seen in a long while. His heart ached softly, a bittersweet tug, and he found himself absentmindedly staring at the rose he had been watering. He blinked away the tears forming in his eyes and tried to refocus on the soft melody playing from the speakers inside the shop.

Just as he was about to re-enter the shop, Jeonghan's phone buzzed in his apron pocket. Glancing down at the screen, a smile instantly spread across his face. The caller ID displayed "Eisa," and his heart leaped with excitement.

"Hey, Eisa!" Jeonghan greeted warmly as he answered the call. "How are you?"

"I'm always gorgeous, hyung," Minghao's smooth voice came through the line, dripping with his signature confidence. "What about you? Is everything good with everyone?"

Jeonghan chuckled, already feeling lighter just from hearing his friend's voice. "We're all good here, but I miss you."

Minghao's laugh was soft but full of energy. "I know, hyung. Don't get too emotional yet though, because I have good news!"

Jeonghan perked up instantly, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet, excitement bubbling up inside him. "Good news? Please be what I think it is," he said, crossing his fingers and grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm coming back!" Minghao announced triumphantly, the excitement in his voice palpable.

"Oh, thank my Jisoos!" Jeonghan let out a loud cheer, doing a little happy dance right there on the porch, his apron flaring out as he spun in circles. "Yes! I knew it! When are you getting here?"

"I'm boarding the flight tonight, hyung," Minghao replied with a laugh, clearly amused at Jeonghan's outburst.

"Tomorrow?" Jeonghan was practically glowing with happiness, his voice pitching higher as he asked. "You're coming tomorrow?"

"Yup! So get ready, because I'm coming in hot," Minghao teased, his words laced with the same cool confidence he always carried.

Minghao Xu, a Chinese-born fashionista with a sharp wit and a savage streak, had left Korea a few years ago to pursue his psychology degree in China. He was calm and collected on the surface, but his savagery always made itself known in the most subtle ways, especially when he was with his friends. He could create the same kind of uproar as Seungkwan, but in a much quieter, deadlier way—like a knife wrapped in silk.

Jeonghan's excitement was contagious as he skipped his way back toward the shop's entrance, phone still pressed to his ear. "I can't believe you're finally coming back for good this time, Eisa! I've missed you so much!"