cheolsoo • The Society of The Shadow / Eng ver.

12. Flickering light in the veil of nights

"Have you heard about our God on Earth?" Joshua smiled beneath the flickering rainbow light of the tavern, his red shirt accentuating his dangerously alluring presence. The fabric shifted slightly on his shoulders, revealing the sharp outline of his collarbone.

Seungcheol found himself captivated. The boy in front of him was so mesmerizing that he couldn't help but lean in closer, gently taking the wine glass from Joshua's hand. His gaze never wavered, carefully studying Joshua's face. Drawn in by the softness of Joshua's voice, Seungcheol felt a tug of curiosity as Joshua's words enveloped him.

"I've heard God is famous on Earth," Seungcheol murmured. "People talk about Him all the time."

Joshua chuckled lightly. "People are bound by their faith in God and His teachings. You should read the Bible sometime—it's... interesting."

"I could, but..." Seungcheol's voice trailed off, leaving Joshua to tilt his head in quiet curiosity.

They were barely acquaintances—just schoolmates who had only met an hour ago. Yet, something intimate sparked between them, their conversation taking on a playful, flirtatious tone. Seungcheol's gaze remained locked on Joshua, his lips curling slightly as he bit the corner of his bottom lip.

Joshua felt a flutter of nerves as Seungcheol finally said, "But I'm more interested in you."

To Joshua, the message was clear: Forget the mortals and their faith—I'm captivated by you. That moment marked the start of something unexpected. They slipped out of the tavern, away from Seungcheol's friends. Seungcheol had pulled a clever trick, Joshua recalled, whisking them off to the quiet expanse of Maeve Forest.

In that serene space under the night sky, Joshua felt something new stir within him. Seungcheol wasn't the type he had imagined—far from arrogant, he was gentle, courteous. His playful jokes brought soft giggles from Joshua's lips. Together, they lay under the vast expanse of stars.

The sweetness of that night was something Joshua swore he'd never forget. Seungcheol held him close, and in the stillness of that moment, they shared their first kiss.

But just as quickly as the feeling bloomed, it faded, like smoke dissipating into the night air...

Joshua woke up with the night wrapped around him. His eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light of his room, landing on the familiar figure of Seungcheol, who sat patiently on the couch, waiting for him. It felt like deja vu—just like the first time the syndrome had wracked his body and Seungcheol had stayed by his side, trying to soothe him.

"Cheol..." Joshua's voice was dry and raspy, his throat aching. He couldn't quite recall how he'd gone from the middle dimension to the safety of his room.

Seungcheol stirred at the sound of Joshua's voice, rising from the couch and walking toward the bed. "How are you feeling?" he asked gently.

"What happened?" Joshua asked, his memory foggy.

"You passed out in my arms," Seungcheol replied, "I did the only thing I could—I brought you back to the dorm."

Joshua's brow furrowed. "Did I... say anything strange?"

Seungcheol nodded slowly. "Yeah, you did. You told me I died in your vision—and that everything you're doing is to make sure it never comes true."

Joshua's breath caught in his throat, the weight of Seungcheol's words settling over him like a heavy cloak. He sat up slowly, propping himself on his elbows, his heart beating faster as memories of the vision flickered in his mind. The room felt smaller, as if the very air was pressing down on him, urging him to say something—anything—to break the silence.