Shadows of desire || SVT ||

(98) Let Me In

Yuri gently stroked Joshua's hair as he lay on her lap, his body relaxed against her. His usual composed demeanor had crumbled, replaced by a vulnerability that she hadn't seen before. His eyes were soft, guilt swimming in them as he spoke.

"I've been too hard on you," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. "I shouldn't have done it. I shouldn't have let my anger control me."

Yuri's heart raced, but she kept her expression soft and understanding, masking the satisfaction she felt inside. Her plan had worked; she knew exactly how to break through Joshua's guarded emotions, how to pull him back toward her side. She had anticipated every move, knowing his protective nature would eventually crumble under the weight of his guilt.

With a soothing tone, she replied, "It's okay now, shua." She continued brushing his hair, her touch light and comforting. "We both got caught up in our emotions. You were only acting out of love, and I understand that."

She felt his body relax further against her words, his grip on the guilt loosening as he melted into her reassurance. This was exactly what she had intended-luring him in with her vulnerability, only to strengthen his attachment to her. Now he was hers, more than ever.

"I just don't want to lose you, Yuri," Joshua murmured, his voice tinged with fear. "I'll never forgive myself if I hurt you again."

Yuri leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. "You won't lose me," she whispered. "I'm right here with you, always."

As she said the words, the depth of her manipulation set in. She had successfully shifted the balance, making him feel as though he needed to protect her more than ever. It was a dangerous game, but Yuri knew how to play it flawlessly. She would drown them in her love, and in doing so, bend them to her will.

She smiled softly, her fingers still brushing through his hair, her mind calculating the next steps. "You're everything to me, shua," she whispered, knowing exactly how much those words would mean to him. "I trust you, and I know you'll never hurt me again."

And with that, she sealed his fate-completely wrapped around her finger.

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As the door creaked open, Seungkwan stepped inside, stood frozen at the door for a moment, his eyes landing on Joshua peacefully resting in Yuri's lap, her fingers gently stroking through his hair. A sharp pang of jealousy pierced through him, but he quickly pushed it down, keeping his expression neutral as he met Yuri's gaze. Without acknowledging her further, he shifted his focus to Joshua.

"Joshua hyung," Seungkwan said firmly, his voice cutting through the soft ambiance of the room. "You need to get up. Wonwoo just got back from his mission... he's hurt. I need your help minghao hyung isn't home"

Yuri's hand paused for a moment before resuming its soothing motion. She glanced down at Joshua, his face serene in his sleep. Her mind worked swiftly, calculating how to react, but outwardly she showed only concern. Joshua stirred slightly, his body unconsciously leaning into her touch.

"Joshua hyung... Wonwoo hyung is bleeding, come on!!" Seungkwan urged, his voice growing sharper with urgency.

Yuri, sensing the rising pressure, gently called out, her voice soft but firm. "Shua... please get up. Wonwoo needs you... baby."

The word "baby" slipped from her lips like a subtle command, and Seungkwan's heart twisted with jealousy. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the surge of emotion, his eyes flicking between Joshua and Yuri, but he said nothing. It wasn't the time.