Shadows of desire : SVT✅

(107) Hidden

Jeonghan entered the mansion with DK and Dino after returning from their respective missions. As they stepped inside, they immediately spotted Joshua, Mingyu, and Seungkwan seated in the living room, deep in conversation. Mingyu glanced up, noticing Jeonghan, and called out to him.

"Jeonghan hyung, why didn’t you handle Yuri with care?"

Jeonghan blinked in confusion. "Huh? What are you talking about?"

DK and Dino exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of what was going on.

Seungkwan chimed in, his tone serious yet caring. "Yes, hyung. You know Yuri is fragile. She’s like a flower—we should handle her with care, not hurt her."

Jeonghan was still perplexed, his brows furrowing. "What are you all saying, Seungkwan?"

Joshua, who had been quiet, finally spoke up, concern clear in his voice. "Jeonghan, it’s serious... Yuri was in pain. After... what happened between the two of you, she suffered minor internal injuries and bleeding. She’s been in so much pain."

Hearing those words, Jeonghan’s heart sank. He stood frozen, his mind racing as the realization hit him. He was about to dash toward Yuri, panic in his chest, but Seungkwan and Mingyu grabbed him, their faces equally filled with concern.

"Hyung, wait!" Mingyu urged, holding him back.

Seungkwan added, "She’s with Seungcheol hyung right now. Let’s give her some time to recover. If we rush in, it might make things worse."

Jeonghan’s fists clenched at his sides, guilt and worry washing over him as he tried to process the situation. He wanted to see her, to make sure she was okay, but he knew they were right. Still, the thought of Yuri suffering because of him made his heart ache.

Meanwhile, Dino and DK were consumed by worry, their obsession with Yuri flaring up as it always did whenever she was hurt or in pain. It didn’t matter who had caused it—even if it was them—they couldn't handle seeing her suffer.

DK was a perfect example. After that day when he hurt Yuri in his room, the guilt was unbearable. Once she left, he stood in front of the mirror with a belt in his hand, punishing himself for what he had done. He whipped his own back repeatedly, watching the red welts rise on his skin, but he didn’t stop. He wanted to feel the pain he had inflicted on her. The more it hurt, the more he thought he deserved it. His body bled, but his mind was tormented even more.

If only Yuri knew—whenever they hurt her, they punished themselves far worse, taking their obsession and guilt to the point of self-destruction.

------

It was almost dinner time, and for the first time in a while, everyone was present. The atmosphere was soft, peaceful, like the one Yuri had always envisioned. It felt like her plan to bring them together as a family was working, and it wouldn’t be long before they would smile and talk with each other the way they used to.

Seungcheol carried Yuri into the dining room, setting her down gently between Jeonghan and Jun. Jeonghan, who had been looking guilty, couldn’t meet her eyes. Sensing his unease, Yuri smiled softly, reaching up to ruffle his hair.

"Oh, Jeonghannie, I’m fine. Don’t worry."

He forced a small smile, but Yuri’s eyes soon fell on his bandaged hand. Her smile faded, and she frowned in concern.

"What happened to your hand?"

Joshua, DK, and Dino exchanged glances, knowing exactly what had happened. They all knew Jeonghan had broken a glass in his hands, punishing himself for hurting Yuri. But none of them dared say it out loud, the unspoken guilt hanging in the air between them.