TRAPPED

Chapter16

The sun streamed through the tall
windows of the apartment, casting soft, golden light across the room. It was a new day, but the tension from the previous night between Jeonghan and Seongcheol lingered like a storm waiting to break.

Jeonghan stood by the mirror, adjusting his outfit with practiced ease. He wore a sleek black turtleneck that hugged his slender frame and charcoal-gray trousers that sat low on his hips, accentuating his slim waist. With tousled hair that fell artfully over his forehead, he looked like the picture of effortless elegance. He glanced at his reflection, satisfied with the look—but the real satisfaction would come from pushing Seongcheol's buttons today.

He had planned a shopping trip, alone. His destination? A boutique that sold delicate, expensive lingerie. He needed something frivolous, something impractical—something that would remind him of who he was beneath all the suffocating expectations. What he didn't expect was Seongcheol to block his path just as he reached for the front door.

"Where are you going?" Seongcheol's voice was low but carried an edge of authority.

"Out." Jeonghan's reply was flippant as he reached for the door handle.

"I'm coming with you."

Jeonghan turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't invite you."

"I don't care." Seongcheol grabbed his coat, slipping it on with calm efficiency. "I'm going."

Jeonghan clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. Of course, he's not letting me out of his sight again. Without another word, he walked out, hearing Seongcheol's footsteps close behind him.

The boutique was exactly as Jeonghan had imagined—plush, opulent, and filled with silk, lace, and temptation. The kind of place where indulgence felt justified and spending a small fortune seemed perfectly reasonable.

Jeonghan trailed his fingers over a display of sheer black lingerie, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. He picked up a delicate lace set—bralette, garter belt, and high-cut panties—admiring the craftsmanship.

Seongcheol, who had been silently trailing behind him like a shadow, stiffened the moment he saw what Jeonghan was holding.

"You came here to buy this?" His voice was low, dangerous.

Jeonghan glanced at him with a knowing smile. "Something wrong with that?"

Seongcheol's gaze darkened, but instead of answering, he reached out and took the set from Jeonghan's hands. Without a word, he marched toward the cashier.

"Seongcheol, I can pay—" Jeonghan began, following him.

"I'll pay," Seongcheol cut him off, handing his black card to the clerk. "Consider it my treat."

Jeonghan crossed his arms, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. He had meant to tease, but now the game had shifted, and the tension between them was thicker than ever.

Back at the apartment, Jeonghan moved to stash the shopping bag in his room, but Seongcheol's hand closed around his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.

"Put it on," Seongcheol said, voice low and steady.

Jeonghan's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

"You heard me." Seongcheol's grip was firm but not rough. "Put it on."

Jeonghan's pulse quickened. "You're joking."

"I'm not." Seongcheol's dark eyes held a promise—one that made Jeonghan's breath hitch.

Despite the part of him that wanted to argue, Jeonghan knew that resistance would only escalate things. With a soft huff, he grabbed the bag and disappeared into the bedroom.