kidnapper's protection | seongjoong

14

Seonghwa woke again, his senses sharp as he adjusted to the unfamiliar surroundings. The gentle light filtering through the blinds painted the room in soft shades of gray and purple, a stark contrast to the turmoil within him. He could still feel the lingering warmth of his kidnapper's grip on his hands, a reminder of the peculiar bond forming between them.

He took a deep breath, trying to dispel the lingering fatigue that clung to him. The events of the previous day played on a loop in his mind—the abduction, the conversation with his kidnapper, the unexpected kindness buried beneath the threat of violence. What kind of game is this? he wondered.

As he glanced around the room, he felt a mix of confusion and curiosity. It was surprisingly comfortable. The bed was neatly made, and the décor was tasteful—soft colors, a few potted plants that brought life to the space. The stark reality of his situation clashed with the almost serene atmosphere, creating a dissonance that made him feel on edge.

His stomach growled, breaking the silence, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since before his abduction. He glanced at the door, contemplating whether he should wait for his kidnapper or try to find something to eat himself. The thought of being alone in a strange place, even for a moment, made him hesitate.

Just as he was about to make a decision, the door creaked open, and his kidnapper stepped inside, the familiar mask obscuring his features. Seonghwa's heart raced—there was something magnetic about the man, an aura that drew him in despite the fear that had initially gripped him.

"Good morning, Seonghwa," his kidnapper said, his voice low and steady. He approached, the soft sound of his footsteps echoing in the quiet room. "I hope you slept well."

Seonghwa nodded, trying to mask his apprehension. "I did, thank you."

His kidnapper observed him intently, and Seonghwa could feel the weight of those piercing eyes on him. It was unnerving, yet somehow exhilarating. "You're probably hungry," his kidnapper said, glancing toward the small table where a plate of food sat, expertly arranged. "I had some breakfast prepared for you."

Seonghwa blinked in surprise, the gesture striking him as unexpected. He approached the table hesitantly, eyeing the food—scrambled eggs, toast, and a small fruit salad. He hesitated for a moment before sitting down, his eyes darting up to meet his kidnapper's.

"Are you going to eat?" his kidnapper asked, tilting his head slightly, the mask doing little to hide the curiosity in his gaze.

"Uh-yeah," Seonghwa replied, suddenly feeling shy under his kidnapper's watchful eyes. He began to eat, the food surprisingly delicious. With each bite, he felt a mixture of guilt and gratitude. This man had taken him from a life filled with pain, yet here he was, feeding him like he mattered.

As he chewed, Seonghwa couldn't help but steal glances at his kidnapper. The man leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching him intently. There was a sense of amusement in his eyes, a hint of something he couldn't quite decipher.

"You know," his kidnapper began, breaking the silence, "most captives would be terrified right now. They'd be begging for mercy, trying to find a way to escape."

Seonghwa swallowed hard, setting his fork down. "I'm not most captives," he replied, his voice steady. "I'm not scared of you."

His kidnapper chuckled softly, a low, rich sound that sent shivers down Seonghwa's spine. "Is that so? What makes you think you're safe here?"

Seonghwa took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Because I know what I want. I don't want to go back to my old life. I don't want to be judged or ridiculed for who I am. I'd rather be here, even if it's dangerous."

For a moment, his kidnapper remained silent, the atmosphere thick with tension. Seonghwa could feel the gravity of his words hanging in the air, the honesty of his confession echoing in the stillness.

"You're a strange one," his kidnapper finally said, his tone shifting again, a blend of amusement and intrigue. "But I can respect that. This game is about survival, after all. And you've shown that you're willing to adapt."

Seonghwa smiled faintly, the compliment warming him in ways he hadn't anticipated. "I just want to make the best of my situation," he said, the words flowing freely now. "If I have to be here, then I'll try to understand you, to learn the rules of this game."

His kidnapper nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly in contemplation. "You might find that understanding can be a powerful tool in this game. But be careful; the stakes are high, and I play to win."

Seonghwa felt a flicker of determination ignite within him. "I'm ready for whatever comes next," he declared, a newfound resolve solidifying his words. "I won't be a victim anymore."

His kidnapper studied him for a moment longer, a hint of something unspoken passing between them—a challenge, a promise, perhaps even a connection. "We'll see how long that resolve lasts," he said, the corners of his mouth twitching into what could only be described as a smirk.

As the atmosphere shifted, Seonghwa realized that this game was far from over. With every passing moment, his understanding of his kidnapper deepened, and the lines between captor and companion began to blur. He was no longer just a prisoner; he was a player in this unexpected game, ready to navigate the twists and turns that awaited him.