Bound by Obsession || Jeongcheol ||

Part Fourteen (2) - Bound in Darkness and Secrets

Jeonghan woke with a heavy heart, his mind hazy yet painfully aware of the previous night's events. The softness of the bed around him and the plush décor of the room couldn't mask the suffocating reality he was now bound to. The door creaked open, and there stood Seungcheol, no longer just a shadow lurking in his nightmares, but the very figure holding his freedom hostage.

"Good morning, love," Seungcheol greeted, his tone warm yet possessive as he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on Jeonghan's forehead. The simple gesture felt anything but tender; it was a reminder of his control, the weight of which was unbearable to Jeonghan.

With a polite yet commanding tone, Seungcheol gestured toward a neatly arranged set of clothes. "Freshen up, and put these on. I want you to join me for breakfast."

Jeonghan nodded, numb to his resistance, and reluctantly complied. As he dressed and followed Seungcheol through the sprawling halls, he saw just how immense Seungcheol's world truly was. Guards lined the walls, their eyes sharp, each movement calculated. The atmosphere was thick with intimidation, leaving no doubt that this place was as inescapable as it was lavish.

As they reached the dining room, Seungcheol took his seat, gesturing for Jeonghan to do the same. Jeonghan tried to eat, though every bite tasted like ash under Seungcheol's piercing gaze, dark and unwavering as it seemed to consume him.

"Don't think about running," Seungcheol murmured, voice smooth but laced with warning. "You're safe here, but any attempts to leave won't go well for you, or those you care about."

Jeonghan's heart sank. Knowing he had no other choice, he nodded, his spirit dwindling under the weight of Seungcheol's watchful eye. As if satisfied, Seungcheol leaned over, brushing his lips against Jeonghan's forehead in what felt like a mockery of affection.

Meanwhile, across the city, Joshua and Seokmin were frantic with worry. It had been two long days with no sign of Jeonghan, and desperation drove them to the police station. But as they poured out their concerns to the inspector, his face darkened at the mention of Seungcheol's name. He shook his head, backing away from the case as if it held a curse.

Seokmin, filled with frustration, lashed out. "You're just going to ignore this? Jeonghan could be in danger, and you're too scared to act?"

But no amount of pleading or anger swayed the inspector, who refused to put himself in the line of fire against someone as untouchable as Seungcheol. The two friends left with empty hands but a fierce resolve. Jeonghan was more than a friend, he was family and they wouldn't abandon him.

That evening, as Joshua and Seokmin returned to their dorm, they were greeted by the chilling presence of Seungcheol himself, leaning casually against the doorway. His face bore a smirk, a look of smug satisfaction that made their blood run cold.

"Surprised?" he taunted, his tone mocking. "I heard the inspector wasn't of much help. Such a shame." The words sliced through the air like a dagger, fueling Seokmin's anger.

Unable to hold back, Seokmin stepped forward, fists clenched. "Where is Jeonghan? What have you done to him?"

Seungcheol's smile vanished, his eyes narrowing. But before he could respond with fury, Joshua stepped in, placing a calming hand on Seokmin's shoulder, subtly diffusing the tension.

"Why are you here, Seungcheol?" Joshua asked, his voice even, though his gaze held a hint of challenge. "What is it you want from us?"

A smirk returned to Seungcheol's lips, his gaze sliding between the two friends. "You're lucky your boyfriend here knows how to handle himself, Seokmin. Maybe you could learn a thing or two."

The words stung, but Joshua remained unfazed, keeping a firm grip on Seokmin. "Just tell us what's going on," he urged.

Seungcheol chuckled, his voice low and dark. "I'm not here to harm you," he assured, though his tone carried an underlying menace. "Not unless you make me. I only came to let you know Jeonghan is safe, and will remain so with me. You two should be grateful."

He stepped closer, a twisted smile playing on his lips as he added, "Consider it a family affair, brother-in-laws."

The words lingered, heavy and sinister, as he sauntered out, leaving them in a suffocating silence. "Brother-in-laws..." The title echoed ominously in their minds, an implication that left them feeling helpless against the dark future looming ahead.

If you're enjoying Jeonghan and Seungcheol's journey as much as I love writing it, please cast your vote! Your support helps me bring this story to more readers. 

Thank you for being a part of this adventure!