Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 15

Shadows in Bloom

Jeonghan's POV

The morning was still gentle, the sun only hinting at its warmth as I drifted out of bed. It was barely six, and the soft light crept through the windows, washing over my apartment in a calm, silvery glow. I'd designed this space to be my own little haven, filled with flowers, art, and warmth. My friends always called it a sanctuary, a place that seemed to slow the world down, and they often crashed here-especially Seungkwan, who practically lived with me at this point. He always said he slept best in my bed, tucked under layers of blankets with my hand smoothing over his hair.

I moved to the kitchen, mentally mapping out breakfast. We'd planned to meet at Mingyu's café, but I decided to surprise everyone with some cheesy veggie sandwiches. It's just what we do, taking turns to surprise each other with the little things. I packed everything up, checking the time as it nudged seven. There was a part of me that hesitated, taking those last few moments to gather myself, grounding in my usual morning routine.

Then the doorbell rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. Opening the door, I found Joshua standing there with that gentle smile he's so known for.

"You're a lifesaver, Jisoo-ya," I greeted him, a smile finding its way to my lips. "I was about to lug all these bags down myself."

Joshua chuckled, stepping inside. "Knowing you, I figured you'd need a hand. Besides, Seokmin is still asleep. He'll meet us there. Shall we?"

I handed him one of the bags, and we made our way out, the morning air fresh and quiet as we strolled through the waking streets, slipping into our easy rhythm of conversation. Our talks drifted, landing on relationships, our friends, and little shared stories. It was the perfect kind of morning, unrushed and filled with laughter.

As we neared the flower shop, I reached for my keys, my heart light, but then... something unexpected caught my eye. Right in front of the door was a bouquet. At first glance, it looked like any other, but as I got closer, a chill ran through me. The bouquet was unlike anything I'd seen: black roses threaded with baby's breath.

I felt my body go still. The black roses meant death, finality, and the baby's breath... innocence. Together, they painted a dark picture, one I couldn't ignore.

Joshua noticed my reaction, his gaze following mine. "Hannie," he said, his voice laced with concern, "are you alright?"

"It's just... strange," I murmured, struggling to tear my eyes away from the flowers. "These aren't the type of flowers I'd expect as a friendly gift. Someone left them for a reason."

Joshua's hand landed firmly on my shoulder, grounding me, and then his gaze shifted to a small card nestled within the blooms. My fingers moved before I could think, plucking it out, the paper cold in my hands. I unfolded it, my eyes scanning over the message that waited inside:

"With beauty comes danger, and innocence rarely goes untested.

The shadows are closer than you think, Jeonghan.

Count your heartbeats-they may not be yours for long."

The words felt like ice, each one digging in a little deeper as I read them. I stood there, my heart pounding against my ribs, my peaceful morning shattered. Joshua's grip on my shoulder tightened as if he sensed the weight of it, his calm presence a small anchor in that moment.

"Do you... have any idea who this could be from?" he asked, his voice soft but steady.

I swallowed, forcing myself to breathe. "No," I whispered, my eyes never leaving the card. "But this isn't just a message. It's a warning... from someone who knows me."

The world seemed darker, colder, and for the first time in years, I felt a strange, gnawing fear clawing its way through me.

'Who are you?'.

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In the dim glow of his office, Viktor leaned back in his chair, an amused smile playing on his lips. Shadows draped the room in an air of intrigue, where every corner held secrets, and the scent of leather mixed with faint cigar smoke hung in the air. The faint click of the door announced Mr. Park's arrival, who approached with a careful bow.

"The delivery has been made, sir," Mr. Park reported with quiet precision. "Everything went as planned."

Viktor chuckled, a low, almost playful sound as he stretched his arms casually. "Good," he murmured, eyes alight with mischief. "This isn't about destruction, Mr. Park. Seungcheol's gotten too comfortable at the top. He could use a reminder that no empire-no matter how solid-is unshakable." His smirk deepened. "Consider this... a lesson."

Mr. Park inclined his head, though curiosity and tension flickered across his expression. Viktor continued, his voice carrying a kind of detached amusement. "He's smart. He'll scramble, he'll make his moves, thinking he's still in control. And in watching him try, we'll see what kind of leader he truly is."

A glint of satisfaction danced in Viktor's eyes as he leaned forward, folding his hands. "I want every move of his reported. I'll be the shadow in his path-a gentle reminder to stay sharp, or he risks it all."

With a final nod, Mr. Park left, and Viktor returned to his musings. The thrill of the challenge was what he truly sought. A smirk settled over his face as he imagined Seungcheol's inevitable frustration.

"After all," Viktor murmured to the dim room, "what's the fun of winning without a worthy opponent?"

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