SHADOWS OF DECEIT

Chapter 19

Monday morning arrived with a heavy weight that settled on Joshua's chest. The aftermath of Saturday night loomed over him like a dark cloud, a constant reminder of how badly he had messed up.

Sunday had passed in a haze, each hour blurring into the next as he lay in bed, the world outside his apartment a distant echo.

He had left the door ajar every time Samuel checked in on him, too exhausted to muster the energy for a smile or a conversation.

Now, as he stood in front of Samuel's apartment, Joshua hesitated. He had received a call from Healing Home the previous night, confirming his start date for the following day.

It was a chance at a fresh start, but the thought of stepping back into the world outside, where everything felt tainted and broken, filled him with dread.

He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

It swung open to reveal a bleary-eyed Samuel, his hair disheveled and dark circles under his eyes making him look even more worn than usual.

But the moment his gaze landed on Joshua, his expression shifted from groggy confusion to alertness. "You're all dressed up," he said, stepping back to let Joshua inside. "Where are you off to?"

"Just wanted to let you know about the job at Healing Home," Joshua replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

Samuel's hands ran up his face, exhaling sharply as he processed the information. "You've already decided, then?" he asked, his tone a mixture of resignation and concern.

Joshua nodded. "I think it's the best option for me right now."

Samuel's expression shifted, a flicker of apprehension crossing his features. "Just a heads up—those hospitals belong to the Shadows. The whole chain is their frontline business."

He paused, gauging Joshua's reaction. "Considering everything that happened with the Claws, they're the only ones who can protect you. If anyone can keep you safe, it's them."

Joshua felt the weight of Samuel's words sink in. It was both comforting and alarming to think he would be under the watchful eye of the Shadows.

"But what if I don't want to be involved with them? What if they come to see me as just another pawn?"

Samuel shook his head. "That's not how it works. You've already stirred up enough shit to attract attention, and you're not going to be able to just walk away from it."

"The reason you were here in the first place was because you wanted to find Jeonghan. Now that you want nothing to do with that life, moving away might be your best bet. Tokyo would do. You'd still be here and I could visit you often and no one would want you as long as you are out of Shibuya."

Joshua's stomach twisted at the thought. Leaving everything behind felt like tearing a piece of himself away, but staying in the same place—knowing that he had inadvertently put himself and everyone he cared about in danger—was unbearable.

"So, what do I do?" he asked, his voice small.

"Look into moving to Tokyo," Samuel advised, his tone steady.

"It's a fresh start. You can be around a new environment, find new people, and be away from all this." He gestured vaguely, indicating the weight of their lives.

"You deserve a chance to rebuild, and you can't do that here, not with the Claws and Shadows circling like vultures."

Joshua took a step back, processing Samuel's words. "I get that, but what if I'm not ready? What if I can't handle it?"