MANIAC | SEOKSOO FF ✔️

PART 17

The next day, as the golden hue of sunset faded,

Seokmin surprised Jisoo with an invitation to a backyard dinner.

The backyard was beautifully transformed; soft candlelight flickered around a small table set with care, casting a warm glow over the entire area.

The glass cubicle filled with bluebells stood in the corner, their delicate blossoms adding a gentle charm to the atmosphere.

Seokmin pulled out a chair for Jisoo with a warm smile. "I wanted to do something special for you," he said softly. "The bluebells remind me of my hometown... thought it might be nice to share that memory with you."

Jisoo couldn’t help but feel a flutter in his chest. Despite everything that had happened, there was something comforting in Seokmin's presence tonight, something that made him want to believe that all his recent fears were just misunderstandings.

But a part of him still felt the shadow of doubt, and it lingered at the edges of his mind like the night creeping into the light.

"Thank you, Seokmin," Jisoo replied, his voice gentle as he took his seat. He looked at the flowers in the glass cubicle, a soft smile on his lips. "They’re really beautiful. You must miss home a lot to bring a piece of it here."

Seokmin nodded, leaning back as he poured them each a glass of wine. "I do. Bluebells have always had a calming effect on me," he said, his gaze resting fondly on Jisoo. "When I see them, I feel like I'm right where I'm supposed to be."

They began their meal, exchanging light-hearted stories about their childhoods and laughing at silly memories.

But the entire time, Jisoo couldn’t shake the feeling that something was... off.

He watched Seokmin carefully, trying to read him, to see if there was any sign that the warmth he felt was hiding something darker.

"Seokmin," Jisoo ventured as he set down his fork, "do you… ever feel like someone is watching you?"

Seokmin paused, his smile faltering for just a second before it returned, softer, almost understanding. "Sometimes. But I think it’s natural, right? We live in a big city. There's always someone around, even when you think you're alone."

Jisoo nodded, feeling a chill despite the warmth of the candles. His fingers traced the edge of his glass as he glanced towards the bluebells again. "Do you feel safe here?" he asked, almost without thinking.

Seokmin tilted his head, studying Jisoo with gentle curiosity. "With you here? Absolutely," he replied, his voice low. He reached out, covering Jisoo's hand with his own. "I feel safer than ever, actually."

Jisoo's heart pounded, the warmth of Seokmin’s hand a stark contrast to the confusion swirling in his mind.

Could he really trust this man who had been nothing but kind to him, or was he missing something hidden beneath that gentle smile?

Seokmin leaned closer, his eyes searching Jisoo's. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked softly. "You seem… tense."

Jisoo forced a smile, looking down at their entwined hands. "Just… a lot on my mind lately."

Seokmin gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever it is, you don’t have to face it alone. I'm here for you, Jisoo," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

Jisoo felt a mix of comfort and unease settle over him as he looked back up at Seokmin.

He wanted to believe in the warmth he saw in Seokmin's eyes, in the tenderness he felt in the man’s touch.

But something deep inside still nagged at him—a tiny voice that refused to be silenced, reminding him of the pictures, the objects, the disturbing gift he’d buried.

As they finished their meal, Seokmin refilled their glasses, his expression serene as he raised a toast. "To finding peace, wherever we are," he said with a smile.

Jisoo clinked his glass against Seokmin's, forcing himself to return the smile. "To finding peace," he echoed, hoping that somehow, by the end of this night, he would find an answer to the doubts haunting him.