MANIAC | SEOKSOO FF ✔️

PART 23

One night, as the clock struck three, Jisoo lay wide awake, feeling the chill of the room and Seokmin’s arm heavy over him.

He tried to steady his breathing, forcing his mind to stay quiet, but the unease was growing unbearable. Everything felt wrong—too silent, too confining, as if the walls were pressing in on him.

He hadn’t left the house, hadn’t spoken to his family, hadn’t had a moment to himself in what felt like forever.

He shifted slightly, just enough to slip from under Seokmin’s arm, his heart racing as he moved, hoping Seokmin wouldn’t wake.

The house was dark, every corner holding shadows that seemed to stretch, reaching for him. His feet were cold against the floor as he crept across the room, breathing as quietly as he could.

His steps carried him toward the bathroom, the one place he knew could give him just a moment of privacy—if Seokmin didn’t notice.

But a quiet voice suddenly broke the silence, sending a shock through his spine.

“Where do you think you’re going, Bluebell?”

Jisoo froze, his hand hovering over the bathroom doorknob. He didn’t turn around, keeping his gaze fixed forward as if he could somehow will Seokmin’s presence away. His heart was pounding so loudly he thought Seokmin might hear it.

“I… I just needed to use the bathroom,” he whispered, his voice trembling despite himself.

In the dim light, he could feel Seokmin’s gaze pressing into him, intense and unwavering. “I told you, Bluebell, didn’t I?” Seokmin’s voice was calm but laced with that unsettling authority. “You shouldn’t be up at these hours. It’s dangerous. What if something happened to you while I wasn’t watching?”

Jisoo clenched his fists, a surge of frustration mixing with the fear tightening in his chest. “Seokmin… I just needed a few minutes. Can’t I even have that?”

Footsteps padded softly as Seokmin approached, stopping just inches behind Jisoo. He could feel the warmth of Seokmin’s presence, the possessive way Seokmin’s arm came to rest around his shoulders, pulling him back gently but firmly.

“Bluebell,” Seokmin murmured, his tone sweet but with an edge that made Jisoo’s skin prickle. “You know I only want what’s best for you. I know it’s hard, being cooped up, but the world out there… it doesn’t care about you like I do. It’s cold, and it will hurt you.” Seokmin tightened his grip, whispering into Jisoo’s ear. “I’m the only one who can keep you safe. This is your safe place. Don’t let the outside world manipulate you into thinking otherwise.”

Jisoo’s breath hitched, his gaze dropping to the floor. “But… you can’t keep me from everything, Seokmin. I can’t just live in fear, relying on you for every single thing.”

Seokmin’s hand gently turned Jisoo to face him, his smile soft but with a darkness in his eyes that sent a shiver through Jisoo’s spine. “Oh, Bluebell,” he whispered, brushing his thumb over Jisoo’s cheek. “It’s not fear, it’s love. I know what’s best for you, better than you do yourself. And I don’t ever want you to feel alone. You have me… only me.”

Jisoo closed his eyes, feeling the weight of Seokmin’s words sink into him, making him feel as though he were sinking too, trapped in a place where even his own thoughts felt out of reach.