BLOSSOMED | SEOKSOO FF ✔️

PART 02

After that unsettling conversation with Jeonghan, Jihoon began visiting Seokmin’s house more often. His usual calm demeanor hid the growing urgency he felt to get to the bottom of Jisoo’s strange behavior. Each visit was under the guise of Dino wanting to see Seokmin or spend time with Jisoo, but Jihoon had a different purpose entirely. He had become an observer, watching every interaction, every fleeting expression, hoping to find clues that would either confirm or ease his suspicions.

Whenever he arrived, Jihoon tried to appear relaxed, like he was just a supportive younger brother. He noticed how Seokmin seemed almost too delighted with each visit, as if Jihoon’s presence offered Seokmin a chance to flaunt his “perfect relationship” with Jisoo. Jihoon’s eyes, however, remained sharp, catching the way Seokmin always positioned himself near Jisoo, his hand possessively resting on Jisoo’s shoulder or his arm wrapped around Jisoo’s waist, as if Jisoo were an extension of himself. There was a guarded look in Jisoo’s eyes during these moments, a look Jihoon could only describe as defeated.

“Dino’s been asking about you nonstop, Seokmin,” Jihoon said casually one evening as they all sat in the living room. “You’re his favorite uncle, you know?”

Seokmin laughed, a bit too cheerfully, and ruffled Dino’s hair. “Ah, well, Dino’s my little buddy. Aren’t you, Dino?” he said, smiling down at him.

Dino grinned, blissfully unaware of the tension that hung between the adults. Jihoon stole a glance at Jisoo, who sat quietly beside Seokmin, hands clasped tightly in his lap. There was a faint shadow under Jisoo’s eyes, and the forced smile he wore made Jihoon’s heart ache.

Trying to keep things light, Jihoon glanced over at Jisoo. “You’ve been busy, huh, Jisoo? I barely see you around the neighborhood anymore.”

Jisoo’s smile faltered, and he hesitated, casting a quick, almost fearful look at Seokmin. “Uh… yeah. Just… spending a lot of time here.”

Seokmin’s hand slid down to Jisoo’s knee, squeezing gently, as he interjected. “Well, we’re making memories, aren’t we, Jisoo? He’s just a bit shy, that’s all.”

Jihoon’s jaw clenched, but he forced himself to stay calm. He knew he had to be subtle, careful not to provoke Seokmin or give away his suspicions. Instead, he leaned back, appearing thoughtful. “I get that. Still, it’s good to get some fresh air now and then, right, Jisoo? Maybe next time you can join Dino and me on one of our little trips.”

Seokmin’s smile tightened, his eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly. “Oh, Jisoo doesn’t need to go out too much. We have everything he needs right here. Besides, we’re both so busy, aren’t we, Jisoo?”

Jisoo nodded quickly, almost mechanically. “Yes… yes, of course.”

The casual possessiveness in Seokmin’s tone was hard to ignore, and Jihoon felt a chill settle over him. He had expected Seokmin to be protective, but there was something almost territorial in the way he spoke about Jisoo, as if Jisoo’s every move belonged to him.

“Of course,” Jihoon replied, smiling tightly. “But everyone needs a little freedom, right? Even in a relationship.”

Seokmin’s gaze met Jihoon’s, a flicker of something darker flashing in his eyes before he replied, “Of course, Jihoon. I make sure Jisoo has everything he needs.”

The words were polite, but there was an unmistakable edge in Seokmin’s tone, a hint of warning that Jihoon didn’t miss. He didn’t push further, but his resolve only grew stronger. As the evening wore on, Jihoon continued to observe, watching the way Seokmin’s grip tightened every time Jisoo so much as shifted in his seat, the way Seokmin would subtly steer the conversation back to himself whenever Jisoo tried to speak.

As he was getting ready to leave, Jihoon gently touched Jisoo’s shoulder, meeting his gaze. “If you ever want to come over, you know you’re always welcome, Jisoo. Dino and I would love to have you around more often.”

Jisoo’s eyes softened, a brief flicker of something like hope crossing his face before Seokmin stepped in, putting a possessive arm around him. “Oh, Jisoo doesn’t need to go anywhere, Jihoon. He’s happiest here with me.”

Jihoon smiled, but his eyes remained serious as he looked back at Jisoo. “Well, the door’s always open.”

As Jihoon and Dino left, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was leaving Jisoo trapped, like a bird in a cage. The visit had confirmed his fears, and he knew he couldn’t ignore it any longer. With a heavy heart, Jihoon made a silent vow to find a way to help Jisoo—even if it meant challenging Seokmin’s control directly.