[ Kidnap ] Seungmin x skz ff~~

ch 41

Seungmin glanced at the clock on the wall and realized how late it had gotten. The quiet hum of the city outside the penthouse windows reminded him of the long commute he had back to his apartment. Letting out a soft sigh, he stood from the couch, brushing his hands on his pants nervously as he looked at Damien.

"I should get going. It's late," Seungmin said softly, reaching for his bag.

Damien, who had been casually sipping a glass of wine at the kitchen counter, set his glass down and frowned. His sharp eyes locked onto Seungmin, and he walked over, his tall frame cutting an imposing figure in the warm light of the living room.

"You're not leaving," Damien said firmly, crossing his arms.

Seungmin blinked, his hand pausing mid-reach for his bag. "W-What?"

"It's too late for you to go back to your apartment," Damien continued, his voice dropping an octave, making Seungmin's pulse quicken. "It's not safe. Stay here tonight."

Seungmin hesitated, his cheeks tinting a soft pink. "I-I can manage... It's really not that far."

Damien stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "I said no." His tone was final, but there was a softness in his eyes that betrayed his concern.

"Damien," Seungmin said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I don't want to inconvenience you. I-"

"You're not an inconvenience," Damien cut him off, his voice gentler now. He took another step forward, closing the distance between them. "It would bother me more knowing you're out there alone at this hour."

Seungmin swallowed hard, his heart racing as Damien's words sunk in. Why does he care so much? The sincerity in Damien's voice made his resolve falter.

"I... I don't know," Seungmin mumbled, his eyes darting to the floor.

Damien let out a soft sigh, running a hand through his messy hair. He stepped even closer, his presence overwhelming yet oddly comforting. "Seungmin," he murmured, his tone coaxing, "please. Stay. For my peace of mind."

Seungmin looked up at him, startled by the vulnerability in Damien's expression. He bit his lip, unsure of what to say.

"Alright," Seungmin finally whispered, his voice barely audible.

Damien's lips curved into a small, triumphant smile. "Good."

"But only for tonight," Seungmin quickly added, his cheeks flushing. "I'll leave early in the morning."

Damien chuckled, the sound warm and deep. "Deal."

Damien guided Seungmin to the guest room, opening the door with a flourish. The room was as luxurious as the rest of the penthouse, with a plush bed, soft lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the breathtaking city view.

"This will be your room for the night," Damien said, his voice low as he stood in the doorway.

Seungmin stepped inside hesitantly, running his fingers over the soft bedding. "This is... too much. It's beautiful."

Damien leaned against the doorframe, watching him with a fondness that he didn't bother hiding. "You deserve the best," he said simply.

Seungmin turned to look at him, his heart fluttering at the intensity of Damien's gaze. "Thank you," he said softly, his voice laced with sincerity.