BLOSSOMED | SEOKSOO FF ✔️

PART 13

As Seokmin trudged into the kitchen behind Jihoon, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for his brother-in-law, Soonyoung. He had seen the way Jihoon could command a room with a single glare or word, and now, experiencing it firsthand, he wondered how Soonyoung put up with it.

“Man,” Seokmin muttered under his breath as he grabbed a sponge and started scrubbing the counter, “I always thought Soonyoung was the bossy one in your relationship. Turns out I had it completely backward.”

Jihoon, who was busy inspecting a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, raised an eyebrow but didn’t look up. “What are you mumbling about now?”

Seokmin smirked slightly, deciding to take his chances. “I was just thinking how tragic it is that Soonyoung ended up with someone as bossy as you. Poor guy probably doesn’t even get to pick his own socks in the morning.”

That earned him a sharp glare from Jihoon, who finally turned to face him, arms crossed. “You’re talking a lot of smack for someone who couldn’t even get themselves in the shower without me practically dragging them there.”

Seokmin held up his hands in mock surrender, laughing softly. “Okay, okay, I’ll shut up. But seriously, Jihoon. How does Soonyoung deal with this?”

Jihoon narrowed his eyes, leaning against the counter. “Deal with what? My overwhelming charm? My ability to get things done?”

“Your tyranny,” Seokmin shot back, grinning despite himself.

Jihoon rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. “Soonyoung knew what he was getting into when he married me. Besides, if anyone’s the tyrant in our relationship, it’s him. You should see him during chore day—it’s like living with a hyperactive drill sergeant.”

Seokmin chuckled at the mental image of Soonyoung ordering Jihoon around with his trademark energy and enthusiasm. “Yeah, but I bet you give him a run for his money.”

“Maybe,” Jihoon admitted, his tone softening. “But we balance each other out. He’s chaotic and over-the-top, and I’m... well, me.”

Seokmin nodded, his grin fading as he scrubbed at a particularly stubborn stain on the counter. He didn’t miss the way Jihoon’s expression grew more thoughtful, his sharp edges softening as he talked about his husband. It was clear that despite Jihoon’s bossy demeanor, there was a deep love and respect between him and Soonyoung.

“I guess that’s what makes it work, huh?” Seokmin said quietly.

Jihoon nodded, his gaze distant for a moment before snapping back to the present. “Yeah. And for the record, Soonyoung doesn’t just ‘deal’ with me. He loves me, flaws and all. Just like I love him.”

Seokmin swallowed hard, feeling an uncomfortable twinge of something he couldn’t quite place—envy, maybe, or regret. He pushed the feeling aside and focused on the task at hand.

“Anyway,” Jihoon said, clapping his hands together, “less talk, more cleaning. That fridge isn’t going to scrub itself.”

Seokmin groaned, dragging his feet toward the fridge. “You really don’t let up, do you?”

“Nope,” Jihoon replied with a smirk, already turning his attention to another corner of the kitchen.

By the time they finished cleaning, the kitchen looked almost unrecognizable. The counters were spotless, the floor gleamed, and the sink was empty for the first time in what must have been weeks. Seokmin collapsed onto a chair at the small dining table, wiping his forehead dramatically.

“I think I deserve a medal for surviving this,” he muttered.

Jihoon snorted as he poured two glasses of water, setting one in front of Seokmin before sitting across from him. “You deserve a medal for finally acting like an adult for once in your life.”

“Wow,” Seokmin said, clutching his chest in mock offense. “You really know how to compliment a guy, don’t you?”

“Just calling it like I see it,” Jihoon replied, taking a sip of his water.

Seokmin chuckled softly, shaking his head. For all of Jihoon’s tough love and bossy attitude, there was something comforting about his presence—something steady and grounding that Seokmin hadn’t realized he needed until now.

As they sat in silence, Seokmin’s thoughts drifted to Soonyoung again. “You know,” he said after a moment, “you’re lucky to have him.”

Jihoon looked up, his expression curious. “Soonyoung?”

“Yeah,” Seokmin said, nodding. “He’s... a lot, but he’s got a big heart. And he loves you more than anything. I can see it every time he talks about you.”

Jihoon’s gaze softened, and he smiled faintly. “I know. And I don’t take that for granted.”

Seokmin sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I wish I could’ve had that with Jisoo... that kind of balance, that kind of love. But I ruined everything.”

Jihoon’s smile faded, and his expression turned serious. “You still have a chance, Seokmin. It’s not too late to make things right. But you’ve got to start with yourself. Get help. Work on becoming someone who deserves that kind of love.”

Seokmin looked down at his hands, his throat tightening. He wanted to believe Jihoon’s words, but the weight of his guilt and shame felt insurmountable.

“I’ll try,” he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jihoon nodded, his tone firm but not unkind. “That’s all anyone can ask for.”

As the night wore on, Seokmin felt a flicker of hope—a small, fragile thing, but enough to cling to. And for the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could get better.