Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 25

The morning sun poured into the dining room as Mrs. Kim, the head maid, moved gracefully around the table, her experienced hands serving breakfast with quiet elegance. The atmosphere was subdued yet curious, the clinking of utensils filling the air until Dino entered.

A small, nervous smile tugged at his lips as he greeted the room, "Morning."

The hyungs glanced at him, their gazes assessing. Mrs. Kim offered him a kind nod as she refilled S.Coups's coffee.

"Ready for the big task, Dino?" Hoshi teased, leaning back in his chair with a knowing smirk.

"Yeah," Dino replied, his voice steady but tinged with nervous energy. "It's just a house tour."

"You'll do fine," S.Coups said, his tone carrying quiet authority.

Jun remained quiet, his brow furrowed slightly, while Hansol avoided Dino's eyes, staring at his plate with a faint edge of envy. Wonwoo, on the other hand, offered a rare smile. "Don't forget to keep it simple for him."

"I won't," Dino promised, his excitement bubbling beneath his calm exterior. He finished his breakfast quickly and stood. "I'll see you guys later."

As Dino left the room, his steps purposeful, the hyungs exchanged knowing glances.

Hoshi's eyes sparkled with curiosity, his lips curling into a subtle smirk. "Let's see how he handles this."

Wonwoo's amusement was quiet but evident in his soft smile. "He's really grown."

Jun sat still, concern flickering in his gaze, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. His usual calmness wavered.

Hansol, watching from his seat, felt a pang of envy, his eyes momentarily darkening. "Lucky kid," he muttered, barely audible.

S.Coups, though, looked relieved, his gaze steady and thoughtful. "He'll be fine," he murmured, trusting Dino to handle it.

Mrs. Kim, observing the dynamics with her seasoned eyes, moved to clear Dino's plate, her presence a stabilizing force in the tension that lingered in the room.

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Dino hesitated at the door of Jeonghan's room, finding him sitting by the window, staring out with an unreadable expression. He stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Hey, remember me? From the amusement park?"

Jeonghan blinked, his eyes slowly shifting toward him. A brief flicker of recognition crossed his face, followed by surprise and a hint of amusement. "You," he said quietly. "You're the one who had the panic attack."

Dino laughed nervously, embarrassed. "Yeah, that was me. Didn't handle that too well."

Jeonghan's lips twitched, his amusement evident now. "I didn't think you were that scared," he teased, softening the air between them.

Relieved, Dino chuckled and tried to keep the mood light. "Guess I'm not as brave as I look."

After breakfast with Mrs. Kim serving them with grace, Dino guided Jeonghan through the mansion, offering bits of his embarrassing stories along the way. Jeonghan seemed to warm up to him with every laugh, his expression softening and becoming more genuine.

They reached the garden, a place devoid of life, much like the house itself. Jeonghan's eyes softened, a trace of sorrow replacing his usual curiosity.

Dino stood beside him, his voice low but filled with meaning. "There's a lot in this house that's dead. Places, hearts... people," he said, glancing at the neglected garden. "But I think you're the one who can change it. You might be the key to bringing it all back."