Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 30

Morning of Restless Thoughts

Time skip (a week later)

The morning broke quietly over the city, the first rays of sunlight spilling into Woozi's cluttered studio. The alarm on his desk buzzed incessantly, shattering the fragile peace of dawn. With a groggy groan, Woozi reached over, silencing the irritating sound. His body ached from exhaustion—it had been another all-nighter.

He leaned back against his chair, eyes closing briefly as the events of the past week played on a loop in his head. The sharp edge of his thoughts cut through his lingering fatigue. It had been over a week since Jeonghan's sudden disappearance, and exactly a week since Hoshi had invaded his apartment, leaving behind a whirlwind of emotions Woozi couldn't name, let alone process.

"Why am I thinking about him again?" Woozi muttered to himself, running a hand through his unkempt hair. His reflection stared back at him from a nearby window—tired, confused, and strangely hopeful.

Twice this week, he had wandered into Min's club, searching for a face that wouldn't leave his mind. He hadn't admitted it to himself yet, but his heart betrayed him, dragging him there with weak excuses. What was he expecting? That Hoshi would just appear again, with that maddening smirk and those piercing eyes?

Shaking his head, Woozi stood up, grabbing his jacket. "Get a grip, Jihoon," he whispered, his voice firm yet faltering.

The streets were alive with early risers, the city buzzing with its usual chaos. Woozi made his way to the café, his steps slower than usual. His thoughts kept drifting—Jeonghan's absence, the unsettling silence in their friend group, and, of course, the unresolved tension Hoshi had left behind.

The sight of the café, already bustling with customers, pulled him out of his head. The aroma of fresh coffee mingled with the sound of mingled voices as he pushed the door open. Inside, Mingyu was busy behind the counter, his large frame moving with surprising grace as he handed out orders.

"Morning, Jihoon," Mingyu greeted, flashing a small smile.

Woozi nodded, his voice barely above a murmur. "Morning."

"Another long night?" Mingyu asked, his brow raised as he handed over a steaming cup of coffee.

"Something like that." Woozi accepted the cup, his fingers brushing against the warmth. "Thanks."

"You heading back soon?" Mingyu's tone held a casual concern.

"Yeah," Woozi replied simply, avoiding further conversation. Mingyu didn't press, sensing his friend's subdued mood.

Woozi stepped back out into the morning light, the unease in his chest refusing to dissipate. The usual chatter of their group had been disturbingly absent. Seokmin and Seungkwan were buried under semester exams, and Minghao had been consumed by the growing demand at his clinic.

Jeonghan's absence left an ache he couldn't shake. He took a deep breath, his gaze drifting to the clear sky. "Please... let him be okay," he whispered, a rare vulnerability creeping into his voice.

The walk back to his apartment was quiet, the city's noise fading into the background. He set the untouched coffee on his desk, collapsing onto his bed. Sleep beckoned, but his mind remained restless. His thoughts flitted to Jeonghan, to the emptiness left behind, and to a certain chaotic male who had turned his world upside down.

Woozi stared at the ceiling, the familiar sense of unease settling in. "Why does everything feel so... wrong?" he muttered, his voice cracking slightly.

The day stretched out ahead, offering no answers, only more questions. For now, all Woozi could do was close his eyes and hope the silence wouldn't suffocate him completely.