𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 || 𝑺𝑬𝑶𝑲𝑺𝑶𝑶

chp6

Joshua’s arms were wrapped around Seokmin so tightly that it felt as if he was trying to merge their souls together, as though he could keep Seokmin anchored to this moment, to him, to life itself. Seokmin didn’t struggle—he never did when Joshua got like this. Instead, he stood still, confused but trusting, gently resting his hands on Joshua’s back.

"Hyung, what’s wrong?" Seokmin asked softly, his voice tinged with concern. His hands rubbed soothing circles against Joshua’s shoulder blades, a small attempt to comfort him.

Joshua didn’t respond immediately. His thoughts were a storm, regret clawing at his chest like a living, breathing entity. He felt the weight of everything he hadn’t done, hadn’t said, hadn’t shown Seokmin.

If this is a dream, a cruel gift from God than I'll atleast make it a good one.

It hit him then, as clearly as if it were etched into his mind: I wasted so much time. Time I could have spent loving him better. Time I could have spent showing him how much he means to me.

He pulled back slightly, just enough to see Seokmin’s face. His hands came up to cup Seokmin’s cheeks, his thumbs brushing softly over his skin. “Seokmin,” Joshua whispered, his voice trembling. His eyes were glassy, brimming with emotion he couldn’t put into words. “You’re... you’re everything to me.”

Seokmin blinked, his cheeks tinged with pink. “Hyung, where is this coming from?” he asked, a nervous laugh escaping his lips.

Joshua didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned in and kissed him—a kiss that was firm, desperate, and filled with all the love and sorrow he carried. It wasn’t gentle or practiced; it was raw, unfiltered emotion, a plea for forgiveness, for more time, for everything.

When he pulled away, Seokmin was breathless. His lips parted in shock, his wide eyes staring into Joshua’s. “Hyung,” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“We’re going to meet my parents,” Joshua said firmly, his voice still shaking but resolute.

Seokmin’s face flushed a deeper red, his confusion only growing. “What? Your parents? Now?”

“Yes,” Joshua replied without hesitation.

“W-wait, what do you mean now?” Seokmin stuttered, his eyes darting around as though trying to find an escape. “Hyung, this is... this is too sudden! We’re not prepared! I’m not prepared! I have lectures, you have—”

“I don’t care,” Joshua interrupted, his voice breaking slightly. He took a deep breath, his hands still cradling Seokmin’s face. “I need you to know how much I love you. I need them to know. I need everyone to know.”

Seokmin’s breath hitched, his heart pounding in his chest. He had no idea where this was coming from, but Joshua’s words and the intensity in his eyes made it impossible to argue. “Hyung, are you okay? You’re acting so... different,” he said hesitantly.

Joshua let out a shaky breath and rested his forehead against Seokmin’s. “I’m more okay than I’ve ever been, now that I’m with you.”

Seokmin’s face burned, his hands coming up to grip Joshua’s wrists lightly. “Hyung... you’re being really cheesy,” he muttered, though there was a small, shy smile playing on his lips.

Joshua stepped back, taking Seokmin’s hand in his. His grip was firm, as though letting go would shatter him. “Come with me,” he said simply.

Seokmin hesitated, his eyes searching Joshua’s face for answers. Finally, he nodded, his voice small. “Okay, Hyung.”