Twilight of Shadows

Chapter 15: Cracks in the Mask

Jeonghan’s secret had become harder and harder to conceal. As the days passed, his body began to change in subtle yet unmistakable ways. His stomach, once flat, now showed the faintest curve—something that couldn’t be hidden by loose clothing or carefully chosen angles. He could feel the weight of it every time he moved, every time he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. It was happening. Slowly, but surely, it was happening.

He could no longer ignore it. He couldn’t hide it for much longer.

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The Morning Realization

One morning, as Jeonghan pulled on one of Mingyu’s oversized shirts—something he’d taken to wearing more frequently to mask his growing belly—he felt the fabric stretch uncomfortably around his middle. The shirt hung awkwardly, not in the way it used to, but now it clung to his stomach. He sighed, looking at himself in the mirror, his hand brushing over the fabric as he tried to smooth it out.

It wasn’t just the shirt that was getting tighter. His body was betraying him, and he hated it. The very thing he’d tried so hard to keep hidden was becoming impossible to ignore.

“Jeonghan?”

Mingyu’s voice echoed from the doorway, pulling Jeonghan from his thoughts. Jeonghan quickly adjusted the shirt, but it was too late. Mingyu had already seen him.

Mingyu stood there for a moment, his eyes scanning Jeonghan’s form, his gaze narrowing as he took in the way the shirt stretched across Jeonghan’s stomach.

“Why are you wearing my clothes?” Mingyu asked, his voice unusually calm. There was no teasing, no playful tone—just a quiet curiosity mixed with something else Jeonghan couldn’t quite place.

Jeonghan stiffened, his heart racing in his chest. He could feel Mingyu’s eyes on him, and it was almost as if the entire room had grown smaller.

“I thought... they were comfortable,” Jeonghan said quickly, offering an excuse he knew wouldn’t be enough.

But Mingyu was already stepping closer, his eyes searching Jeonghan’s face. “Jeonghan…” he started, his voice low and serious. “You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?”

Jeonghan froze. The truth was slipping out, thread by thread, and Jeonghan couldn’t hold it back anymore.

“I’m fine, Mingyu,” he replied weakly, trying to take a step back, but Mingyu was too close now, his gaze intense. “It’s nothing.”

Mingyu’s hand reached out, gently brushing the fabric of the shirt. His touch was soft, but it carried a weight that made Jeonghan’s breath hitch.

“You’re not fine,” Mingyu said, his voice steady but tinged with concern. “This isn’t just about a shirt. Something’s going on, Jeonghan. You’ve been acting strange for weeks. You’re not eating right, you’re pale, and now…” He trailed off, his hand hesitating over Jeonghan’s stomach.

Jeonghan felt the world tilt beneath him. He was caught. He couldn’t lie anymore.

“I’m not…” Jeonghan began, but the words got stuck in his throat.

Before he could finish, he felt dizzy, a wave of weakness washing over him. His vision blurred, and suddenly, he felt himself losing balance. His legs gave out, and he stumbled forward, his body falling into Mingyu’s arms as he collapsed.

Mingyu caught him effortlessly, his strong arms wrapping around Jeonghan’s waist as he held him close. “Jeonghan?!” Mingyu’s voice was frantic now, his concern clear. “What the hell’s going on?”

Jeonghan’s head rested against Mingyu’s chest, his body trembling. His heart beat erratically, and for the first time in a long while, he let himself lean into Mingyu’s warmth.

“I’m sorry,” Jeonghan whispered, the words barely escaping his lips. He could feel the tears starting to well up in his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Mingyu…”

Mingyu’s grip tightened around him. “You don’t have to apologize. But you do have to tell me what’s going on. Please, Jeonghan. What’s happening to you?”

Jeonghan let out a shaky breath, his mind racing. This was it. The truth he had been so desperately trying to keep hidden was right there, in Mingyu’s arms, and it was impossible to ignore now.

“I’m pregnant,” Jeonghan finally said, his voice breaking. “It’s yours. And I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to burden you, especially after everything that’s happened.”

Mingyu went silent for a moment, his arms still holding Jeonghan steady. The words hung in the air, heavy and full of meaning, and Jeonghan could feel the weight of it settle between them.

“You’re... pregnant?” Mingyu’s voice was quiet, as if he were still processing what Jeonghan had said.

Jeonghan nodded, his eyes closing as the tears finally fell. “I didn’t want to tell you. I didn’t know how.”

Mingyu’s hands gently cupped Jeonghan’s face, his thumbs wiping away the tears. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was scared,” Jeonghan admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know if you’d want this, if you’d want me. It was too much, Mingyu.”

Mingyu’s expression softened, and he pulled Jeonghan into his arms again, this time holding him tightly. “I don’t care about the timing, Jeonghan. I care about you. And I care about this baby. We’ll figure this out together. You’re not alone in this.”

Jeonghan trembled in Mingyu’s arms, his body collapsing into the comfort of his warmth. For the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to feel a little bit of hope. The storm he had been hiding from was finally breaking, and maybe, just maybe, they could weather it together.

But even as Mingyu held him, Jeonghan knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy. The truth had come out, and there were no more secrets left to hide.