BLOSSOMED | SEOKSOO FF

PART 46

The morning sunlight spilled through the windows, illuminating the living room where Seokmin stood, rehearsing his approach. His plan for the day was perfect: an amusement park visit to bring Jisoo some much-needed joy and maybe even a spark of nostalgia. But there was one glaring obstacle—no, two glaring obstacles.

Jeonghan and Seungcheol.

Jeonghan, armed with his legendary mood swings, was lounging on the couch, a bowl of nachos in hand and a skeptical expression on his face. Seungcheol sat beside him, ever the dutiful partner, flipping through a parenting magazine but glancing up every so often, his protective instincts on high alert.

Seokmin took a deep breath, plastering on his most charming smile, and stepped forward. “Good morning! How’s everyone feeling today?”

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing. “What do you want, Seokmin?”

Seungcheol sighed, already sensing trouble. “Jeonghan, be nice.”

Jeonghan huffed, popping a grape into his mouth. “I am being nice. I didn’t throw the remote at him.”

Seokmin laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck. “I was thinking of taking Jisoo out today. You know, just to relax and have some fun.”

Jeonghan’s eyes narrowed further. “Out? Where?”

“Um… the amusement park,” Seokmin said, bracing himself.

Jeonghan’s mood shifted in an instant, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, the amusement park. On a Sunday. Brilliant idea. Let’s just throw Jisoo into a crowd of screaming kids and sugar-high teenagers.”

Seungcheol, sensing the storm brewing, set his magazine down and placed a calming hand on Jeonghan’s shoulder. “Honey, I’m sure Seokmin will take good care of him.”

Jeonghan shrugged Seungcheol’s hand off, his glare now fully directed at Seokmin. “And why should I trust you with him? The last time you two went out, Jisoo came back with a headache because someone thought it was a good idea to buy him three slushies in a row!”

“That was one time!” Seokmin protested. “And he said he wanted them!”

Jeonghan crossed his arms, his expression unrelenting. “No. Jisoo stays home today. He’s helping me sort baby clothes.”

Seokmin glanced at Seungcheol, silently pleading for backup.

Seungcheol sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Jeonghan, maybe Jisoo could use a break. He’s been working hard all week.”

Jeonghan turned to Seungcheol, his voice rising. “Oh, so now you think I’m overworking him? Is that what you’re saying?”

Seokmin flinched, realizing this was spiraling out of control. “Jeonghan, please. I promise I’ll take good care of him. No slushies, no chaos—just a calm, relaxing day.”

Jeonghan stared at him, his expression unreadable. Then, to Seokmin’s surprise, he sighed and leaned back against the couch. “Fine. But if he comes back complaining about anything, anything at all, you’ll answer to me.”

Seokmin nodded vigorously, relief washing over him. “Deal! Thank you, Jeonghan.”

“And,” Jeonghan added, pointing a finger at him, “you better bring him back by dinner. And you are making my favorite pasta tonight.”

“Got it,” Seokmin said, already backing toward the hallway. “Thank you, Jeonghan. You’re the best!”

As Seokmin rushed off to find Jisoo, Seungcheol leaned over to Jeonghan with a small smile. “You do realize you just let him off way too easy, right?”

Jeonghan smirked, popping another grape into his mouth. “Oh, I know. But he doesn’t.”

Seokmin pushed open the door to Jisoo's room, his usual playful grin on his face. "Hey, Jisoo, ready for an adventure?" he called out as he stepped inside.

His voice trailed off as his eyes landed on Jisoo, who was standing by his dresser, clad in nothing but a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Droplets of water glistened on his skin, catching the light from the window, and his damp hair fell messily over his forehead.

Jisoo froze, his hand halfway to grabbing a shirt, as he turned to see Seokmin standing there, wide-eyed and seemingly rooted to the spot.

“Seokmin!” Jisoo yelped, his cheeks flushing a deep red. “Ever heard of knocking?”

Seokmin blinked, his brain finally catching up. “Oh! Uh, sorry, sorry!” he stammered, spinning around so his back was to Jisoo. He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I didn’t think you’d—uh, I mean, Jeonghan said it was okay to come in, and I didn’t—”

Jisoo let out an exasperated sigh, quickly grabbing a t-shirt from the dresser and pulling it over his head. “You’re unbelievable,” he muttered, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

“I swear, I wasn’t trying to—” Seokmin began, still facing the door.

“You can turn around now,” Jisoo interrupted, his voice softer.

Seokmin turned hesitantly, his cheeks a faint pink. Jisoo had finished dressing, now wearing a simple pair of jeans and a casual t-shirt. He was towel-drying his hair, an amused smirk on his lips as he watched Seokmin squirm.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Jisoo teased, tossing the towel onto his bed.

Seokmin let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I wasn’t expecting a, uh, welcome like that.”

Jisoo rolled his eyes, but his smirk grew wider. “Next time, try knocking. It works wonders.”

“Noted,” Seokmin said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Anyway, are you ready? I’ve got a whole day planned for us!”

Jisoo raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “A whole day? What’s the occasion?”

Seokmin grinned, his earlier embarrassment fading. “No occasion. Just thought we could have some fun. You deserve it.”

Jisoo softened at his words, his eyes briefly scanning Seokmin’s face. “Alright, but I hope you know Hannie’s going to interrogate me the second we get back.”

“Already handled,” Seokmin said with a wink. “Jeonghan has been… pacified.”

Jisoo laughed, grabbing his bag. “Now that I’ve got to see. Let’s go.”