Beneath the Surface I Seungsung [✓]

Chapter 19

Seungmin sat on the edge of the hotel bed, his thoughts spiraling. Jisung’s words echoed in his mind, stirring emotions he didn’t want to confront.

“You’ve complicated everything.”

He glanced up at Jisung, who stood near the window, staring out at the city lights. His sharp suit seemed to reflect the cold, calculated CEO everyone else saw. But in this moment, Seungmin saw something else—something raw and unguarded.

“What do you mean by that?” Seungmin asked, his voice quieter than intended.

Jisung turned, his expression unreadable. “You’re not just some fling, Seungmin. I can’t stop thinking about you. And it’s starting to drive me insane.”

Seungmin blinked, the admission hitting him like a freight train. Jisung wasn’t one to show weakness, let alone admit to feelings. It unsettled him.

“This…” Seungmin gestured between them. “This was never supposed to be emotional.”

Jisung crossed the room in a few strides, stopping just inches away. “Do you think I wanted this? To care about someone who’s supposed to be my enemy?” His voice was low, almost bitter.

Seungmin looked away, the weight of Jisung’s gaze too much to bear. “Maybe we should stop.”

Jisung’s hand shot out, grabbing Seungmin’s wrist. “You don’t mean that.”

“I do,” Seungmin said firmly, but his resolve wavered under Jisung’s intense stare.

“You’re scared,” Jisung said softly, his grip loosening. “And so am I. But running away won’t fix this.”

---

The drive home was a blur for Seungmin. He replayed their conversation in his head, each word slicing deeper.

Jisung cared about him. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Back in his apartment, Seungmin paced the living room. His work laptop sat untouched on the table, emails piling up as he wrestled with his thoughts. For years, his life had been neatly organized, every decision calculated. But Jisung had thrown a wrench into his perfect system, and now everything felt… messy.

He poured himself a glass of wine, hoping it would calm his nerves. But as he sipped, his phone buzzed on the table.

Jisung: "You left too quickly. We’re not done talking."

Seungmin stared at the message, debating whether to reply. Finally, he typed back:

"There’s nothing more to say."

The response was almost immediate.

Jisung: "You’re wrong. There’s everything to say. Meet me tomorrow. My office."

---

The next day, Seungmin stepped into Han Corporation’s headquarters, his chest tight with unease. He hadn’t been here in years—not since an industry conference where he and Jisung had publicly clashed.

The receptionist greeted him with a polite smile. “Mr. Kim, Mr. Han is expecting you. Please follow me.”

Seungmin followed her to Jisung’s office, his heart pounding with each step. When the door opened, Jisung was already waiting, standing behind his massive desk.

“Close the door,” Jisung said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Seungmin obeyed, his pulse racing.

Jisung walked around the desk, his presence commanding as always. “You’re really bad at avoiding me, you know.”

“I didn’t come here to play games,” Seungmin snapped, trying to regain his composure.

“Good,” Jisung said, his voice softening. “Because I’m not playing anymore.”

He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto Seungmin’s. “Let’s stop pretending this is just physical. It’s not. And you know it.”

Seungmin’s breath hitched, his defenses crumbling under Jisung’s intensity. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I want more, Seungmin,” Jisung said, his voice steady. “And I think you do too.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Seungmin’s mind raced, torn between fear and the undeniable pull he felt toward Jisung.

Finally, he spoke, his voice barely a whisper. “If we do this… it changes everything.”

“Maybe it’s time for a change,” Jisung said, his lips quirking into a small, hopeful smile.

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