Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 44

A Morning of Quiet Romance

The sun poured through the sheer curtains of Woozi's bedroom, casting golden streaks across the tangled sheets and illuminating the soft rise and fall of Hoshi's chest. Woozi stirred awake, the warmth of the sun and the weight draped across his waist grounding him in the present.

His eyes blinked open to find Hoshi beside him, his face calm and unguarded, lips parted slightly as he breathed steadily. Hoshi's arm was wrapped around Woozi, holding him close in a way that was both comforting and suffocating. For a moment, Woozi stayed still, staring at the man who had somehow woven himself into his life in ways that were both maddening and magnetic.

Hoshi looked... peaceful. It was a stark contrast to the reckless, sharp-edged man Woozi knew during waking hours. Woozi's fingers hovered over Hoshi's chest, brushing lightly against the faint bruises and bandages that marked his body—a constant reminder of the dangerous life Hoshi lives.

He frowned, a weight settling in his chest. What were they, really? A tangle of heat and desire? A mess of unspoken promises and unapologetic claims? Woozi's fingers lingered over the bandages, frustration tightening his throat.

"Careful," Hoshi's voice cut through the silence, low and teasing. "You'll give yourself away, staring at me like that."

Woozi flinched, snapping his gaze up to find Hoshi's eyes open, a lazy smirk curling his lips.

"You're awake," Woozi muttered, attempting to pull his hand back, but Hoshi caught it midair and pressed it against his chest.

"I've been awake," Hoshi replied, his voice rough with sleep. "Watching you sulk over my battle scars. Romantic of you."

Woozi scowled, but the heat in his cheeks betrayed him. "I wasn't sulking."

Hoshi chuckled, a deep, rich sound that sent a shiver down Woozi's spine. "Sure you weren't," he said, his smirk growing. "But if you're worried about me, you could just say it."

"I'm not worried," Woozi shot back, though his voice lacked conviction.

Hoshi propped himself up on one elbow, his eyes locking onto Woozi's with a playful intensity. "Liar," he murmured, leaning in until their faces were only inches apart.

Woozi's heart stuttered, and he looked away, breaking the moment. "What are we even doing, Hoshi?" he asked quietly, his voice almost lost in the stillness of the room.

The question hung in the air, heavy and raw. Hoshi's smirk faltered, replaced by something more guarded.

"What do you mean?" Hoshi asked, his tone casual, though the slight edge betrayed his unease.

"This," Woozi said, gesturing between them. "Whatever this is. It doesn't make sense. You're... you. And I'm... me."

Hoshi's jaw tightened, his fingers trailing over Woozi's wrist before pulling away entirely. "Why ruin the moment with questions, Jihoon?" he asked, his voice quiet but firm. "Does it really matter?"

Woozi frowned, his chest tightening. "It does to me."

Hoshi sighed, raking a hand through his hair as he leaned back against the pillows. "We don't need answers," he said after a moment, his tone cool and dismissive. "We just... are. Isn't that enough?"

"No," Woozi said softly, though he didn't move away.

Hoshi's eyes flicked to him, a hint of vulnerability hidden beneath his usual bravado. "Look," he said, his voice softening, "I'm not good at this. Talking. Explaining. Whatever it is you want me to do, I can't do it. But this?" He reached out, his hand cupping Woozi's cheek. "This, I can do."