Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 47

A Whispered Promise

The night had settled with a peaceful stillness, the moon casting its serene glow over the Obsidian mansion. The silver light filtered gently through the large windows, spilling into the halls and painting soft patterns across the polished floors. In the kitchen, Jeonghan was a vision of tranquility and joy, humming a soft, happy tune that danced lightly in the quiet air. His long hair swayed as he moved effortlessly between the counters, his smile a testament to his contentment. Tonight, the mansion felt alive with a warmth that mirrored Jeonghan's mood.

He had decided to cook dinner for everyone, his heart brimming with a rare lightness. As he stirred the simmering pot and set plates with practiced ease, the sounds of the front door opening reached him. Jeonghan turned toward the doorway just as the members filed in, their exhaustion visible in the slight droop of their shoulders. A bright smile spread across Jeonghan's face as he greeted them warmly.

"Welcome home," he said, his voice gentle and sincere. "Go freshen up; dinner's ready."

Dino's face lit up as he skipped toward the stairs, calling out a cheerful "Thank you, Jeonghan-hyung!" The other members exchanged glances, momentarily stunned. It wasn't the words themselves that caught them off guard—it was the way Jeonghan said them, as if he truly meant them. For the first time, someone had made the mansion feel like a home.

As the others ascended the stairs one by one, Seungcheol lingered, standing silently in the living room. His gaze was fixed on Jeonghan, a mixture of confusion and curiosity in his dark eyes. Jeonghan paused, noticing the intensity of Seungcheol's stare.

"What is it?" Jeonghan asked softly, tilting his head.

Instead of replying, Seungcheol took a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently grasp Jeonghan's wrist. Before Jeonghan could react, Seungcheol pulled him into a firm embrace. Jeonghan froze, caught off guard, before he allowed himself to relax into the hug. He hesitated briefly, then raised a hand to lightly stroke Seungcheol's back, a small smile curving his lips.

"Are you okay?" Jeonghan asked, his voice a quiet murmur, laced with concern.

The question was simple, but to Seungcheol, it was monumental. No one had ever asked him how he was—not like this. His arms tightened around Jeonghan as he nodded, his face buried in Jeonghan's shoulder. They stayed like that for a few moments, the silence speaking louder than any words. When Seungcheol finally pulled away, his expression softened, a faint grin playing on his lips.

"I'm fine," he said, though his voice carried the weight of his unspoken thoughts.

Jeonghan studied him for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly, but he let it go, offering Seungcheol a reassuring smile before heading to the dining room.

Seungcheol's grin was small, barely noticeable, but enough to reassure Jeonghan as he walked away. However, beneath that faint curve of his lips lay a storm of emotions that churned with relentless unease. His thoughts were heavy, pressing down like a weight he couldn't shake. Every passing day brought more threats to Jeonghan's safety, first Viktor—who had been ominously silent—and now this mysterious individual or group targeting him.

The stillness of Viktor was almost more troubling than any active move. His guards lingered near Jeonghan's shop like silent shadows, a constant reminder of a threat that had yet to materialize. The uncertainty was maddening, a gnawing presence in Seungcheol's mind as he played out every potential scenario. Each one seemed worse than the last, and none of them ended in peace.

He let out a deep sigh, the sound echoing faintly in the quiet hallway as he made his way to his room to freshen up. The simple routine of washing his face and changing his shirt did little to clear his mind. The cool water against his skin failed to soothe the heat of frustration simmering beneath. His reflection in the mirror showed a man who carried too much—too many responsibilities, too many people to protect, and far too much to lose.