Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 49

Threads of the Game

The day stretched on endlessly for Jeonghan, each passing second filled with mounting anticipation. He had made up his mind to confess his feelings to Seungcheol, but the weight of what he was about to do gnawed at him relentlessly. The mansion, usually a cold and imposing structure, felt stifling in its silence. To distract himself, Jeonghan busied his trembling hands with cooking. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the hiss of food on the stove, and the gentle aroma of a simmering broth became his only solace.

The members returned home one by one as the evening settled in, their voices filling the dining area with warmth and life. Jeonghan welcomed each of them with his signature gentle smile, serving them dinner while silently hoping that Seungcheol would be the next to walk through the door.

When Wonwoo arrived last, Jeonghan couldn't suppress his curiosity any longer. "Wonwoo," he ventured cautiously, sitting across from him at the dining table, "do you know when Seungcheol will be back?"

Wonwoo paused, his chopsticks hovering midair as a teasing smirk spread across his lips. "He's busy tonight," he replied, his tone light but cryptic. "He'll be late. Don't wait up for him."

The answer did little to soothe Jeonghan's nerves, but he forced a small smile. "Alright. Goodnight, Wonwoo."

Wonwoo left shortly after, leaving Jeonghan alone with his thoughts. The house fell into silence once more as the other members retired to their rooms, but Jeonghan couldn't bring himself to do the same. The nervous energy buzzing through him made it impossible to sit still. His steps led him to the backyard, a small haven of peace under the stars.

The soft glow of the moon bathed the garden in silver light, casting gentle shadows on the flowers and trees. Jeonghan settled onto the plush couch, wrapping a blanket around himself to ward off the night's chill. He stared at his phone, his fingers twitching with the urge to text Seungcheol but stopping himself every time.

His thoughts raced. What if he doesn't feel the same? What if I ruin everything?

But the memory of Viktor's words haunted him too. "Hold him tighter while you can."

A shiver ran down Jeonghan's spine as his grip on the blanket tightened. The thought of losing Seungcheol, of not telling him how he truly felt, was unbearable.

Exhaustion finally won over, and Jeonghan drifted into a restless sleep, the blanket pulled snugly around him and his phone still clutched in his hand.

Seungcheol arrived home near midnight, his steps heavy as he entered the mansion. The quiet greeted him like an old companion, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him more than ever. He rubbed a hand over his face, sighing deeply. But despite his exhaustion, his thoughts were singularly focused on Jeonghan.

He found himself heading toward Jeonghan's room, the need to see him overriding everything else. But when he pushed open the door, the room was empty. Unease crept into his chest as he turned on his heel and began searching the house. It wasn't like Jeonghan to wander off this late.

The faint glow of the backyard light caught his attention. He stepped outside and froze at the sight before him.

Jeonghan was curled up on the couch, the blanket wrapped tightly around him as he slept. The moonlight illuminated his face, casting a soft glow over his peaceful features. For a moment, Seungcheol just stood there, his heart aching in a way he couldn't explain.

He approached slowly, kneeling beside the couch. His hand hovered over Jeonghan's shoulder, hesitating before giving a gentle shake. "Jeonghan," he murmured.