Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 54

The Unspoken Truth

The morning sunlight poured into the cozy cafe, painting the wooden floors in golden hues and bathing the room in a warmth that contrasted with the cool, crisp air outside. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweetness of pastries, creating an inviting atmosphere. But despite the cheerful surroundings, a tension hung over the corner table where Jeonghan sat, flanked by Seungkwan and Joshua.

Across the table, Minghao sipped his tea slowly, his sharp eyes locked onto Jeonghan like a hawk surveying its prey. Mingyu leaned back in his chair, his large arms crossed over his chest, while Woozi sat with his legs crossed, his piercing gaze flicking between Jeonghan and the rest of the group. Seokmin, who had practically dragged Jeonghan here against his will, sat with his elbows on the table, his hands steepled like a detective interrogating a suspect.

"Hyung," Seungkwan began, his voice tinged with genuine concern. "We need to talk. You've been acting... weird. Like, really weird. What's going on?"

Joshua chimed in, his tone softer but no less worried. "We're all noticing it. You've been distant, distracted-you're here, but it's like you're not really here. What's wrong?"

Jeonghan sighed, his fingers toying with the rim of his coffee cup. "Nothing's wrong," he said, offering a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You're all imagining things."

"Imagining things?" Seokmin repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. He leaned forward dramatically. "Hyung, I know when you're lying. You've never been good at hiding things from me. What's going on?"

"I'm fine," Jeonghan insisted, though his voice lacked its usual conviction.

"Liar," Woozi muttered, narrowing his eyes.

"Jeonghan-hyung," Mingyu said, his deep voice filled with concern. "You've been... off ever since you came back. Did something happen while you were away? You can tell us."

Jeonghan let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "You're all making such a big deal out of nothing."

"Because it is a big deal!" Seungkwan exclaimed, grabbing Jeonghan's arm. "You've been avoiding us, and it's not fair! We're your family-if something's wrong, you need to tell us!"

Joshua nodded firmly. "Seungkwan's right. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. But you have to be honest with us, Jeonghan."

Jeonghan groaned, running a hand through his hair. "I swear, you're all overreacting. I'm fine. Really."

"Enough," Minghao said suddenly, his voice cutting through the chatter like a blade. All eyes turned to him as he set down his tea cup with deliberate precision. His gaze was sharp, his expression unreadable. "Hyung's not fine. He's missing something-or someone."

Jeonghan's breath hitched, and his eyes widened for a split second before he quickly schooled his expression. "That's not true," he said, but his voice wavered.

Minghao smirked, leaning back in his chair. "You're a terrible liar, hyung. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart."

Seungkwan gasped dramatically, his eyes wide with shock and excitement. "Is Minghao right? Are you missing someone? Oh my gosh, is it a lover? Did something happen while you were away?"

"It's nothing like that," Jeonghan said quickly, his face flushing slightly.

"Oh, it is like that," Minghao said confidently. "You're in love, aren't you?"

The table erupted into chaos, with everyone talking over each other.

"You're in love?!" Joshua exclaimed, his jaw dropping.