Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 55

The late night

The mansion was unusually quiet at 11 PM, the weight of Seungcheol's absence pressing on everyone. He had left early that morning for a business trip to Busan, leaving Hoshi and Wonwoo in charge. The air was tense, the usual chaos replaced by a subdued focus as the members dealt with their tasks.

In the living room, Dino leaned against the armrest of the couch, pestering Wonwoo, who was seated at the dining table with a stack of papers.

"Hyung, we should check on Jeonghan tomorrow," Dino said firmly. "It's been ten days since anyone went to see him."

Wonwoo looked up from his documents, adjusting his glasses. "I know, Dino. I was thinking about it too. Things have just been hectic."

"Too hectic to visit him once?" Dino frowned, crossing his arms. "What if something's wrong? He's been alone all this time."

Sighing, Wonwoo relented. "Fine, we'll go tomorrow. You're right-we've left him alone for too long."

Dino grinned. "Finally. I'll hold you to that, hyung."

As their conversation wrapped up, Hoshi entered the room, dressed sharply and adjusting his jacket. He grabbed his keys from the table, catching Jun's attention.

"Going out this late?" Jun asked, tilting his head curiously.

Hoshi smirked. "Yeah. I've got a boyfriend to see, remember?"

Jun grinned mischievously. "Ah, so whipped. Look at you, Soonyoung. You're practically glowing."

Dino jumped in, teasing, "Bet Woozi doesn't even know how much effort you're putting into this."

Hoshi chuckled, shaking his head. "He knows. Trust me, he knows."

Wonwoo looked up from his work with a small smirk. "Just make sure you're back before Seungcheol returns. You know how he gets when we're not around."

"I'll be back before dawn," Hoshi assured him, slipping his keys into his pocket. He paused at the door and turned back. "By the way, Jeonghan's been working late today. Woozi mentioned it earlier. maybe I'll check on him on my way back."

Jun grinned, waving him off. "Sure, Mr. Responsible. Don't let Woozi hear about your detour, or you'll get an earful."

"Let him try," Hoshi quipped with a laugh as he stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against him.

Sliding into his car, Hoshi set off, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence. His thoughts wandered to Woozi, and he couldn't help but grin. As the road stretched ahead, he reminded himself of his priorities: taking care of his own and ensuring everyone, including Jeonghan, was okay

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The flower shop

Hours passed as Jeonghan worked methodically in the flower shop, arranging bouquets, organizing inventory, and preparing orders. The familiar rhythm of his work brought a sense of calm, even as the world outside grew darker and quieter.

It wasn't until the clock struck 10.55 PM that Jeonghan finally locked the shop's door and began his walk home. The streets were eerily quiet, illuminated only by the soft glow of streetlights and the occasional flicker of neon signs.

As he walked, Jeonghan pulled his coat tighter around himself, the chill of the night air biting at his skin. His thoughts drifted to his friends, to their laughter and teasing, to the warmth they brought into his life.

"They're too good to me," he murmured to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips.

The apartment was quiet, save for the faint hum of warm water filling the bathtub. Jeonghan sighed as he glanced around the dimly lit living room. Papers were tidied into small piles on the table, and cushions had been placed neatly on the couch. The weight of the day still lingered in his body, but the promise of a warm bath called to him.