Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 57

A Race Against Time

Hoshi's car pulled into the familiar parking spot, the headlights cutting through the stillness of the night. Woozi stood there, framed by the dim glow of a nearby streetlamp, his small figure shrouded in a nervous energy that matched the unease in Hoshi's chest. As soon as the engine died, Woozi ran to him, his arms flinging around Hoshi's neck the moment he stepped out of the car.

"Hoshi," Woozi whispered into his ear, his voice trembling, a mix of relief and longing.

Hoshi wrapped his arms tightly around him, steadying the slight tremor in Woozi's shoulders. "Jihoon," he murmured, his voice warm yet laced with concern. It had been ten days—ten excruciatingly long days since they had last been together. For Woozi, every moment apart had felt like an eternity, his worry and longing gnawing at his composure.

Woozi buried his face in Hoshi's neck, his small frame trembling with a vulnerability that made Hoshi's heart ache. "I've missed you," Woozi admitted, his voice muffled but raw with emotion.

"I'm here now," Hoshi reassured him, stroking his back in soothing circles. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Pulling back just enough to meet Woozi's eyes, Hoshi leaned down, capturing his lips in a kiss that spoke of desperation and relief. Woozi melted into it, his hands gripping the fabric of Hoshi's jacket. When Hoshi finally pulled away, a teasing smile played on his lips.

"You're really desperate for me tonight, huh?" he said, his tone light but his eyes soft with affection.

Woozi's cheeks flushed crimson, and he swatted at Hoshi's arm. "Shut up. You're the shameless one, showing up here like this after ten days and teasing me."

As they walked toward the apartment building, Woozi rambled on, his voice a mixture of irritation and bashful fondness. But Hoshi's steps slowed as he took in the strange stillness of the surroundings. His instincts, honed over years of experience, prickled with unease. The building seemed eerily quiet, devoid of the usual activity. The guards who typically manned the entrance were nowhere to be seen, and the air felt heavy, almost oppressive.

Woozi noticed Hoshi's sudden change in demeanor and stopped mid-sentence. "What is it?" he asked, his brows furrowing in concern.

Hoshi didn't answer immediately, his gaze scanning the area with a sharp intensity. He reached for his phone, his fingers moving quickly as he dialed Wonwoo.

"Wonwoo," Hoshi said, his voice low but urgent. "Something's off here. There's no one around, not even the guards. Did you notice anything unusual when you checked the feeds?"

Wonwoo's response was immediate, his tone equally tense. "I'll look into it right now. But Hoshi..." He hesitated, and Hoshi could hear the weight of his words even through the phone. "Check on Jeonghan. Make sure he's safe."

The name sent a jolt through Hoshi, and he hung up, his grip tightening around his phone.

"Jeonghan?" Woozi's confusion was evident as he followed Hoshi back toward the elevator. "Why are we talking about Jeonghan? What's going on?"

Hoshi didn't answer, his focus laser-sharp as he pressed the button for Jeonghan's floor. "What floor is Jeonghan on?" he asked, his voice clipped.

Woozi blinked, startled. "He's on the floor above mine, but—"

"Good," Hoshi interrupted, grabbing Woozi's arm and pulling him into the elevator. The urgency in his movements left Woozi no room to argue, though his eyes darted between Hoshi and the elevator panel, questions burning in his gaze.

"Hoshi," Woozi finally managed, his voice rising with alarm. "What's going on? Why are we going to Jeonghan's apartment? How do you even know him?"

Hoshi turned to him, his jaw tight and his expression unreadable. "I'll explain everything later, Jihoon. Right now, I just need to make sure he's okay."