Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 67

Whispers of Love

The quiet hum of the hospital filled the room, a soft counterpoint to the faint glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains. Jeonghan stirred, his lashes fluttering as he woke from a light, dreamless sleep. His gaze settled on Seungcheol, who stood near the window, phone pressed to his ear.

The faint silhouette of Seungcheol was mesmerizing. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing strong forearms, and one hand rested casually in his pocket. His face was partially illuminated by the pale light, his jawline sharp and his expression thoughtful. Despite the calm exterior, Jeonghan noticed the slight tension in his posture—the way his fingers occasionally flexed, the furrow in his brow as he spoke in a low, steady voice.

Jeonghan couldn't hear the details of the conversation, but the gravity in Seungcheol's tone made him certain it wasn't trivial. Yet, even in the midst of that call, Seungcheol's eyes flicked toward him every few moments, a quiet reassurance that he was still there, still keeping him safe.

When the call ended, Seungcheol slipped his phone into his pocket and turned, his gaze softening instantly as it landed on Jeonghan. He walked to the bed, his steps slow but purposeful, pulling the chair closer before sitting beside Jeonghan.

"How are you feeling?" Seungcheol asked, his voice low and soothing, the kind of tone that always made Jeonghan feel safe.

"Better now," Jeonghan replied, his lips curving into a faint smile. His hand moved toward Seungcheol instinctively, and Seungcheol took it, his larger hand enveloping Jeonghan's smaller one. The warmth of the touch was grounding.

"Who was it?" Jeonghan asked, his thumb brushing against Seungcheol's knuckles.

Seungcheol hesitated briefly, his expression flickering with something unreadable before settling into a calm mask. "It was about Viktor's funeral tomorrow," he said quietly. "Joshua will stay with you while I go. I'll be back by evening."

Jeonghan's grip on Seungcheol's hand tightened at the mention of Viktor. He saw the faint shiver that ran through Seungcheol's body despite his composed exterior. "Cheol..." Jeonghan's voice was soft, full of concern.

"I'll be fine," Seungcheol assured him, his free hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair away from Jeonghan's forehead. His touch lingered, gentle and steady. "It's something I need to do. You don't have to worry, Angel. Just focus on resting and getting better. I'll handle everything."

Jeonghan's chest ached, not from his physical wounds but from the weight of his emotions. He hated seeing Seungcheol carry so much on his shoulders, even though he knew how fiercely protective he was. Still, the promise in Seungcheol's voice eased some of his anxiety.

"Come back to me," Jeonghan whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Always," Seungcheol said with a faint smile.

After a moment of silence, Jeonghan shifted slightly on the bed, glancing at the empty space beside him. He looked back at Seungcheol and patted the mattress, wordlessly inviting him.

Seungcheol chuckled, a sound so soft and rare that it made Jeonghan's heart flutter. "You really can't sleep without me, huh?"

Jeonghan tilted his head, giving him a mock glare. "Just get in here before I change my mind."

Still smiling, Seungcheol stood and carefully climbed into the bed, mindful of Jeonghan's injuries. He wrapped an arm around Jeonghan, pulling him close but not too tight, afraid of causing him discomfort. Jeonghan nestled against Seungcheol's chest, his head resting just beneath his chin.

The room was quiet again, the steady rhythm of Seungcheol's heartbeat filling the silence. Jeonghan felt a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in what felt like forever. Being in Seungcheol's arms made the world outside seem distant, insignificant.