Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 70

Under the moonlight 

The night had settled into a tranquil silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Jeonghan stood on the balcony of Seungcheol's room, the cool breeze brushing against his skin. In his trembling hands, Viktor's letter lay unopened, its presence both a comfort and a weight. After a deep breath, he unfolded the envelope, pulling out the crisp sheet inside.

His eyes scanned the first line, his breath hitching at the words:

"To Dear Jeonghan,"

Viktor's words were steady, calculated, yet surprisingly tender.

"I am glad Seungcheol has someone like you in his life. You've brought him a light I never could, and for that, I am grateful. But I must also confess that I've been unfair to you. Perhaps you've already realized this, but my actions were driven by the storms ahead, storms that I now entrust to you and Seungcheol to weather together."

Jeonghan's heart clenched as he read on.

"Stay close to him, Jeonghan. You'll be safe in his care, but the road will not be easy. Be careful who you trust. Not everyone around you has your best interests at heart. I have made preparations for gifts to reach you in due time—these will be my final gestures of care, delivered when you need them most.

I sometimes wish we had met under different circumstances, in a world far removed from this chaos. Perhaps we could have been friends or allies in a better place.

Best regards, Viktor."

As the letter concluded, Jeonghan felt a tear slip down his cheek, unbidden and silent. He wiped it away hastily, his gaze drifting to the moon as if seeking solace in its glow.

The soft click of the door closing behind him pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see Seungcheol entering the room, his hands tucked behind his back.

"You're still awake?" Seungcheol asked, his voice gentle as he stepped onto the balcony. "What are you doing out here?"

Jeonghan folded the letter quickly and turned to face him. "Just... thinking."

Seungcheol tilted his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You sure about that? You've got that look."

Jeonghan narrowed his eyes playfully. "What look?"

"The one that says, 'I'm hiding something,'" Seungcheol teased as he took another step closer. "So, what is it?"

Jeonghan crossed his arms, trying to appear nonchalant. "You're one to talk. What are you hiding?"

Seungcheol scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Okay, you caught me. But... it's kind of absurd."

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Absurd? Now I have to know."

With a deep breath, Seungcheol dropped to one knee, his eyes never leaving Jeonghan's.

Jeonghan froze, his heart skipping several beats. "What are you doing?"

Seungcheol revealed a small bouquet of Jeonghan's favorite flowers from behind his back. His voice, normally so commanding, was uncharacteristically soft, almost trembling.

"Yoon Jeonghan," he began, his gaze earnest and unwavering, "I've never been good with words. But tonight, I need you to hear this. You've changed my life in ways I can't even begin to describe. You're the one thing in my life that makes me feel like a fool—stupidly in love, hopelessly devoted, and completely undone."