CHAPTER 12

                                    

                                          
In the Web of Obsession
The flower shop was a haven of soft light and the scent of fresh blooms, spilling laughter out into the evening street. Joshua had arrived earlier, and now, with the sun dipping low, casting a golden warmth over everything, the others began trickling in. Mingyu strolled in first, carrying a box of pastries and coffee, with Seokmin close behind, his smile bright as he held extra bags.
Jeonghan sat on the porch, a peaceful smile gracing his face as he sipped the coffee Mingyu had brought. The gentle breeze played with his hair, and he felt a warmth settle over him. "You really know how to spoil us, Gyu," he said, reaching out to pat Mingyu's head as the taller man joined him. "Your pastries are just perfect."
Mingyu's cheeks flushed, scratching the back of his head. "I try, Hannie hyung, I try."
Seokmin, already munching on a croissant, dramatically leaned against Joshua. "Yah, Hannie hyung, what about me? I helped carry everything!" He pouted, his head on Joshua's shoulder as if wounded by neglect.
Joshua chuckled, wrapping an arm around Seokmin's shoulders. "You did great, Seokmin-ah. We'd starve without you."
Before Jeonghan could respond, Seungkwan's excited voice rang out as he sprinted down the street, arms waving wildly. "Hannie hyung! I'm here, and you won't believe what I have to tell you!"
Jeonghan stood up, arms open, greeting Seungkwan with a warm hug. "Kwani-ah, tell me everything," he laughed, pulling him close.
Seungkwan barely contained his excitement as he began his story, hands waving animatedly. "So, that girl I told you about? She showed up today looking like she got a 'discount' at the plastic surgeon's!" His exaggerated expression had everyone chuckling, their laughter filling the porch with warmth.
Minghao, who'd arrived quietly with Woozi, gave a small smirk. "Maybe she thought you'd pity her enough to give her notes."
"Please," Seungkwan scoffed, "if I wanted to feel sorry for someone, I'd start with Mingyu and his coffee."
Mingyu's ears turned red, drawing laughs all around as Woozi added dryly, "It's definitely... unique."
Mingyu slumped, defeated. "You're all mean..."
Seokmin leaned back, patting his shoulder dramatically. "We still love you, Gyu, even if your coffee tastes like it's been through a fire."
Jeonghan chuckled, his fingers brushing through Seokmin's hair as he reassured him. "Your pastries are amazing, Gyu, and honestly, I love the coffee." His voice was soft, his smile a calming presence.
Mingyu looked up, visibly brightened by the praise. "See? Hannie hyung has taste," he retorted with a triumphant grin.
Seungkwan rolled his eyes. "It's called pity, hyung."
As they continued to tease, Seokmin sighed, dropping his head in Jeonghan's lap. "Save me, Hannie hyung; they're relentless."
Jeonghan's gentle laughter and the way he ran his fingers through Seokmin's hair brought a quiet peace to the group. "You're all so lively today. It's... comforting, hearing everyone like this."
The others fell silent, comforted by Jeonghan's warmth. Mingyu leaned closer to Jeonghan, soaking in the tranquility of his presence. "Yeah... it really is."
As they sat there together, surrounded by laughter and the warm evening glow, Jeonghan looked at his friends, feeling a deep contentment. In these simple moments, with their laughter echoing around him, he found his solace.
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Seungcheol leaned back in his sleek black car, engine idling at a safe distance from the flower shop. His sharp eyes, cold and calculating, observed everything happening in front of him. He had been watching since the early afternoon, catching sight of Jeonghan from the moment he'd emerged onto the porch, his angelic figure bathed in soft golden light.