Enlighten | JC

Chapter 23. My Strength

"im gonna come clean about hanuel and jeonghan.."

Jeonghan tossed and turned in his bed, unable to find any peace in the late hours of the night. Thoughts of Seungcheol's upcoming confession weighed heavily on his mind, the implications of revealing his true self to the world causing a knot to form in Jeonghan's stomach.

In a country like South Korea, where societal norms and expectations often overshadow individual freedom, the idea of coming out as a member of the LGBT community was daunting. Jeonghan had seen firsthand the struggles faced by his friend Joshua and Seokmin, and he couldn't bear the thought of Seungcheol enduring the same pain and judgment.

As he lay there, the hum of the city outside his window serving as a reminder of the harsh realities of the world, Jeonghan made a silent vow to protect Seungcheol at all costs. Even if it meant hiding in the shadows himself, Jeonghan was willing to sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of his friend's freedom and peace of mind.

Jeonghan's movements were filled with frustration as he tossed the blanket aside and stood up from his bed. His hair was ruffled and unkempt, adding to the disarray of his emotions. He made his way over to the balcony, sliding open the glass door and stepping out into the open area of his room.

The night sky was a stark contrast to his turbulent thoughts, with its peaceful and serene appearance. The stars twinkled above, their light casting a soft glow over the world below. However, the clouds that hung low in the sky seemed to mirror Jeonghan's mood, as if trying to offer him some solace. Despite this, Jeonghan remained lost in his own thoughts, his mind consumed by the turmoil within.

Seungcheol's contemplation of taking such a weighty and impactful step is a matter of great concern. The decision to make such a life-altering choice is not one to be taken lightly, as the consequences can be far-reaching and unpredictable. The assurance of leading a peaceful and happy life afterwards is uncertain, as there are no guarantees in life.

Jeonghan's fingers tremble with anxiety as he brings them closer to his face, exhaling warm air through his mouth in an attempt to calm his nerves. The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on both of them, as they grapple with the enormity of the decision before them.

Jeonghan's heart fluttered as he took in the sight of Seungcheol's face illuminated by the soft glow of the balcony lights. The gentle breeze rustled through their hair, adding to the ethereal atmosphere that surrounded them.

"Cheol?" Jeonghan's voice was barely a whisper, filled with a mixture of surprise and longing. He couldn't believe that Seungcheol was here, standing before him in the middle of the night.

Seungcheol's smile was warm and comforting, a silent reassurance that everything was okay. He moved closer to the railing, mirroring Jeonghan's position. Their proximity created a tangible tension, an unspoken connection that seemed to transcend words.

"Hey," Seungcheol's deep voice resonated through the stillness of the night, blending harmoniously with the distant chirping of crickets. His eyes locked with Jeonghan's, their gazes speaking volumes without uttering a single word.

Jeonghan couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions coursing through his veins. The love he held for Seungcheol was overwhelming, a force that consumed his every thought and action. He stood up from his chair, unable to resist the magnetic pull that drew him towards Seungcheol.

"What are you doing? Why are you up this late?" Jeonghan's voice trembled with concern, his eyes searching Seungcheol's face for answers. He couldn't bear the thought of Seungcheol being troubled or restless.Seungcheol simply shrugged, his expression a mix of weariness and vulnerability. "Can't sleep," he muttered, his voice barely audible. His eyes lifted to the starry sky above, as if seeking solace in its silent embrace.