Shadows of Deception

Seo-yeon paced her room, her heart pounding as if it were trying to escape her chest. The weight of what she overheard in Joon-woo's office sat heavy on her, suffocating her with every breath. How could he use me like this? Was any of it real?

Her mind turned around until Seo-yeon heard the familiar sound of footsteps as someone unlocked the front door. She ceased breathing altogether. Joon-woo was home. 

Seo-yeon flung herself into bed and pulled up the blanket to her chin, then closed her eyes all the way. Pretend you're asleep. Don't let him see your doubt. Not yet.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway, getting louder with every step. Her heart beat more rapidly, a wild, erratic rhythm she feared he might pick up. The door creaked open, she knew without the need to open her closed eyes that he was there. His energy was magnetic, commanding the room.

"Seo-yeon," he called softly. His voice was low and husky, and yet only the gentleness it carried deepened her inner turmoil.

She caught her breath steady once again, body still.

"Sleeping already?" His voice blended amusement with concern. His weight shifted the mattress when he sat beside her. His hand brushed a strand of hair from her face; the touch was achingly tender.

"You've been quiet all day," he murmured. "What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

Seo-yeon's stomach twisted. Don't react. Don't let him see through you.

He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her temple. "Are you really asleep, or are you avoiding me?"

The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down her spine. She fought to keep still, her heart hammering.

"Fine," Joon-woo sighed. "If you won't talk, I'll wait.".

He stretched out beside her again, and the bed shifted. His arm snaked around her waist to pull her against his chest; warm, cool skin, solid, yet undeniably familiar.

How Seo-yeon's mind screamed at her to move, to push him away, she couldn't risk. She lay there, frozen in the intimacy of his hold.

"You know," he began, his voice low and intimate, "I always loved the way you looked while you slept. Like you were in a world all your own."

His fingers traced slow, languid circles on her hip, sending sparks of heat through her. Her breath hitched uncontrollably and she cursed herself for the reaction.

"Hmm," Joon-woo hummed, his lips grazing the shell of her ear.

"I knew you weren't really asleep."

Her body betrayed her again, a slight tremor running through her as his hand slid under the blanket.

"Joon-woo," Seo-yeon whispered, her voice trembling.

"So, you are awake" he said, the glimmer of amusement in his voice. He didn't retract. Instead, his hand continued its slow journey, his touch deliberate and possessive.

"I thought you'd want to talk," she said, trying to inject strength into her voice. "Not… this."

"Talking can wait," he replied, his lips brushing the nape of her neck. "I've missed you."

Seo-yeon tilted her head, and their eyes locked. His dark eyes grabbed onto hers, infusing her with a crackling heat, as if setting her body aflame and making her feel both thrilled and frightened all at once. How can he look at me like this when he's been lying to me all this time?

"You're acting like nothing's wrong," she whispered, almost inaudible.

"Why would something be wrong?" he asked, his hand tightening on her waist. A change in his expression, the tinge of suspicion creeping into his eyes. "Did something happen today?" 

The temptation within her screamed to confront him, to demand he tell her the truth, but she was not ready. Not yet. 

"No", she lied, forcing a small smile onto her face. "I am just tired".

Joon-woo studied her, his gaze sharp and probing. For a moment, she feared he'd see right through her. Then, however, he smirked and the tension dissipated. 

"Then let me help you relax," he murmured, leaning in to capture her lips in a slow, lingering kiss.

She froze, her brain insisting on resistance and her body screaming at her not to. The familiar touch of his hands seemed to melt all reason, and she felt herself weaken under the caress. His kiss deepened, his hands slinking over her body with practiced ease that left her breathless.

"Joon-woo," she said again, this time more firmly, breaking away from the kiss. "I am really tired."

He paused. His expression unreadable. Then, with a small smirk, he rolled over onto his side, pulling her back against him. His arm wrapped possessively around her waist as he nuzzled into her neck.

"Fine," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. "I'll let you rest. But don't think I'm letting you avoid me forever."

No, she couldn't. Seo-yeon didn't say a word. Her feelings were in a jumble of storm: anger, fear, longing, and betrayal all at once. When Joon-woo's breathing calmed to signal that he had finally drifted off to sleep, Seo-yeon looked into the darkness. His words echoed inside her head: a bitter reminder of how much power he wielded over her. He's the enemy. He's been using you. Don't forget that".

But as his arm wrapped closely around her in sleep, a tiny little rebellious part of her wished things were different. Why does it still feel like he cares? Or is that just another lie?

Her chest throbbed with the weight of unanswered questions. But she knew full well that soon the truth would come out, and at what this might cost her was almost too much to bear.

For now, she would accept his closeness to her body, touch on her skin, and lies told into her ears. But deep within herself, she vowed that this was just the calm before the storm. I am no one's pawn, not even Joon-woo's."