Tangled Desires

Sunlight entered through the blinded windows and softly brightened around noon. Yet Seo-yeon wasn't going anywhere; her soul churned inwardly in emotional turmoil. Holding her tightly almost with tenderness, he's holding on, "You're mine."

Was he saying this would be his true love declaration to her or maybe just an awful chilling reminder of where he holds on to control power over her.

Joon-woo stirred beside her, his lips brushing against her shoulder. His voice, husky and warm, broke the silence. "You're still here.

Her heart skipped at the faint surprise in his tone, and she forced a small laugh. "I told you I'd stay.

He shifted, propping himself on one elbow to look at her. His dark eyes roamed over her face, searching for something. "You didn't have to. I wouldn't have forced you," he said.

The sincerity in his voice was all that seemed to make her chest tighten with emotion. Was this real Joon-woo? Or was it another mask?

"I know," she said softly, meeting his gaze.

They only looked at each other for a second, their silence heavy with unwritten speeches. And then Joon-woo reached out, his fingers caressing the curve of her cheek. "You are always so protective of yourself, Seo-yeon. I wish you'd open yourself to me."

His touch sent shivers down her spine. She was leaning into it without answering the war battle in her head. "Maybe I am trying to protect myself," she said quietly.

Joon-woo's brow furrowed as his hand drifted to her jaw. "From me?"

She shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "From everything."

He didn't look like he believed her, but he didn't push her to explain, either. Instead, he leaned in and kissed her. This one was slow, more measured than the urgent kiss from the night before. Soft, deep, like he was trying to tell her something that couldn't be put into words.

Seo-yeon felt herself melting under his touch, her defenses crumbling piece by piece. His hand slid to the back of her neck, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss. His other hand trailed down her side, slipping beneath the thin sheet that covered them.

"Joon-woo…" she breathed, her voice trembling.

He drew back enough to see her, his eyes black with hunger. "Tell me to stop, and I will," he said.

The words were in the air, weighed heavy with meaning. Seo-yeon knew she should say it- she knew she should push him away, make some distance between them. But she felt her hands go up to touch him, fingers curling into his hair.

"Don't stop," she breathed.

A low growl escaped his throat, and then he was on her, his kisses turning hungrier, more insistent. His hands explored her body with a possessiveness that both thrilled and terrified her.

"You drive me crazy, Seo-yeon," he murmured against her skin, his voice rough. "I don't think I'll ever get enough of you."

Her breath hitched as his lips trailed down her neck, his teeth grazing her collarbone. He took his time, worshipping every inch of her like she was something precious.

She couldn't help but let the soft, gentle moans slip from her lips as he moved down her body with such ease, his hands and mouth working in harmony to unravel every part of her being. She let herself get completely lost in the strong feelings that overcame her for that brief moment. She was fully caught up in the wonderful way he made her feel, as if she was the most important part of his world, deserving of all his attention and love.

As pleasure gradually grew more powerful and increased in levels, the uneasy feeling began to rise inside her, constricting in her chest and racing heart, with a mixture of conflicting emotions. She was starting to think this really was real, honest, and genuine, or perhaps it was another smart trick that kept her in his manipulative control.

Joon-woo appeared to intuitively sense the hesitation that was evident in her demeanor, momentarily pausing in his actions to lift his gaze and meet her eyes with concern. "Seo-yeon," he said softly and tenderly, as his hand gently rose to cup her cheek with warmth and care. "What's wrong? Tell me what you're feeling."

She bit her lip nervously, trying to put into words the many thoughts and feelings in her mind. "I just… I don't want to lose myself in this," she finally said, her voice quiet.

His eyes became warm and kind, and he leaned down to give her a soft, loving kiss on her forehead, a sweet gesture that meant a lot. "You won't," he promised with strong certainty. "I'll always bring you back," he told her, filling her heart with hope.

The deep sincerity in his voice hurt her heart with emotion, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to actually believe his words. She automatically pulled him closer, their bodies mixing together as they got completely lost in each other's presence.

They lost all track of hours as they sat wrapped in each other: passion entwined with tenderness. Eventually, spent, they lay there, and Joon-woo drew lazy circles on her bare shoulder. There was something thoughtful about his face.

"You know," he said, low. "I've never felt that way about anyone before."

Seo-yeon looked at him, her heart beating a little skip with the vulnerability of his tone. "What do you mean?

"I mean…" He stuttered, his fingers freezing on her skin. "You make me want things I never thought I'd want. A future. Stability. Love. "

Her chest constricted at the word, but she pushed herself to remain calm. "Is that such a bad thing?"

He smiled faintly, but it did not reach his eyes. "For someone like me? It could be dangerous."

Seo-yeon furrowed her brow. "Why?"

Joon-woo's eyes became cloudy, and for a moment, she was afraid he would never respond. Then he took a deep breath and raked his hand through his hair. "Because when you love someone, you give them power over you. And in my world, power is dangerous."

His words caressed her skin, but she fought the emotion and did not show it. "And don't forget, trust?" She whispered softly to him. "Isn't it part of love?

Joon-woo's jaw flexed. He looked away. "Trust can be a weakness. And I can't afford to be weak."

Seo-yeon's heart stung from the admission, but she did not push. She reached out instead, took his hand in hers. "Perhaps trust does not have to be a weakness. Perhaps it can be a strength."

He looked at her then, eyes searching hers. "You are too good for me, Seo-yeon. You know that, don't you?"

She smiled faintly, touching her fingers to his cheek. "Maybe I see something in you that you don't see in yourself."

Joon-woo didn't respond, but the way he pulled her close, burying his face into her hair, spoke volumes.

As Seo-yeon lay in his arms, she really thinks hard, questioning the decisions she has made. Of course, she doesn't know what her future is, but for now, she would cling to this moment, no matter how brief it was.