Chapter 20: Uncontrollable Tension

“…Hyunjin?”

“Hyung….”

“Ugh.”

Hyunjin’s presence suddenly overwhelmed him. Hyunwoo instinctively frowned.

Normally, he could have easily brushed off Hyunjin’s approach, but now he couldn’t. The world seemed to shake, and his body felt unusually heated.

“Ha… ha….”

It was as if his blood was boiling inside him. His ears buzzed, making it hard to concentrate. Hyunwoo stumbled, barely able to maintain his balance. Before he realized it, he had fallen halfway onto the bed where Hyunjin was lying.

“No… I can’t.”

Gathering the last of his composure, he pushed Hyunjin gently away. Hyunjin’s sweet, fragrant presence was overwhelming. He wanted to reach out, but he knew he must not.

He couldn’t act recklessly. Hyunjin was like a younger brother to him, even if not by blood. He had promised to protect him and treat him with care. Hurting him was unthinkable.

“Hyunjin, let go… quickly….”

“Hyung, please don’t go… okay?”

Tears welled up in Hyunjin’s eyes. His pitiful gaze made it impossible for Hyunwoo to look away. He swallowed hard, trying to steady himself.

He had underestimated the intensity of a strong individual like Hyunjin in a vulnerable state. Though Hyunjin usually controlled himself well, this moment had caught him completely off guard.

Even as his thoughts became muddled, Hyunwoo reflected on his mistake.

“Ha… hyung….”

“Ugh.”

Hyunjin moved closer, and Hyunwoo realized that one wrong move now could change everything. He had no choice but to close his eyes tightly, resisting the urge to act.

Just then, Hyunwoo felt someone calling his name.

“Hyunwoo hyung!”

“Ah…!”

He was suddenly lifted upright. A calming presence surrounded him, and he felt the tension ease slightly.

“Are you okay?”

“Ugh… not really….”

“Let’s get out of here first.”

Seunghyuk held him from behind and guided him out. Though Hyunwoo felt strange about how composed Seunghyuk seemed, he had no choice but to rely on him. Alone, he couldn’t have moved.

“Hyung….”

“….”

Hyunjin’s pitiful gaze followed him as he left the room. He forced himself to look away.

The sound of the door closing echoed behind them. Once outside, he felt a bit of relief and took a long, steady breath.

“Ha… ha….”

“Are you okay?”

“Ugh.”

“Let’s head home for now.”

He ground his teeth but couldn’t focus properly. His body was still trembling from the overwhelming sensations he had just experienced. Without Seunghyuk’s support, he couldn’t even take a step.

They left the building, with Seunghyuk driving slightly more roughly than usual. Hyunwoo leaned helplessly, barely able to move on his own.

“Hyung, we’ve arrived.”

“…Yeah.”

He felt like a soaked sponge, completely unable to act. He had to rely entirely on Seunghyuk.

‘The suppressant….’

He barely remembered that his medication at home would calm him down. He only needed to make it there. Clenching his teeth, he focused on the destination.

“Can you… get my medicine?”

“….”

Once inside the room, Hyunwoo collapsed onto the bed, holding his head. Seunghyuk didn’t answer immediately.

“Are you… okay?”

“…Ha….”

Even a strong individual like Seunghyuk seemed affected by the lingering presence of Hyunjin’s intensity. Hyunwoo shivered at the thought.

“Move a little… please.”

“Hyung.”

“…?”

Seunghyuk’s serious voice made Hyunwoo glance back. His eyes were steady, watching him closely.

“Did Hyunjin’s presence affect you that much?”

“…What?”

“It’s really… overwhelming.”

Hyunwoo felt a rush of heat and tension. He realized that even Seunghyuk could not remain unaffected by the lingering intensity.

Seunghyuk carefully guided him to take his medicine. The effect gradually calmed Hyunwoo, and he started to feel some relief.

After a moment, Seunghyuk reached out and gently touched Hyunwoo’s pale face, as if to make sure he was truly okay.

“…You’re alive.”

Finally, Seunghyuk whispered, relief spreading across his face.

“Hyung… you’re alive.”

He stayed by Hyunwoo’s side all night, making sure he didn’t drift back into danger.