A Sanctuary For Two.

The private jet touched down at Incheon International Airport. The airport buzzed with travelers, but Junseong and Seongho moved through the crowd with an air of quiet determination. Both wore face masks, a precaution against unwanted attention. Junseong glanced at Seongho, relief flooding through him as he looked over at his side, took in the sight of his husband—alive and safe after nearly a month of terror. He would never forgive Jaehyun and Jiwoon for their actions and he'd make sure he gave them a memorable death.

"Just a little longer, little one," Junseong murmured, squeezing Seongho's hand reassuringly. "We're almost out."

Seongho nodded, his eyes wide but determined. He could hear the muted chatter of families reuniting and felt the warmth of their joy, but his heart raced with anxiety. For him ,he had been away too long, and the world felt overwhelming.

As they stepped outside, a sleek black car awaited them. The driver, familiar with their routine, opened the door with a nod. "Welcome back, Mr. Lee, Young Master Seongho," he said, his voice low and respectful.

"Thank you ," Seongho replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He climbed into the car, Junseong following closely behind.

The ride home was filled with a tense silence, each lost in their thoughts. Junseong's mind raced with memories of the past month, his protective instincts flaring. He would never let Seongho out of his sight again.

Back at the mansion, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Minseong paced the living room, glancing at the clock every few seconds. "They should be here any minute now," he said, his voice tight with worry.

Hyeri, was busy arranging the cushions on the couch. "Everyone's ready, Minseong. Just breathe,we all want to see them too. We'll see him soon."

"I just can't believe he's finally coming home," Mrs. Shin said, wiping away a tear. "After everything…"

Mr. Shin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He's strong. He'll be alright."

Just then, Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Junseong's parents, emerged from the back of the house, their faces etched with concern.

"We're so relieved they're coming home," Mrs. Lee said, her voice filled with emotion. "It's been a nightmare."

"I can't wait to see them too,my love," Mr. Lee added, his eyes shining with relief.

The maids flitted around, preparing snacks and drinks, their whispers filled with excitement. "I can't wait to see Seongho-ssi," one said. "It's been so long."

"Don't you know what he's gone through? It's a miracle he's back," another replied, glancing toward the door.

As the car pulled into the driveway, Seongho's heart raced. Junseong stepped out first, helping him out of the vehicle. The moment their feet touched the ground, Junseong felt the weight of the world lift slightly. They were home.

"Stay close, little one," he whispered, leading Seongho toward the entrance. They hadn't even reached the door when it swung open, revealing a flurry of family members.

"Seongho!" Minseong shouted, stepping forward, but Junseong instinctively stepped in front of him.

"Not yet," Junseong said firmly, his gaze protective. "Let him breathe."

Seongho's breath quickened at the sight of his family. He felt their love, but it was overwhelming. Instead, he pressed closer to Junseong, seeking comfort.

"Hey, it's okay," Junseong murmured, wrapping an arm around Seongho's shoulders. "I'm right here."

"Seongho, my dear boy!" Mrs. Lee exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion. She reached out to embrace him, but Junseong gently intercepted her.

"He's a little overwhelmed right now," Junseong explained, his voice soft but firm. "We' should give him some space."

"Of course, Junseong," Mr. Lee said, understandingly. "We just want to make sure he's alright."

Inside the mansion, the family watched as Junseong led Seongho to the living room. The warmth of home surrounded them, but Seongho felt exposed, vulnerable. As they reached the couch, he hesitated before climbing onto Junseong's lap, burying his face in Junseong's chest.

"Seongho?" Mrs. Shin's voice was soft, filled with concern. "It's me your eomma,come here, let me hug you."

"N. . No!" Seongho's voice was muffled but firm. He clung tighter to Junseong, who looked at the family with a mix of frustration and understanding.

"It's okay, little one," Junseong said, his voice soothing. "Like I said earlier,he just needs some time."

The family exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and admiration at the bond forming between the two. But then, Mrs. Shin noticed the faint bruising on Seongho's face, hidden beneath the mask. Her heart clenched, and her eyes filled with tears. "Junseong, my dear," she whispered, her voice trembling. "What happened to him?"

Hyeri gasped, her eyes widening in horror as she saw the marks on Seongho's neck. "Oh, Seongho," she cried, reaching out to touch him, but Junseong held her hand mid-air.

"It's okay," Junseong said, his voice firm, but his eyes were filled with anger. "You all don't need to treat him like a broken toy, he's safe now. We'll talk about it later."

"Let's give them a moment," Hyeri suggested, her voice choked with emotion. She knew that Seongho needed time to process everything, and she wouldn't push him.

Mr. Lee, his face grim, stepped forward. "Junseong, we need to talk," he said, his voice low. "We need to know what happened."

"I know, Appa," Junseong replied, his gaze fixed on Seongho. "We'll talk later."

After a few minutes,the maids announced that dinner was ready, Junseong stood and gently carried Seongho to the dining room. "Time to eat, little one," he announced, trying to keep the mood light.

Seongho pouted, crossing his arms. "I'm not hungry hubby."

" Lee Seongho!," Junseong warned, his tone playful yet serious. "If you don't eat and take your medicine, I won't talk to you or cuddle you."

Instantly, tears welled in Seongho's eyes, and he looked up at Junseong with wide, pleading eyes. "Hubby, please… don't be mean. Just feed me."

Everyone in the room chuckled, the tension easing as Junseong's expression softened. "Alright, alright," he relented, picking up a pair of chopsticks. He carefully picked up a piece of food and held it out to Seongho.

Seongho opened his mouth obediently, savoring the warmth. Junseong watched him closely, mindful of the injuries still healing on his lips.

"Good?" Junseong asked, his voice gentle.

"Mm-hmm," Seongho nodded, a small smile breaking through the tears.

After dinner, as Seongho leaned back in his chair, he felt the familiar weight of exhaustion pulling at him. Mangchi, their cat, wandered in, meowing happily.

"Hey, buddy,did you miss us?!" Junseong greeted scratching the back of his ear, but Seongho merely yawned, too tired to play.

"You've yawned more than twice.Come on, let's get you to bed," Junseong said, lifting Seongho effortlessly into his arms.

"Junseongie…" Seongho murmured, his eyes fluttering closed as they made their way to the bedroom.

Hyeri and Mrs. Shin followed closely, concern etched on their faces. As Junseong tucked Seongho into bed, he noticed how tightly Seongho held onto him, even in his sleep.

"Sleep tight, little one," Junseong whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

With a final glance back at the peaceful scene, Junseong slipped out of the room, leaving Hyeri and Mrs. Shin to watch over Seongho. The others, their hearts heavy with worry, remaining in the dining room, waiting for Junseong to return and share what had happened.

The living room was a tableau of hushed concern. Junseong, his face etched with weariness, sat at the center of it, Mangchi a comforting weight on his lap. The family, their usual boisterous chatter silenced, watched him with a mixture of worry and unspoken questions.

"Everything okay, son?" Mr. Lee asked, his voice laced with concern.

Junseong nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the swirling patterns of the Persian rug. "I want to explain what happened," he said, his voice low and strained. "But it's not an easy story."

Mr. Shin, his eyes filled with compassion, offered a gentle, "Take your time."

Junseong took a deep breath, the weight of his unspoken burden pressing down on him. "Seongho was... harassed," he began, the word a whisper in the quiet room. "By some men. They targeted him because of me."

A gasp escaped Mrs. Lee's lips, her hand flying to her mouth. "What do you mean? How could they—"

"They took him," Junseong interrupted, his voice hardening. "They held him captive in a warehouse. They... they abused him." He swallowed, the image of Seongho's terror flashing before his eyes.

Minseong, his face contorted with anger, growled, "Those bastards!"

Junseong stroked Mangchi's soft fur, the cat purring a soothing melody against the storm brewing within him. "I found out where he was," he continued, his voice a mere thread. "And I went to get him."

"How could anyone do that?" Mrs. Lee whispered, her voice filled with disbelief.

"I got to him just in time," Junseong said, his gaze hardening. "They hadn't laid a hand on him when I arrived, but he was... traumatized. I could see it in his eyes. He needed to feel safe again."

"I knew that Jaehyun would be a problem the moment he told you that he wanted to rub minds together with you .What did Jaehyun want, Junseong?" Mr. Lee asked, his voice firm.

Junseong's jaw clenched. "They wanted to break me," he said, his voice cold. "To hurt someone I care about. They wanted to take everything from me."

"And what did you do?" Minseong asked, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity.

Junseong met his gaze, a flicker of something dark and dangerous passing through his eyes. "I took matters into my own hands," he said, his voice a low growl.

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken tension. The family exchanged worried glances, sensing the unspoken weight of Junseong's words.

"Thank you for protecting him," Mr. Shin said, his voice soft. "You mean more to him than any of us can understand."

Junseong met his gaze, a flicker of gratitude passing through his eyes. "I just want to keep him safe," he said, his voice laced with a raw vulnerability.

"We'll all keep him safe," Mrs. Lee said, her voice firm. "As a family, we'll help him through this. Whatever he needs."

"Agreed," Minseong added, his voice firm. "And if you need anything, hyung, just ask. We're all here for you and Seongho hyung."

Junseong nodded, the warmth of their support a balm to his soul. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Mangchi, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, nudged Junseong's hand playfully, breaking the tension. Junseong chuckled, a soft, weary sound. "Even he knows this is a heavy conversation."

The brief moment of levity was a welcome respite, and soon the family was sharing stories and laughter, the weight of the past momentarily lifted. But in the back of Junseong's mind, the shadows lingered, a constant reminder of the darkness he had faced and the secrets he still held close.

"We'll get through this," he vowed silently, his gaze drifting towards the stairs leading to Seongho and his room. "Together."

As the conversations flowed in warm circles around the living room, Junseong felt a wave of determination wash over him. He quickly pulled out his phone, glancing at the time as he dialed a therapist he had spoken to in the past.

"Hello, Dr. Joo? This is Junseong Lee," he said, his voice steady as he spoke into the receiver. "I'd like to book an appointment for my husband, Seongho. As soon as possible, please." He felt a sense of urgency behind each word.

"Of course, Mr Lee," Dr. Joo replied on the other end. "I can see him tomorrow at 10 a.m. How does that sound?"

"That's perfect, thank you," he said, relief flooding him. They finalized the details before hanging up, feeling a mixture of hope and melancholy. Seongho would need professional help to navigate the trauma he had experienced.

Just then, Mrs. Shin and Hyeri emerged from Seongho's room and came downstairs . "We were just checking on him," Mrs. Shin said, her voice filled with warmth as she walked toward Junseong. "He's still asleep, but it seems he's not really settled,he had been mumbling your name but he stopped ."

"Thank God," Junseong breathed, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you for looking after him mom."

Mrs. Shin stepped closer, her eyes shimmering with appreciation. "I can't thank you enough, Junseong. I've never regretted marrying my son to you. You've shown such strength, especially today."

Junseong smiled softly, touched by her words. "It's truly not a problem, Mrs. Shin. If anything, I feel responsible for what happened. Jaehyun and Jiwoon were trying to get back at me, and Seongho paid the price for it. I can't shake that feeling."

The conversation carried on for the next two hours, and as fatigue began to settle in, Mr. Lee and Mrs. Lee stood, signaling a quiet end to the day.

"My boy," Mr. Lee said, placing a hand on his shoulder, "please take care of our son-in-law. It's been a long day, and we'll come back to visit soon."

"Of course, I will, Appa," Junseong replied, sincerity lacing his words.

Minseong stretched, yawning loudly. "I should get going, too. College starts early tomorrow, and I can't afford to miss any lectures."

"Be safe, Minseong," Hyeri called out, her voice laced with affection for the younger .

"Take care of him, okay? We're counting on you, hyung," Minseong added, giving Junseong a single nod as he headed out the door.

As Mr. and Mrs. Lee exited, Mr. Shin, too, had to conclude his visit. "Stay strong, Son. You're doing well, and Seongho needs you," he said, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and worry as he placed a gentle hand on Junseong's back before leaving.

As the door clicked shut behind them, Hyeri and Mrs. Shin exchanged a glance before nodding. "We'll stay back to help, Junseong. You shouldn't have to face this alone."

"I appreciate it more than you know," he replied, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "Thank you both."

Hyeri smiled and grabbed her mother's hand. "Let's go to the guest room to settle in, eomma. We'll be nearby if you need anything, Junseong-ssi."

Junseong watched them head upstairs before making his way to his own room. His heart raced as he reached the door, bracing himself. He hesitated for a moment, then pushed the door open. To his surprise, Seongho was already awake.

As Junseong entered, he spotted Seongho sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes puffy and glistening with unshed tears. His lips were jutted adorably, and every instinct within Junseong urged him to go to him.

"Hey, little duck," he said softly, kneeling beside the bed. Without hesitation, Seongho slid into his lap, burying his face in Junseong's neck. The warmth of his husband's body felt both comforting and heavy, a wave of emotion hitting Junseong as he felt the dampness of Seongho's tears soaking into his shirt.

"Hubby," Seongho whispered, his voice muffled but shaky. "I had a bad dream."

Junseong cradled him tighter, planting gentle kisses on Seongho's hair. "What did you dream about?" He offered soft, reassuring words, hoping to ease the tension in Seongho's trembling shoulders.

"Bad dream," Seongho mumbled again,his voice muffled against Junseong's chest.

"Jaehyun. . . . Knife. . . Jiwoon. . . laughing…

It was terrifying. I couldn't get away."

Drawing a deep breath, Junseong tightened his grip around Seongho, his heart aching at the thought of his husband reliving the horror of the kidnapping. "You're safe now, Seongho. I won't let anything hurt you. I'm right here and always will be," he murmured, his voice steady and soothing.

Gradually, Seongho's trembling subsided,his breaths becoming normal ,his sobs turned into soft sniffles and then he pulled back slightly to look into Junseong's eyes, searching for reassurance. "Promise?"

"I promise," Junseong said with absolute conviction. He brushed his fingers through Seongho's hair, easing the tension within. "You're cherished, and I'll keep you safe. Always."

As time went by, Seongho's breathing steadied, feeling Junseong's warmth wrap around him like a protective shield. With gentle movements, Junseong tucked him back into bed, smoothing out the covers and making sure he was comfortable.

"Try to get some rest," he murmured, gently petting Seongho's hair. "I'll be right here if you need anything, okay?"

"Okay," Seongho whispered, his eyelids growing heavy. The exhaustion from the day and the emotional strain began to take hold.

With the rhythmic sound of Junseong's fingers running through his hair, Seongho felt himself drift off, the nightmares slowly fading into the background. As sleep enveloped him, he carried with him the comforting presence of his husband, safe in the knowledge that he was protected.

Junseong remained by his side, watching as Seongho succumbed to peaceful sleep, determined to protect and nurture him through the darkness that threatened to linger. In that moment, he knew they would face everything together—one day at a time.

Junseong watched Seongho's chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm, a sense of relief washing over him. The tension that had been knotted in his shoulders finally began to ease. He was finally able to breathe. Just as he was about to drift off himself, his phone buzzed, the sudden vibration jolting him awake. He glanced at the screen, his heart skipping a beat as he saw Min-ki's name flashing across it.

"Min-ki," he answered, his voice a hushed whisper.

"Mr. Lee, good news!" Min-ki's voice crackled through the phone, filled with excitement. "The embezzlement case... it's closed. We have enough evidence to clear the company's name. The board is ecstatic, and the stock prices are already climbing back up."

A wave of relief washed over Junseong. He had been so focused on Seongho's well-being that he'd almost forgotten about the company's precarious situation. "That's fantastic news, Min-ki," he said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Thank you for everything. You've been amazing."

"It was all thanks to you, Junseong-nim," Min-ki replied, his voice filled with respect. "The evidence you provided was crucial. You saved the company."

"I'm just glad it's over," Junseong said, his voice softening. "But I won't be resuming work just yet. My husband needs me now more than ever. I need to make sure he's okay."

"Of course,Mr. Lee," Min-ki said, his voice understanding. "Take all the time you need. I'll keep you updated on everything. And please, send my regards to Seongho."

"I will," Junseong replied, his gaze drifting back to Seongho's peaceful face. He hung up the phone and took a deep breath, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. He was grateful for Min-ki's dedication, for the family's support, and most importantly, for Seongho's safety.

Junseong rose from the bed and made his way to the bathroom. He needed a hot shower to wash away the lingering tension of the past few days. As the warm water cascaded over him, he closed his eyes, letting the steam relax his muscles. He felt a sense of peace settle over him, a feeling he hadn't experienced in days.

After his shower, Junseong was tempted to head to his study. He had a stack of documents waiting to be reviewed, and the company's recovery was still a fragile thing. But as he looked back at Seongho, his heart ached. Knowing that Seongho might wake up and find the room empty would only add to his anxiety. He couldn't bear the thought of causing him any more distress.

Junseong sighed and returned to the bedroom. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his laptop open on his lap. He began to scroll through the documents, cross-checking details and making notes. He knew he couldn't completely ignore his responsibilities, but for now, his priority was Seongho. He would work, but he would do it from the comfort of his bedroom, within reach of his husband's hand if he needed it. He would protect him, nurture him, and help him heal. That was his promise, and he wouldn't break it.

As Junseong lay in bed, his mind danced with the shadows of revenge. The faces of Jaehyun and the other men who had tormented Seongho flashed before his eyes, igniting a dark thrill within him. He imagined each of them suffering, a wicked grin forming on his lips at the thought of making them feel a fraction of the pain they had inflicted. There was no room for guilt in his heart; he had already taken matters into his own hands, abducting those who had harmed his husband. Their fate was sealed, and the anticipation of his revenge fueled his resolve.

Pushing those thoughts aside for the moment, Junseong refocused on the documents spread out before him. The work demanded his attention, and he dived into it, the rhythmic sound of his fingers tapping the keyboard providing a comforting distraction. Hours slipped by unnoticed as he poured over the reports, each click of the keys blending with the dark satisfaction of knowing his plans were well underway.

Finally, he leaned back, stretching with a satisfied sigh, before glancing over at Seongho. The sight of his husband brought a wave of warmth flooding through him. Seongho was still lost in sleep, the innocence on his face bringing an endearing softness to the room. Junseong couldn't help but smile, though it was a contrast to the intensity of his earlier thoughts.

As he watched, Seongho stirred slightly. In the depths of his slumber, he murmured, "Hubby..." The soft, whiny sleepy sound tugged at Junseong's heartstrings . There was a sweetness in the way Seongho's lips curled into a small smile, the world around him forgotten as he dreamed of their life together.

"Hubby…" Seongho murmured again, his voice barely audible, laced with affection. Junseong's heart swelled at this endearing moment, the blossoming love between them shimmering in the quiet of the night.

Feeling an urge to protect and cherish , Junseong leaned closer, gently removing Seongho's thumb from between his lips. The subtle yet tender movement stirred his husband further, and the sleepy smile remained on Seongho's face as he instinctively shifted closer to the warmth of Junseong's presence.

Junseong cooed softly, "You're the cutest," adoration spilling from his lips as he brushed a strand of hair away from Seongho's forehead. The sight of his husband, so at peace, filled him with a profound sense of assurance. It was moments like these that made everything worthwhile, serving as a reminder of why he was willing to go to such lengths for Seongho's safety and happiness.

As Junseong settled back in bed, contentment wrapped around him, mingling with the resolve of his dark plans. He didn't know when sleep claimed him, but he sank into the comforting embrace of dreams, still echoing with Seongho's sweet murmurs. The world outside faded away, leaving only the certainty that he would do anything to protect his husband.