The Legacy (Underworld 1) JC

27: The Big Painting

Jeonghan stood nervously outside Seungcheol's room, his hand hesitating over the doorknob. He took a deep breath before knocking softly. "Seungcheol, can I come in?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seungcheol, who was sitting on his bed, didn't even glance up from the book he was reading. He simply hummed in response, a noncommittal sound that made Jeonghan's heart sink a little.

Taking that as an invitation, albeit a reluctant one, Jeonghan slowly pushed open the door and stepped inside. He closed the door behind him, the click echoing in the silence of the room. Seungcheol finally looked up, his gaze meeting Jeonghan's briefly before returning to his book.

Jeonghan took a few tentative steps forward, the air heavy with unspoken tension. "Seungcheol, I... I wanted to talk to you," he started, his voice wavering slightly.

Seungcheol set his book aside, finally giving Jeonghan his full attention. "What is it, Jeonghan?" he asked, his tone neutral.

Jeonghan took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I wanted to apologize," he began, his words coming out in a rush. "For everything I've said and done. I know I haven't been the easiest person to get along with lately, and I'm sorry if I've caused you any pain or frustration."

Seungcheol's expression softened at Jeonghan's words, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. "It's okay, Jeonghan," he replied gently. "I know we've both said things we didn't mean in the heat of the moment."

Jeonghan nodded, relief flooding through him at Seungcheol's forgiveness. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "I really appreciate it."

Seungcheol sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I should apologize too," he admitted, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I haven't exactly been the most patient or understanding person either."

Jeonghan shook his head. "You don't have to apologize, Seungcheol," he said, stepping closer to his friend. "We're both just trying to navigate our way through this mess of emotions and misunderstandings."

Seungcheol met Jeonghan's gaze, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I guess you're right," he agreed. "But from now on, let's try to live peacefully, okay? No more unnecessary drama."

Jeonghan returned Seungcheol's smile, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Deal," he said, holding out his hand.

Seungcheol chuckled, clasping Jeonghan's hand in his own. "Deal," he repeated, giving Jeonghan's hand a reassuring squeeze.

                                        _

Jeonghan groggily rubbed his eyes as he padded into the kitchen, the aroma of sizzling food pulling him from his sleep-induced haze. Blinking a few times to clear his vision, he was met with the unexpected sight of Seungcheol standing at the stove, shirtless, his toned abs on full display.

For a moment, Jeonghan couldn't help but gawk, his mind momentarily distracted by the sight before him. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he quickly averted his gaze, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Seungcheol turned around, a playful smirk playing on his lips as he caught Jeonghan's reaction. "Good morning, sleepyhead," he greeted, his tone teasing.

"Uh, good morning," Jeonghan replied, his voice slightly hoarse. "What are you doing?"

Seungcheol chuckled, gesturing to the stove. "Cooking breakfast," he explained. "It seems the cook decided to take a leave of absence, and the other members are off doing their own side quests."

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Side quests?" he repeated, curiosity piqued.

Seungcheol nodded, flipping a pancake with practiced ease. "Yeah, you know, little jobs we do to keep ourselves busy and hide our identities," he elaborated. "Like Joshua runs a café, Hansol goes to college and Jun does part-time modeling, and so on."