Love Notes | JC

Epilogue: New Horizons

"Ugh, this is so heavy," Seungcheol groans as he places the last box on the ground. The new apartment is filled with similar brown boxes. He looks around and notices that it's almost time for the sun to set. Seungcheol threads his fingers through his hair as he stands up from his spot and surveys the room.

It's been nearly three years now. After their graduation and three years of dating, Jeonghan and Seungcheol are finally moving in together. This was something Seungcheol had always dreamed of: getting a job, finding an apartment with Jeonghan, and spending the rest of his life with him there.

Seungcheol takes a deep breath, letting the moment sink in. The walls of their new apartment, though still bare, seem to hold the promise of countless memories to come. He walks over to the window and watches the sky turn shades of orange and pink. The sunset adds a warm glow to the room, making it feel a bit more like home.

Jeonghan enters, carrying a couple of bags and setting them down with a relieved sigh. "That's the last of it," he says, smiling as he wipes his brow. "I can't believe we finally did it."

Seungcheol turns to him, a smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, it feels surreal." He walks over to Jeonghan and pulls him into a hug. "Welcome home."

Jeonghan hugs him back tightly, resting his chin on Seungcheol's shoulder. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long," he murmurs.

Seungcheol pulls back slightly to look into Jeonghan's eyes. "Me too. And now, we get to live together like this."

They both take a moment to simply enjoy the presence of each other, the reality of their new life together beginning to settle in. Suddenly, a bark breaks their moment. Jeonghan pulls out of Seungcheol's hold and turns to see their small white puppy waddling toward them. Kkuma, the pet they both had agreed to get after Seungcheol's insistence, seems to be vying for Jeonghan's whole attention.

"Kkuma! My baby!" Jeonghan coos, kneeling to pick up the puppy in his arms. He threads his slim fingers through its soft fur, smiling as Kkuma licks his face. The sight warms Seungcheol’s heart, even if he does feel a twinge of jealousy over how much attention the puppy gets.

"You should feed him. He must be hungry by now," Seungcheol suggests, stretching his tired muscles as he walks into the room. All he can think about is how eager he is to collapse onto their new bed and get some much-needed rest. The day of shifting and unpacking has left him utterly exhausted.

Jeonghan nods, giving Kkuma one last affectionate squeeze before setting him down. "Good idea. I’ll get his food ready," he says, heading towards the kitchen area. Seungcheol watches him go, appreciating the domesticity of the moment. This was what he had envisioned: simple, everyday moments of togetherness.

While Jeonghan prepares Kkuma's meal, Seungcheol takes a moment to glance around the apartment. The boxes are still everywhere, and the place looks far from organized, but he can already see the life they'll build here. He imagines the pictures they'll hang, the cozy dinners they'll have, and the laughter that will fill these walls.

Jeonghan returns, placing a bowl of food on the floor for Kkuma, who eagerly digs in. "He’s so cute when he eats," Jeonghan comments, a soft smile playing on his lips. He looks over at Seungcheol, who is now sprawled out on the couch, his eyes half-closed.

"Long day, huh?" Jeonghan asks, walking over and sitting beside him.

"The longest," Seungcheol replies with a tired grin. "But worth it. I wouldn’t trade this for anything."

Jeonghan leans over, resting his head on Seungcheol’s shoulder. "Me neither. We’re finally home."

"Our home." Seungcheol grins.