Free Body| Chanlix | Changlix (Poly)

Hidden life

The house had fallen into a peaceful quiet as Felix drifted off to sleep, nestled comfortably in Chan's arms. Their baby boy lay between them, his tiny chest rising and falling with each soft breath. Chan's hand gently rested on Felix's waist, his thumb absentmindedly brushing back and forth in a soothing rhythm. The moment felt serene, a rare calm amidst the chaos of their lives.

In another part of the house, I.N. sat in the nursery, watching as his baby girl, Mina, slept soundly. Han came in and joined him, sitting down beside him on the plush rug. They exchanged a glance, both clearly in awe of the little life they had brought into the world.

"She's so small," I.N. whispered, reaching out to gently adjust the blanket wrapped around Mina. "It still feels unreal that she's ours."

Han smiled, his expression softening as he watched I.N. with their daughter. "It does, doesn't it? But she's already starting to show her personality. I think she takes after you."

I.N. chuckled. "If that's the case, we're in trouble. She'll be just as stubborn as I am."

Their quiet conversation was interrupted when Hyunjin entered the room, his presence gentle as he moved to check on the baby girl. He smiled at the sight of the baby girl, his heart swelling with affection. "I can take care of her for a while if you want to rest," Hyunjin offered, his voice warm and genuine.

I.N. and Han shared a grateful look. "Thank you," I.N. said softly, standing to stretch. "You're always so good with her."

Hyunjin smiled but said nothing, content to take on the role of caretaker. As he tended to the baby, I.N. leaned against Han, feeling a deep sense of contentment in that moment. It was a fragile kind of happiness, but they all cherished it.

Outside on the terrace, Changbin and Lee Know sat together, the crisp evening air carrying the scent of the nearby ocean. The two alphas were sharing a drink, their conversation flowing as easily as the alcohol.

Changbin swirled his glass thoughtfully. "I'm worried about Hyunjin," he admitted, his gaze fixed on the dark horizon. "He's been acting strange ever since... well, ever since he found out he couldn't have kids. I don't want him to blame himself."

Lee Know nodded, his face serious. "It's a tough thing to deal with, especially when everyone around you seems to be having children. But Hyunjin is strong. He just needs time."

Changbin sighed, a trace of sadness in his eyes. "I just wish I could make it better for him. I know it's been eating at him, and I don't want him to feel like he's not enough. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like, you know? If we could have a baby together. He's so beautiful... I bet our kid would be just as pretty."

Unbeknownst to them, Hyunjin had overheard those words as he walked toward the terrace. The comment about how beautiful their child would be struck him deeply, a mixture of longing and sadness tightening his chest. He turned away quickly, hiding his face as tears pricked at his eyes. Without a word, he slipped into the garden, seeking the cover of darkness.

Hyunjin crouched down in the far corner of the garden, where the tall hedges created a secluded spot. His heart ached as he thought about Changbin's words, and the fact that he couldn't give him that—couldn't give him the family he deserved. He wrapped his arms around himself, as if to ward off the cold creeping into his bones.

A rustling sound made him look up, and Han appeared from the shadows. He must have noticed Hyunjin's absence from inside and followed him. Without saying a word, Han crouched down beside him, offering silent support.

"Hyunjin," Han murmured softly. "What's wrong?"

Hyunjin wiped at his eyes quickly, trying to compose himself. "It's nothing. I just... I overheard Changbin talking, and it made me think. About what I can't give him."

Han's heart clenched at the sight of Hyunjin in so much pain. "It's not your fault, Hyunjin. You know that, right? Changbin loves you, no matter what."

"I know," Hyunjin whispered, his voice barely audible. "But it doesn't change the fact that I feel like I'm not enough for him. And the way he talked about what our baby would look like... it just hurts."

Han reached out, his hand gently cupping Hyunjin's cheek. "You're more than enough. Changbin doesn't care about having a baby. He cares about you. Don't doubt that."

Hyunjin looked at Han, tears glistening in his eyes. "It's hard not to."

Han was quiet for a moment, lost in thought. Then, almost as if the words were forcing themselves out, he spoke. "I never told anyone this before, not even Lee Know... but I lost a baby once."

Hyunjin's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

Han swallowed hard, his gaze turning distant as he remembered. "It was before we had met. I didn't even know I was pregnant. I was so stressed at the time, with everything that was going on. I started bleeding one day and rushed to the hospital. They told me I'd lost the baby. My reproductive system is weak, and they warned me to be careful if I ever wanted to try again."

Hyunjin's heart broke for Han. "You never told Lee Know?"

Han shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't. I was afraid it would crush him. I still haven't found the courage to tell him. It's something I've carried alone for a long time."

The weight of the confession hung heavy between them. Hyunjin, moved by Han's vulnerability, reached out and pulled him into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry, Han. You've been carrying this all by yourself."

Han leaned into the hug, finding comfort in Hyunjin's warmth. "It's just something I've had to live with. But I don't want you to feel the same way. You're not alone, Hyunjin. We're all here for each other."

They stayed like that for a moment, the quiet of the garden surrounding them. Slowly, Han pulled back, his gaze meeting Hyunjin's in the dim light. Without thinking, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Hyunjin's lips. The kiss was soft, tentative, but it was full of unspoken emotions—empathy, understanding, and a desire to offer comfort.

Hyunjin's breath hitched as the kiss deepened slightly, and Han's hand slid up to cup the back of his neck. It wasn't about passion or desire in that moment; it was about connection. Han's touch was gentle, and Hyunjin found solace in it.

They pulled away after a moment, both breathing softly, their foreheads resting against each other. Han's eyes fluttered closed as he absorbed the warmth radiating from Hyunjin.

"I'm here," Han whispered. "We're all here. And you don't have to face any of this alone."

Hyunjin nodded, his heart feeling just a little lighter. The darkness of the garden wasn't as oppressive with Han by his side, and the weight on his chest eased, even if just for a moment.

Inside the house, the others were unaware of the quiet moment of healing taking place outside. As Changbin and Lee Know continued their conversation on the terrace, oblivious to Hyunjin's disappearance, the night slowly crept on, wrapping them all in the promise of new beginnings and the strength of their unspoken bonds.

No-one knew that Lee Know was fixing the car in the garden and rushed truth that was overheard would deeply engrave onto his heart.