Under the Same Sky

8. Unspoken Words

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the dorm. Jeonghan stirred awake, feeling the lingering excitement from the previous night. He smiled to himself, recalling the playful banter with S.Coups and the deeper conversation they shared in the kitchen. There was something special about the way their connection was evolving, and Jeonghan felt a flutter of anticipation for what the day might hold.

After getting ready, he made his way to the kitchen, where the aroma of breakfast filled the air. The members were already up, gathered around the table, their chatter lively and animated. Jeonghan joined them, greeting everyone with a bright smile.

“Good morning, sunshine!” Hoshi exclaimed, grinning as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “Ready to tackle another day?”

“Always!” Jeonghan replied, taking a seat next to S.Coups, who was flipping pancakes with a focused expression. The sight made Jeonghan’s heart skip a beat; there was something undeniably charming about S.Coups in his element, dedicated and skilled.

As breakfast progressed, the members shared stories and jokes, the atmosphere light and cheerful. Jeonghan felt at home, surrounded by his brothers, but his mind occasionally drifted to S.Coups. The way they exchanged glances, the unspoken connection—it all felt electric.

After breakfast, they gathered in the living room to plan for the day. With rehearsals scheduled for the afternoon, the members divided into groups to work on different projects. Jeonghan and S.Coups found themselves assigned to a duet, a chance to showcase their vocals together.

“Are you ready for this?” S.Coups asked, a teasing glint in his eye as they stood in the practice room. “I hope I can keep up with your amazing voice.”

Jeonghan chuckled, feeling a rush of confidence. “Oh, please! You’re the one with the powerful vocals. I’m just here to add some flair.”

As they began to practice, Jeonghan felt a rush of adrenaline. The chemistry between them was undeniable, their harmonies weaving together effortlessly. They moved through the song, and with every note, Jeonghan felt their connection deepening.

But beneath the surface, Jeonghan was also aware of the tension. While they thrived in each other’s presence, an undercurrent of unspoken words lingered in the air. They had danced around their feelings, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had to give.

After the rehearsal, they took a break, stepping outside for some fresh air. The sun was shining brightly, and Jeonghan relished the moment, grateful for the warmth on his skin.

“Hey, can we talk for a second?” Jeonghan asked, glancing at S.Coups, who seemed slightly surprised.

“Of course,” S.Coups replied, his tone serious. They moved a bit away from the bustling group, finding a quieter spot beneath a tree.

“What’s on your mind?” S.Coups asked, leaning against the trunk, his gaze steady and open.

Jeonghan took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “I’ve been thinking about us… and how we’ve been growing closer. It’s really nice, but I feel like we’re holding back on saying what we really want.”

S.Coups’s expression softened, and he nodded. “I’ve felt it too. It’s easy to get caught up in everything around us. But I don’t want to rush things either. I want to make sure we’re on the same page.”

Jeonghan’s heart raced. “What if we just… said what we’re feeling? I don’t want to dance around it anymore. It’s hard for me.”

S.Coups stepped closer, the distance between them narrowing. “You’re right. I’ve been feeling this connection, and it’s something I really value. I like you, Jeonghan. More than I expected.”

The confession hung in the air, and Jeonghan’s breath caught in his throat. “I like you too, Seungcheol. I’ve liked you for a while now, but I didn’t know how to express it.”

A smile broke out on S.Coups’s face, lighting up his features. “I’m glad to hear that. I was worried you might think I was just being friendly or that I was too focused on work.”

“No, not at all,” Jeonghan replied, relief flooding through him. “I just didn’t want to complicate things. But now that we’ve said it… I feel so much lighter.”

As they stood beneath the tree, the world around them seemed to fade away. The weight of their unspoken feelings had lifted, and the air buzzed with newfound clarity.

“Can we take this slow?” S.Coups asked, his voice gentle. “I want to enjoy this, and I don’t want to rush anything.”

“Absolutely,” Jeonghan agreed, a smile creeping onto his lips. “I’m in no hurry. I want to savor every moment.”

They exchanged a knowing glance, the unspoken bond between them deepening further. Jeonghan felt a rush of excitement, knowing they were on a new path together, one filled with possibilities.

As they rejoined the others, Jeonghan felt lighter, the tension of unspoken words replaced with a shared understanding. With S.Coups by his side, he was ready to embrace whatever came next, cherishing the moments they would share.

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