The Whispers (Underworld 6) VK

8: Fire & Ice

The next day at the university, everything seemed normal. Classes had started, people were buzzing about, and the cafeteria was as crowded and lively as ever. Hansol and Chan sat at their usual spot in the corner, having lunch while Chan rambled on about something that Hansol wasn't really paying attention to. His mind was elsewhere—he was still thinking about the odd late-night walk he had with Seungkwan. It was strange, how they had actually talked like normal human beings for once. No snark, no attitude, just... a conversation.

But of course, the universe had other plans. That moment of peace was destined to be short-lived.

Hansol should have known the truce wouldn't last, especially when Seungkwan was involved. He was like a walking storm, bound to stir something up. And, as if on cue, the chaos began when Seungkwan entered the cafeteria with his new best friend, Moonbin, by his side. Hansol could hear Seungkwan before he saw him—his voice loud and animated, probably telling some overdramatic story.

Seungkwan walked into the cafeteria with his usual flair, wearing an outfit that looked like he had spent hours planning it. He caught sight of Hansol and Chan sitting at their table and immediately made a beeline for them, dragging Moonbin along.

"Good morning, peasants!" Seungkwan declared as he reached their table, flashing a sarcastic grin. "How are my two favorite grumpy boys?"

Hansol groaned inwardly, already regretting every life decision that led him to this moment. He didn't even bother looking up, opting instead to take another bite of his sandwich, hoping Seungkwan would get the hint and go away.

"Not in the mood, Seungkwan," Hansol muttered, his voice laced with exhaustion.

"Not in the mood?" Seungkwan gasped, feigning offense. "Well, we can't have that! What's wrong, Vernon? Did you wake up on the wrong side of your apartment-sized bed?"

Moonbin snickered, clearly enjoying the interaction, while Chan tried to suppress a laugh, knowing full well where this was headed. Hansol clenched his jaw, finally lifting his gaze to meet Seungkwan's smug expression.

"What do you want?" Hansol asked, his tone sharp. He wasn't in the mood for Seungkwan's antics, not today.

"Oh, I just wanted to see how the university's resident basketball 'star' is doing. You know, after your big win and all." Seungkwan's smile was dripping with sarcasm.

Hansol narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly why you came over here."

Seungkwan raised an eyebrow, leaning on the table as he continued, "I mean, I was there. Watching the game. And I have to say... you didn't exactly live up to the hype."

Hansol blinked, caught off guard. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, you know, I just thought you'd be more... I don't know... exciting?" Seungkwan's voice was filled with mock sincerity. "But instead, all I saw was you standing around, barely doing anything. Honestly, I was expecting more from you, Vernon."

Hansol's irritation spiked. Seungkwan was calling him out? For not being exciting enough on the court? Hansol clenched his fists on the table, trying to keep his cool.

"You don't know anything about basketball, Seungkwan," Hansol shot back, his voice low but sharp. "So maybe you should stick to what you're good at—talking. Loudly."

Seungkwan's eyes flared with amusement. "Oh, don't worry, darling, I know plenty. And I happen to have a great eye for talent, and let's just say you weren't exactly wowing anyone."

Now the cafeteria was starting to take notice. Students nearby had paused their conversations, glancing over to see what was happening. Moonbin, sensing the rising tension, was grinning like a child watching his favorite TV show, and Chan was sitting awkwardly, looking as if he wanted to slide under the table to avoid the inevitable explosion.