The Whispers (Underworld 6) VK

10: The Duet

Seungkwan was still fuming over the recent music test fiasco when Moonbin, ever the optimist, decided he needed to cheer his friend up. "You know what? This sulking isn't working for you, Seungkwan. Let's go out. I know this great little café near campus, and they have live performances every night. Trust me, you'll feel better after a good latte and some local talent to mock."

Seungkwan shot him a withering look. "Local talent? Do you think I'm the type of person to be cheered up by indie guitarists with questionable fashion sense?"

Moonbin smirked. "Yes, I do. And, knowing you, you'll end up critiquing them so hard that it'll take your mind off your Hansol obsession."

Seungkwan groaned. "For the last time, it's not an obsession. It's pure, unadulterated rage. That guy thinks he's the king of the world just because he can strum a guitar and top a test."

Moonbin chuckled, already pulling Seungkwan toward the door. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, buddy. Now come on, my treat."

Reluctantly, Seungkwan allowed himself to be dragged to the café. Upon arrival, he had to admit it was cozy in a quaint, artsy way. The soft hum of chatter, the warm lighting, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee all combined to create a relaxed atmosphere. Seungkwan sighed, feeling a small bit of his irritation dissolve. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.

The café was buzzing with excitement as a live band finished their set, and Moonbin quickly found them a table near the stage. Seungkwan scanned the room, trying to focus on anything other than his lingering frustration. But as the next performer was announced, his stomach dropped.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... Vernon!"

Seungkwan blinked. No. Absolutely not. There's no way. He whipped around, eyes widening as Hansol strolled casually onto the small stage with his guitar slung over his shoulder. His usual composed, indifferent expression was firmly in place as he adjusted the microphone stand, completely oblivious to the storm brewing in Seungkwan's chest.

"You have got to be kidding me," Seungkwan muttered, sinking lower in his chair.

Moonbin, on the other hand, was thoroughly entertained. "Oh, this is just perfect. The universe has an excellent sense of humor."

"Shut up," Seungkwan hissed, crossing his arms and glaring at the stage. There was no way he was going to enjoy this. No way in hell.

Hansol strummed his guitar, the soft notes filling the café, immediately commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His fingers moved effortlessly over the strings, crafting a melody that was both haunting and beautiful. Seungkwan's scowl deepened, even as he begrudgingly acknowledged that Hansol was... well, talented.

Hansol's voice joined the music, smooth and low, as if he wasn't even trying, and yet it wrapped around the audience like a spell. Seungkwan tried to focus on his annoyance, but something about the performance kept pulling him in. His fingers began tapping along to the beat without him even realizing it.

Moonbin leaned over, whispering, "He's pretty good, huh?"

Seungkwan rolled his eyes, refusing to admit it out loud. "Whatever. He's still an insufferable know-it-all."

But then, something unexpected happened. As Hansol hit the chorus, Seungkwan found himself humming along, quietly at first, before his voice grew louder, much to his surprise. He hesitated for a moment, feeling Moonbin's curious gaze on him, but the music was too intoxicating to resist. Before he knew it, Seungkwan's voice merged with Hansol's, adding harmonies that complemented the melody perfectly.

Hansol glanced up from his guitar, his expression betraying a flicker of surprise as he heard Seungkwan's voice join his own. Their eyes met across the café, and for a moment, it was just the two of them, locked in this strange, unspoken connection. The audience seemed to fade away, leaving only the music and the unexpected duet between them.