The Whispers (Underworld 6) VK

11: Less Hostile, More Human

Hansol had been looking forward to the quiet of his apartment after a long week. With Chan off enjoying his Friday night with friends, he figured he could use some peace and maybe catch up on some music he was working on. As he headed toward the parking lot to grab his car, his eyes landed on a familiar figure sitting on a bench under the scorching sunlight.

It was Seungkwan.

The sight of Seungkwan, hunched over his laptop with beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, made Hansol pause. For some reason, Seungkwan had chosen one of the least shaded spots on campus to work. He looked completely absorbed in whatever he was typing, but the sun was merciless, making him squint and struggle to focus on the screen.

Hansol sighed, shaking his head at how oblivious Seungkwan could be. Without really thinking about it, he walked over and stood directly in front of Seungkwan, his tall frame casting a shadow that blocked the blazing sun.

Seungkwan, now suddenly free from the sun's glare, blinked in surprise. He glanced up, expecting to thank some kind soul for offering relief, but his expression soured the second he realized who it was.

"Oh, great," Seungkwan deadpanned, closing his laptop. "Of all the people who could've blocked the sun, it had to be you."

Hansol crossed his arms, smirking down at him. "You're welcome. Didn't realize you were trying to cook yourself out here."

Seungkwan rolled his eyes. "I was working, not that it's any of your business. Some of us actually care about our assignments, you know."

"Really? Working?" Hansol raised an eyebrow. "Because it looked more like you were slowly roasting under the sun like a chicken."

Seungkwan let out a dramatic sigh and leaned back on the bench, fanning himself. "Not everyone has a fancy car and a luxurious apartment like you do, Vernon. Some of us peasants have to suffer the elements."

Hansol chuckled, ignoring the jab. "Well, I didn't peg you as the type who'd willingly sit in the sun and complain about it."

"Trust me, I didn't plan on it," Seungkwan muttered, glancing back at his laptop. "I was just... I don't know, trying to finish something, and I didn't notice until it was too late."

Hansol looked at him for a moment, something softening in his expression. Despite all their bickering, there was something oddly endearing about Seungkwan's determination. Without saying anything more, Hansol reached into his bag and pulled out a water bottle, tossing it toward Seungkwan.

Seungkwan caught it with wide eyes, looking up at Hansol in surprise. "What's this?"

"Water, obviously," Hansol replied dryly. "You look like you could use it."

Seungkwan stared at the bottle for a second before unscrewing the cap and taking a long drink. As much as he hated to admit it, the cool water was exactly what he needed. He shot Hansol a begrudging look of appreciation but didn't say anything more.

Hansol, noticing the rare silence from Seungkwan, sat down on the bench beside him, which only caused Seungkwan to raise an eyebrow. "What, are you stalking me now?"

Hansol rolled his eyes. "Relax, I'm just taking a break. Besides, Chan's out with friends, and I've got nowhere else to be."

Seungkwan looked at him for a moment, clearly skeptical. "Right. And you just *happened* to block the sun for me out of the goodness of your heart?"

Hansol smirked. "Maybe I'm just tired of seeing you look like a hot mess."

Seungkwan let out a mock laugh. "Wow, your concern is truly touching."