The Whispers (Underworld 6) VK

34: Luna Destroyed

Seungkwan was deep in his cheerleading practice, fully in the zone. He was focused, perfecting each move with precision, his face set with determination. Practicing helped him let off steam and forget, if only for a moment, the whispers and rumors he'd been dealing with. But just as he was in the middle of a jump, he heard a familiar, mocking laugh from the sidelines. He didn't need to turn around to know it was Luna.

"Oh, look at you, Seungkwan!" Luna sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Didn't know they let just anyone into cheerleading these days. Is this your way of trying to impress Hansol? Because, honestly, it's kind of pathetic."

Seungkwan froze mid-routine, his smile fading as he slowly turned to face her. He kept his posture steady, but he could feel the frustration bubbling up inside. He knew she was trying to get under his skin, to make him feel small. Ever since Valentine's Day, Luna had been relentless, doing anything she could to make his life miserable. But he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of seeing him rattled.

"Luna," he said, his voice calm but firm, "I'm here because I enjoy this, not to impress anyone. And as far as I know, the cheer team doesn't have a 'Luna Approval Required' policy."

Luna let out a mocking laugh, taking a step closer. "Enjoy it? Oh, come on, Seungkwan. We both know why you're here. Just admit it—you're only trying to look good for Hansol, even though it's obvious to everyone that you're out of your league. You're just... a phase for him, you know?"

Seungkwan felt his chest tighten, her words striking deeper than he wanted to admit. He took a breath, trying to keep his composure. "You don't know anything about Hansol and me," he replied, his voice steady. "So maybe you should keep your opinions to yourself."

"Oh, don't I?" Luna's smile turned even crueler. "I know Hansol deserves someone with real confidence, someone who doesn't need to use cheerleading practice to get attention. Honestly, I'm embarrassed for you."

Just as Luna was about to continue, a voice cut through the tension like a knife. "That's enough, Luna."

Seungkwan turned, surprised to see Chan standing just a few feet away. He hadn't noticed him passing by, but here he was, arms crossed, eyes narrowed, looking at Luna with a glare that could freeze fire.

"Chan," Luna scoffed, trying to brush him off with a dismissive wave. "This has nothing to do with you."

Chan didn't budge. In fact, he took a step closer, positioning himself protectively between Seungkwan and Luna. "Actually, it does. I'm not just going to stand here and watch you tear him down for no reason."

Luna crossed her arms, clearly unamused. "Oh, please. Don't act like you actually care about Seungkwan. This is just how things are. People like him don't get guys like Hansol."

Chan's jaw clenched, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by a rare intensity. "People like him? You mean people who work hard, mind their own business, and don't need to drag others down to feel good about themselves?"

Luna's face flushed with anger, but Chan kept going, undeterred. "Seungkwan is worth a hundred of you, Luna. You think you're so high and mighty, but all I see is someone who's so insecure that she has to try to make others feel small to make herself feel better."

Luna's expression shifted from anger to shock, as though she hadn't expected anyone, let alone Chan, to talk to her like that. "Insecure?" she spat, her voice shaking slightly. "I'm not insecure. I just know how the world works. And I know that guys like Hansol aren't interested in... people like Seungkwan."

Chan shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "No, Luna. What's pathetic is how hard you're trying to tear down someone who's done nothing to you. Seungkwan has never once gone out of his way to hurt you. But you? You seem to live for it."