The Whispers (Underworld 6) VK

36: Jinyoung Again?

Seungkwan was making his way to the cozy little cafe on campus, humming quietly to himself as he imagined the iced Americano he'd soon be sipping. As he approached, he spotted a familiar face leaning casually against the wall, scrolling through his phone.

"Jinyoung?" Seungkwan called out in surprise.

Jinyoung looked up, his face lighting up as he saw Seungkwan. "Well, if it isn't the star of the cheer squad! Long time no see." He flashed a friendly smile and pocketed his phone, taking a few steps toward Seungkwan.

"Yeah, it's been a while! How've you been?" Seungkwan asked, smiling brightly as they settled into an easy conversation, catching up on life and classes. They reminisced about old memories from when they'd briefly gone on a few dates, both laughing as they recalled some of the awkward moments they'd shared.

Just as Seungkwan was about to crack another joke, he noticed Jinyoung's gaze shift, his smile faltering. Turning, Seungkwan saw Hansol approaching, his usual calm demeanor carrying an edge of tension today. His eyes flickered from Seungkwan to Jinyoung and back, his expression guarded.

"Hey," Hansol greeted, his voice casual but firm as he came to stand beside Seungkwan, slipping an arm around his shoulders. "Seems like my tangerine wants some americano," he said, eyes never leaving Jinyoung.

Seungkwan raised his eyebrows, half-amused and half-nervous. "Hansol! Yeah, I just ran into Jinyoung here. We were just, you know... chatting."

Hansol's lips curved in a polite smile, but there was a glint in his eyes. "Right. Just chatting." He nodded at Jinyoung, but there was no mistaking the hint of protectiveness in his posture. "Funny, isn't it, Jinyoung? You and Seungkwan running into each other, right here. At this exact time."

Jinyoung raised his hands in a peaceful gesture, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Hey, just a coincidence, Hansol. I didn't know running into old friends was off-limits." He looked at Seungkwan and smirked. "You didn't tell me your boyfriend was so... possessive."

Seungkwan's face flushed instantly. "Whoa, whoa, let's not start with that!" he protested, trying to lighten the atmosphere. But Hansol only tightened his arm around Seungkwan's shoulders, pulling him a bit closer.

"Just making sure no one gets the wrong idea," Hansol said, his tone polite but pointed. "Wouldn't want there to be any misunderstandings, right?"

Jinyoung chuckled, crossing his arms. "Hansol, relax. We're just old friends catching up. Seungkwan and I have a lot of memories, you know?"

"Oh, I know all about those memories," Hansol replied smoothly, raising an eyebrow. "But you know, some things are better left in the past."

Seungkwan looked between the two, his cheeks growing warm. "Guys, please. We're not in some drama series."

But Hansol only smirked. "Who says we're not?"

"Anyway," Jinyoung said, trying to break the tension, "it was nice seeing you again, Seungkwan. Maybe we can grab a coffee sometime, like old times?" He gave Hansol a pointed look, as if daring him to respond.

Hansol didn't miss a beat. "Oh, Seungkwan's got his hands full these days. We've got plenty of dates lined up, actually. Isn't that right, Tangerine?"

Seungkwan gave an awkward laugh, his eyes widening as he looked up at Hansol. "I mean... we are spending a lot of time together..."

Jinyoung looked like he was suppressing a laugh. "Well, Hansol, I'll give you this—you sure know how to mark your territory."

Hansol chuckled, though his eyes never left Jinyoung. "Just keeping things clear. We wouldn't want anyone misinterpreting things."