The Whispers (Underworld 6) VK

49: Back to NY

Back in New York, Hansol and Seungkwan's lives quickly fell into a rhythm, one that felt, somehow, more precious and real. Their tiny apartment was an imperfect, warm sanctuary, filled with mismatched furniture, Seungkwan's endless knickknacks, Hansol's scattered music sheets, and, of course, Chan, whose own little corner of the couch now seemed permanent.

At first, Sungmin's approval had been hesitant, still laden with protective concerns. He'd called frequently, checking in with Seungkwan to make sure everything was all right, his voice softening a little each time Seungkwan reassured him. Though Sungmin's protectiveness lingered, he had slowly come to see how much Hansol meant to his brother. Knowing Seungkwan was genuinely happy began to outweigh his worries, and eventually, he accepted their decision, his reservations fading over time.

Living together, though, brought a new set of challenges and revelations for Seungkwan and Hansol. They learned each other's habits and quirks in a deeper way. Hansol was the type to forget where he left his keys, his charger, and nearly everything else, much to Seungkwan's gentle amusement. And Seungkwan, who liked order, would often stay up late tidying things up only for Hansol to unravel it all again the next day. Still, Hansol made it a point to surprise Seungkwan with little gestures—a favorite drink, a thoughtful note on the fridge—that reminded him of how much he was cherished.

Chan was an amusing addition to their routine, throwing himself into the role of "unofficial third roommate" with such enthusiasm that Seungkwan sometimes wondered if he'd ever leave. Despite joking about finding his own place, Chan seemed quite content to be part of the couple's world. He filled their apartment with an unending supply of energy, quick-witted jokes, and a knack for bringing humor into every situation. If Seungkwan and Hansol ever began to fall into a serious argument, Chan had an uncanny ability to sense it, always managing to break the tension with a well-timed comment or by dragging them out for some bubble tea.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day of classes, the three of them settled into the living room with takeout and a movie. Hansol was flipping through a magazine while Chan and Seungkwan were squabbling over the remote. Eventually, they landed on an old classic, and Seungkwan plopped down in between them, already lost in the film's opening scene.

Halfway through, Seungkwan leaned his head on Hansol's shoulder, eyes drowsy from the day's exhaustion. Hansol shifted, slipping his arm around Seungkwan, who only snuggled in closer, feeling a contented warmth spread through him. Chan, sprawled out on the other side, cast a sidelong glance at them, pretending to roll his eyes but secretly feeling a kind of comfort in witnessing their quiet happiness.

"You know, you guys are kinda cute when you're not busy annoying each other," he mumbled, unable to resist a smirk.

Seungkwan, too tired to muster a retort, simply laughed and gave Chan's arm a lazy swat. "Says the guy who begs to live with us for 'the quality company,'" he teased, letting his eyes drift closed.

The weeks passed, and New York, with all its chaos, started to feel like home. They'd have late nights filled with laughter and the occasional deep conversation, moments where they shared pieces of themselves they hadn't been able to before. Hansol talked about his past, and Seungkwan opened up about his fears and dreams, confiding in Hansol in ways he never had with anyone else. Through these moments, Seungkwan felt his love deepen, like he was discovering new layers to Hansol's heart.

But it wasn't all easy; they had their share of struggles. One evening, Hansol came home, visibly upset after a call from his family that stirred up old memories he didn't like to revisit. Seungkwan, sensing Hansol's mood, approached him gently, knowing better than to pry but staying close in silent support. Hansol finally broke his silence, admitting he was struggling, worried that he'd somehow let Seungkwan down. Seungkwan held his hands and told him he'd never ask for anything more than his honesty.