Chapter 70

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The morning passed in a comfortable rhythm as they moved from one box to another, carefully unwrapping each item and placing it thoughtfully around the room. They hung up framed photographs on the wall, each one capturing memories from their years together—snapshots from trips, candid moments from their daily lives, even a couple of old photos from high school when they first met. One picture, in particular, stood out: a candid shot of them laughing together during their first week in New York, taken by a mutual friend who had visited them. They placed it near the entryway, the image a constant reminder of the journey that had brought them to where they were now.

As they continued, Seungcheol pulled out a box filled with books. "Where should these go?" he asked, holding up a well-worn novel Jeonghan had read at least three times.

Jeonghan gestured toward the bookshelf they had just assembled. "Let's arrange them there. I want them to be close to the couch—we can reach for one any time we're in the mood for a good read."

They sorted through their collection, arranging the books by genre and size, creating a tidy but cozy display. Each title held memories of quiet nights, rainy weekends, or long flights, the pages filled with stories that had accompanied them through different stages of their lives. Seungcheol picked up a book he had gifted Jeonghan during their first anniversary, flipping through the pages before placing it front and center on the shelf. They shared a small smile, both appreciating the sentiment behind that single book among many.

After they finished with the books, they moved on to unpacking their record player and vinyl collection. It was an old-fashioned setup that Jeonghan had insisted on, something about the warmth of vinyl crackling adding a certain magic to the atmosphere. They found a spot for it in the corner, setting up a small table for the player and stacking their favorite records nearby. Seungcheol carefully placed the needle on one of their go-to albums, and soon, soft music filled the room, adding life and warmth to their new home.

As the music played, Jeonghan reached into a smaller box and pulled out a set of candles and a small ceramic vase filled with dried flowers. They arranged them on the coffee table, adding an extra touch of coziness to the space. The candles were a mix of calming lavender and warm vanilla, scents that had always helped them unwind after a long day.

~

Once the essentials were unpacked, they started adding personal touches. Seungcheol found a box labeled "Memories" and opened it, pulling out a collection of small mementos they'd gathered over the years. There were ticket stubs from concerts they'd attended together, a small shell from a beach trip, and even a pressed flower from a bouquet Seungcheol had given Jeonghan on one of their anniversaries. They arranged these keepsakes on a shelf, letting each item tell its own little story.

Hours had passed by the time they took a step back, admiring the now-complete living room. The space was alive with color and warmth, each detail carrying a hint of their shared history. The couch was adorned with a cozy blanket they'd brought from New York, the rug lay perfectly underfoot, and the walls were filled with memories that now felt right at home in Seoul.

Seungcheol glanced around, a proud smile spreading across his face as he looked at Jeonghan. "It's... us. It's all of us, right here."

Jeonghan nodded, leaning against him with a contented sigh. "It is. This room feels like the perfect blend of our lives. It's everything we brought with us and everything we're starting new here."

They sank onto the couch together, basking in the comfort of their freshly arranged living room, the sunlight casting soft patterns on the floor as it filtered through the curtains. Seungcheol reached for Jeonghan's hand, intertwining their fingers as they settled back, allowing the peace of the moment to wash over them.

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