Chapter 15

A week before the wedding, Alex sat on the couch in their penthouse, gently running her hand over her growing belly. At 20 weeks pregnant, she was finally starting to show more noticeably, and while she loved the idea of carrying this little life inside her, the reality of it all was hitting harder than ever. The morning sickness had mostly subsided, but she was dealing with a new set of discomforts—constant backaches, occasional dizziness, and an ever-present fatigue that made wedding planning feel like running a marathon.Chan, on the other hand, was practically buzzing with excitement. He sat across from her, tying his sneakers in preparation for their appointment. His eyes flicked to her stomach every few seconds, a soft smile never far from his lips. "Are you sure you don't want to know?" he asked for what felt like the hundredth time."What is so wrong with wanting it to be a surprise?" Alex laughed at his enthusiasm. Chan groaned dramatically, leaning back against the couch. "Because I'm dying here, babe. I need to know if I'm going to be shopping for tiny sneakers or tiny dresses."Alex rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Sneakers come in pink too, you know," she teased, shifting slightly to get more comfortable. Her back ached, and she pressed a hand against it, sighing softly. "Besides, you already have a closet full of baby clothes, and we don't even know what we're having."Chan grinned sheepishly. "Okay, maybe I went a little overboard, but can you blame me?" He reached out, gently resting his hand over hers on her belly. "I just want to picture it, you know? Are we having a little soccer player or a little ballerina? Or both?"Alex laughed, shaking her head. "Finnneeee. I'll think about it."Chan's eyes lit up, and he sat up straighter. "Really? You'll think about it?" His excitement was palpable, and Alex couldn't help but smile at how invested he was in every little moment of this pregnancy."I said I'll think about it," she emphasized, narrowing her eyes at him. "No promises, mister. I kind of like the suspense."Chan groaned playfully, letting his head fall back against the couch. "Suspense is overrated."Alex rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Seeing Chan's excitement made her heart melt.A sharp kick from inside startled Alex, and she gasped, placing a hand on her belly. "Oh! That was a big one. Definitely gonna be a soccer player."Chan's eyes widened, and he practically scrambled over to her side, his hand eagerly covering hers. "Wait, wait—do it again!" he whispered excitedly, his gaze locked on her belly as if willing the baby to kick on command.Alex chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't think it works like that, babe."Just as she said it, another strong thump met their hands, and Chan's mouth dropped open. "Whoa," he breathed, eyes wide with wonder. "That's... that's amazing."Alex smiled softly, watching him. "Yeah, it really is." She had felt the flutters for weeks now, but seeing Chan's reaction to feeling their baby move made everything feel even more real.Chan pressed a gentle kiss to her belly, his voice tender. "Hey, little one. Are you trying to tell Mommy we should find out if you're a boy or a girl?" He looked up at Alex with pleading eyes. Alex sighed, a mix of amusement and fondness in her expression. "You're relentless, you know that?" She ran her fingers through his hair as he rested his head against her belly, his warmth grounding her in a way nothing else could. "I just... I want to enjoy the mystery a little longer. There are so few surprises in life."Chan tilted his head up, eyes soft but still filled with anticipation. "I get that, I do." He kissed her belly again, then sat up and leaned in closer, his forehead resting against hers. "But imagine how fun it'd be to start calling them by their name, to decorate the nursery with a theme that actually fits." He paused, giving her a teasing smile. "And let's be honest, I'm dying to know if I'm going to have to start learning how to braid hair."Alex laughed softly, resting her hands on his chest. "I know you are. And I do love how excited you are about all of this." She studied his face, the sheer joy and nervousness etched into every inch of it. "Okay. Let's make a deal."Chan perked up immediately. "I'm listening."Alex smirked. "We'll go to the anatomy scan today, and if everything looks good—healthy heart, brain, organs, and all that—then we can ask Doctor Kim what the gender is." She pointed a finger at him. Chan's eyes widened in excitement, and he practically bounced on the couch. "Yes! Deal!" He grabbed Alex's hand and kissed it repeatedly, making her laugh at his sheer enthusiasm. "You won't regret this, I promise."Alex rolled her eyes fondly. "We'll see about that. But if you so much as slip and tell anyone before I'm ready—""I won't! I won't!" Chan interrupted, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Scout's honor." His face softened, and he cupped her cheek gently. "Thank you, baby. I know it's silly, but it just makes it all feel so much more real, you know?"Alex nodded, pressing her forehead against his. "Yeah, I know. And honestly... I'm kind of curious, too." She let out a small sigh. "It's just been such a whirlwind with the wedding and the pregnancy, I guess I wanted to hold onto the unknown for a little while longer."Chan smiled, stroking his thumb along her cheek. "I get it. But no matter what, we're going to be amazing parents."Alex chuckled. "You mean I will be, and you'll be the overexcited dad who buys too many baby clothes?""Guilty," Chan admitted with a grin. "But you love me for it.""I do," she whispered, kissing him lightly before groaning as she shifted to get up. "Alright, let's get this over with before I change my mind."Chan quickly stood and helped her up, his hands steadying her as she stretched. "You feeling okay?" His brows furrowed in concern.Alex nodded. "Yeah, just the usual aches and pains." She rubbed her belly absentmindedly. "I swear, this baby loves pressing on my bladder."Chan chuckled, grabbing her coat and helping her into it. "Well, if they're anything like me, they just don't like staying still."Alex shot him a playful glare. "Let's hope they take after me, then."The drive to the hospital was quiet, the usual hum of the city passing by as they held hands, both lost in their thoughts. Alex tapped her fingers against her thigh, nerves creeping in. What if something was wrong? She knew this scan was more than just finding out the gender—it was about making sure their baby was healthy, growing right, and that her body was handling everything okay.Chan squeezed her hand gently. "You okay?"Alex forced a small smile. "Yeah, just... nervous. What if something's wrong?"Chan lifted their intertwined hands and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "Then we'll handle it. Together. But I believe everything's going to be fine." His voice was steady, reassuring. "We've made it this far, haven't we?"Alex nodded, taking a deep breath and leaning into his touch. "Yeah, we have." She tried to focus on his optimism instead of the anxious thoughts swirling in her head.By the time they arrived at the hospital, her nerves had settled into a manageable hum. Chan parked the car and helped her out, his hand never leaving hers as they walked through the familiar hallways. The sterile smell of the hospital was one she had grown used to, but today, it carried a different weight—anticipation, excitement, and a tinge of anxiety.Once inside the exam room, Alex reclined on the exam table while Chan stood beside her, his grip on her hand reassuringly firm. Doctor Kim entered with a warm smile, flipping through Alex's chart. "Alright, Alex, let's take a look at your little one today. We're going to do a full scan, check growth measurements, organs, and placenta positioning. And I hear there might be a gender reveal happening?"Alex exchanged a glance with Chan, who looked like he was barely containing his excitement. She chuckled softly. "Yeah, I caved. Let's do it."Doctor Kim smiled knowingly. "It's always an exciting moment." She dimmed the lights and squeezed the gel onto Alex's belly, the cool sensation making Alex shiver slightly. "Let's see how baby's doing."As the ultrasound screen flickered to life, Chan squeezed Alex's hand tightly, his eyes fixed on the monitor. The familiar sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the room, a steady, reassuring rhythm that never failed to bring a smile to Alex's face. Doctor Kim moved the probe carefully over her abdomen, clicking and measuring various parts of their growing baby."Alright," Doctor Kim said, her voice calm and focused. "Let's start with the basics. Baby's heart looks great—four chambers working perfectly. Brain is developing right on track, and I'm seeing good movement in the limbs."Alex let out a slow breath she hadn't realized she was holding, feeling some of her tension ease. "That's good, right?"Doctor Kim nodded. "Very good. Baby is measuring right where they should be at 20 weeks, and everything looks structurally sound so far."Chan grinned, his thumb rubbing over Alex's knuckles. "Told you everything would be fine," he whispered, his eyes never leaving the screen.Alex smiled softly but stayed quiet, waiting for the next part of the scan. Doctor Kim moved the probe lower, checking the placenta and its positioning. Alex knew this was an important part—she had read enough to know that any complications with the placenta could mean trouble down the line.Doctor Kim's brow furrowed slightly as she adjusted the angle, taking a closer look. "Your placenta is anterior, which means it's sitting in the front of your uterus," she explained. "It's looking healthy and well-positioned, though I'll want to monitor it closely in the coming weeks just to ensure it continues to function properly."Alex tensed slightly. "Monitor it? Is there something wrong?"Doctor Kim quickly reassured her. "Not at all, but with an anterior placenta, sometimes we need to keep an eye on growth and placement as your belly expands. It's nothing to worry about right now, just something to track."Chan gave Alex's hand a squeeze. "We'll stay on top of it," he said firmly, his eyes flicking to Alex with that steady, calming presence she loved so much."Alright," Doctor Kim continued, smiling gently. "Now, should we take a look and see if baby wants to show us if they're a boy or a girl?"Chan practically vibrated with excitement, and Alex chuckled at the way he sat up straighter. She sighed, looking at him before nodding. "Yeah... let's find out."Doctor Kim moved the probe once more, adjusting her position carefully. "Alright, let's see... ah, there we go." She grinned, turning the monitor slightly so they could get a better look. "Well, it looks like you're having a..."Chan held his breath, his grip on Alex's hand tightening in anticipation.Doctor Kim's smile widened as she adjusted the screen, her voice warm and excited. "It looks like you're having a baby girl."A wave of emotion crashed over Alex, her eyes widening as she stared at the screen. "A girl?" she whispered, barely able to process the words. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt Chan's hand tighten around hers, his grip trembling slightly.Chan's eyes were locked on the monitor, his mouth opening and closing a few times before he finally let out a breathless laugh. "A girl," he echoed, his voice filled with awe. "We're having a daughter."Alex turned to look at him, seeing the tears brimming in his eyes. She reached up to touch his face, feeling the dampness on his cheek. "You okay?" she asked softly.Chan let out a watery chuckle, shaking his head as if in disbelief. "I'm more than okay. I just... I can't believe it." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then looked down at her belly with a renewed sense of wonder. "A little girl..."Alex's chest swelled with emotion, the reality of it settling in. They were going to have a daughter. She imagined tiny dresses, soft lullabies, and a little girl with Chan's warm brown eyes and infectious smile. "She's already so loved," Alex murmured, running her hand over her belly gently.Doctor Kim smiled warmly. "She's growing beautifully, and everything looks perfectly healthy. Congratulations, you two."Chan wiped at his eyes quickly, turning back to the screen. "So that's our little girl," he whispered, his fingers tracing over the grainy image on the monitor. He looked over at Alex, a huge grin spreading across his face. "I'm going to have to start practicing how to braid hair, aren't I?"Alex laughed through her tears, nodding. "You can practice on my hair baby."Chan grinned, brushing a hand through her hair playfully. "Deal, but you better be patient with me," he teased, his eyes still flickering back to the ultrasound screen where their daughter was curled up peacefully.Alex sniffled, wiping at her tears with a laugh. "I can't believe it. A girl..." Her voice trailed off, the weight of the moment pressing down on her chest in the best way possible. She had imagined both possibilities, but now that she knew, it all felt so much more real. "Our little girl."Chan leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her belly, his voice soft. "Hey, baby girl. It's your dad. I can't wait to meet you." He looked up at Alex, his expression full of love and unwavering devotion. "She's going to have the best mom in the world."Alex smiled through her tears, her hand finding his again. "And the best dad."Doctor Kim gave them a moment before speaking up. "I'll print out some pictures for you both, and we'll schedule your next check-up to keep monitoring everything. But for now, take a moment to enjoy this. It's a special day."Alex nodded, squeezing Chan's hand as they both stared at the tiny figure on the screen. The room felt like it was wrapped in warmth, and for the first time in a while, she felt a deep sense of peace wash over her. Everything was okay. Their baby girl was healthy, growing, and in a few short months, they'd be holding her in their arms.As they left the hospital, Chan couldn't stop talking about all the things they would need to do now. "We need to get the nursery sorted—something soft, maybe with some pastel colors? And I'm totally getting her tiny sneakers. Oh, and—"Alex laughed, leaning against him as they walked. "One thing at a time, babe. First, let's just get through the wedding. We can do gender reveal and all the decorating of the penthouse after next week."Chan nodded, a boyish grin still plastered across his face as they stepped out of the hospital into the cool autumn air. "You're right," he said, slipping an arm around Alex's waist and pulling her close. "One thing at a time. But I'm not gonna lie—I'm already picturing all the little bows and tiny sneakers."Alex leaned into him, laughing softly. "I can't believe we're having a girl," she murmured, more to herself than to him. She rested a hand on her belly, feeling a surge of emotion that made her eyes water again. "She's really in there... our little girl."Chan pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "Yeah, and she's got the best parents ever waiting for her." He rubbed small circles on her back, his touch grounding her. "And the coolest uncles who are probably going to spoil her rotten."Alex groaned. "Oh God, Felix is going to buy her way too many plushies, and Han... I don't even want to imagine."Chan laughed. "We'll have to set some ground rules before they turn her into a complete chaos gremlin." He opened the car door for Alex, helping her settle in before getting behind the wheel. "But let's just enjoy this for now."As they drove home, Alex let her head rest against the window, exhaustion settling in now that the emotional high was wearing off. Chan's hand reached over and laced with hers, squeezing gently every so often as he hummed along to the soft music playing in the background.By the time they arrived back at their penthouse, Alex felt drained but happy. The moment she stepped inside, she kicked off her shoes with a relieved sigh and made a beeline for the couch. "Okay, I am officially done for the day," she declared, sinking into the cushions.Chan followed closely behind, watching Alex with a fond smile as she curled up against the cushions. He set their ultrasound printouts on the coffee table, glancing at them with a soft expression before settling beside her. "You earned it," he murmured, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face. "I still can't believe we're having a little girl."Alex hummed sleepily, her eyes already drifting shut. "I know..." she mumbled, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It feels so... real now."Chan leaned back against the couch, resting a hand on her belly, his thumb tracing gentle circles. "Do you think we should tell Hyunjin now or make him wait with everyone else?" he asked softly, his voice filled with playful mischief.Alex's eyes fluttered open slightly, a lazy smirk forming on her lips. "Mmm... I don't know. I kinda want to see his reaction in person, but..." she trailed off, yawning as the day's exhaustion fully settled in. "He's going to be so dramatic if we don't tell him soon."Chan chuckled, nodding. "You're right. He'll probably sulk for days if we keep it from him." He glanced down at her, watching as her breathing slowed and evened out. "Babe?" he whispered, but Alex was already fast asleep, her head nestled against a throw pillow.A fond smile tugged at his lips as he adjusted the blanket over her. He loved how peaceful she looked in moments like this, the stress of wedding planning and pregnancy momentarily forgotten.He sighed softly, leaning his head back against the couch and staring at the ceiling. "Guess that's a decision for tomorrow," he murmured to himself, his fingers still resting protectively over Alex's belly.A soft buzz from his phone pulled him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from Hyunjin.Hyunjin: Tell me everything went okay today. I've been dying here waiting.Chan smirked, his thumb hovering over the keyboard. He debated telling him the truth, but then a mischievous idea formed in his mind.Chan: Everything's fine. Baby is healthy, growing well. Alex is sleeping now... so you'll have to wait to hear the rest. 😏A flurry of messages came in almost instantly.Hyunjin: WHAT. NO. DON'T DO THIS TO ME, CHAN!!Hyunjin: You guys are the worst. Just tell meeeee.Hyunjin: Is it a boy? A girl? Come onnnn.Hyunjin: I'm literally pacing in my apartment right now.Chan chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. Hyunjin's impatience was legendary, and it was tempting to let him stew a little longer.Chan: Patience, Jinnie. Good things come to those who wait. 😎Hyunjin's reply was instant.Hyunjin: I hate you.Hyunjin: No, really. I HATE YOU.Hyunjin: I'm coming over.Chan stared at his phone, chuckling softly as he saw Hyunjin's final message. Of course he was coming over—Hyunjin never did well with waiting. He glanced at Alex, who was still fast asleep on the couch, her breathing soft and steady.He quickly typed back:Chan: Fine. But you better be quiet. Alex is exhausted.Hyunjin's response came almost instantly.Hyunjin: I'll tiptoe like a cat. Be there in 10.Ten minutes later, the sound of the door unlocking echoed through the penthouse. Hyunjin had his own key—something Alex had insisted on months ago when they realized how much of a fixture he had become in their lives. He stepped inside with his usual grace, dressed in his signature effortless style, and immediately spotted Chan sitting on the couch with Alex curled up beside him, fast asleep.Hyunjin's gaze softened at the sight of her, the exhaustion clear even in sleep. He walked over quietly, his steps light, and without hesitation, leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Chan's lips. Chan hummed in response, a small smile tugging at his lips as Hyunjin pulled away, his eyes twinkling with curiosity and impatience.Before he could say anything, Hyunjin leaned in and brushed a feather-light kiss against Alex's forehead. She stirred slightly but didn't wake, her hand subconsciously tightening around Chan's fingers. Hyunjin straightened, putting his hands on his hips as he looked down at them expectantly. "Okay," he whispered. "Tell me."Chan smirked, shifting slightly on the couch to make room for Hyunjin to sit beside him. "You're so impatient," he whispered, his hand still resting protectively on Alex's belly.Hyunjin rolled his eyes but sat down nonetheless, his gaze darting between Chan and Alex. "Can you blame me? I've been dying all day." His voice softened as he glanced at Alex, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "How's she doing?"Chan exhaled softly. "She's exhausted, but she's okay. The scan went well... and—" He paused for dramatic effect, watching Hyunjin's eyes widen in anticipation.Hyunjin narrowed his eyes. "Chan. If you don't tell me right now, I swear I'll—""We're having a girl," Chan whispered, his voice barely above a breath, but the pride and love in it were unmistakable.Hyunjin froze, his lips parting in shock as the words settled in. He blinked a few times, processing, before a wide, incredulous grin spread across his face. "A girl?" he repeated, his voice cracking slightly with emotion.Chan nodded, his own smile mirroring Hyunjin's. "A baby girl," he confirmed, unable to keep the overwhelming joy from his face. "Our little princess."Hyunjin let out a breathy laugh, his eyes glistening as he looked down at Alex's belly with newfound reverence. "Oh my God..." He placed a tentative hand over Chan's, resting gently on Alex's belly. "A little girl," he whispered, his voice full of wonder. "I can't believe it."Chan chuckled, watching Hyunjin's reaction fondly. "I know. It feels unreal, right?"Hyunjin nodded, still in awe. "She's going to be perfect," he murmured. Then, his expression shifted, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "You know I'm going to spoil her rotten, right?"Chan groaned playfully. "I already knew that the moment we found out. Between you, Felix, and the rest of the guys, she's going to be drowning in plushies and designer baby clothes."Hyunjin laughed softly but then sobered as he glanced at Alex again. "She's going to be the most loved little girl in the world." His hand lingered a moment longer on Alex's belly before he leaned back, rubbing his face as if to ground himself. "I'm so happy for you guys... for us."Chan nodded, his own emotions swelling in his chest. "Me too." He glanced down at Alex, who shifted slightly in her sleep but remained peaceful. "She's been amazing through all of this. She doesn't complain to anyone else but it's been a bit rough. The morning sickness is a near constant for her and the more the baby grows the more I can see her getting uncomfortable."Hyunjin's expression softened, his fingers tracing light circles over the back of Alex's hand. "She's strong," he murmured. "But I hate that she's going through all this without a break." He glanced at Chan, his brows furrowed in concern. "Are you making sure she's resting enough? Eating properly? You know how stubborn she can be."Chan chuckled softly, his fingers absentmindedly brushing over Alex's belly. "Believe me, I'm trying. Between the wedding, the pregnancy, and everything else, she's got a lot on her plate." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I feel like I'm constantly reminding her to take it easy, but you know how she is—she doesn't want to slow down."Hyunjin shook his head fondly. "Classic Alex," he murmured, gazing at her with a mix of admiration and worry. "She's always been the type to take on too much." He leaned down again, brushing another soft kiss to her forehead. "I'll talk to her. Maybe she'll listen to me."Chan raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Good luck with that."Hyunjin grinned, settling back into the couch. "Hey, I have my ways," he said confidently. "Besides, she's gonna need all the help she can get once this little princess arrives." He gave Chan a pointed look. "We both know you're going to be a total softie with her."Chan rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. "I mean, how could I not be? She's already got me wrapped around her tiny little... whatever she's got in there." He chuckled, shaking his head. "And I'm guessing you'll be no better."Hyunjin feigned an innocent look. "Me? Spoil her? Never." But the twinkle in his eyes said otherwise.They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the city outside filling the space. Hyunjin watched the rhythmic rise and fall of Alex's breathing, his hand still resting gently over hers. "She's going to be an amazing mom," he said softly.Chan nodded, his gaze tender as he watched Alex sleep. "Yeah... she already is."Hyunjin's lips curled into a soft smile. "And you're gonna be an amazing dad." He nudged Chan lightly. "Even if you do buy way too many tiny sneakers."Chan groaned. "I regret nothing."Hyunjin chuckled but then turned serious again. "You know, I meant what I said before." He looked Chan in the eye, his expression sincere. "I'm here for you guys. Whatever you need—whether it's helping with the baby, keeping Alex sane, or just making sure you don't pass out from exhaustion yourself."Chan smiled gratefully, squeezing Hyunjin's hand. "I know. And we're lucky to have you, Jinnie."Hyunjin leaned his head against the back of the couch, exhaling slowly. "Damn right you are." He glanced over at Alex once more, a soft fondness in his eyes. "She's my girl too, you know. I'd do anything for her."Chan smiled, his fingers gently stroking over Alex's hand as he glanced at Hyunjin. "I know," he said softly. "That's why I wanted this... us. I knew she needed more love, and honestly, so did I." He paused for a moment, his voice quieter. "You've brought so much into our lives, Jinnie. I don't think we could do this without you."Hyunjin's eyes softened, and he reached over to cup Chan's cheek gently. His thumb traced over his skin as he leaned in, pressing a slow, sweet kiss to Chan's lips. It was unhurried, filled with gratitude and something deeper—something that had been growing between them since the moment they'd all opened their hearts to each other.When he pulled away, his voice was soft but sure. "Thank you," he whispered, resting his forehead against Chan's. "Thank you for making room for me in all of this. I know it wasn't easy, and I know how much you and Alex have been through... but you let me in, and I don't take that for granted." His fingers tightened slightly on Chan's jaw, anchoring them in the moment. "You've given me a place I never thought I'd have, and I love you both so much."Chan exhaled slowly, his eyes shining with emotion. "You don't have to thank me, Jinnie," he murmured, his hands settling on Hyunjin's waist. "You belong with us. You always have, even before we knew it." He glanced at Alex, still sleeping peacefully, before turning back to Hyunjin with a soft smile. "She loves you, and so do I. And this little one—" He placed his hand over Hyunjin's where it rested on Alex's belly. "She's going to love you just as much."Hyunjin swallowed hard, his lips parting in a shaky exhale as he gazed down at Alex's belly. "I still can't believe it... a little girl." His voice was thick with emotion. "I'm going to spoil her rotten, you know that, right?"Chan chuckled, squeezing his waist. "Yeah, I figured. But just don't let her wrap you around her little finger too much. I need someone to help me enforce rules."Hyunjin grinned, leaning in to nuzzle against Chan's neck briefly before murmuring, "Yeah, good luck with that. She's going to have me wrapped around her finger the second she's born."Chan groaned playfully but didn't protest. He knew it was true—Hyunjin's heart was too big, too full of love not to give in completely. "Fine, but if she asks for a pony, I'm blaming you."Hyunjin laughed softly, pressing another kiss to Chan's lips, this time lingering just a little longer. "Deal," he whispered against his mouth.A soft sigh from Alex made them both freeze, eyes snapping to her face. She stirred slightly, shifting against the cushions but didn't wake. Chan let out a quiet chuckle. "We should probably stop making out over my pregnant fiancée," he whispered.Hyunjin grinned sheepishly. "Probably," he admitted, but he didn't move far, instead curling up beside Chan, their fingers still intertwined over Alex's belly. "But I'm staying. I want to be here when she wakes up."Chan kissed the top of his head, resting his chin against Hyunjin's hair. "Stay as long as you want," he murmured. "You're home."Hyunjin smiled against his shoulder, closing his eyes as he listened to the steady sound of Alex's breathing, the warmth of Chan beside him grounding him in a way he never thought possible. "Yeah," he whispered. "I really am."