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Seonghwa often wondered how he got so lucky. He had a career he loved, a group of brothers he adored, and a fanbase that showered them with love. But what really blew his mind was that he was dating not one, but two guys he’d been crushing on for years: Kim Hongjoong and Choi Jongho. It had taken him years of silent "gay panic" and internal mental breakdances, but one day he finally hit his limit. He just couldn't keep his feelings inside anymore.
One day, after a long day of group dance practice, Seonghwa wanted to be alone, so he told the other members that he'll stay back for a bit longer. He wanted to run through the choreography one more time, just to clear his head. Everyone else agreed to head back to the dorm, but Hongjoong and Jongho insisted on staying with him. The music started, and as the familiar song filled the large, empty room, Seonghwa felt all the feelings he’d been stuffing down bubble up to the surface at the presence of Hongjoong and Jongho. He felt out of control. With just the three of them, he couldn't hide anymore. Mid-song, he stomped his foot to a halt, the sudden silence deafening as the music cut off. He turned to face them, tears already streaming down his face.
"I can't do this anymore," he choked out, his voice a raw whisper. "I... I think...No...I love you both... I have for years and... and I can't keep pretending... pretending that I don't..."
He sobbed, a fresh wave of tears flowing down his cheeks. He could only stand there, waiting for the anger or disgust to come.
"Please... Please... don't hate me," he begged, burying his face in his hands. "Please."
The silence stretched, and he braced himself for the worst. But instead, he felt two sets of hands on his arms, gently pulling them away from his face. Jongho's expression was a mix of shock and utter fondness, while Hongjoong looked at him with a soft, gentle smile.
"You idiot," Hongjoong said softly, pulling him into a tight hug. "How could we ever hate you for that? We feel the exact same way."
Jongho joined in, their arms a tight, warm circle around Seonghwa and Hongjoong.
"Don't cry anymore, hyungie," Jongho murmured, his voice muffled against Seonghwa's shoulder. "Please?"
Seonghwa finally let out a shaky breath, the dam of his emotions breaking as he clung to them both. After they had calmed down and pulled away, their hands holding his, Hongjoong looked at him with a serious but gentle expression.
"We'll navigate this," he promised, giving his hand a squeeze. "All of us. Together."
That night, after more talking they officially established their new, happy, and slightly chaotic relationship.
A few weeks into their new relationship, Seonghwa, Hongjoong, and Jongho decided it was time to tell the others. Back at the dorm, with all eight of them gathered in the living room, a nervous silence fell over the group. Hongjoong cleared his throat, his voice unusually quiet as he began.
"We have something to tell you guys," he said as he laced his fingers with Seonghwa and Jongho.
Wooyoung's eyes went wide in knowing. For a second, he just sat there, and then he leaped from the couch, his voice booming through the room.
"I FUCKING KNEW IT!" he yelled, pumping his fists in the air. "I told you guys! I told you! Look at them! They're fucking dating!"
A chorus of sounds followed his outburst—a mix of laughter, cheers, and knowing sighs.
"Finally," Yunho said with a dramatic eye-roll. "To be honest, it was getting ridiculous."
"Yeah, you guys were so obvious," San chimed in, a smirk on his face. "We had a bet going."
"Who won?" Jongho asked with a grin, happy to see their easy acceptance.
"Wooyoung," Mingi said, pointing to the triumphant man. "He's been going on about it for months."
"Wait, how did you know?" Hongjoong asked, genuinely curious. All eyes turned to a blushing Seonghwa, who had been trying to shrink into the couch cushions.
"You guys started to look at each other differently," Yeosang explained with a smile. "Seonghwa always blushes when he’s around you. Plus, the way Hongjoong and Jongho started being all soft... it was a dead giveaway."
After the congratulations and the teasing died down, Wooyoung clapped Seonghwa on the back, a wide grin still plastered on his face.
"Okay, so," he began, "you and I are switching rooms."
Seonghwa’s eyes went wide, and he immediately shook his head. "Wooyoung, no, don't be ridiculous," he said, trying to decline.
"I'm not being ridiculous," Wooyoung insisted, his expression suddenly serious. "It's the only logical thing to do. The three of you need your space." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "Besides, with you gone, I can finally try to seduce two oblivious dumbasses." He gave a quick glance toward San and Mingi, who were still talking to Jongho.
Seonghwa sighed, but a small, fond smile touched his lips. He knew Wooyoung was right. He looked at Jongho and Hongjoong, who were watching with supportive smiles, and a warm feeling spread through his chest.
"Fine," Seonghwa relented.
Wooyoung's grin returned, wide and triumphant. "YES!" he yelled, already heading to his room to pack his things. "I knew you're the best, hyungieee."
After the room switch, the three of them quickly fell into a new routine. After a long day of schedules, Seonghwa would be the one to make sure Hongjoong and Jongho were all settled before he did his own thing. It was a role he took on naturally, his own love language.
If they hadn't eaten, he'd usually start making food. It was during these moments that the new dynamic started to pop up. He'd just pulled out the ingredients for a simple kimchi fried rice when Jongho appeared quietly, wrapping his arms around Seonghwa from behind.
"What can I help with, my pretty hyungie?" Jongho asked, resting his chin on Seonghwa's shoulder for a second.
"Just chop the vegetables for me," Seonghwa replied with a soft smile. "The kimchi is already done."
"Got it," Jongho said, and he let go, moving to the counter to start preparing the ingredients.
Just as they got to work, the familiar sound of Hongjoong's steps shuffled into the kitchen. He didn't say anything, just sat down at the kitchen island, his phone in his hand but his eyes on Seonghwa and Jongho.
"Taking a break, Joongie?" Seonghwa asked, not even looking up as he stirred the pan.
"Yeah," Hongjoong hummed, his voice low and content. "I’m hungry." He paused before asking, "Do you want help?"
Seonghwa chuckled softly. "No, you’re gonna either hurt yourself or one of my pans."
Jongho laughed, and he shot a look at Hongjoong. "Joongie Hyungie, just sit there and look pretty for us." He then leaned in close and whispered to Seonghwa, "He's probably gonna end up just dead staring at us cooking… maybe staring at our butts."
Jongho playfully smacked Seonghwa's backside, and the older gasped in mock offense, smacking the youngest's chest in return. Hongjoong just watched them, a small smirk on his face, before whistling.
"Hey, you two, behave," he said, the fond tone in his voice belying his words. He just smiled, his gaze warm and affectionate as he watched the scene unfold—Jongho's focused chopping and Seonghwa's easy movements at the stove. It was nothing grand, just a quiet, domestic scene, but in that moment, Seonghwa felt a sense of calm that was more profound than any grand gesture. This was their life now, and it was perfect.
Dinner was a nice. As soon as the food was ready, Seonghwa and Jongho would take the chance to feed Hongjoong, who had a reputation for not eating a lot.
"This is so good, you guys always cook something good," Hongjoong said, his mouth full as Seonghwa fed him.
"You should eat more, Joongie-yah," Seonghwa replied, his hand resting on Hongjoong's cheek.
"Yeah, eat more, hyungie," Jongho chimed in, holding up another spoonful.
Seonghwa and Jongho alternated feeding Hongjoong, teasing him as his cheeks filled up. Jongho especially liked when Hongjoong had his mouth full, muttering that he looked like a squirrel.
"Jjoongrami in real life," Seonghwa added with a giggle.
Hongjoong would just shake his head, but he always opened his mouth for them when they bring their spoon up to feed him.
On a free day, the vibe was slower and quieter. They all tended to sleep in, but even then, Seonghwa was always the first to wake up, enjoying the peaceful stillness of the dorm before Jongho woke up, and eventually, Hongjoong. Usually, Seonghwa would just sit on the living room couch, scrolling through his phone and enjoying the quiet moment to himself, waiting for one of the other two to wake up before starting brunch.
Some mornings, Jongho would insist that he cooks, while other times, Seonghwa would take the lead with Jongho as his trusty side chef. On this particular day, they were a team, the gentle sound of sizzling pans and quiet chatter filling the kitchen. The best part of these mornings, however, was waking up their leader, especially for the youngest.
Jongho’s favorite method was to drag Hongjoong's leg out from under the blankets with a loud, teasing groan. He’d grab ahold of Hongjoong's ankles and pull, letting the older man dangle on the very edge of the bed, a playful warning that it was time to start the day. "Rise and shine, hyung!" he’d announce with a triumphant grin. Other days, with Seonghwa following along to wake Hongjoong up, Jongho would wrap his arms around Seonghwa before letting their bodies fall on top of Hongjoong. They'd end up in a giggling mess of limbs and blankets.
"Just five more minutes," Hongjoong would grumble, his voice muffled by the pillows. "Please."
"Nope," Jongho would say simply. "Breakfast is ready."
“I hate you” Hongjoon mutters.
“Nope.” Seonghwa grinned, “You love us”
Everything was, in a word, amazing. Seonghwa loved his life and his boyfriends more than he could say. He'd never expected to be so happy. But even with all this happiness, he couldn't help but notice something. He knew Hongjoong and Jongho weren't the most affectionate guys in ATEEZ. For years, they had actively avoided casual skinship, only initiating touch on their own accord when they really needed to. It was a well-known fact, among the members and among the fans.
A year or so before they started dating, they had started to ease up a little; if Seonghwa initiated a touch, they'd grumble but wouldn't move away from him. Now that they were in a relationship, it seemed like they were finally the ones actively seeking his touch. Seonghwa started noticing small changes, and every time it happened, his heart would just melt.
It was in the way Hongjoong would reach for his hand under the table when they gathered for a meeting or a quiet hangout. His fingers would find Seonghwa's, lacing through them without a word. It was a quiet act that made Seonghwa’s breath hitch. Another is during a quick break between rehearsals when Jongho walked over to Seonghwa and, without a word, just leaned his head on his shoulder. He brought Seonghwa's laced fingers to his lips, his voice a low whisper against his skin. In that moment, Seonghwa felt a rush of warmth and a profound sense of safety.
They were still his two famously unaffectionate boyfriends, but the truth was, their unaffectionate title seems to be a gimmick. It wasn't about grand gestures; it was about these small, quiet acts that meant everything. And every time it happened, Seonghwa felt his heart soar, filled with a sense of safety and belonging he had never known before.
Hongjoong's role as a leader was a lot, and even though Seonghwa admired it, it always worried him. Stress was a constant for their leader no matter how well Hongjoong tried to hide it. Because of this, Seonghwa and Jongho had learned to read Hongjoong's moods and figure out how to help him deal with the stress. They'd bring him snacks, sit with him while he worked, and remind him to take breaks. Even with a two-month break coming up, Hongjoong still went back and forth to the company, often just hiding out in his studio for hours. This was a pattern Seonghwa was used to; since their debut, he'd been the one to remind Hongjoong to eat and rest. It seemed some things just wouldn't change.
Today was no different. Hongjoong woke up early, mumbling about a new idea before heading straight to his studio. Seonghwa, who had slept in a bit longer, decided to make a trip to the company to bring him lunch. As he started getting the food ready, Jongho came in, huddling behind Seonghwa and placing his hands on the oldest hips.
"What are you plan on doing today, hyungie?" Jongho asked, his voice still a little groggy, his chin resting on Seonghwa's shoulder.
"Joongie went to his studio," Seonghwa said softly, his hands busy with the ingredients. "He's probably been working all morning without a break. I’m thinking about bringing him lunch." He gently ruffled the youngest's hair, a fond smile on his face.
A smile spread across Jongho's face, making his eyes crinkle. "Let's go together," he said. "We can eat with him and just chill at the studio for the rest of the day. You know Joongie-hyung will let us." It was a perk of being Kim Hongjoong’s boyfriends—his studio wasn't just his workspace anymore; it was their shared spot.
So, they packed up the food and headed out. Jongho drove, knowing Hongjoong had taken a cab early, probably half-asleep until he got a coffee. In the car, Seonghwa took over the music and quickly texted Hongjoong.
"We're on our way with lunch!" he typed to Hongjoong, before taking over the aux. The drive was short but cozy, Jongho’s hand rested on Seonghwa’s thigh, his other on the steering wheel, without thinking, Seonghwa laced his fingers with Jongho’s, their hands fitting together perfectly.
As the song picked up, Seonghwa's excitement bubbled over. He brought their laced hands up to his lips, using them as a microphone to belt out the chorus. Jongho just smiled and hummed along, his eyes on the road. He’d break into a soft giggle whenever his pretty Hwa hyung danced in his seat, the subtle movements of his shoulders and head swaying to the beat. At a red light, Jongho gave him a quick, soft kiss that made Seonghwa’s cheeks go red and earned him a playful smack on the thigh.
When they got to the company, they went straight to Hongjoong's studio. Seonghwa had made him put in a doorbell that lit up, a small but necessary change since Hongjoong often wore headphones and wouldn't hear knocks. They knew the keypad code, but they prefer ringing the doorbell first before entering with the keypad code. The moment it sounded, the door opened. Hongjoong pulled them inside, a tired but fond smile on his face.
"Hello, my loves," Hongjoong said, his face breaking into a tired but genuinely happy smile as he pulled them inside. "This is a nice surprise."
Jongho leaned in close to Seonghwa, whispering, "Sappy." They all settled onto the big sofa inside the studio, and Seonghwa began unpacking lunch.
"So, what did you two get into this morning?" Hongjoong asked, as he sat back on his chair.
"Nothing much, we made brunch and went here" Jongho said, a playful gleam in his eyes. "Though, Hwa hyungie took over the music in the car, and then he was singing so loud and dancing in his seat!" Jongho made a sudden, silly gesture with his hands, mimicking Seonghwa's bobbing head.
Hongjoong chuckled, his eyes sparkling as he watched the imitation. "He did, huh?" he said fondly. He reached out and squeezed the youngest’s cheek. "I bet he’s such a pretty distraction."
Jongho agreed, a small smirk on his lips. "Mhmm, so I kissed him."
Seonghwa, who had been listening with a soft smile, turned a brilliant red. "Yaaa!" he said weakly, swatting at Jongho's arm. The two of them just giggled, a familiar sound that Seonghwa knew meant they had him right where they wanted him to be. For some reason, the two of them just loved it when he turned into a blushing mess.
Once the food was on the low table in front of them, the three of them began to eat. The quiet that settled over them was comfortable and peaceful, but it wasn't empty.
"This is so good," Hongjoong murmured, chewing slowly. "You guys always cook something good."
"We try," Seonghwa said with a soft smile, reaching over to feed Hongjoong a piece of meat. "You just have to eat it."
After they finished their meal, Jongho started packing up the containers, stacking them neatly on the low table. Hongjoong just smiled, his gaze warm and affectionate as he watched his two boyfriends take care of him. It was a simple, normal moment, but Seonghwa felt a sense of calm and love that was more than any grand gesture. This was it. Not the awards or the packed concert halls, but the quiet moments, the shared food, the easy comfort that filled the space between them.
Hongjoong stood, a slow, tired shuffle in his flip-flops as he walked over to the Seonghwa, who looked up, confused, about to ask if he needed something, and was just about to reach out when Hongjoong leaned forward and plopped his whole body onto him. Their chests hit with a soft thud, the breath leaving Seonghwa's lungs in a surprised gasp. Before he could even think, his arms went around Hongjoong, his hands instinctively holding on as the younger's body went completely soft in his arms.
Seonghwa had to fight the urge to squeal. Moments like this were super rare, a full-body hug from Hongjoong, usually saved for movie nights or more softer moments between them. They usually stuck to holding hands or quick cheek kisses, just fluttering touches. But here, in the studio, he was being fully held, trapped, with Hongjoong's entire weight pressed against him. He felt Hongjoong sigh and his body go completely limp in his arms, a clear sign of his exhaustion and trust.
"You okay, Joongie?" Seonghwa whispered gently, his arms tightening around him.
"Just need a quick recharge," Hongjoong mumbled back, his voice muffled against Seonghwa's neck.
Moments later, Jongho, having finished cleaning up, plopped down on top of Hongjoong. He wasn't about to miss the cuddle pile. They stayed like that for a few minutes with the only sounds being their quiet breathing and the distant hum of the computer.
Hongjoong finally managed to get out of their embrace with a fond groan. He stretched, let out a big yawn, and then gave each of them a soft kiss on the lips, a clear sign of a successful recharge. He smiled down at them as he went back to his chair.
"I’ll get back to work," Hongjoong said, his voice light. "Don’t have too much fun without me."
Jongho just grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "We'll sooooo have fun without you, and it's going to be your loss."
Hongjoong chuckled, ruffling the youngest's head before leaning down for another kiss.
After Hongjoong was back in his seat and his focus was back on his computer, Seonghwa half-expected Jongho to get off him. But he didn't. Instead, Jongho got more comfortable, settling next to Seonghwa with his head resting on his shoulder. Seonghwa hesitated for a second, then just went for it. He put his arm around Jongho in a side-hug, and Jongho's body went totally soft.
"Hyungie… cuddle?" Jongho whispered, his voice barely there.
Seonghwa's heart did a little flip. "Of course, Jjongie-bear," he replied, trying not to grin. Instead of a whine about being called a baby, he got a content hum. Seonghwa gently moved them so they were both lying down sideways on the couch, so glad he'd made Hongjoong buy such a big one. He was on his back, and Jongho was on his side, his head on Seonghwa's chest and their legs all tangled up.
"Hmm, this is nice," Jongho murmured, basically melting in Seonghwa's arms.
Seonghwa ran a hand through Jongho's hair, letting his fingers tangle in the soft strands. "It is, isn't it?" Seonghwa whispered back, his voice full of warmth. "I'm so happy like this."
"Me too," Jongho murmured, his voice now a low rumble as he nuzzled deeper into Seonghwa's chest. "Hyungie’s hugs are the best."
Seonghwa was slightly taken aback by the direct compliment. Jongho wasn't one for sappy words, and the simple declaration was more than enough to make his heart melt. He became soft for the youngest, holding Jongho a bit tighter as if to thank him for his honesty.
They basked in each other's arms, the two of them watching Hongjoong work. The leader was lost in his screen, headphones on, but he'd occasionally pull them down and swivel in his chair to ask for their opinions on a new beat or a line he had written. While cuddling, Seonghwa would sometimes feel a tug on his shirt. He'd look down to find Jongho wanting a kiss, a head pat, or a back rub. Seonghwa soaked it all up, just indulging in whatever the youngest wanted.
They exchanged hushed "I love you"s as they cuddled on the sofa, a perfect, quiet moment in their shared sanctuary. If Hongjoong overheard them, the leader would scream from his chair, "I LOVE YOU GUYS TOO!" earning a giggle from the two of them.
A couple of hours passed in comfortable quiet, when Hongjoong spun around in his chair. Seeing the two of them still tangled in their cuddle pile, he walked over and, with a mischievous grin, flopped down on top of them, earning a collective giggle.
"My turn," Hongjoong declared, demanding kisses. "I need an energy recharge."
Seonghwa was happy to give them, because it meant Hongjoong was finally taking a break. What surprised him was that after only a few minutes, Hongjoong's body went completely limp, and he was fast asleep on top of them. Seonghwa and Jongho looked at each other, confused, but they didn't mind. They just knew he really needed it. The weight of him felt like a heavy, comforting blanket. So, they adjusted their position to be more comfortable and just lay there, the quiet of the studio giving way to the soft sounds of all three of them falling into a peaceful slumber together.
From that day on, it seemed that Hongjoong and Jongho had just let loose, getting more and more comfortable with skinship, more and more bold with their touches. Their main target was obviously Seonghwa. Now, Hongjoong, the man who used to shy away from hugs, would demand daily affection, following Seonghwa around with a fake pout if he didn't get a kiss on the cheek.
One day, Seonghwa was in the kitchen when Hongjoong appeared, arms crossed and a pout on his face.
"You're so dramatic," Seonghwa teased him with a giggle, trying to brush past him.
Hongjoong just huffed, pouting. "Seonghwa doesn't love me anymore."
Jongho walked into the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water. "Says the guy who would yell if anyone touched him two years ago," Jongho said, taking a sip.
"I've got news for you," Seonghwa said, finally giving in and wrapping Hongjoong in a hug. "I still do. Way too much, apparently."
It was also super noticeable how easily Hongjoong fell asleep when he was with Seonghwa or Jongho. It wasn't just that one time in the studio; it had become a regular thing. Seonghwa had once brought it up to Wooyoung, who was always curious about the dynamics of the group.
The conversation came about on a day when Wooyoung had decided he wanted Seonghwa to himself for the day and not let have Hongjoong and Jongha have a say in it. He'd literally shoved Hongjoong and Jongho out the door with a dramatic wave and declared, "I demand a hangout day with my favorite hyung!" So, Seonghwa found himself sitting on the couch with Wooyoung, who was currently whining about his love life.
"I just don't know what to do," Wooyoung groaned, burying his face in a pillow. "Ugh, San and Mingi are so oblivious, they're not getting any of my hints. I don't know, should I just strip down and be like, 'Are you guys gonna take me to bed or what?' I'm so desperate, hyung, tell me how you did it!"
Seonghwa just shook his head, a small smile on his face. He didn't even know how he had gotten himself into this situation, landing two boyfriends who were famously known for hating skinship, and now he was the one giving dating advice.
Wooyoung sat up, his eyes pleading. "How's your relationship with them, hyung? I need to know. Tell me everything!"
"You know how those two used to avoid skinship, right?" Seonghwa said, a soft smile on his face. "But I found out recently, they've become so clingy. Like, just yesterday, Hongjoong basically whined for a kiss while hugging me… Can you believe it? Kim Hongjoong, hugging me? And Jongho too! Honestly, I don't even know who's worse at this point, them or you."
Wooyoung’s eyes went wide. "No way," he whispered, genuinely impressed.
"Yeah," Seonghwa chuckled. "I know. It's ridiculous, honestly. Another thing is, for some reason, Hongjoong falls asleep a bit more easily these days. Like, when we're all just chilling, and he's not even tired, he just... passes out."
Wooyoung's eyes widened. "I've noticed that too!" He gave Seonghwa a knowing look, a grin spreading across his face. "Guess what that means, hyung?"
Seonghwa just blinked, not understanding the playful tone. "What?"
"I got curious and looked it up," Wooyoung said with a small smile. "Apparently, the more you love someone and feel safe around them, the sleepier you get. Your presence basically makes him feel completely secure."
The word "safe" hit Seonghwa deeply, and he felt a blush spread across his face, a warmth confirming what he had already started to feel. He lowered his gaze, unable to meet Wooyoung's knowing eyes.
Wooyoung just sighed, flopping back against the sofa cushions. "It's so unfair. You and your little cuddle pile are so happy. I want to be in a relationship too!”
"It's not just Hongjoong, though," Seonghwa continued, a soft smile on his face. "Jongho too. He’s become such a cuddle bug, at this point, I think he’d die without cuddles."
Wooyoung’s eyes went wide. "Are you serious? Jongho? Cuddles? Are you sure, hyung?"
"I'm serious," Seonghwa said with a chuckle. "Sometimes, I'll wake up and find him already in my bed, having snuck in during the night. And other times," Seonghwa's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, "he'll gently carry me to his bed to cuddle."
Wooyoung moaned in pure envy. "You're kidding me."
Seonghwa just nodded, feeling a blush creep up his neck. "Yeah," he said, and a warm smile spread across his face. "And the best part is Hongjoong will sometimes join us, too. He'll just sleep beside us, with his leg touching one of ours. I just soak it all up, to be honest"
"You know," Seonghwa said softly, a small smile on his face. "You should just talk to them, Woo."
Wooyoung sighed, a long, dramatic sound. "What if I get rejected, hyung?"
"I don't think so," Seonghwa said with a gentle shrug. "It’s pretty obvious they like you too, you know."
Before Wooyoung could respond, the door to the room suddenly barged open. Jongho was standing there, his arms crossed and a smirk on his face.
"Hang out time is up," Jongho declared. "It's time to leave, Wooyoung."
Wooyoung glared at him. "Where's the 'hyung'?"
"You stole my pretty hyungie," Jongho shot back with a triumphant grin. "You don't deserve to be call hyung."
"Brat," Wooyoung grumbled.
Just then, Hongjoong appeared behind Jongho, a fond smile on his face. "Time to go back, Wooyoung-ah. San and Mingi are looking for you."
Wooyoung’s eyes immediately lit up. "Really?" he said, his face perking up. "Okay! Bye!" He bolted out the door without another word, yelling over his shoulder as he ran. "Love you, Hwa-hyung! Bye, simpass bitches!"
With Wooyoung gone, the chaotic energy instantly faded, replaced by a quiet, contented warmth. Hongjoong and Jongho immediately settled on either side of Seonghwa. Jongho pulled Seonghwa into his chest, his arms wrapping around him, while Hongjoong lay his head on Seonghwa’s lap.
Seonghwa felt himself completely melt. In the way they immediately settled on either side of him, holding onto him and claiming him in their own quiet ways, a rush of warmth spread through his body. They felt safe with him just as he felt safe with them.