Chapter Text
The soft glow of the morning sun spilled through the curtains, bathing the small bedroom in golden light. Outside, the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds signaled the start of a new day. Inside, however, two little boys remained nestled in their warm beds, oblivious to the world waking around them.
The bedroom door creaked open, and a graceful woman in her late thirties stepped inside. Park Hana, the heart of the household, gazed fondly at her two sleeping children. A small smile played on her lips as she walked over to the window beside her eldest son’s bed and pulled back the curtains.
The sunlight streamed in, hitting the face of seven-year-old Park Jimin. He groaned, shifting under the covers, his small body curling into itself in protest.
Hana let out a soft chuckle, watching her son’s adorable resistance to waking up. She moved closer, gently shaking his shoulder.
“Chim-ah, time to wake up, sweetheart,” she cooed, her voice warm with affection. “It’s already 7 AM. You don’t want to be late for school, do you?”
Jimin grumbled something incoherent before turning away from her, burying his face deeper into the pillow. “Just five more minutes, eomma…” he mumbled, his voice heavy with sleep.
Hana shook her head with a knowing smile. “You always say that, my love. Come on, up you go.”
Jimin cracked one eye open, pouting. “Eomma, you always wake me up first. Why don’t you wake up your younger son today so I can sleep a little longer?”
Hana laughed at his attempt to escape and turned toward the other bed, where her youngest was still lost in dreams. Unlike his brother, five-year-old Jeon Jungkook was a peaceful sleeper, his tiny hands clutching his beloved teddy bear. His soft hair curled slightly against his forehead; his lips parted in quiet breaths.
Hana sat beside him, her fingers tenderly brushing through his hair before she placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.
“Kookie baby,” she whispered, her tone as sweet as honey. “Time to wake up, my love.”
Jungkook stirred, his little nose scrunching before his doe eyes fluttered open. He blinked up at his mother sleepily, a drowsy smile stretching across his face.
“Eomma…” he murmured, his voice small and laced with sleep. He reached for her with chubby hands, letting out a tiny yawn. “Kookie sweepy…”
Hana cooed at his cuteness, pressing another kiss to his forehead. “I know, baby, but you have to wake up now. You don’t want to be late for yuchiwon (Korean term for kindergarten), do you?”
Jungkook let out a soft whine, snuggling closer to his teddy. “Can Kookie sweep a wittle more?” He pouted up at her, blinking his big doe eyes.
Hana giggled, melting at the sight. “No, sweetheart. You’re eomma’s big boy, aren’t you?”
At that, Jungkook perked up, rubbing his sleepy eyes as he sat up. “Mmm… Kookie big boy!” he declared proudly, his bunny teeth peeking through his grin.
Hana laughed, caressing his chubby cheek. “That’s right, my love. Now, be a good boy and wake your hyung for me, okay? He’s being lazy again.”
Jungkook eagerly nodded, clutching his teddy bear as he hopped out of bed. He waddled over to his brother’s side and placed a tiny hand on Jimin’s arm, shaking him gently.
“Hyungie, wakey wakey!” he chirped in his baby voice. “See? Kookie awake! Now Hyungie wake too!”
Jimin groaned dramatically, flipping onto his stomach.
Jungkook puffed out his cheeks. “Hyungie, come on!” He shook him again, his little brows furrowing.
Jimin whined. “Jungkookie, let hyung sleep for five more minutes…”
Jungkook paused, thinking hard. Then, a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. He leaned in and whispered, “If Hyungie no wake up… Kookie tell eomma Hyungie eat wast piece of cake yestewday…”
Jimin’s eyes flew open in an instant. “Yah!” he gasped, bolting upright. “I’m up! I’m up! You don’t have to tell eomma anything!”
Jungkook giggled triumphantly, clapping his hands. “It’s a piece of cake to wake Hyungie up!”
Jimin groaned, ruffling his little brother’s hair. “You little brat.”
Jungkook stuck his tongue out playfully before scampering away, his tiny feet pattering against the floor. “Catch Kookie if Hyungie can!”
Jimin huffed but quickly chased after him. Their laughter echoed through the house, filling the morning with warmth.
A Family Bond Like No Other Park Jimin and Jeon Jungkook were not biologically related, yet they shared a bond as deep as any real siblings.
Their parents, Park Hana and Jeon Hyunwoo, had married when Jimin was three and Jungkook was just a year old. Both had lost their first spouses at a young age and had been introduced through mutual relatives. Initially, their marriage had been one of necessity, built on the desire to provide their children with a stable home. But as time passed, love blossomed between them, turning their once-arranged union into a true partnership.
Hyunwoo had never pressured Hana to change her surname, respecting her wish to honor her late husband’s name. As a result, Jimin and Jungkook carried different last names, yet they never saw each other as anything less than brothers. Jimin, being the elder, cared for Jungkook like a protective older brother, while Jungkook adored his hyung more than anyone in the world.
Once the boys had washed up, they hurried to the dining room, where the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filled the air. Seated at the table was their father, Jeon Hyunwoo, sipping his morning coffee. Upon seeing his children, he set down his cup and spread his arms wide.
“My little munchkins!” he greeted warmly, pulling them into a tight embrace. He placed a kiss on each of their foreheads, his heart swelling with love.
“Appa!” Jungkook giggled, snuggling into his father’s chest. “Kookie awake fiwst today!”
“Did you now?” Hyunwoo chuckled, ruffling his youngest son’s hair. “That’s my big boy.”
Hana brought their plates over, serving them a hearty breakfast. “Eat well, my loves,” she said, brushing their hair back affectionately.
As they ate, the boys chattered excitedly—Jimin talking about his upcoming school activities, and Jungkook babbling about his friends in kindergarten. Their parents listened fondly; their hearts full.
Once breakfast was finished, the boys grabbed their school bags. Jungkook toddled over to his mother, wrapping his tiny arms around her.
“Bye-bye, eomma! Kookie go now!” he chirped, pressing a big, wet kiss to her cheek.
Jimin followed, hugging her as well. “Bye, eomma! See you later.”
“Be good, both of you,” Hana reminded them, kissing their foreheads.
Hand in hand, the two little brothers left for school with their appa, their laughter ringing through the morning air.
And just like that, another beautiful day began in the Jeon household—a home filled with warmth, love, and the unbreakable bond of two inseparable brothers.
The afternoon sun bathed the Jeon household in a warm glow. The house was unusually quiet—both little ones, Jimin and Jungkook, were away at school and kindergarten, and their father, Jeon Hyunwoo, was at work. With the rare silence, Hana busied herself in the small garden outside, watering the plants she had been tending to for months.
As she carefully watered the young plants, the sound of moving trucks and unfamiliar voices from the neighboring house caught her attention. She straightened, wiping her hands on her apron, and noticed a family settling into the house next door.
A tall man was giving instructions to the movers while two boys played in the garden, their laughter ringing in the air. Hana’s gaze softened at the sight before she turned her attention to a woman standing near the entrance. Their eyes met, and the woman offered a warm smile.
Taking it as an invitation, Hana approached. "Welcome to the neighbourhood! I’m Park Hana. How are you settling in?"
The woman’s face lit up. "Oh my, it’s so nice to meet you! Thank you. I’m Kim Soyeon. I’m still getting used to everything, but the neighbourhood feels really nice. It’s a lovely area—we’re excited to be here."
Hana smiled warmly. "That’s wonderful to hear. Moving can be exhausting. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask."
Soyeon smiled warmly. "Oh, tell me about it! Moving is no joke. It's been a bit hectic, but that's very kind of you, Hana-ssi. I’ll definitely keep that in mind."
Their conversation flowed smoothly as they exchanged pleasantries. Soon, Soyeon introduced her family.
"That’s my husband, Kim Hyunseok," she said, gesturing toward the man still busy directing the movers. A fond smile touched her lips before she turned back to them. "And these are our sons—Namjoon and Taehyung."
She called the boys over, her voice warm yet firm. "Come here, boys, and introduce yourselves properly."
The two boys approached, standing side by side with contrasting expressions—Namjoon with a quiet confidence, and Taehyung with bright, curious eyes.
Namjoon flashed a big smile, his eyes shining with excitement. "Hello, my name is Kim Namjoon. I’m 10 years old, and I’m in fourth grade."
Then, Taehyung stepped forward, a small grin on his face as he introduced himself. "I’m Kim Taehyung! I’m 7 years old. I’m in first grade."
Park Hana smiled warmly at the boys, her eyes twinkling with fondness. "What well-mannered young gentlemen!" she praised. "You both are so handsome and polite."
She then glanced at Soyeon with a gentle laugh. "I also have two sons. My eldest is 7 years old—just like Taehyung! And my youngest is 5. I’m sure they will all become best friends in no time."
Turning to Namjoon, she added with a playful but affectionate tone, "And since you’re the oldest here, Namjoon, you’ll have to look after them as their hyung."
Namjoon straightened his back slightly, with a grin, his dimples appearing. "Of course! I’ll take care of them; You can count on me!" he agreed confidently.
Not wanting to be left out, Taehyung quickly piped up, puffing out his small chest. "I’ll take care of them too!" he declared, his determination making everyone chuckle.
Hana ruffled his hair with a laugh. “Oh, will you now? That’s a big responsibility, little soldier,” she teased. “But I believe in you.”
Taehyung grinned at her, his boxy smile lighting up his face.
The adults exchanged amused glances before laughter filled the air, warmed by the innocence of childhood.
After chatting for a little while, Hana hesitated briefly before offering, " You must all be tired from moving in. Why don’t you all join us for tea this evening? It would be a great opportunity to get to know each other better."
Kim Soyeon looked pleasantly surprised and replied, "We’d love that. Thank you!"
As evening fell, the Kim family arrived at the Jeon household. Hana welcomed them in with a warm smile, ushering them toward the cozy living room.
"Make yourselves comfortable," she said, offering them water before heading to the kitchen. Soon, she returned with a tray of neatly arranged snacks and freshly brewed tea.
As they settled in, the conversation flowed easily.
"You have a beautiful home, Hana-ssi," Hyunseok commented, glancing around appreciatively.
"Thank you," Hana replied, setting down the tea. "It’s been our home for years now. We’ve made many wonderful memories here."
She smiled warmly before adding, "Hyunseok-nim, there's no need for such formalities between us. We're neighbours, after all. You can just call me Hana."
Hyunseok chuckled, nodding. "Alright, Hana-yah. That does feel more natural."
Kim Soyeon, who had been admiring the decor, spoke up with a warm smile. "I have to agree with Hyunseok—your home has such a welcoming atmosphere. It feels like the kind of place where happiness lingers."
Hana chuckled. "That’s so kind of you, Soyeon-ssi. But please, if Hyunseok-nim is dropping the formalities, you should too."
Soyeon hesitated for a second, then smiled. "Alright, but only if you call me Soyeon too."
Hana grinned. "Deal, Soyeon."
Soyeon exchanged a quick glance with her husband before nodding in satisfaction. "I have to say, I love what you’ve done with the living room. The colour palette is so elegant, but still cozy."
Hana beamed. "I’m so glad you think so. I’ve made little changes over the years, but I’ve always wanted it to feel like a space where people can truly relax."
Soyeon took a sip of her tea and sighed contentedly. "And this tea! It’s wonderful. Did you blend it yourself?"
Hana grinned. "I did, actually. A mix of chamomile, ginger, and a hint of honey."
Soyeon’s eyes widened in delight. "No wonder it tastes so comforting. You’ll have to share your secret with me sometime."
"Anytime, Soyeon. Consider it a neighbourly gift," Hana replied with a smile before turning her attention to the two boys sitting beside their parents, who were busy eating. "Do you like the food?"
Taehyung, cheeks full, nodded enthusiastically. "It’s really yummy, imo!"
Namjoon, more composed, swallowed before adding, "It tastes like something made with love."
Hana chuckled. "What well-mannered boys."
Before the conversation could continue, the sound of tiny, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.
"Eomma~! Kookie's back!"
A little voice filled the air as Jungkook ran straight toward his mother. However, as soon as he noticed the unfamiliar faces in the room, he skidded to a stop, his big doe eyes widening. Shyness instantly took over, and he instinctively clutched the strap of his tiny backpack.
The Kim family collectively cooed at the adorable sight.
Hana smiled as she reached him, crouching down and opening her arms. "Aigoo, my baby is home!" She pulled him into her embrace, rubbing his tiny back affectionately. "Come say hello, Kookie. We have guests."
Jungkook hesitated, pressing his face against her shoulder, his cheeks turning pink.
Soyeon clasped her hands together, beaming. "Oh my, he’s absolutely precious!"
Hana gently set Jungkook down and smoothed his hair. "Sweetheart, introduce yourself."
The little boy fidgeted before shyly mumbling, "Hewwo... Jungkookie is me..."
The entire room melted at his tiny introduction.
Soyeon immediately reached out, cupping his chubby cheeks before planting a soft kiss on one. "You’re the cutest little thing!"
Jungkook let out a tiny squeak of embarrassment and quickly hid behind his mother, clutching onto her legs.
Hana chuckled. "Don’t be shy, baby. This is Soyeon imo and Hyunseok samchon."
The boy peeked out, giving them a small nod.
Hana continues, pointing towards the boys. "And these are your hyung’s. This is Namjoon hyung," she says, gesturing toward Namjoon. "And that's Taehyung hyung," she adds, motioning towards Taehyung.
Jungkook peeks up at them with his big, round eyes before quickly looking down again, gripping the hem of his tiny shirt. He shuffles his feet and mumbles in his soft baby voice, "Hewwo, hyungie..." and again hid behind his mother.
Namjoon grinned as he stepped forward, his eyes immediately finding the small figure peeking from behind his mother’s legs. A chuckle escaped his lips as he crouched down, leveling himself with the shy little boy.
“Hi, Jungkookie. I’m Namjoon hyung,” he introduced himself warmly, his dimples appearing as he smiled.
Jungkook, with his round, doe-like eyes, blinked up at him hesitantly, clutching the hem of his mother’s dress tighter. He wasn’t used to strangers, especially ones as tall and confident as this hyung.
But before he could react, Namjoon suddenly scooped him up with ease, effortlessly lifting him into the air.
“Wahhh, you’re even cuter up close!” Namjoon cooed, spinning him slightly in his arms.
Jungkook let out a startled squeal, his tiny hands flailing as he squirmed. “Hyungie, put Kookie down!” he whined, his cheeks turning pink from embarrassment.
Namjoon laughed at his reaction, finding the little one absolutely adorable. “Alright, alright, I got you,” he said, finally setting Jungkook back on the ground.
As soon as his tiny feet touched the ground, Jungkook pouted, puffing his cheeks as he smoothed out his little shirt. “Hmph! No pick Kookie up ‘gain!” he huffed, but his voice was too tiny to sound intimidating.
Before he could escape back to his eomma’s side, another figure knelt in front of him—this time, it was Taehyung.
Unlike Namjoon’s playful demeanor, Taehyung was quiet as he studied the little boy before him. His deep brown eyes scanned Jungkook’s face with an unreadable expression, making the younger fidget under his gaze.
Jungkook shuffled slightly, glancing down at his small fingers. “U-Um…” he mumbled, unsure of what to say.
Then, out of nowhere, Taehyung’s lips curved into a wide, boxy grin, and a soft giggle bubbled from his throat. “He looks like a bunny!” he suddenly announced.
The room fell silent for a second before bursting into laughter. Even Namjoon doubled over, clapping his hands in amusement.
Jungkook, however, puffed out his tiny cheeks in protest, his little arms crossing over his chest. “K-Kookie ish not bunny!” he huffed, stomping his foot slightly.
That only made everyone laugh even harder.
Namjoon wiped away a tear of amusement while Taehyung continued to chuckle. “You totally are! Look at those big, round eyes and chubby cheeks!”
Jungkook’s nose scrunched up in protest. "K-Kookie not bunny!" he huffed before turning on his heel and running away.
The room erupted into laughter just as the front door opened.
“We’re home!” Jeon Hyunwoo, Jungkook and Jimin’s father, announced as he stepped inside with Jimin.
Hana, who had been setting the table, turned around with a warm smile. “Welcome back honey.” She walked over to take his coat, smoothing it out before hanging it up. “How was work?”
Hyunwoo sighed as he stretched his shoulders. “Exhausting as always, but coming home to you all makes it worth it.” He glanced around, noticing the guests and then the lively atmosphere. “What’s going on?”
Hana chuckled as she motioned toward the group. “We have guests.” She informed him, before introducing them. She then leaned in slightly, lowering her voice playfully. “Also, your youngest is sulking again.”
Hyunwoo raised a brow, amused. “Oh? What happened this time?”
“Taehyung called him ‘bunny,’” Hana explained with a fond shake of her head.
Hyunwoo let out a hearty chuckle. “Ah, of course.” Hyunwoo greeted everyone with a warm smile and took a seat. He turned to Jimin, ruffling his hair. “Go on, introduce yourself properly.”
Jimin stood up straight and smiled. “Hello! I’m Park Jimin.”
After the introductions, Hyunwoo looked around once more. “Now, where’s our little Kookie?”
Hana answered, “He ran off to his room after Taehyung called him ‘bunny.’”
Jimin turned to Taehyung with a teasing smile. “Did you really call him ‘Bunny’?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Taehyung looked momentarily puzzled before nodding. “Yeah,” he admitted, “I can’t help it— His big, round eyes, chubby cheeks, and the way his nose scrunches up when he pouts—it’s just like a bunny.”
Jimin burst into laughter and held up his hand for a high-five. “We’re on the same team then! I too think Jungkook is a bunny.”
Taehyung smirked and returned the high-five. Their giggles filled the room, and Namjoon simply shook his head with an amused sigh.
Laughter erupted again at that. Meanwhile, Jungkook, who had been hiding behind a pillar, peeked out at the sound of his father’s voice. However, upon hearing Jimin’s words, he stomped his foot and shouted, “KOOKIE ISH NOT A BUNNY!” before darting off to his room.
Hyunwoo shook his head, chuckling. “That boy.”
As the adults continued chatting, Jimin, Taehyung, and Namjoon sat together. Taehyung looked a little guilty, glancing toward the hallway where Jungkook had disappeared.
“I think I upset him,” Taehyung mumbled. “If I hadn’t called him ‘bunny,’ he’d still be here with us.”
Jimin giggled and patted his shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Just wait—he’ll be back in ten minutes. He always does that.”
Sure enough, exactly ten minutes later, the sound of tiny footsteps echoed through the hallway. Jimin smirked and nudged Taehyung. “Told you.”
Jungkook shuffled into the room, looking down with a small pout as he sat beside Jimin.
Everyone cooed at his cuteness, making the little boy huff in embarrassment. Taehyung, sitting on the floor near the coffee table, kept stealing glances at the tiny boy. He nudged his brother. "Hyung, why is Jungkookie so sulky?"
Namjoon chuckled. "You teased him too much. He’s shy."
"But he’s so small and cute," Taehyung whispered dramatically, as if that excused his behavior.
Jimin, sitting beside Namjoon, giggled. "He does this a lot. When he gets shy, he hides and pouts."
Taehyung’s eyes widened. "Really?"
Jimin nodded, resting his chin on his hands. "But if you give him food, he stops pouting."
At that, Taehyung’s face brightened. He immediately turned to the plate of snacks on the table, grabbed a small piece of cake, and crawled over to Jungkook, who was still nestled beside Jimin.
"Jungkook-ah," Taehyung called softly.
Jungkook peeked at him but quickly turned his head away with a tiny huff.
Taehyung pouted. "Aigoo, don’t be mad! Look, I got cake!" He held out the small bite-sized piece, waving it in front of Jungkook’s face. "It’s yummy!"
Jungkook peeked again, his little nose twitching at the sweet smell. He hesitated before mumbling, "No…"
Taehyung tilted his head. "Are you sure? I am going to eat it…" He brought the cake closer to his mouth, pretending to take a bite.
Before he could, Jungkook quickly snatched it from his hand and popped it into his mouth, his tiny cheeks puffing out as he chewed.
Taehyung gasped dramatically. "Yah! You said no, but you ate it!"
Jungkook, still chewing, blinked up at him innocently before covering his mouth with his tiny hands. "K-Kookie didn’t eat…"
Jimin burst out laughing. "Kookie, we all saw you!"
Hana chuckled, gently ruffling Jungkook’s hair. "Baby, say thank you to Taehyung hyung."
Jungkook hesitated before mumbling, "T-Tankoo…"
Taehyung grinned, proud of himself. "See? Now we’re friends!"
Jungkook stared at him for a moment before nodding shyly, his tiny hand reaching out to tug at Taehyung’s sleeve. "Tae-Tae hyung…"
Taehyung’s eyes sparkled. "You called me hyung!"
Jungkook shyly looked down, playing with his fingers. "Tae-Tae hyung…" he mumbled again.
Taehyung beamed, feeling victorious. He quickly grabbed Jungkook’s tiny hands and held them in his own. "Let’s play together later, okay?"
Jungkook hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Mmm… but Tae-Tae hyung no call Kookie bunny."
Taehyung giggled. "Okay, okay, I promise!" (But some promises were meant to be broken, don't you think? 😏)
Just then, Namjoon turned to Jimin. "What do you like to do, Jimin-ah?"
Jimin perked up. "I like dancing!"
Namjoon’s eyes widened. "Really? That’s so cool!"
Jimin giggled. "I want to be a dancer when I grow up!"
"That’s a great dream," Namjoon said, smiling. "I like reading and learning new things."
Jimin blinked. "Waaah, you must be really smart, hyung!"
Namjoon chuckled. "I try to be."
The two continued chatting, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Meanwhile, Taehyung was busy poking Jungkook’s cheeks, making the younger whine in protest.
"Hyungie, noooo!" Jungkook whined, swatting at Taehyung’s hands.
"But your cheeks are squishy!" Taehyung grinned.
Jungkook pouted. "Kookie not squishy!"
Taehyung giggled. "Okay, okay. But let’s play hide and seek after dinner, okay?"
Jungkook thought for a moment before nodding eagerly. "Mmm! With Jimin and Namjoon hyung too!"
Jimin smiled "Of course, Kookie-ah." And Namjoon nodded.
Hana and Soyeon exchanged smiles as they watched their children bonding so naturally.
"I think our boys will be very close," Soyeon said warmly.
Hana nodded. "Yes… I can already tell they’re going to make many memories together."
As laughter and chatter filled the Jeon household that evening, a new chapter of friendship had begun.
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