Chapter Text
"Mom! Why did you leave me alone with them?" Soobin's voice cracked under the starry night sky, its serene calm contrasting sharply with his turmoil. His gaze fixated on the brightest star, tears tracing down his cheeks, staining them a rosy pink after an hour of inconsolable weeping.
"I wish you had taken me with you to meet Dad. It feels like my body is here, but my soul left long ago. It's unbearable," Soobin poured out his heart, his voice trembling with sorrow.
Eleven years had passed since his real father succumbed to cancer when Soobin was just nine. In an effort to provide him with paternal care, his grandparents orchestrated his mother's marriage to a widower, Soobin's stepfather, who had a younger son named Jayhoon. Initially resistant to sharing his mother, Soobin eventually warmed to Jayhoon as they grew closer over time.
However, life wasn't kind to Soobin. His mother was diagnosed with a worsening heart condition, a growing hole threatening her life at any moment. As her health deteriorated, his stepfather and even young Jayhoon distanced themselves from Soobin, leaving him deeply saddened by their detachment.
Months later, as his mother's condition reached a critical stage, Soobin found himself spending more time in hospital corridors than at home. With their savings depleted by medical bills, his pleas for financial help from his stepfather fell on deaf ears. Determined to support his ailing mother, Soobin juggled school with part-time jobs at convenience stores and bakeries.
By fifteen, Soobin had matured beyond his years, balancing school with work to make ends meet. One fateful evening, returning from work with a bag of bread and cupcakes-his mother's favorite-he entered the hospital to chaos. Nurses rushed past him, urgently calling for a doctor. Exhausted, he leaned against the doorframe of his mother's room, watching helplessly as medical efforts failed, and the monitor's incessant beeping silenced into a haunting flatline.
With his mother's passing, Soobin felt adrift, his once vibrant spirit dimmed to a mere existence. Taken in by his grandparents, they showered him with love, attempting to fill the void left by his mother's absence. Gradually, Soobin adjusted to this new life, finding solace in their care and support.
Yet, misfortune seemed to shadow Soobin. Within eighteen months, he lost his last remaining family. Feeling abandoned by fate, he reluctantly moved in with his indifferent stepfather and stepbrother, compelled to plead for even basic necessities like school fees. Prohibited from working, he clung to two possessions: a cherished radio, a gift from his mother that offered fleeting happiness through music, and a cell phone, a lifeline from his grandparents.
Now, Soobin faced the daunting task of funding his college education. However, with his stepfather's restrictions on part-time work, he felt trapped. Desperate, he turned to the one person left in his life-Choi Yeonjun, his step-uncle's son and long-time confidant. Though their interactions had waned since Yeonjun's departure for dance training, Soobin hesitated to burden him with his troubles, often responding with a brief "yes" whenever Yeonjun reached out, asking if he was okay.
Long story short, Soobin found immense joy and comfort in Yeonjun's company.
Soobin hesitated, contemplating whether to reach out to Yeonjun for help. 'Should I ask him for help?' he pondered, clutching his phone tightly. 'No, no, no! He's struggling too,' he muttered to himself, slipping the phone back into his pocket.
Meanwhile, Yeonjun faced his own challenges in Seoul, the bustling capital city. Following his father's passing two years ago, he took on the responsibility of supporting himself and his mother, who had moved in with him. Unaware of Soobin's hardships and his uncle's treatment, Yeonjun juggled his dance training with a job as a dance teacher at a local school.
Lost in his thoughts, Soobin's phone buzzed with a new message.
Soobin pulled out his phone and a bright smile spread across his face as he glanced at the notification. Without hesitation, he tapped to open it.
Jjunie hyung
hey binnie!!
Oh! Hyung!! Hii!!
How are you?
I'm fine
actually, I texted you to tell that
I'm coming to meet you
really??!!
but why so suddenly?
is everything okay, hyung?
yes, yes everything is fine!
actually, our school has a branch
there too and their college needs
a dance teacher, so they are sending
me over there
yaah!! I'll be living with you for
some time
I'm so excited!! It's been so long since
we had a proper talk or spent some
time together :(
you're right, hyung!
So, when are you coming?
after two days!!
tell uncle too. I tried to reach him
but his phone is off since morning
oh!
Okay! I'll tell him later
Have a safe journey, hyung!
And tell me once you get here,
I'll pick you up!
Okay binnie!
see you soon 😘
Yaah! you don't have to do
this🙄
aaa!! Waeee!?!!
you know I loveee you, right?😉
whatever 😑
byee! and take care
you too, sweetheart 😘😘
ugh!!
😁😁
okie okie
byeee!!
hmm. that's better!
"God! He's such a flirt!" Soobin chuckled to himself, sliding his phone back into his pocket. With the night darkening around him, he began his walk home.
"Home." Did Soobin really have one? Home, to him, wasn't a place of safety, happiness, love, or respect. It was merely a house-bricks, cement, and a roof over his head. Ever since losing his parents and then his grandparents, there was nothing left that felt like home. Yet, he had to return to that place, or face the wrath of his stepfather and younger stepbrother.
Tonight, he arrived later than usual to prepare dinner, and they were already yelling at him for being just fifteen minutes behind schedule. It seemed absurd to Soobin. Nonetheless, he hurried to cook as fast as possible, serving them within half an hour. But the harsh words continued. His stepfather threatened punishment, and Soobin knew what that meant.
Yes, he went to bed with an empty stomach again. It had become routine, one that he had grown oddly accustomed to. More than three nights a week, he faced this. Each time, his pillow absorbed his tears and silent screams-a reliable confidant.
Right now, his mind was blank. He simply wished these two days would pass quickly so he could see his hyung.
Every day, Soobin searched for something to look forward to, a reason to keep going. Right now, that reason was Yeonjun.
Next day, Soobin woke with a sigh of relief as the two days finally passed, each second feeling like an eternity.
From the moment he opened his eyes, Soobin kept glancing at his phone, hoping for a text from Yeonjun.
The sun reached its zenith, marking noon. Growing more curious, Soobin decided to text and inquire about Yeonjun's arrival.
He typed out a message:
Jjunie hyung
hyung!!
You got the bus?
Yes!!
I'll let you know when I get there!
Okay!
Be safe!
yes, sir 🫡
''just few hours more!'' Soobin felt a wave of happiness wash over him for the first time in what felt like ages, his lips curving into the brightest smile imaginable.
He hurried to the kitchen, moving with newfound energy, and began preparing lunch at lightning speed. Serving the food quickly, he washed the dishes in record time.
Once chores were done, Soobin retreated to his room and lay down on his bed. Thoughts of reuniting with Yeonjun filled his mind, reminiscing about their shared past-playing together, attending school, and Yeonjun teasing him by riding his bicycle recklessly, knowing it terrified Soobin. Sharp turns and unexpected maneuvers always resulted in playful retaliations from Soobin's large hands.
Lost in these memories, Soobin glanced at the wall clock. "Oh no, it's only been a little while," he sighed. "I should take a nap to make time pass faster." Setting an alarm on his phone for when he estimated Yeonjun's bus would arrive, he pulled the sheet over himself and drifted into sleep.
Soobin woke abruptly to the persistent ringing of his phone. He groggily pressed the volume button to silence it, stretching his arms as he pulled himself upright. After washing his face and changing into a black hoodie, grey joggers, and black sports shoes, he headed to the kitchen to prepare tea for his 'so-called' family members.
As he waited for the water to boil, Soobin's thoughts drifted. Where had it all gone wrong? Everything had been fine when his mother was alive. His stepfather had never treated him this way before. And Jayhoon, his younger stepbrother, used to adore him. Since joining the family, Jayhoon had stuck to Soobin like glue-playing together, sharing meals, going out, even sleeping next to him. But now, everything has changed. Why were they treating him like this? What had he done to deserve this?
The one bright spot in his new life was Yeonjun, his older brother figure. Grateful for Yeonjun's presence, Soobin found solace in their bond.
Lost in thoughts of his guardian angel, Soobin's phone chimed with a text from Yeonjun.
Jjunie hyung
Soobin-ahh!!
I'll be there within half an hour
Okay!
I'll be there on time!
"I've got to go now," Soobin muttered to himself. Quickly turning off the stove, he poured the freshly brewed tea into a teapot and set it on the dining table. With a habitual knock on the doors of his stepfather and Jayhoon's rooms, he dashed out of the house.
Soobin felt a surge of happiness that words couldn't fully express. He was about to see his hyung after what felt like an eternity!
Soobin reached the bus stop well before time, having run all the way there. Minutes ticked by like hours until finally, Yeonjun's bus pulled up. As soon as Yeonjun stepped off, Soobin started waving both hands enthusiastically, calling out, 'Yeonjun hyung!! Over here!!' amidst the crowd of students and other waiting people.
Students rushed to board the bus, and Soobin jumped up and down to make himself more visible among the crowd. Yeonjun smiled at Soobin's antics, understanding how excited he must be to see him.
When they finally met face to face, Soobin threw himself at Yeonjun, confident that his hyung would catch him. Yeonjun staggered slightly but held steady, wrapping his arms around Soobin's shoulders.
"Oh, Soobiniee!! It's been so long!" Yeonjun exclaimed warmly, pulling him into another tight hug.
"H-hyung?!" Soobin managed to say after breaking the hug.
"Huh?"
"It's been sooooo long~~" Soobin grinned broadly.
"I know," Yeonjun chuckled. "Are we waiting for another bus to send me back, or are we going home?"
"Home! Of course, we're going home. Give me your bags."
They walked towards home together, and as they did, Soobin asked, "So, how's everything going?"
"F-fine. What about you? And how's Aunt?"
Smooth, Soobin! But for how long can you avoid this topic?
"I'm okay, not great, but managing. And Mom? She's doing better now. She had a bit of a health scare a few months ago, but she's fine now. And she really misses you a lot."
"I missed you both a lot too."
"But she really misses you. Whenever she reads the newspaper and sees an advertisement for anime, she says, 'Soobin loves these.' And when we go grocery shopping, if we pass the bread section, she says, 'Soobin loves these.' Just last week, our neighbors' bunny wandered into our yard, and she said, 'Look, Jjunie, it's just like Soobin,' and insisted we keep it until the owners came to collect it in the evening. Until then, she played with that bunny so much, and I promised her I'd bring her one when I came back."
"H-hyung?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you making fun of me?"
"No, no, no! Why would I do that? But you know, it's really funny," Yeonjun burst into laughter.
"Hyung!!" Soobin lightly hit Yeonjun's shoulder.
As they walked towards home, they passed their old school building. Yeonjun, a year ahead of Soobin, reminisced, "This reminds me of our good old days as kids. Remember that small room on the rooftop where we used to hide during class skips?"
"Hmm, of course, I remember that. How could I forget the best days of my life?" Soobin replied with a soft smile.
"I think we should visit someday. What do you say?"
"Sure, hyung! But you know what? I've actually come here quite a bit since you left, whenever I felt down or wanted some time alone. This place, especially that small room, has been a comfort to me."
"Oh! Then I definitely want to visit soon! Can we go now?"
"Now?" Soobin hesitated. "No, not now, hyung. There are probably extra classes going on. We can come back at night, when no one will see us."
"Um, okay," Yeonjun agreed reluctantly.
"Don't be sad, hyung! I promise we'll go to the school right after dinner. I promise."
"Okay, baby," Yeonjun teased, winking at Soobin.
Soobin chuckled softly as they continued walking.
"Um... Soobin?"
"Yeah?"
"How's college going? You must be starting your third year now, right? Have you made new friends? Who are they?"
"A-actually, hyung..." Soobin stuttered.
"What happened?" Yeonjun's voice held concern. "Tell me now. Is everything okay? You're worrying me, Soobin."
"Actually, hyung, I... I didn't enroll in college."
"What? Not even for a year? Soobin?!" Yeonjun's worry escalated quickly.
Shit, shit, shit! This shouldn't be happening now!
"Answer me, Soobin!" Yeonjun's tone turned serious.
And if Yeonjun was serious, the matter was grave.
"H-hyung, please, let's talk at home. Please."
"Move faster."
Those words from Yeonjun only increased Soobin's anxiety. Or was it fear?
Yeonjun and Soobin arrived home, with Soobin sneakily glancing at Yeonjun from time to time to gauge his mood. But Yeonjun remained visibly upset-angry, sad, perhaps a mix of emotions. He rang the doorbell, and Jayhoon opened the door cheerfully.
"Oh, Yeonjun hyung! Hello!" Jayhoon greeted him.
"Hi, Hoon! How have you been?" Yeonjun asked, smiling warmly.
"I'm great! What about you, hyung? You came so suddenly!"
"Huh? I asked Soobin to tell uncle that I'm coming," Yeonjun replied, looking at Soobin, who stood silently, staring at the floor, lost in thought. Yeonjun sighed inwardly. "Never mind. Where is uncle?" he asked Jayhoon.
"Oh! Dad went out for a meeting. He'll probably be back by dinner," Jayhoon answered.
"Okay," Yeonjun nodded, then made his way to the living room and settled on the couch. Jayhoon joined him, and Soobin took Yeonjun's bags, placing them nearby.
"So, Hoon! How's your studies going? You're starting college tomorrow, right?" Yeonjun engaged in conversation.
Meanwhile, Soobin went to the kitchen to prepare a cup of coffee for Yeonjun.
"Yes, hyung! I'm really excited," Jayhoon replied eagerly.
"I see-"
"Hyung, water?" Soobin interrupted, holding out a glass of warm water.
Yeonjun looked up gratefully and accepted it. Soobin then disappeared back into the kitchen to bring the coffee he had prepared.
"Which college are you going to, Hoon?" Yeonjun asked Jayhoon.
"To Daegu University."
"Oh! I'll be joining the same college for a few months while I'm here," Yeonjun explained. "Actually, I've been appointed as a dance teacher at a school here in Seoul, and this college is one of their branches. Since their regular dance teacher is away for a judging show, they asked me to fill in. It seemed like a good opportunity to stay with you, your dad, and Soobin for a while."
"Wow! You'll be the dance teacher at my college. I've got something to brag about-your dance moves!" Jayhoon grinned mischievously.
"Stop it, you little rascal," Yeonjun chuckled.
"Hyung, your coffee?" Soobin returned with the coffee and handed it to Yeonjun.
"Thanks, Soobin," Yeonjun said appreciatively.
"I'll go and start preparing dinner. Excuse me," Soobin excused himself and headed back to the kitchen.
"Hyung, let's go to my room," Jayhoon suggested.
"No, no. I'll just rest here for a while. My back is killing me right now," Yeonjun declined.
"Oh, okay. I'll go and talk to my friends about the new college. Call me for dinner, hyung! Bye!" Jayhoon hurried off, seemingly oblivious to Yeonjun's attempt to ask if he would help Soobin.
"This child," Yeonjun muttered to himself, leaning back on the couch. He finished his coffee, then rested his head against the cushion, closing his eyes for a brief rest.
After a refreshing two-hour nap, Yeonjun stirred awake to the tantalizing aroma that teased his senses, reminding him of his rumbling stomach.
Entering the kitchen, he discovered Soobin, a culinary giant, meticulously arranging the freshly cooked dishes into serving bowls.
"Now for the salad, and we're all set!" Soobin announced, dusting his hands and removing his apron.
"You've been cooking all this time by yourself?" Yeonjun asked, rubbing his eyes and pouting slightly in disbelief.
Soobin turned with a smile at the sight of a drowsy Yeonjun. "Indeed," he replied warmly.
"You could have asked for help, from either me or Hoon."
"You seemed so peacefully asleep, hyung, and Hoon..." Soobin chuckled softly. "No matter! Everything's ready now. Would you prefer to freshen up first or dive straight into dinner?"
Yeonjun moved closer, his hunger overriding any sense of weariness.Yeonjun couldn't ignore the urgency of the matter that needed addressing. Despite the pleasant dinner atmosphere, Soobin's avoidance only deepened his concern.
"Hey, I'm starving right now! I'll just wash up and dig in," Yeonjun declared, pulling out a plate and filling it with his favorite dishes.
"Hyung, go sit at the dining table. I'll serve you there," Soobin suggested.
Carrying his plate, Yeonjun settled comfortably at the dining table as Soobin brought over the serving bowls.
"Jayhoon! Dinner's ready," Soobin called out.
"Coming!" Jayhoon's voice echoed from another room.
"He asked me to call him, but I forgot," Yeonjun admitted with a sheepish grin.
"It's okay, let's eat first."
"Mmm, Soobin, this is delicious! Thanks!"
"I'm glad you like it," Soobin replied warmly.
Yeonjun paused, spoon halfway to his mouth. "Soobin, we still need to talk."
"About what, hyung?" Soobin asked, his smile faltering slightly.
"You don't think I'll forget after a nap and a good meal, do you?" Yeonjun said pointedly, taking a spoonful of fried rice.
Soobin hesitated, then sighed. "Let's talk after dinner, I promise."
"You can't keep avoiding this, Soobin," Yeonjun insisted firmly.
Before Soobin could respond, his father entered the room and settled on the couch. "Get me a glass of water, fast"
"S-sure," Soobin replied hurriedly, fetching a glass and filling it from the jug.
"Hello, Uncle," Yeonjun greeted politely.
"Oh, Yeonjun! Hello," Mr. Choi responded, looking around as he removed his blazer. "What brings you here all of a sudden? Is everything okay?"
Yeonjun glanced at Soobin, shaking his head in disbelief. "I'm joining a college here for a few months. I'll be staying with you all."
"Ah, I see," Mr. Choi nodded.
As Jayhoon joined them for dinner, Yeonjun sensed a sudden change in the atmosphere. There was an awkward tension in the air, and he caught a whiff of something unpleasant.
Soobin began serving food to his father and brother, but Yeonjun noticed he hadn't served himself.
"Soobin, aren't you going to eat?" Yeonjun asked, concerned.
"I'll have mine after everyone's finished," Soobin replied with a tight smile.
"Why wait? We need to talk, remember? Come, join us," Yeonjun insisted, motioning for Soobin to sit beside him.
Soobin glanced nervously at his father, then reluctantly took a seat next to Yeonjun, picking up his fork but barely touching his food.
What a sight it was-a family gathered for dinner after a long time. For Soobin, though, the scene was far from harmonious. Yet, to an outsider unaware of their reality, it would appear as a simple and warm family dinner.
After finishing dinner, Soobin gathered all the used dishes and brought them to the sink, starting the task of washing them. As he worked, the rhythmic sound of running water filled the kitchen.
Yeonjun, having just called his mother to let her know he'd arrived safely and had dinner, entered the kitchen.
"Do you need help?" Yeonjun offered.
"No, hyung, it's okay. I'll finish in a bit," Soobin replied, his focus on the task at hand.
"All these?" Yeonjun pointed at the stack of dishes.
"Yes, hyung, I'm used to doing this," Soobin said casually.
"So you're telling me you handle all the house chores alone? Because from what I've seen, Jayhoon isn't helping, and when I briefly woke up earlier, I saw you sweeping. What’s going on, Soobin? We really need to talk. Let's go to the school rooftop; I know you'll open up there. Just—oh, for God's sake, leave these dishes!" Yeonjun exclaimed, grabbing Soobin by the arm and dragging him out of the kitchen.
"Hyung! The dishe—"
"Oh, just shut up, Soobin," Yeonjun interrupted, determined to get some answers.
After some time walking, they finally arrived at the school rooftop.
Their first stop was the small room that had become a storeroom over the years. It was filled with old benches, black and green boards, and musical instruments that had long since lost their tune. Yeonjun's eyes landed on a familiar corner where they used to sit and chat with their friends. It felt so nostalgic, as if it was only yesterday they had bunked class to be there. For Soobin, the room held more recent memories; he often came here to find solace. The last time he was here, he had cried his heart out to his mother while looking at the stars.
Soobin walked out of the room and stood near the edge of the rooftop, staring at the cloudy night sky. Not a single star was visible. He sighed and sat on the wall, legs dangling, arms stretched out for support as he leaned back.
Meanwhile, Yeonjun scanned the room with his keen eyes, taking in every corner. He spotted their friends' names carved into a wall with an iron rod, smiling at the memory of their foolishness. Turning around, he realized Soobin was no longer in the room. He closed the door and stepped out.
"Soob—"
Yeonjun saw Soobin sitting on the wall, seemingly lost in thought as he gazed at the sky. He quietly approached and settled beside him.
Soobin sensed Yeonjun’s presence but didn’t look up. He knew it was his hyung.
"Hyung, I'm really very sorry. I didn’t tell you about anything since you left. I didn’t want you to worry about me because I knew you must be struggling too. That's why I just texted you 'I'm okay' whenever you asked. I'm sorry, hyung," Soobin explained, still not meeting Yeonjun’s eyes.
"But that's not a valid reason. You should have told me. We could have done something. Do you really think of me as your hyung? Because I don't think so—"
"No, hyung! Please don’t say that. Right now, in my life, it's only you and Aunt. I know I should have shared things with you, but I didn’t want to worry you. That's all."
"But Soobin, you can’t risk your studies. Do you hear me? You can't ruin your future. This is serious. And why didn’t you ask Uncle for help? I know he earns enough to support both his sons’ education. Huh?"
Now here we go..........
"So... I think I gotta tell you this now, as it can't be hidden anymore." Soobin sat up straight, and for the first time since they arrived, he looked directly into Yeonjun's eyes, which were full of questions.
"Huh?"
"Hyung, I have a lot to tell you, but I just don't know how to start," he murmured, looking down again.
"Soobin, just let it out. I'm here. I'm here to listen, I promise. Don't keep anything inside, just blurt it out. Hyung is here, hmm?" Yeonjun said, shifting closer to Soobin. He placed one hand over Soobin's shoulder and the other on his knees to stop him from nervously shaking his legs.
"Don't stop yourself, just speak."
Soobin took a deep breath. "Hyung, do you know why Mom married him? Just for me, so I could have the love and care of a father. Everything was fine while Mom was here. He played with me and Jayhoon, bought us toys, clothes, video games, and books. He took us to school and back, treating us with ice creams, marshmallows, candies, and jellies every day. But when Mom was admitted to the hospital, everything changed. He was worried at first, consulting all the best doctors. But as days turned into months, he started ignoring me and Mom. He stopped visiting her, where he used to spend all night by her bedside before."
Yeonjun listened patiently as Soobin continued. "And Jayhoon changed too. He spent most of his time in Dad's room, not talking to me, skipping school and homework. Every other day, the teacher would call me to complain about his lack of concentration and misbehavior. He drifted apart from me."
Soobin took another deep breath. "When Mom passed away, I went to live with my grandparents. But soon, I lost them too," he said, bursting into tears, his cheeks wet and red.
Yeonjun gently placed Soobin's head on his shoulder, patting his back and holding his hand tightly. He wanted to hug Soobin, but it wasn't possible as they were sitting on the wall with their legs hanging. He resolved to hug him later.
Soobin wiped away his tears and continued. "After that, I had no choice but to live with them. It felt like I was at a stranger's place. They ignored me. At first, he didn't allow me to live in the house and made me stay in the outhouse in the backyard. He forced me to do all the house chores and refused to pay for my school fees, though I convinced him eventually. He said he wouldn't give me a single coin for college. He made me help Jayhoon with his studies, which ended up with me doing all his homework. He didn't allow me to do part-time jobs, so I borrowed college notes from friends and wrote them down. This is how my life has been."
Soobin finally blurted it all out. Yeonjun was shocked, his vision blurring as tears filled his eyes. He couldn't believe what Soobin had gone through.
"S-Soob—" Yeonjun stuttered, and Soobin looked up to see Yeonjun crying, his cheeks wet and red.
"Hyung! Why are y—" But before he could finish, Yeonjun engulfed him in a tight side hug.
"Hyung, we could fall down."
"I don't care, just stay."
Soobin chuckled at Yeonjun's behavior, wiping away his tears with his shirt sleeves. Yeonjun came to his senses, wiping his own tears, with one hand still hanging over Soobin's shoulder.
"I can't imagine what you went through, but you should have told me. I could have helped."
"Hyung, I knew you would go to any extent to help me, but I didn't want to bother you. Aunt was ill too, and when Uncle passed away, I didn't want to add to your worries."
"So... what's next? You can't just stay home doing chores. You need to get degrees for your studies to matter."
"But for that, I need to earn money first."
"I'll lend you some. If you don't want to take it, consider it a loan. Get enrolled in college, and pay me back later."
"Hyung, if you want to help me, help me find a way to earn money. Dad won't allow me to do a part-time job or go out."
"I'll figure something out to get you out of the house. But first, get enrolled. A new session starts tomorrow, and enrollment will begin. Jayhoon is enrolled in the same college where I'll be joining. I'll get you enrolled too, and don't worry about the money; you can pay me back when we find good part-time jobs for both of us."
"Both?"
"Of course. I need a part-time job to earn money for Mom's medicines."
"Oh, right."
"So, shall we go back? I'm feeling a bit cold," Soobin said, shivering slightly.
"Yeah, sure," Yeonjun replied.
They both jumped back onto the rooftop floor and started walking toward the door. But then, Yeonjun pulled Soobin back and enveloped him in a warm, cozy hug, just like he had wanted to do earlier.
"Don't you dare keep anything inside from now on. I'm warning you. Promise me you won't do that again," Yeonjun said firmly.
"I promise, hyung," Soobin replied, nuzzling his head into Yeonjun's neck.
They both smiled and, after sharing the hug for a good two minutes, headed back home.
For the first time, Soobin was happy to be heading home, holding Yeonjun's hand.
After reaching home, Yeonjun grabbed his bags lying by the edge of the couch and started heading towards Soobin.
"Hyung, the guest room upstairs is free. You can stay there," Soobin suggested.
"Look, I came here to stay with you, so I'll be staying where you are staying, okay?" Yeonjun replied with a smile.
"But you won't be able to adjust there. It's just too small. Just stay in the guest ro—"
Not letting Soobin finish, Yeonjun walked towards the main door, saying, "I'll stay where I want, and I'll be staying with you. That's final."
"Hyung!" Soobin screamed, following Yeonjun, who reached the backyard where Soobin's room was.
Yeonjun stood in front of the door. By then, Soobin had caught up.
"You won't welcome me in?"
"Oh! Sorry! I mean, of course. Give me your bags. And yes! Yeonjun hyung?"
"Hmm?"
"Welcome to my little world," Soobin said with a cute smile.
"Thanks," Yeonjun whispered softly and ruffled Soobin's hair.
Yeonjun entered the room and started looking around. He saw a bed that was bigger than a single bed but smaller than a double bed, somewhere in the middle. Yeonjun knew they both could sleep comfortably there. There was a study table with a chair tucked in, with Soobin's books, a pen stand, and a radio that Yeonjun identified as Soobin's mom's. A wooden rack was divided into various small compartments where Soobin's clothes and stuffed toys were kept. The room also had an attached bathroom. After scanning everything, Yeonjun lay down on the bed and stretched his arms. His hand hit something soft, and he turned around to see a brown teddy bear, which he remembered gifting to Soobin when they first met. He smiled and hugged the teddy.
Meanwhile, Soobin placed Yeonjun's bags in the room.
"Hyung, go and take a shower. Till then, I'll make some space for your belongings in the rack."
"Okay! But make it fast. I'm so tired."
"Of course!"
As Yeonjun came out of the shower, he saw Soobin arranging the bed sheet.
"Hyung! I've created space for you. You can arrange everything over there as you take them out."
"Ah! Okay! Thanks."
Soobin went to the bathroom to change into pajamas. When he came back, he found Yeonjun already asleep, curled up in the blanket while hugging his teddy bear.
Cute, Soobin thought.
"Cute," Soobin whispered aloud with a smile.
He went to the other side of the bed, stretched his arms, set an alarm, and soon drifted off to his dreamland.
***