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Time of Love

jongho x reader

brother's best friend au

word count: 19k

genre: fluff, a lot of fluff, angst, a lot of angst bye

synopsis: you are yeosang's little sister, adored by all his friends. you're concerned that's all you will be- even though you are close to them- especially to jongho, who you've liked since highschool. after a year gap and moving to yeosang's apartment for college, you find jongho's living with him for a few weeks as well due to a dorm situatuon. will your feelings for him resurface with all their might? will you be able to make him look at you as just you, and will you be able to win his heart?

“Jongho?”

You couldn’t believe it was the same person you’d seen a year ago- a year that had probably felt like the longest of your life- and for good reasons.

“Is that… you? Yeosang’s sister?”

You nodded absently as you scanned the man in front of you, his hair no longer the dark shade that you were so used to but an exciting shade of red- you never thought he’d dye his hair one day. He was broader in built now too, and just looked… more mature.

But as he smiled at you, you realised he was the same person you fell in love with.

“Oh- you’ve met Jongho,” Yeosang patted your back, urging you to get inside, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that I live with Jongho now- I knew you’d insist on staying elsewhere, but I just have to keep you to myself. After all, I’ve missed you so much,” he pinched your cheek, shutting your open mouth close but it fell open in surprise again, which changed into annoyance.

“You really should have told me, I feel like an intruder now. Are you sure there’s even a spare room?”

“There is,” Yeosang assured you, “Don’t worry, Minnie. Jongho didn’t know either.”

Minnie being the nickname Yeosang made official for you- from mini, since you looked like the mini version of Yeosang. A clever play on his part, and you liked it, got used to it being called more than your real name since every one of your brother’s friends called you that.

“You should have told me, we could have prepared something,” Jongho urged you to step inside and you finally did, letting him take your bags, “How was your journey?”

“Uh, good,” you managed to say, still pissed at your elder brother for not telling you about the circumstances of his apartment, specifically that it was being shared, “Yeosang, can I have a word with you?”

“And that’s my cue to disappear,” Jongho laughed and you passed a weak smile, saying you’d scold him on his behalf too. He said he’d be in the kitchen preparing food and left, while you glared at your brother with hands on your hips.

“Seriously, Yeosang? I should throw you out of this very apartment.”

“Oh, come on, stop being so dramatic,” Yeosang rolled his eyes, “You’ve known Jongho since you were a kid, what’s wrong?”

Nothing. Just that your feelings for him might resurface.

“You know I don’t like surprises, and… I could have lived with my friend, Yeosang.”

“I got this apartment so when you move to college, you can live with me,” Yeosang grabbed you by your shoulders, “Jongho won’t be staying here forever. He had a problem with his dorm, that's why I asked him to stay with me.”

“I don’t mind him,” you assured him, “I just mind the fact that you didn’t tell me beforehand.”

“I’m sorry,” Yeosang pouted, “Will you be okay? Do you want me to kick Jongho out?”

“I heard that!” Jongho, who was passing by with the plates, setting them on the table, yelled, “What do you say, Minnie, we kick Yeosang out? Give him a taste of his own medicine?”

“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” you pretended to think about it and Yeosang slapped your arm.

“That means you’re alright. Come on now, enough with the drama. Tell me, how’s mom and dad?”

You sat down with the two boys, telling Yeosang about your parents back home, telling him how much they missed their son who hadn’t been back for a few months now, hearing the stories of your college from Jongho and Yeosang- miraculously, most of Yeosang’s friends had gotten in the same college albeit different departments and you’d follow there, the college being the best and closest to your home. Yeosang and Jongho told you how excited all of their friends were that you were coming to the same college and would be living close by.

“You know the boys adore you,” Yeosang smiled, “They’re glad you made it here, and they’re arranging a welcoming party for you.”

“They didn’t have to,” you laughed, excited.

“Their little sister came, of course they had to,” Yeosang said and your eyes went to Jongho who was smiling at you, making your heart clench.

Sadly, that’s what you were to Jongho too. A little sister. He had probably and would probably never look at you any other way. Your love had been one-sided, known to no one except one of Yeosang’s friends who’d been sharp enough to notice how your eyes always followed Jongho in any gathering. You sighed internally, finishing the last of the chicken and wiping your hands.

“College in three days,” you huffed, “You two need to guide me on everything. I have to go shopping too. What do I need?”

The two discussed it, making a list of things you needed to get before college started, helping you set your room and making another list of furniture or other necessities you’d be needing, agreeing to go tomorrow afternoon with you. You finally changed, falling on your bed and staring up at the ceiling.

It really was a test, living with Jongho now. You had to scoff at the irony of all this. You’d spent the last year trying to subdue your feelings for Jongho, maybe erase them altogether if you could but…

You weren’t sure if the feelings had ever gone away in the first place, especially after looking at him and interacting with him now. You recalled the last time you’d seen him…

“Oh, how time flies,” you practically wailed, looking at each of Yeosang’s friends with tears in your eyes, “I don’t know if I’m sad about Yeosang leaving or all of you leaving together.”

“It’s not like we’re going forever, stop crying!” Wooyoung wiped his own tears, “You’re making me emotional, I was already sad after hugging my mom!”

“Yeosang,” you called for your brother and he came to hold you in his arms- he was your best friend too. You’d miss him a lot.

“I know what’s going inside your cute little head,” he pinched your nose, “Try not to miss me too much. I’ll visit soon.”

“Please take care of him,” you looked at his friends, “I know he’s going to cry when he misses home. If he cries, call me.”

“You don’t have to worry,” Jongho ruffled your hair, patting your cheek oblivious to the flush creeping on your face, “I’ll take care of him. We all will. Take care of yourself, Minnie.”

—--------------------

“This is ridiculously expensive. There’s no way you’re buying that for me.”

“Consider it a gift,” Jongho assured you, “It’s nothing. Consider it an apology for having to live with me too.”

“No, that’s okay, I’m perfectly fine with that,” you said immediately, making Jongho raise a brow but you cleared your throat to avoid suspicion and continued, “But this is really unnecessary.”

“It’s useful,” Jongho looked at the cube storage organiser, “You can put your books, candles, other stuff… It’s the first thing I got myself when I came here too.”

“Accept his good gesture,” Yeosang rolled his eyes, “I’m hungry, let’s make this quick.”

You glared at your brother but thanked Jongho, paying for the rest of your stuff and moving out, following the boys to a barbeque place they loved.

What you were not expecting were the rest of Yeosang and Jongho’s friends with cake and gifts and a party popper that popped late after Mingi earned a slap from Yunho, everyone cheering rather loudly as you entered and you winced but laughed, hugging everyone.

“Our last piece is here!” Hongjoong announced, “And it’s time for drinks!”

“First time we drink with you,” Seonghwa smiled, “How much liquor can you hold?”

“I’m better than Yeosang,” you smirked and everyone ooh-ed at that, teasing Yeosang. You took a seat between Jongho and San, cutting the chocolate cake first and serving everyone before food arrived.

“So how do you like the city?” Wooyoung, who was sitting in front of you, asked.

“It’s really different from back home,” you looked outside, “It’s gonna take a while to get used to the tall buildings, isn’t it?”

“Definitely,” he agreed, “I miss the clean air of home though.”

“Yep, there’s that too,” you shook your head. City air would always feel suffocating.

“Do you plan to join any clubs or groups in college?” Yunho asked, “You definitely should check them out tomorrow. It’s always a good idea to join one.”

“What groups are you all in?” You asked.

“Jongho sings, Yunho and I are in the dance club, Hongjoong is in the art club, Seonghwa went for calligraphy. Wooyoung went for sports and San for taekwondo. Yeosang…” Mingi shook his head in amusement, “Took a while for him, going from one place to another. Currently with Wooyoung, but wait till he annoys the hell out of him. He’ll decide even an art club is better.”

“Art club is good!” Hongjoong glared at Mingi.

“I know it’s good,” Mingi laughed, “But he’ll decide to waste his time sleeping since you go in your own little world when you’re in the art club.”

“I could try the art club,” you said and Hongjoong perked up at that, “I’d have you and Seonghwa there, yeah?”

“You don’t have to choose one which has one of us,” Seonghwa said and you pursed your lips- he had caught you, “It’s time to explore on your own, little bird.”

“What if I like the art club,” you pouted, “Kicking me out before I can enter?”

The rest of them hooted at your retort and Seonghwa grimaced, surrendering, “You are welcome, of course, if that’s what interests you. Though I don’t think Yeosang ever mentioned you being interested in arts…”

“You’re right,” Yeosang looked at Seonghwa then looked pointedly at you, “Nobody let her in your club until she has explored all her options.”

“We could do the same to you, Yeosang,” Jongho said, “I know the music club is looking attractive to you these days.”

You thanked Jongho for backing you up and food arrived, the smell of it making you moan. Jongho immediately set up your utensils and served you first before the boys could attack and you thanked him, taking a bite and noticing San, who was sitting next to you, smile knowingly at you. You turned to him, “What?”

“Nothing,” he smiled even deeply, “Nothing at all.”

“I know what’s going inside your head,” you muttered, kicking his feet under the table and he winced dramatically, “I need to bleach your brain.”

“No, it’s just… it was a sweet gesture, what he did. Do you still…?” San let the question trail when you glared at him as you widened your eyes in warning because someone could overhear your conversation.

“It’s… complicated,” you sighed, “one year should have been enough, but… the fact that I have to live with him… it’s ironic, isn’t it?”

“Very,” San put the vegetables that accidentally came in his bowl in your bowl, “Well, lucky for you, he’s still single.”

“Who’s single?” Jongho, having overheard the last part, asked.

“Nobody-”

“Yeosang,” you said, kicking San’s elbow, “He’s single, isn’t he? I won’t have to hear about some drama he had with his girlfriend late at night, right?”

“Definitely,” Jongho laughed, “Lucky for you, he isn’t in a relationship… yet.”

“Yet?”

“He may have his eyes on someone,” Jongho almost whispered, “Wait and let him tell you. He’ll kill me if he learns I told you.”

You grinned, feeling giddy inside because it felt nice knowing he shared something with you. The rest of the dinner passed by, small talks with everyone and thanking them for making the night before your first day at college memorable.

“Let me put Yeosang to bed,” Jongho struggled keeping Yeosang standing upright, already tipsy even though none of you had drank much, “You want some coffee?”

“Sure,” you said, seating yourself at the kitchen table and scrolling through your phone while Jongho did that and came to the kitchen, making coffee for the two of you. It was only when he sat in front of you did your heart swoop, realising you two were practically alone.

“I remember you liked my coffee best,” Jongho smiled.

“When everyone else’s tastes like gutter, of course I did,” you said, making him laugh.

“They’re much better at it now, college taught them that,” Jongho assured you and you took a sip, surprised.

“You’re much better now too,” you said and he clicked mugs with you.

“So. Nervous about tomorrow?”

“Kinda,” you shrugged, “I just have to get through tomorrow. It’ll be better after.”

“First day is always hard,” Jongho said, “Yeosang was exactly like you, perhaps more nervous. It didn’t take him long before he became unbothered about the aspect of college, just getting through it.”

“I get that,” you nodded, “Do we leave at the same time, or…?”

“Freshmen 8 in the morning,” Jongho said and you groaned, “We leave after 9. Take the bus, you’ll be there in fifteen.”

“Sounds good,” you sipped on your coffee, wondering if you should initiate more conversation or sit awkwardly in silence. The fact that Jongho was watching you made you squirm inside. It would take a while getting used to Jongho.

“Good luck tomorrow,” Jongho finished his coffee and you sighed in relief as he got up, “Do you want me to keep you company or are you going to sleep?”

“No, it’s okay,” you waved your hand, “I’ll go to sleep after I finish.”

Jongho narrowed his eyes at you, sitting right back, “I see right through you, miss. I remember how you used to stay up all night talking to someone before an event.”

“You remember that?” You frowned, “I didn’t realise I did that in the first place.”

“Don’t you remember when I was over once the night before your speech competition?”

“Oh, I remember that,” you laughed, “You fell asleep twice when I was practising my speech. I realised how boring I was that night.”

“Excuse me,” Jongho shifted in amusement, “Did you forget that it was only when you were practising your speech that I fell asleep?”

You smiled- it was when you were in 10th grade. It was the first time when you and Jongho had practically talked all night about anything and everything, and the night when your crush on Jongho changed into something deeper. “Of course I remember.”

Jongho gave a half smile, “You’ve… changed.”

“You’ve changed,” you leaned forward, “Dyed your hair to the colour of the apples that you love breaking. Don’t we have one here? I’d love to see that again.”

“Not right now, no,” Jongho chuckled, “But you’ve… grown. You don’t look like the mini-version of Yeosang anymore. You used to look like Yeosang with long hair until a year ago.”

You shook your head, “What changed exactly?”

“I don’t know, you just look… different,” Jongho frowned, scanning your face as if trying to mark what exactly made you so different now.

“Maybe you’re just looking at me properly for the first time,” you managed to say, making him smile in confusion as he tried to unravel the layers of meaning in that sentence.

“Maybe I am,” he said and you met eyes with him, finding his dark gaze a bit too much in the dim lights.

You cleared your throat, “Everyone has changed so much. You’re more… broad now. Yeosang has been working out too. Yunho and Mingi are taller, Hongjoong looks more like what he should have been looking like,” you chuckled, talking about his blue hair, “fashion sense definitely improved, all of you.”

“Yeah?” Jongho slumped back, smiling, “That happens when you’re on your own, away from home. I’ll watch you change too- everyone changes.”

“Yep,” you took a deep breath, “Time to discover myself, eh?”

“Definitely.”

—-------------------

"Oh god, I'm gonna be late-"

"You're not, you still have half an hour to go, finish your breakfast," Yeosang yawned, "I only got up because it's your first day. Make your own breakfast starting tomorrow."

You pouted, giving him a sarcastic bow of thanks, Jongho chuckling, "Lucky for you, I'm an early bird. Maybe we can have breakfast together everyday."

You gulped, "I tend to skip breakfasts."

"Good thing Jongho's here then," Yeosang got up to pour himself water, "He'll make sure you never leave on an empty stomach. Thanks to him I've gotten used to having breakfast too."

"Well, thank you, but I'll manage, you don't have to get up so early for me," you got up, taking your bag and turning to the boys, "Do I look okay?"

"Perfect," they gave you a thumbs-up and you said bye with a satisfied smile. It was your first day so you had made that little extra effort, styling your hair and whatnot. You internally prayed you'd have the same motivation to get ready everyday and with a faint smile you realised that maybe you will- perhaps because Jongho was here and you didn't want him seeing you messy. He was always so neat.

The first day passed by in a flash, exploring the variety of clubs, going through the prospectus, seniors (mostly your brother's friends) finding and guiding or teasing you, ending with your class going out for drinks. You tried saying hello to everyone to get a feel for them so tomorrow you could recognise them. By the time you got home, you were weary.

"We should buy a leg massager next, what do you say Yeosang?" Jongho looked at him.

"You barely entered your twenties, stop acting like you're eighty, both of you," Yeosang glared at you two. You and Jongho shared a giggle, returning to watching the drama on TV.

"It's only because it's the first day that it was tiring, right? I'll get used to it," you said, munching on the chips in the bowl you held, the boys on either side of you sharing.

"Don't worry about it too much, just make sure you keep up with the assignments and projects," Yeosang said dismissively, "You don't wanna be giving late submissions and pulling all-nighters just because you felt lazy."

“Okay, mom,” you mumbled, making Jongho giggle and your hands bumped as you tried picking the chips from the bowls, making you both giggle more- perhaps it was the tiredness that had you both like this. Yeosang turned his neck dramatically to stare at both of you.

“You both are sleep deprived- what are you even laughing over?”

“Nothing,” you stopped laughing, glancing at Jongho but his face made you burst out laughing again and Yeosang sighed, throwing a pillow at the two of you before announcing that he was going to sleep and that you both better go to bed as well.

“Here, you can finish these,” you handed Jongho the bowl, only two small chips remaining and Jongho raised a brow at your playfulness.

“What a kind gesture, ma’am,” he laughed but did just that, switching the TV off as the both of you got up to go to bed, “You wanna visit the music club tomorrow?”

“Oh? Sure,” you nodded, “If I get the time, sure.”

“Well, just so you know, it’s only gonna get busier from here.” Jongho was setting the cushions. “So, if you want to explore the campus and all, now’s the time.”

“True,” you stood awkwardly in the middle of the living room, “Let’s see when tomorrow comes. But I’ll visit you- the club. When can I find you there?”

Jongho told you to come anytime between 12 and 2 and you did the next day, having just attended two back-to-back classes. You weren’t mentally exhausted since it was just the teachers and students getting to know each other for the first class, and intro of your subjects. But you were physically exhausted from sitting in the class for so long and you wanted to walk around.

Letting one of the passersby guide you to the music club, you knocked before entering, your lips stretching into a smile when you saw not only Jongho but Yunho and Mingi as well. They all welcomed you enthusiastically, introducing you to the rest of the people there before focusing on you.

“What are you two doing here- are the clubs joint?”

“Without music, there’s no dance,” Mingi said dramatically and you made a face. “But yeah, we were just passing by. How are you finding college so far?”

“It’s… overwhelming,” you grimaced, “can’t say I love it right now, it’s going to take a while to adjust.”

“Yeah, that’s relatable,” Jongho ran a hand through his hair, “You’re free? Do you wanna take a seat or…”

“I’m done sitting, my ass hurts from sitting for so long,” you said and the boys laughed, “I could go around the campus and could use a good guide,” you looked at the 3 and they agreed.

“Great, we can all have lunch too. I’m very, very hungry,” Yunho said.

“Let’s go!” Mingi started to walk but you grabbed him by his jacket.

“You’re saying I came to the music club and should go without hearing Jongho sing?” You looked at the tall pair, “No way.”

“Doesn’t Jongho do enough of that in the house?” Yunho asked and you narrowed your eyes as you turned to Jongho who pretended to be interested in the very empty wall next to him.

“Hmm… I don’t recall hearing someone sing at home,” you folded your arms.

“Wow,” Mingi was more confused than you, “He never shuts up. What changed?”

“I decided to let the new resident settle in before I bother her with my endless lamenting slash singing,” Jongho muttered.

“Well, the resident is settled well so feel free to sing any time,” you laughed, “I don’t mind. Yeosang used to sing a lot back home too.”

“Well, are we going then?” Jongho tried getting out of the situation but you blocked his way, the boys supporting you as they stood at your sides. Jongho finally gave in with a shy smile and seated himself in front of the piano.

“Brace yourself, he’s really good,” Mingi said.

“I remember,” you smiled.

If Jongho was honest with himself, he was shy. Perhaps because you were Yeosang’s little sister and housemate to him now, and Yeosang was his best friend- he could bother him with his singing anytime. Yeosang’s complains meant nothing to him. But if he sang in the house in your presence and you complained…

He shrugged the thoughts away as he sang, sending you standing still in awe as he belted out notes, his voice warm and loud, filling your entire headspace. You wowed after he ended singing the short verse. It took you a few seconds to come back to reality and you clapped.

“You simply have to sing at night before I sleep everyday from now on!”

“That’s too much!” Yunho laughed, “Don’t pump him!”

“He deserves that,” you breathed, trying to calm your wild fluttering heart, “This is reminding me of old times. I used to think at least 3 of you would go for being an idol, but here we are.”

“Thank you, and enough of that,” Jongho was flushing, “Let’s show you around campus.”

The three showed you around the different departments and buildings of the college, stopping by at a cafeteria and grabbing sandwiches and other snacks, taking your coffee along as you completed the rest of the tour. Yunho and Mingi dropped at their department, leaving you and Jongho.

“You’ll have to drop me back to my department, I don’t remember how I got here.”

“Of course,” Jongho grinned, “It’s right next to mine, don’t worry.”

You nodded, silently walking back with him, wondering what you could ask him or how you could initiate conversation or make small talk. You looked at him and opened your mouth to speak and he did the same simultaneously, resulting in you both laughing and him asking you to go first.

“Nothing,” you stopped laughing, “Just wondering if you made friends here other than the gang. Do you hang out a lot? Go to parties and stuff?”

“I try to keep up,” he gave a pained smile, “There’s a lot going on. Balancing studies, work and socialising on top of it- takes a lot but I manage.”

“Ah,” you kicked a pebble lightly, “That reminds me I need to get myself a part-time job too.”

“Settle in first, give yourself at least a month. We’ll help you find work- it won’t take long.”

“Thank you, really.”

“There’s a party this weekend- a senior is hosting it and a lot of freshmen are going to be there too. Do you wanna come?”

“Me? Parties? I think not,” you laughed nervously.

But upon insistence from both your housemates and the rest of the gang, you had to accept the invitation. Half the reason you agreed was because one of your friends was going too, and you thought she would make good company. The other half…

You really, really wanted to see Jongho at a party.

You smiled as you styled your hair. A lot had changed since all of you used to live back in your hometown- you were going to see new sides of everyone, even your brother. You all were adults now, and you’d be experiencing new things such as drinking together, going to parties together, travelling etc. You looked forward to seeing everyone in the party, just because you’d never been to the same party as them.

“We’re leaving in fifteen!” Yeosang announced as he walked across your room. You rolled your eyes, knowing this announcement was more for himself than for the rest, since he always made you late. You wonder if that had changed too and if he was more punctual now.

He wasn’t.

You were ready, looking at yourself in the mirror for the last time, hair styled to perfection, your makeup making you look mature, going for all black with your full sleeve dress that reached mid-thigh, long boots over stockings, a minimalist necklace sitting just above your chest, highlighting your collarbones which were accentuated thanks to the broad neckline.

You got out of your room right at the 15 minute mark, going to the kitchen to get yourself some water, nearly bumping face first into-

Jongho.

“I got you, I got you,” Jongho steadied you by the arms, taking a step back when you were steady and scanning you, “Whoa.”

“Is it too much?” You frowned, looking down at your outfit and he shook his hands wildly.

“No, no, it’s perfect, I just… wow, you look good!” Jongho laughed nervously, making you grin, “And you look different, miss. I like this.”

“Thank you,” you gave him a sweet smile, “You don’t look too bad yourself. I like the hair.”

“I can’t even tell if you’re making fun of me,” Jongho pouted as he patted his wavy red hair.

You laughed, going to the kitchen counter to pour yourself water- anything to busy yourself and make you less nervous, “I’m serious. Red was always your colour.”

“Was it now?” Jongho almost smirked as he slid on the chair in front of you, “What would you say is, I don’t know, Wooyoung’s colour?”

He got you there. You poked your tongue in your cheek as you looked at him, trying to think and say something to wipe his smirk away- or would you rather just watch him smirk all day long because he looked hot-

“Black,” you almost croaked, drinking a sip, “Black is Wooyoung’s colour. Or olive. Just my opinion.”

“You just made that up on the spot, didn’t you?” Jongho was laughing as he relaxed back in his chair, “Quick, Hongjoong.”

Perhaps the whole colour dictionary flashed in your mind and made you confused because Jongho was clearly enjoying the delay in your answer. You shook your head, “You’re telling me to specify Hongjoong with one colour when he’s practically a rainbow!”

Jongho laughed out loud at that, “True. That was unfair. But you’re good at this.”

“I just associate some colours or things with people,” you shrugged, “Like when I think of Hongjoong, I think of different colours and patterns. You know he loves playing with patterns.”

“True,” He nodded, “Tell me more.”

You gave him a side eye but he was very interested, resting his face in both his hands and it made you sigh inside. You took a deep breath, playing with the empty glass, “When I think of Seonghwa, I think of delicate things- I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s his appearance? White is definitely his colour.”

“Now that you say it, I see it too.”

“Yeah,” you grinned, “Yunho… Sunshine and clouds. A sunny day, calm waves, you know? You probably think I’m weird at this point, I’m not doing this-”

“No, I’m just amazed!” Jongho laughed.

“You were smiling!” You pointed at him, “You think this is funny, right?”

Jongho was laughing so hard at your outburst now that his eyes curved, “I was just smiling because I could totally see it! You’re doing good, please go on.”

You narrowed your eyes at him but continued. “Don’t even ask me about Yeosang, him being my brother clouds my perception of him,” you said and Jongho snorted, “But.. if I’m being very, very neutral, I’d say he’s a mix of edgy things and soft things. Like, come on, look at him. I’m not doing him,” you gave up, throwing your hands in the air.

“Me being his housemate is also beginning to cloud my perception of him,” Jongho shook his head in agreement, “Crazy how you start seeing a person differently when you’re at a different level with them.”

“I know right,” you muttered, “My perception of you all changes a bit every time I talk more with you guys. Which brings me to San- he knows a secret of mine so that clouds my perception too because sometimes I wish I can bury him without anyone’s knowledge.”

“I’m suddenly very interested,” Jongho wiggled his brows.

“Forget that,” you made a content face, sitting down in front of him, “So, San… he reminds me of blue skies. And cats.”

Jongho laughed and clapped at that, and you giggled, continuing, “Mingi… you can’t tell me you don’t want to put him in your pocket sometimes.”

“I do,” he smiled.

“He’s… hard,” you scratched your head absently as you thought about it, “Glasses. He looks good in glasses. Has he started collecting?”

“How did you know?”

“I was the one who suggested it,” you grinned.

“Ahh, I always wondered just where he got that idea. So it was you!”

“Yep,” you bowed a little in acknowledgement, “You remember how I gave you all gifts when you left for college? I gave Mingi a set of shades.”

“He was obsessed with those shades,” Jongho laughed, “And then he started collecting more. I thought that was the college air, but it was just you.”

“Yep. I’m very thoughtful when it comes to gifts,” you smiled proudly. He deadpan stared at you.

“You gifted me apples.”

“Don’t forget the coffee,” you raised a brow in amusement, “You know how hard it was to find that special coffee?”

“And what were the apples for?” Jongho folded his arm as if offended.

“Obviously, to eat along the way,” you grinned. “Obviously I didn’t give them to you so you could sing and split them.”

“Obviously,” Jongho muttered and you laughed, about to say something but Yeosang came, having overheard the last bits.

“He did exactly that,” he told you, looking at Jongho, “She clearly was thinking something when she decided to gift you apples. Come on, we’re getting late.”

A cab ride later, you arrived at the frat party, the noise you could already hear from the distance making you gulp. The boys urged you inside, guiding you through the mess which told you they must have been here a few times at least, finally finding the rest of the boys. You greeted everyone, thanked them for the compliments and Yeosang got your attention.

“Stick close to one of us, even if you’re with someone else,” he began, “Try not to drink too much, don’t go upstairs under any circumstances even if you have to pee, don’t even look at the boys here-”

“Okay, enough,” you laughed, “I get it. Also, just so you know, I can take care of myself.”

He looked at you for a moment, shaking his head, “Nope. Guys, keep an eye on her.”

“I’m keeping two eyes on her!” Wooyoung teased, “You’re all I’m looking at tonight, come over here.”

“Guys,” you groaned, reluctantly going to Wooyoung who put an arm over your shoulders casually- he was always the one who teased you the most. “Oh, there’s my friend-” you shrugged out of Wooyoung’s grasp, covering your ears as he screamed through the loud music for you to come back, making your way to the girl from your sociology class.

“Yebin, hi,” you caught her attention and she greeted you with a friendly hug, “You look amazing!”

“Look at yourself!” She scanned you, satisfied, “Are you here with a date?”

You made a face, pointing at the 8 boys standing in a circle, “Sadly, one of them is my brother. The rest are his friends.”

“Ah, that’s Yunho and Wooyoung,” she grinned.

“You know them?”

“Who doesn’t?” She rolled her eyes, “Life of the parties everywhere. So you’re telling me you’re friends with these guys?”

“Yep, known them since we were kids,” you said.

“Wow,” she snorted, “are you going to look for a boy tonight? Because I think I’ll just keep looking in that direction-”

“Oh, please,” you rolled your eyes but laughed, “Anyways, who else is here?”

Indicating to the boys which direction you were going in, you followed your friend who introduced you to some of her friends and led you to the biggest room where everyone was dancing. You spotted some familiar faces as you swayed along, drink in your hand and you finally took a sip.

“Ew, what’s this?”

“Do not ask,” Yebin flipped her hair, “Just drink and dance, baby.”

You made an impressed face, doing just that- you needed to loosen up. As you danced a bit, you scanned the crowd again, marking familiar faces and their group that they hung out with. To your surprise, some of the people you knew were definitely dating each other. You and Yebin shared a laugh over that and you noticed Yebin eyeing someone behind you.

“You wanna tell me who’s more interesting than me right now?” You wiggled your brows.

Yebin grinned, “He’s behind you- don’t look right now. He’s been giving me the look for a while now.”

“You know him?”

“Friend of a friend,” she told you, “He’s approaching!”

“Hello, ladies,” he clicked his glasses with the two of you and you gave Yebin an excited look, muttering you’d find your brother and giving the two some space. Taking another sip of the disgusting drink and leaving it on a table, you made your way through the crowd, sighing in relief when you saw San coming in from outside.

“Lost?” He asked, calling you over so you could join him.

“No, was just trying to find a familiar face. My friend is booked now,” you grinned.

“Ah,” he grinned back, “And you?”

“As single as I could be,” you made a funny face.

“Well, you live with the person you’ve been pining over, what’s stopping you from making a move, Minnie?”

“Exactly that,” you pursed your lips, the two of you standing in front of the fire, “I don’t want to ruin anything just because I have feelings.”

“And how long can you manage living with him without giving in?” San winked, “Just so you know, Jongho’s very single as well. And he likes you.”

“That’s because I’m Yeosang’s sister. Everyone of you likes me because I’m Yeosang’s sister,” you muttered.

San laughed, “We do, but don’t you see? You have a chance to get Jongho to see you as a person, just you, without the thought of Yeosang. Are you seriously telling me that you’re gonna drop this chance?”

You narrowed your eyes at him, “You’re pretty invested in my love life, huh?”

“Well, what can I say?” He gave you a knowing smirk, laughing when you continued staring at him suspiciously, giving in. "It's all I've got going in my boring life."

"Is San giving you a hard time?" Yeosang, Seonghwa and Hongjoong joined you, "Minnie, I told you to go and make other friends. San is not your friend, he's a menace."

"I do have a friend."

"Only one?" Yeosang raised his brows and you slapped his arm.

"I don't need friends when I have all of you-" you motioned to San, Seonghwa and Hongjoong.

"That's right, Yeosang, you're the only menace in her life," San said and the other two snorted, making Yeosang look at you suspiciously.

"Have you been bad mouthing about me to my friends?" Yeosang gasped dramatically, everyone laughing.

"This brings back memories," Hongjoong laughed, "Remember when you used to come to me crying when Yeosang teased you?"

"Dark times," you muttered, laughing.

"Yeah, you used to curse at him and we'd let you," Seonghwa scoffed, "Feel free to stop by again. I'd join you."

"She never came to me…" San mumbled.

"That's because these two are the only sane ones in the lot," you said, making Hongjoong and Seonghwa double over.

"Can't say it's still the same now," Jongho joined, looking at you, "People say I'm the sane one now."

"You're not sane, you're just a boomer," San challenged Jongho.

"Yeah? What do you have to say for yourself?" Jongho put his chin up in the air, igniting a bickering over who was 'normal'.

"Oh, I'll just keep all my problems to myself," you put your hands in the air as bickering escalated.

"I literally live in the next room, Minnie, I'm your best option."

You unconsciously looked at San who was already looking at you, making him burst in laughter and you shook your head, chuckling along. Jongho narrowed his eyes at the two of you.

“Just what’s going on between you two?”

“What do you mean,” Yeosang looked at Jongho, “something going on between them?”

That only made you and San wheeze with laughter and he held on to you as he laughed, Seonghwa shaking his head and muttering, ‘Minnie’s not one of us anymore’. You shook your hands in denial, wiping tears from your eyes.

“There’s absolutely nothing going on,” you patted San to tell him to stop laughing.

“Very convincing,” Yeosang muttered, glaring at you two.

“Oh, come on,” San finally stopped, “Just laughing over a reference Jongho made, purely coincidental.”

“Is this about the secret that only San knows?”

You scanned Jongho’s face, mischief clear behind his eyes- he knew there was nothing going on but just wanted you in a tight spot so maybe you could spill the secret. He was very, very curious now, and somehow he felt it was something related to him.

“What secret?” Everyone else asked.

“Absolutely none,” you huffed, “I’m getting out of here.”

“Come back!” Yeosang called but you waved bye before leaving, glaring at San for good measure to tell him to keep his mouth shut but you knew San was good with secrets. He’d never tell.

You were outside, sitting on the steps of the backyard when Jongho joined you with a peace offering- an apple. You laughed a little, asking him to split it for you so you could share and he did, making you wow as you clapped.

“I’m sorry if I was being too mischievous back there,” Jongho said after a few moments.

“Oh no, it’s perfectly fine,” you almost dismissed him, “I didn’t mind?”

“Really?”

You looked at him, smiling at how adorable he looked, “Really. I just didn’t want Yeosang pesking me, I’m fine with everyone else. You know Yeosang hates when I hide something from him. And likewise.”

“You two are like best friends, of course he’d get curious,” Jongho said.

You gave him a side-eye, “I’d say you were more curious.”

“Only because San knows! That makes me feel left out,” he pouted.

“Oh, don’t worry, it’s nothing big,” you assured him, hoping it was convincing, “It’s just a me problem. Nothing interesting.”

He nodded, finishing his apple. “So, how was your first party? Almost ending now.”

“Uneventful but fun,” you nodded, “I got to interact with many familiar faces so I’m glad I came. Though I’m not quite sure if anyone would remember given the amount of heavy drinking that’s been going on.”

Jongho nodded and you two fell in a conversation about the types of people you’d find in college, Jongho sharing his stories and you sharing some stories from your last year of high school. Before Yeosang and everyone had left for the city, you used to hang out a lot with the boys, sometimes in school breaks as well where some of your own friends joined too. It was a small town, everyone knew everyone so naturally, your group of friends and Yeosang’s friends knew each other and got along quite well.

You didn’t realise how much time had passed before Yeosang came outside, groaning, “I’ve been trying to find you two everywhere! Where are your phones?”

“Oops,” you gave him a guilty look as you checked your purse, “Didn’t hear it over the loud music.”

“I left mine home,” Jongho shrugged.

Yeosang scoffed, having proven his point as he called Jongho a boomer again, earning a chokehold and you rolled your eyes.

“People who keep phones with them at parties? They’re the real boomers.”

“That’s my girl,” Jongho gave you a high-five and your heart fluttered at what he’d just called you, sighing internally because you were occasionally addressed like this and it went unnoticed.

The three of you went home, Yeosang hungover and going straight to bed, you making a detour to drink water and grab something to eat before you went to bed. You were just going to your room when Jongho called after you. You turned, brows raised in question and he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

“You never told me about the things you associate with me.”

A grin creeped up on your lips and you looked down as you smiled, standing in the doorway, “Well… obviously red and apples, that’s a given,” Jongho rolled his eyes and you smiled, continuing, “Bears, again, for obvious reasons.”

“Oh, I have an extra large bear in my room if you like cuddling something while sleeping,” Jongho laughed.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” You joked, “Anyways, sometimes when I’m listening to songs, I think of you. And… I think of you on rainy nights too.”

Jongho raised a brow before realisation hit him, “Is that because…”

“Yep,” you nodded sheepishly, “It’s an embarrassing memory but it’s a good one as well. You made me feel… safe.”

Jongho’s lips parted as he scanned your face, wondering if he was reading too much into the situation and you weren’t looking at him all doe-eyed as if you were waiting for something, expecting something, and he found himself taking a step forward and then stopping before he could take another, gulping and urging himself to get back to his senses. “That’s… good to hear. Really.”

You wondered if it was the alcohol coursing through you or just you finally having the courage but you took a step forward, “I know you hate skinship and all but…” you stood on your tiptoes and gave him a kiss on his cheek, surprising him, “Thank you for keeping me company and making me feel safe tonight too.”

A faint smile creeped up his face, one that gave you butterflies in your stomach. He gave a slow nod, fully smiling when he said, “Anytime. For you.”

As you tried sleeping, you recalled the events of the night a couple years ago, when you had been out late at night walking home from a friend’s house. A strange man had started following you, making you nervous as hell and you almost ran as soon as you reached your neighbourhood. Jongho, who lived in the same neighbourhood, saw you from a distance and saw the man following you as well, realising you were in danger. He took a detour and grabbed your arm as you made a turn to the dark alley, putting a hand over your mouth and shushing you and you relaxed as you saw it was him, almost crying right there. The man lost you and Jongho waited for a few minutes before finally letting you go. You slumped right there, bringing your knees to your chest and crying.

It was the first time that Jongho had seen you so scared. He took off his jacket, wrapping it around you as he sat down with you, rubbing your back and assuring you that everything was okay. When you finally stopped crying, he brought you to his home first, making you some tea and sitting with you out on the porch as you calmed down.

It was the first time he had hugged you properly and you almost cried again. He’d caressed you and even gave you a kiss to the top of your head, assuring you that you did well running away, that you were safe now, that he’d make a report at the station. You thanked him the next day but he told you to forget about it with a smile, that Yeosang had already thanked him enough.

And tonight, sitting on the steps in the backyard with him… it felt nostalgic.

You realised you were smiling widely when you finally came back from memory lane, not wiping the grin off your face as you went to sleep.

—-------------------

“I cannot remember a single thing from last night,” Yeosang announced as he sat down, placing his elbows on the table and gripping his hair, “Why. Why do I always drink more than I should…”

“Is that a question or a statement?” Jongho, who was helping you in the kitchen cutting vegetables, asked.

“Don’t worry,” you said, making hangover soup, “It’s not like you got laid. Nothing worth remembering.”

“Really?” Yeosang’s face lit up and then fell in disappointment.

“Hey!” You stood with your hands on your hips, “What’s with the emotions that just flashed on your face?”

“Well,” Yeosang looked here and there, “Oh, it’s Sunday. We should go out.”

“Ah, yes,” you muttered, going back to your soup, “Not like we went out last night or anything.”

“We should show you around the city, what do you say?” Jongho set the table and you brought the soup, seating yourself.

“Not a bad idea,” Yeosang said, “I’m gonna take you to my favourite cafe today- you’ll love their brownies.”

As promised, you were shown around the city and the cafes nearby and you marked the locations, figuring they were nice spots to hang around when you wanted to be with someone or just wanted to hang out alone. The rest of the gang was either too shitfaced or busy to hang out so it was only you three throughout the day. They took you to a famous food street for lunch, and finally in the evening after fooling around in a game arcade, Yeosang took you to the said cafe.

“You weren’t kidding,” you moaned after taking a bite of the brownie, “This is heavenly.”

“See,” Yeosang smiled proudly, “I knew you’d like it.”

“Thank you,” you blew a kiss his way and he swatted it away, disgusted. You looked at Jongho, “You want some?”

“What?”

“What?” You frowned and then Yeosang choked on his drink and you laughed in disbelief, “I meant the brownie!” You pointed at the plate that you had slid across the table, “Not… what I did to Yeosang! Though now that I think about it…”

“Stop,” Yeosang was in pain from laughing, more because Jongho was flushed, “I can’t believe what I just witnessed. Also, Jongho, cleanse your brain. And you- I'm not even gonna say anything."

You finished laughing at Yeosang's reaction and Jongho's still flushed face, now embarrassingly chewing on the bite of brownie. "You and Yeosang always do something like this," he muttered.

You and Yeosang shared a grin- you two really were misunderstood a lot but also because you two failed to read the situation or just made the most of it, turning any situation funny, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

After bickering over past incidents like those in the cafe, Yeosang got a call from Wooyoung who demanded he 'get his ass right here or else the consequences wouldn't be good'. Though reluctant because he really wanted to spend time with you, you urged him to go.

"It's okay, I'm with her. We'll go home soon," Jongho assured him.

"Thank goodness you're with her, she could never have found her way home. Don't stay out too late!" He said, leaving and you two got up as well.

"Home's near, yeah? We're walking, right?"

"Yep," Jongho said, opening the door for you as you exited the cafe, "Wanna take a detour? That park over there?"

You paused to look at him. "How did you know?"

"You've been looking in that direction ever since we spotted it," Jongho chuckled. You smiled, sighing internally at how thoughtful he could be.

You two walked in silence along the track, you watching everyone in the park- kids playing, couples holding hands and walking, friends chatting. You were smiling faintly, turning to look at Jongho who was looking at you already.

"You like it here, don't you?"

"Yep," you nodded. "I think I'll be coming here a lot."

"I come here a lot too," Jongho looked at the sky- a beautiful cloudy one today, "So if you ever want to hang out with some company, you know where to ask."

"Thanks for the offer," you said, "but you probably like coming here alone."

"I do, but it gets lonely sometimes," he looked at you, "Isn't that right?"

You nodded, looking down- there was a shift in Jongho's demeanour. Perhaps because it had been a year apart for the both of you, or perhaps because you were housemates now, but he felt more… approachable now- not that he wasn't before. He just felt more relaxed around you now.

Or perhaps it was just you and your feelings for him. You stared at the couple in front of you, holding hands and walking casually, as if it was the most normal thing in the world. You wished you could have that with him-

"You're staring at their hands," Jongho was smirking, "Are you feeling lonely, Minnie?"

You gave him a side eye, "What do you have to say for yourself? You're staring at me a lot today."

Perhaps it wasn't the most reasonable thing to point out, and you regretted saying it immediately but Jongho's smirk only grew and it fueled you. "I'm just observing, you know. Like you are."

"Is that so?" You sighed, getting lost in your thoughts as you wondered if you should just take that step and ask him what he thought of you, or just confess because at times like this, at intimate times like this, you really couldn't take it anymore.

The brush of Jongho's fingers on your hands wasn't helping either. You were pretty sure it was accidental but he still wore that smirk and then he turned to look at you.

"What do you say, we hold hands? Pretend to be a couple walking in the park? Feel less lonely for a while?"

You gaped at him, "Don't you hate holding hands and whatnot?"

He rolled his eyes, "You clearly haven't seen me get comfortable with the boys then. I can't do it 24/7 like some of my friends but I do crave my share of physical touch or affection."

"Oooh, you do?" You raised a brow, "that's news."

"What do you think of me, Minnie?" He laughed, "You clearly have some misconceptions about me."

"Well, now that we practically live together," you tried to calm your wildly beating heart as you slipped your hands in his, surprising him even though he had asked for it, "I think you can clear them for me, Jongho."

He gave you a rather playful look as he smiled and you took that chance, blowing him a kiss, "It was due."

He laughed loudly, shaking his head at you and squeezing your hand subconsciously as you two walked. "Is there anything you wanna do while you're here in the city? Or anything you wanna do when you go visit your parents?"

"Haven't given much thought yet," you said. You couldn't exactly tell him that he was the one thing that usually occupied your mind and kept you from thinking about stuff like that, "Just the usual? I could go for a hike someday. Other than that, I think I'll just explore and go along with the flow."

"The flow takes you to interesting places," he looked at your joined hands but you didn't notice.

"Well, that's how I roll, I guess," you kicked a pebble, "So far, so good."

"Isn't there something you ever want to do that would demand you break the flow?" He asked, "Step out of your comfort zone?"

"There is, there are, actually," you thought about it, "I always have to think if something's worth it."

"Interesting," he said, shifting his hand so now your fingers were joined, "And when it's worth it?"

"I guess I'll go all in, then," you looked at him and that's when you realised that maybe with him, you'd have to do exactly that.

But small, slow steps. You were going to make him really look at you. Notice you. And if you were lucky, maybe fall for you.

And when he didn't leave your hand even on the way back home, you wondered if he had at least finally noticed you and become aware of you- just as you, not as Yeosang's little sister. It was only when you entered that you let go of each other's hand, the absence hitting you.

"We should do that again," Jongho said as he went to the kitchen to drink water and you followed him.

"What, holding hands?'

"Minnie!" Jongho laughed in disbelief, "You… you're gonna be the death of me."

"Hmm?" You were smiling playfully as you slid in front of him on the table, pouring yourself water. "Do I overwhelm you, Choi Jongho?"

Jongho stared at you, shaking his head in amusement, "You've really changed, Minnie. I don't remember you being so…" you waited for him to complete saying something but you blinked when he leaned forward, pulling a small leaf out of your hair-

"Playful. Mischievous. And interesting," he smiled.

"That's because you never bothered talking to me," you mumbled.

"Excuse me, we hung out a lot back home," he began, "And when I say you're not the same, I mean it. Or perhaps because we met after a year?"

"Or both," you sighed, slumping back. "Well, is it a good change or a bad change?"

"Definitely good, I don't mean it any other way," he assured you.

"Well, it's because you finally see me," you got up, smiling, "Not Yeosang's little sister. Just me. Isn't that so?"

Jongho's half smile was the only answer you needed, going to your room and leaving Jongho staring after you and then putting his head in his hands, because…

You were Yeosang's sister.

He knew that. He also knew you. And he could see that something was changing or had changed in you.

He had also noticed how your behaviour with him was a bit different than anyone else's- it had always been, and he used to think that it was perhaps because you two weren't as close as the rest, but was it because of something else?

Especially the way you'd been glancing at him lately and had held his hand without hesitation- was he losing it or could you do that with anyone?

As days passed by, Jongho started observing you more. He didn’t miss the way you’d brush yourself or fidget whenever he came. Was it because you still weren’t used to living with him? He just wanted to know what made you feel so self aware whenever you were with him-

And what made him feel so self aware whenever he so much as even thought of you.

—---------------

It was one Saturday night when you were invited by Wooyoung and San for drinks. You dressed up casually, wearing a black bomber jacket over black jeans and a white top. Tying your hair in a half ponytail, you came out of your room, noticing Jongho watching the TV half lying down on the couch, Yeosang sprawled down near him as well.

“Hello, loners, I’m going out,” you announced.

“Oh? Who are you meeting?” Yeosang spared you a glance while Jongho looked interested.

You grinned, “Wooyoung and San.”

“Oh god,” Yeosang groaned, “She’s going to come home either laughing her ass off or crying.”

“Have a good time- make them drop you home or call one of us if you’re all too drunk to walk home,” Jongho shook his head as a scenario popped into his head.

10 minutes later, you were at the restaurant that Yeosang had shown you once on your way out. Wooyoung and San were already there, cheering when you came and you took a seat next to San.

“It’s been so long since the three of us hung out,” Wooyoung grinned, “Remember the last time?”

“There’s a reason I refused to entertain the two of you afterwards,” you muttered, taking a sip of the beer they poured for you, “Are we all drinking? Who’s going to remain sane if we all drink?”

“Oh, loosen up,” San waved a hand in dismissal, “We’ll make sure you get home, don’t worry.”

“Right,” you grinned, “Let’s get wild.”

You matched their energy, enjoying the fried chicken as you all talked about life, everything and anything, recalling old memories-

“I remain unbeatable when it comes to drinking,” Wooyoung practically smashed his glass down as he announced, San already tipsy and swaying, almost falling down twice now and you had to put him back in his seat by his collar, “Look at him. Tsk.”

“I’m not drunk, I’m just… tipsy,” San giggled and you and Wooyoung made a disgusted face as you two looked at each other.

“Your tolerance is fair too,” Wooyoung raised a brow, “Have you been drinking a lot ever since we left?”

“Well, I needed to get on your level, didn’t I?” You flashed a smile and you both clicked your glasses.

“So, Minnie,” Wooyoung leaned forward, “Boyfriend yet?”

“Nah,” you shrugged, “Sadly, I remain single.”

“Boring,” he rolled his eyes, “Don’t you even like someone? Any pretty boys in your class? If you ever wanna ask about some guy, you can ask me- I practically know everyone.”

“Oh, I’ve heard,” you scoffed, “The very famous Jung Wooyoung. Life of parties.”

He smiled cockily, slumping back in his chair, “That’s me.”

“What about you? I remember there was this girl you had your eyes on in highschool-”

“That’s ancient history, long forgotten,” he mumbled, “No, but sometimes, I think about her.”

“Ayy,” you laughed, “That’s both adorable and disgusting.”

“It was a crush,” Wooyoung nodded in acknowledgement, “And I have moved on-”

“She has a crush, Woo,” San mumbled and you gasped, slapping San’s head and looking at Wooyoung, “Is San a big mouth when drunk?”

“Only with me,” Wooyoung was suddenly very interested in what San had to say, “Who does she have a crush on, San?”

“Hey!” You glared at Wooyoung, “San, I swear to god, if you say anything-”

“Oh, come on!” Wooyoung let out a frustrated sigh, “I thought we were friends, Minnie. I even trusted you when I told you about my highschool crush and you helped me, didn’t you? I’ll help you! I won’t tell anyone!”

You contemplated telling Wooyoung- he was right. “I trust you, and you’re my friend, but it’s just… embarrassing,” you hid your face in your hands.

“She’s in love,” San sang, only worsening your embarrassment.

“I’m not,” you mumbled, “Ugh, I don’t know. San… I hate you for ever finding out.”

San only grinned as he rested his head on the table, half asleep. Wooyoung was still waiting for you to say something, borderline glaring at you. You sighed, “I… Promise me you won’t make fun of me. Because if you do- we’re over.”

Wooyoung promised, laughing at your extreme reaction and then his face twisted into realisation, “Is it one of us friends?”

You poked your tongue in your cheek as you looked at anywhere but Wooyoung’s face and he clapped, shaking his head, “I should have seen it coming. It was bound to happen. It’s not me, is it?”

“Ew, no,” you said and he put a hurt hand on his heart.

“You make it sound like it’s a bad thing.”

“Please, I feel sorry for your future partner,” you snorted, “Anyways, yeah… make a guess.”

“Hmm,” he leaned forward, putting his face in his hands as he thought about it, “You’re friends with all of us, so it’s hard to make a guess.”

“Really? Wow, that means I’m doing a good job at hiding it-”

“Is it Jongho?”

“-or not…” you let out a short laugh, “What gave?”

“Wow,” Wooyoung slumped back in disbelief, “Wow, I should have made the connection! You rarely make fun of him and always look for him- wow, I should have seen it coming!”

“Please, shut up,” you sighed at how loud he was and San laughed, making you slap his arm for the umpteenth time. You were going to kill him when he was sober.

“As expected,” Wooyoung grinned, “You never disappoint, Minnie.”

“Shut up,” you sighed, looking up in defeat, “I’m never gonna hear the end of it, am I?”

“Never,” he grinned, “Come on, I’ll help you.”

“I don’t need your help.”

“You do,” he said as a matter-of-factly, “You practically live with him now. You still haven’t made a move?”

“Wooyoung,” you whined, “How can I? I’m gonna ruin things if I make a mistake. It’s gonna be awkward then- forever.”

“You won’t,” Wooyoung looked thoughtful, “Jongho… He’s never mentioned liking anyone, so you’re all good there. You just have to win his heart.”

“Just,” you muttered, “How easy you make it sound.”

“So when did you fall for him?” Wooyoung leaned forward, filling your glass and his.

You told him about how you always liked how Jongho was more mature and different. It didn’t develop into a crush until that one night when he stayed over at your place and you both stayed up all night talking because Yeosang fell asleep watching a movie on ‘movie night’ after the first movie. It was that time you were preparing for your speech.

“I remember!” Wooyoung gasped, “Jongho told me about that night!”

“Really?” You frowned, “What did he say?”

“That you weren’t the person he assumed you were,” he tried recalling, “Something like that. That he liked talking to you and it was fun.”

“Ooh,” you nodded, “Well, I guess it was fun. I’m a fun person to be with-”

“Yeah, right,” he dismissed that, “When did you fall in love?”

You thought about it, “Probably when he saved me that night when a man came after me. You remember?”

“Ah, yes,” he looked grim, “Crazy night.”

“Did he say anything about that time?”

“Not really,” Wooyoung said, “Not to me- I don’t know if he told anyone else.”

“He said you were very scared,” San managed to speak and you both looked at him, surprised that he could actually make out your conversation given the state he was in, “And he’d never seen you like this. He wanted to protect you and he felt really strange.”

“Eh? Strange?”

“Yeah… because you looked so small at that moment.”

Wooyoung made an impressed face, “Jongho clearly doesn’t hate you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m saying you have a chance, miss,” he looked proud, “He never says stuff like this about anyone. If he noticed you, that means something changed.”

“Well, I’m Yeosang’s sister to him and to all of you, isn’t that so? That’s what you all probably think when you think of me-”

“No, why would you think that?” Wooyoung frowned, “Yeah, we used to when we were little, but when we started hanging out… you’re our friend too, Minnie- forget about Yeosang. We don’t think about you or care for you only because you’re related to him.”

“Really?” You were touched. “That’s… good. Good to hear. Thank you, Wooyoung.”

“You dumbass,” Wooyoung got up to slap your head, making you pout, “Is that how you thought of us all this time? That we only talk to you because you’re his sister?”

“Well…”

“Biggest fool I’ve seen,” San mumbled.

“I’m throwing him in the bin outside on my way out,” you announced and Wooyoung laughed out loud, making you laugh as well especially when the people around you looked at him, “Stop laughing, you hyena.”

That only made him laugh harder and after earning glared, he stopped, “Well, next time I see Jongho, I’ll very casually ask how it is living with you-”

“Don’t-”

“Don’t worry, I ask stuff like that. It’ll be normal coming from me,” he wiped his hands, “And I’ll very casually mention how you’ve grown and blossomed into a beautiful young lady who can drink well-”

“Ugh, I need to sew your mouth shut,” you mumbled.

“See! You never say stuff like this to Jongho,” Wooyoung made a sad face, “I bet someone else suspects you like him too. Maybe Yunho or Seonghwa- they’re observant.”

“Well, no need to confirm, and no need to go announcing to everyone,” you sighed, “I’ll… do something. What should I do, Wooyoung?”

He smirked victoriously, “You should go out with him more. Just you and him. Or have some quality time at home.”

“We do that,” you said, “Yeosang’s usually busy with one thing or other, which leaves the two of us.”

“Ah, something’s gonna happen soon, I feel it in my blood,” Wooyoung nodded, “I’ll keep Yeosang busy for you if you want.”

You laughed, “There’s absolutely no need for that. If it’s gonna happen… it will happen, you know?”

Wooyoung shook his head at you, pinching your nose, “You should have told me before. I bet San only made fun of you or teased you.”

“I didn’t even tell him,” you pouted, “He just found out himself. But yeah, I feel lighter now. Thanks for tonight.”

“No problem, let’s hang out again,” Wooyoung said, “We should go now. Do you want me to drop you off at home?”

“No, I can make it,” you said and Wooyoung’s face lit up.

“I have an idea.”

Which was how he ordered a strong drink so you were feeling high enough that he ‘can’t let you go alone’. Despite your denial, he made you drink, saying tonight was all about risks. Sadly, even Wooyoung got high and you really had to call home. You tried calling Yeosang first but he didn’t pick up- it was almost midnight so you figured he was sleeping.

“What if Jongho doesn’t pick up, you little shit- Oh, hi, Jongho- no, I said that to Wooyoung,” you giggled, “Is Yeo asleep?”

Jongho decided to come himself and not wake Yeosang, sending both the drunk guys off and you prayed they kept their mouths shut while you waited for him back in the restaurant. He finally gestured for you to come out and you did, swaying a bit and he grabbed you by the arms.

“Just how much did you all drink?”

“I am good at holding my liquor, sir,” you were clearly drunk, “But Wooyoung challenged me.”

“Ugh, you two,” he scoffed, making you put your arm in his, “Come on. Let’s go.”

“Whee~” you tried running but he laughed, his strong grip around your arm holding you back.

“Minnie… We need to get home first before you try anything stupid.”

“What do you mean,” you frowned, “Me? Stupid? Never.”

Jongho couldn’t tell if you were joking but when you laughed, he relaxed, “Yep. You’re like San when you get drunk.”

“Do not compare me to that fool,” you muttered.

“Exactly like him,” he shook his head.

You huffed, “You should have joined us… I missed you tonight.”

Jongho pursed his lips as his heart fluttered, “Well, I’m here now. What exactly did you miss? I’m sure Wooyoung and San were great company-”

“But they’re not you,” you looked at him, blinking several times as you tried to focus better.

“Oh?” Jongho raised a brow, “So, tell me, are you an honest drunk too?”

“I speak nothing but the truth,” you saluted.

“That’s good,” Jongho stopped walking, “Then tell me, do you like me or what?”

“Of course I like you!” You sounded offended, “What’s there not to like?”

Jongho continued walking, realising that you were still the same Minnie, playing and twisting words, “I’m sure there’s something you don’t like about me.”

“Maybe, if I think hard enough,” you sighed, “Gosh, I’m sleepy.”

“We’re here,” he unlocked the apartment and you dragged him to the couch, making him sit as you sat down with him, a quizzical expression on his face because what were you trying to do-

You put your head on his shoulder, “This feels good.”

Jongho paused for a moment before sighing, shaking his head in amusement, shifting so you could do that better, “What exactly are you doing to me, Minnie?”

“Nothing,” you muttered, trailing your finger down his arm before tracing circles on his hand, “I miss us.”

“Us?”

“Yeah,” you sighed, feeling utterly sad all of a sudden, “Us. I miss…” you stopped, actually slapping yourself on the cheek (lightly but hard enough to wake you up too) because the small, rational part in your brain that was still awake was screaming red alert. Jongho frowned, turning towards you and rubbing your cheek.

“Hey, why would you do that?”

“Don’t… touch me.”

A flash of hurt in his eyes told you you’d said the wrong thing and you shook your head immediately, holding his hand away from your cheek, “I mean… don’t touch me because it makes me want more.”

Jongho internally sighed as his heart sank down, your faces so close he could see your eyes glazed even in the very dim light. “Minnie…”

You joined your fingers with his as you smiled, “This… is enough for me. And don’t look at me like that.”

A faint smile creeped on his face, “Why?”

“I don’t want to do something I’ll regret,” you put your head back on his shoulder, caressing his hand, “this… is enough.”

Jongho always knew you liked him a bit more than the rest, but it was only when you started living together that he wondered if you perhaps liked him in a romantic way. And this… this just confirmed it. And as much as he wanted to do something about it right now, he decided now wasn’t the time- you were drunk. And he also decided that he needed to hear it from your mouth, sober, before he assumed something.

But he couldn’t deny what he felt right now. He wanted nothing more than to hold you in his arms and-

“I’m going to fall asleep,” you mumbled.

“Do you want me to take you to bed?”

“No,” you squeezed his hand, “Stay with me until I fall asleep.”

He did, his heart beating uncontrollably the whole time and when your breathing finally fell even and your grip on his hand became loose, he got up and made you lay down on the couch, placing a pillow under your head and spreading the blanket over you. You opened your eyes briefly, smiling at the way he was tucking you in. He smiled back, finishing and hesitating before planting a lingering kiss on your forehead.

“Sleep well.”

The next day when you woke up and were having breakfast- the hangover soup that Yeosang made for you, Jongho came out of his room. Yeosang gave him a look, “You woke up late today. That’s unlike you.”

“Yeah, just couldn’t sleep last night,” he muttered, glancing at you but you were focused on your food, “Hi, Minnie. Slept well last night?”

“I did,” you said, looking at him, “I can’t even remember what happened after Wooyoung got me drunk. You came, right?”

Jongho visibly relaxed but sighed, “I did.”

He took a seat in front of you and you pursed your lips, “I hope I didn’t do anything stupid or embarrassing last night?”

Jongho scanned your face, smiling, “No. You didn’t. You really don’t remember anything?”

“For now, nope,” you finished eating, “Maybe I will. It tends to come in intervals or doesn’t come back at all.”

“Ah, I see,” he nodded.

“Why did Wooyoung get you so drunk?” Yeosang shook his head.

“Obviously wanted to compete with me, that little-” you muttered, making them laugh, “San didn’t even make the first half.”

Yeosang laughed, “He gets drunk but remains awake. He remembers everything, strangely.”

“Yeah, I was surprised he was keeping up with our conversation,” you nodded, “We should go drinking next week, the 3 of us. What do you say?”

They agreed and you went to your room, shutting the door and slumping down.

Of course you remembered.

You were far too embarrassed and scared to admit that you did. Jongho hadn’t really shown a response- except letting you do whatever and then kissing you goodnight, but was that enough for you to read into it?

“Do you like me or what?”

“What exactly are you doing to me, Minnie?”

You bit your lips, shaking your head- this was very, very confusing. You also knew Jongho would never take advantage of you when you were drunk. So maybe, there was still hope, but…

There was a chance you had ruined everything.

There was no way Jongho wasn’t aware of your feelings for him now, and everything depended on you remaining the same old Minnie. It was his turn to make a move. You would only wait now.

—-------------------

“You.”

You ran towards San who screamed before he tried running away but you grabbed his jacket, making him sit while you glared at him, “Tell me one reason I should spare your life.”

“Come on, isn’t Wooyoung being helpful?” San groaned.

“Helpful?” You scoffed.

The past week, Wooyoung had been bombarding you with texts as he asked for daily progress. You were tired of answering with ‘just the usual’ and ‘nothing happened’ and also ‘fuck off’ (only when he asked in a teasing manner). He did tell you about how he met Jongho and very ‘casually’ asked him about how it felt living with you. You almost cried because Jongho could probably make the connection now- the secret.

“It’s… fun. The apartment really needed a feminine touch.”

That’s what he had told Wooyoung- and then Wooyoung had to refrain himself from teasing him. It was a very neutral answer. As for Jongho’s behaviour…

Something had changed.

He was looking at you more. Or perhaps you weren’t sane in the head, but his eyes followed you as you went around the house. Oftentimes you caught him staring at you and he’d only pass a smile, going back to whatever he was doing.

He was also asking more about you- your likes, dislikes, hobbies and whatnot- all very casual. You wouldn’t even realise that he’d ask something that he wouldn’t normally until you thought about it later. Perhaps he was feeling you out?

“He’s definitely trying to get to know you more,” Wooyoung, who was doing nothing to help San, said, “He’s going to do a lot of thinking before he tries something.”

“For the first time, I wish he was like you,” you scoffed, “Quick, impulsive, rash-”

“He doesn’t always make the wisest decisions, Minnie,” San said. You had dropped his collar and instead were rubbing the back of his neck threateningly, as if you could choke him.

“Well, neither do you, Sannie,” you glared at him, “Who knows what you tell Jongho about me when you’re drunk?”

“Ah, this is frustrating,” Wooyoung swatted the air, “I should just do something to speed this all up-”

“You’re enjoying this too much,” you laughed, “Do nothing. Let him be. I’m not doing anything as well. He knows now, Wooyoung. He probably hates me or something.”

“He could never hate you,” Wooyoung shook his head, “He isn’t the type to hate-”

“Who?” Yeosang and Jongho arrived- you’d told them you were in the cafeteria with Wooyoung and San.

“No one-”

“You,” Wooyoung interrupted you, looking at Yeosang, “You don’t hate Minnie, do you?”

“Of course not,” Yeosang frowned as he sat down next to San, looking at you, “Why would you think that?”

You looked at Wooyoung for help and he gave you a subtle nod, “She just thinks she’s being a burden. She hasn’t started working yet. I told her that she needed to settle down first but I guess I’ll help her find work.”

“Minnie,” Yeosang sighed, “I wish you wouldn’t think like that. You don’t even need to work, I earn enough for the both of us-”

“Shut up,” you told Yeosang and he shook his head, “I need to be useful too.”

“You don’t think she’s a burden, do you, Jongho?”

You glared at Wooyoung but Jongho shook his head, “Of course not. I would think I’m a burden, since I’m living for free with them.”

You and Yeosang immediately burst into a fit of consoling him and reprimanding him for thinking like that. Jongho laughed, saying the dorm situation looked hopeful and he would only be a burden to you two for a month or so.

“We’re going for drinks,” Yeosang announced, “You two wanna join?”

“Yes!” San said but Wooyoung slapped his head.

“No, we have plans,” he looked at you, “Enjoy.”

“What plans?” San frowned and Wooyoung only pinched him. Yeosang narrowed his eyes at the two but shrugged and the three of you left for the bar he’d mentioned. Eating dinner first and talking about your day, Yeosang later ordered drinks.

“We three are good drinkers,” Yeosang looked at Jongho and then you, “Should we go for something stronger?”

“You really love waking up with a headache, don’t you?” You scoffed, “Go ahead. Be my guest- you two can drink all you want. I’ll keep my head clear tonight.”

“Why?” Yeosang frowned, “Do you have plans tomorrow?”

“I’m interviewing for a part-time job, yes,” you said and he gave you the look, making you sigh, “It’s about time I start working, Yeosang. You two are out all day and I get bored home alone. I’ve settled well now.”

“But-”

“Let her,” Jongho patted Yeosang, “She needs to spread her wings to fly.”

“You already sound drunk, Jongho,” Yeosang laughed.

“Well, I won’t be doing any flying at a cafe,” you grinned, “but thank you. Maybe a slap to Yeosang’s head would be great too-”

Jongho immediately obeyed, earning a glare from your brother. He downed his drink, sulking, “I should have gone out with someone else.”

You both were teasing Yeosang when he spotted his juniors who had just started drinking as well. His face lit up and he said he’d be back after greeting them. You and Jongho watched with curiosity, placing bets whether he would actually join them for the night or return.

“I can’t believe he ditched me for his juniors he probably don’t even remember the names of,” you looked at Jongho in disbelief, “You won. You clearly know him better.”

“It’s probably partly because of you, Minnie,” he teased, straightening his leather jacket, “You haven’t been easy on him tonight.”

You giggled- you really hadn’t. It was fun hanging out with Yeosang after so long, and you always enjoyed it because of the battle of teasing you two would have- one of you would always be doing way better with retorts which make it fun to win and very, very disappointing to lose.

You poured the drink in Jongho’s glass before filling yours, “So? Do we keep drinking or do we go home?”

“Well,” Jongho clicked his glass with yours, “I think a few more drinks won’t hurt.”

He was smirking. And you decided to gather your guts and embrace your inner Wooyoung (the confidence, at least, not the tendency to be an annoying clingy but lovable shit) as you smirked back.

You two found yourselves talking about your future plans; Jongho’s plans of pursuing entertainment and music, your plans of feeling out what was really meant for you from the variety of options you had in your mind. It was finally when you both felt like any more drinking would definitely mean you two weren’t getting home tonight that you two stood up to go.

Yeosang told you both to go ahead and that he’d come later, and you felt your heart sink a little because of the nervousness-

Jongho was drunk enough to ask you anything that he normally wouldn’t and you were drunk enough to answer.

“You’ve been looking at me funny all night,” Jongho was nearly slurring his words but was stable enough as he walked. However, you were the opposite and you reflexively held on to Jongho’s arm, which made him smile.

“I look at everyone funny when I’m drunk,” you looked at him and laughed at the playfulness in his eyes, “Have you sworn to ask such weird questions whenever I’m drunk?”

“What weird questions have I asked when you’re drunk- oh. So you do remember.”

“Remember what?” You pretended to think, “Not sure I do.”

Jongho shook his head, fishing in his pocket for the keys to your apartment, unlocking it silently and you bit your lips furiously because god, he was clever. He was smart, and he had caught you red-handed and there was no way to get out of this-

“Listen, Minnie,” Jongho turned as he shut the door and you paused, “I’m sober enough to think but also drunk enough to dare and ask this,” he put his hands in his pockets and huffed, then took them out. “What, exactly, did you mean that night? And don’t give the I-don’t-remember crap. That’s not gonna work anymore.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m drunk that my drunk memories dialled back in?”

Jongho gaped at you and you sighed, laughing nervously, “I’m sorry- I always do this, don’t I? Run around things, never answering properly. You probably hate me.”

“I could never,” his voice was low as he took a step closer.

“Okay,” you threw your hands in the air. “I like you. God, I can’t believe I said that out loud. I’ve liked you since forever, Jongho. I thought it was a school crush but then we talked more, you fucking saved me and it made me feel things, I’m sorry-”

“Hey, hey,” Jongho shook his head, coming forward, “Why are you apologising?”

“Because we live under the same roof? And you’re Yeosang’s best friend? I shouldn’t have said it. I’ve made it awkward for you, haven’t I? You probably only think of me as your best friend’s stupid little sister-”

Jongho couldn’t have made it quicker as he held your face and stopped right before leaning in, scanning your face and making sure you were okay, that you weren’t joking. And when he saw your tear-glazed eyes, he couldn’t help but sigh internally as he finally pecked your lips, testing the waters, laying a soft kiss again as he waited for you to respond, and when you didn’t because your knees were so weak that you couldn’t move, he leaned back, frowning.

“I thought you said you liked me- was I wrong?”

You let out a nervous laugh, shaking your head before you gathered yourself and did what you had been longing to do for so long. You grabbed the collar of his jacket and kissed him, not the soft pecks that he’d been giving you but a kiss that said that you were his now and he could do whatever he pleased with you.

And oh, he did. The way his hands snaked behind your neck and on your waist made you sigh into the kiss and they turned more heated. Perhaps it was the drink that made you both so brave. Jongho found himself pushing you back and back until you were flat against the wall and you both just couldn’t get enough, breaths mingling, not breaking apart as if that would change something.

But you eventually had to and he joined your foreheads, his hand resting on the wall and one still on your waist, catching your breaths. Still not wanting to stop because you thought there was still a chance that this was just a spur-of-the-moment decision, you broke apart only to hug him, your arms around his neck.

“I know you hate hugging,” you said, “but I’m doing it anyway. Let me.”

“I don’t,” he laughed a little, “And… I could hug you all day.”

“Jongho!” You laughed, “That was cheesy as fuck.”

“Come on, let’s sit,” he basically dragged you to the couch and you took the chance to sit on his lap, pushing his messy hair back from his forehead as he smiled at you, tracing circles on your thigh where his hand rested casually.

“Do you really like me, Jongho?” You asked, still playing with his hair because you were too nervous to look him in the eyes.

“I do. A lot, in fact,” he held your hand away from his face, making you look at him as he squeezed it assuringly, “probably from back then too. I just didn’t realise until when you came here.”

You breathed in relief, “Well then, can I blame it on the drinks and do this?”

You kissed his cheek, making him laugh and then he shifted you in his lap so you were straddling him, his grip on your hips tightening. “Let’s blame it on the drinks, shall we?”

You grinned, kissing him slowly this time, really feeling it. You couldn’t believe it and a small part in you was still worried that this was just a dream. But the way his hands ran along your thighs, hips and waist made you wonder if the moment could be more real. And the way he was kissing you back, like he wanted you just as much as you wanted him, if not more… it made a fire course through your veins, and you couldn’t get enough. He kept kissing your moans away and it was driving you crazy-

The sound of keys jingling and struggling to unlock the door was what did it for both of you as your eyes widened and you immediately jumped back into the couch, lying down and placing your legs on Jongho’s thighs- he was too busy straightening his clothes to notice and you grabbed the remote, turning on the TV just in time.

Yeosang entered, swaying as he glanced at the two of you sitting rather comfortably, watching-

“You both are watching the news? Seriously?”

“Well, Yeosang,” you rolled your eyes, “Seems like you’re not the only one who’s shitfaced right now.”

He laughed out loud, unsuspecting as he went to the kitchen for some water and you and Jongho tried to hold in your laughter. He kicked your legs off him but you placed them back, stifling your laugh and poking his thighs.

“Had fun there?” Jongho asked, his voice uncharacteristically high which made you giggle.

“Very,” Yeosang sighed, “I’m gonna regret everything tomorrow. I’m going to sleep. Minnie, go sleep, you have a… what tomorrow? Test?”

“Interview, Yeosang,” you got up, “I will. Jongho, can you put him to bed before he falls face first on the floor?”

Jongho did exactly that, coming back a few minutes later to find you sitting in the kitchen, staring at the empty glass in the table. Jongho slid next to you, silent for a few moments.

“Do you regret it?”

“Of course not, Jongho,” you frowned, “What made you think that?”

“Nothing, just wanted to make sure,” he shrugged.

“Yeah, understandable,” you shrugged, “It’s not like I made out with you or anything, right? Did I look uninterested?”

Jongho laughed out loud, shaking his head at you before pinching your nose. “I’ll ask the more important questions when we’re sober.”

“Well, I think the most important would be, how do we break this to Yeosang?”

“Worry about that later,” he got up, making you get up as well, “Let’s go to sleep.”

“Together?”

Jongho slapped your arm, making you grin and wink at him. He walked you to your room, stopping at the doorway and holding your hand. “I guess… goodnight.”

You bit your lips as you looked at him, “I’ll be too afraid to ask anything when I’m sober, so just tell me this before I sleep. Do you really like me?”

Jongho smiled, tucking your hair behind your ear, “If you want to… I could prove it everyday.”

“Gosh, Wooyoung wasn’t lying when he said you could be cheesy,” you muttered, flushing and he laughed, kissing your cheek and lingering a bit before drawing back.

“Goodnight, love.”

—------------------

You wished it was not Sunday.

Everyone was home. Yeosang was home, Jongho was home, and you were still in your bed wondering if last night was real (of course it was) but more importantly, what was gonna happen next.

“Breakfast is ready!” Jongho called and you finally got up, taking a few deep breaths before going to the door and stopping for the umpteenth time, groaning. You were sure you could act normal but you weren’t so sure because if Jongho was in a playful mood…

He was.

“Hello, Minnie,” he placed the food on the table, Yeosang half asleep zoning out, “Slept well last night?”

You glanced at him- that was a casual enough question. You replied with a yes, and he sat down next to Yeosang, urging you to take a seat as well.

“And? Sweet dreams last night?”

You paused, nearly glaring at Jongho who very casually sipped on his coffee. “Oh yes. I had the craziest dream last night.”

“Really? What was it about?” Yeosang was finally interested and Jongho couldn’t help but laugh a little.

“Well, let’s see,” you placed your elbows at the table, staring at Jongho, “I think I recall, but… I think I was making out with someone in that dream. I didn’t do something stupid in the bar or later, did I, Jongho?”

“Ew, you didn’t have to tell me that,” Yeosang groaned, “It was a dream, right?”

Now both of you siblings were waiting for Jongho to respond who was shaking his head at you, “You didn’t do anything stupid last night. Not anything I recall. Do you remember the poor guy you made out with?”

“Both of you shut up, I don’t need to hear this first thing in the morning,” Yeosang shook his head wildly before going back to his breakfast.

“Well, I don’t think I do… but I think he had red hair. Kind of like yours, I think.”

Jongho gaped at you, stifling his laugh because oh, you were treading on such dangerous waters right now. He should have expected this- you were always like this. “Too bad it was a dream, huh?”

“Ah, too bad,” you went back to your breakfast as well, nearly laughing out loud when you felt Jongho kick your leg under the table while pretending to be busy spreading jam over his bread. You teased him back as well.

“I have a few days off soon because of an event,” Yeosang announced, “I was wondering if I should go home. I haven’t seen mom and dad in a while.”

“Oh? When?”

“Next week. I think I have four days off, but the weekend is gonna come right after so that means I have six days almost,” Yeosang looked at you, “Should I go?”

“Definitely, mom and dad miss you a lot,” you nodded.

“Well, thank goodness Jongho is here for now,” Yeosang slumped back, “I didn’t want to leave if you were all alone here.”

Oh.

“Um, I can take care of myself, thank you very much,” you looked at Jongho, “How’s your dorm situation, by the way?”

“I need to check tomorrow but I think I can go back in two weeks,” he looked at Yeosang, “Should I stay here while you’re gone?”

“Yeah, if Minnie’s comfortable with that,” Yeosang looked at you, “One word and we kick him out.”

You laughed nervously, “Oh, I’m good, I don’t mind.”

“Really?” Jongho asked, a faint smirk on his face.

You wished you could wipe that smirk off right now, “Yes. Unless you’re uncomfortable in which case, see yourself out.”

Jongho laughed, “I think I’m good.”

Yeosang looked at you and Jongho, “You two really warmed up to each other, eh?”

“What?”

Yeosang laughed at how you two were gaping at him, “I mean… you’re like good friends now. You two haven’t interacted much in the past, have you?”

“Well, when you live with someone, you get used to them. Isn’t that so?” You looked at Jongho.

“I suppose so,” he smiled, “I’m gonna miss us when I move out.”

“We can always have sleepovers,” Yeosang suggested.

“Oh, that reminds me, I could call someone for a sleepover too,” you looked at Yeosang, “Wooyoung and San have been pesking me because we haven’t had a sleepover in so long.”

“I forgot how close you were to the two of them,” Yeosang nodded, “Sure. Seonghwa and Hongjoong miss you too. They say you’ve grown up too much now, you don’t come to them anymore.”

“I suppose I could visit there too,” you nodded.

When Yeosang finally went back to his room, Jongho was grinning. “Nervous that it’s gonna be just the two of us for a while?”

“Me? Nervous? Never,” your laugh gave you away, “I’m calling Wooyoung and San over everyday for those five days if you don’t wipe that smirk off your face, Choi Jongho.”

He laughed out loud, clapping as he got up, pinching your cheek. “Ah, you’re so cute. What am I gonna do with you?”

“Stop!” You whined, slapping his hand away. You couldn’t believe you two were back to being normal but more comfortable now, as if the makeout session last night had finally broken the ice. You smiled to yourself, wondering if Jongho had been just as nervous as you this whole time.

It was two days later when Yeosang was out and you two were alone that you finally got the time to talk everything out. You had just arrived from your part-time job, exhausted. Jongho, who had been relaxing on the couch scrolling through his phone, got up when he saw your tired face.

“Long day?”

“Very,” you took off your shoes, slumping on the couch as Jongho went to the kitchen, “Where’s Yeosang?”

“Out, he won’t be here for a while,” Jongho told you and you nodded, “Should I make you something? Coffee? Have you had dinner yet?”

“I haven’t,” you sighed, “And I’m hungry. Have you had dinner yet?”

Jongho paused, “No. Wanna go for dinner nearby or should we order something?”

You settled on ordering jajangmyeon, and after placing the order, Jongho turned towards you. “How’s your job going?”

“Good, actually. It’s just gonna take me some time to get used to it,” you were massaging your temples, “I haven’t seen you around much these past few days. Busy?”

“I had to work overtime for my colleague, which means I get a day off when I want,” he grinned, “I’m gonna save it for when I need it.”

“That’s nice,” you smiled, “You should go somewhere nice and relax.”

“I actually wanted to take you with me,” he said and you smiled uncontrollably, looking down, “Maybe on a date. Would you like to?”

“Choi Jongho,” you laughed, “Are you asking me out?”

“Hmm,” he slid forward, facing you, “Am I?”

You shook your head and he leaned forward to kiss you, all soft and lovely, holding both your hands in his. He drew back, his eyes curved from the smile he gave you. “I missed you.”

“Can’t say I didn’t,” you smiled, “So are we like, official? Do we tell everyone or what?”

“I was thinking maybe wait until I move out,” Jongho scoffed, “Yeosang’s gonna throw me out and get the wrong idea otherwise.”

“Well,” you smirked, “Do you have plans for when he’s away? Because if he finds out, he’s definitely gonna skip leaving and stay here. He won’t kick you out.”

“True,” he grinned, “He won’t want it to be just the two of us, all alone… doing god knows what-”

“Hey!” You slapped his arm, “There won’t be anything happening, okay? I’ll make sure of that-”

“Well, I mean,” Jongho basically crawled to you, making you slide back until you were flat on your back, half lying with him on top of you, “He should know that ‘anything’ can happen while he’s in this city too, shouldn’t he?”

The red tendrils of his hair nearly touched your forehead and you were tempted to run your hands through his soft face, and when you raised your hand subconsciously to do exactly that, you were interrupted with him trailing his finger down the side of your face and tilting your chin up, “I think I love seeing you like this, Minnie.”

“Like what?” Your voice was barely a whisper.

“So… pretty when you wait for me to do something to you,” he scanned your face slowly, making your stomach go wild, “You have no idea how much I wanted to. You always look at me like this- like your heart was breaking.”

“Well,” you pouted, “That’s because it was. I thought you’d never think of me that way.”

“And why would you think that?” He locked eyes with you.

“I don’t know,” you sighed, straightening his collar, “I guess I just… never thought this was a possibility.”

Jongho laughed a little, running his thumb over your bottom lip, “It’s possible, and real. Very real. In fact, I felt the same way. I thought you would never think of me that way too.”

“Oh, come on,” you laughed in disbelief, “Really?”

Jongho kissed your forehead, “You made me really confused when you came here. You’d say one thing but look like you meant something else, and I thought I was reading too much into it. I stopped myself way too many times.”

“Well, what’s stopping you now?”

Jongho smirked before leaning down to kiss you, softly at first but it soon turned heated, his hands all over you and yours going from his hair to his neck while his tongue explored your mouth. You had to wow at his stamina because he could go on kissing you without even feeling the need to breathe, while leaving you absolutely breathless. And when he did? He started trailing kisses down your cheek to your jaw, going all the way to your neck and before you could tilt it yourself, his hand on your jaw tilted it, the feel of it making you groan. He worked at your neck, kissing and licking and nibbling occasionally, making you gasp and whine and make all sorts of noises that he clearly was enjoying. The way he looked at you afterwards only made heat course through your entire body.

"Jongho, please," you nearly cried, "Us two living alone is a bad, bad idea."

"I think it's the best idea Yeosang ever gave," he laughed as he kissed your neck again, making you squirm- how could he find all your sensitive spots so quickly?

"I can't believe you," you blushed furiously, pushing him away and the two of you burst into a fit of laughter. You scooted closer, nearly seating yourself in his lap as you rested your head against his chest, "I have no energy left."

"Aw, did I make you more tired?" His voice was laced with playfulness and you slapped his thigh. Before he could take revenge, the doorbell rang and food arrived.

The two of you cuddled as you ate your food and after being done, you remained in each other's arms, talking about this and that. You loved being like this, loved when he randomly kissed the top of your head or forehead, loved his hands caressing your head and rubbing your back, loved the way he was looking at you with adoration in his eyes. You could never have enough of this.

And when Yeosang came home this time, he found you two sitting on the couch facing each other as you played cards, a faint smile on his face as he observed you two. He liked that you two were getting along so well, and he liked that he could depend on Jongho to take care of you. He also noticed with a bit of a pleasant surprise how comfortable you two were with each other now, Jongho being loud and mischievous, you being naughty and playful. He chuckled to himself before he joined you two.

—------------------

"We're sleeping over!"

"I cannot believe this," you huffed at Wooyoung and San who stood by the door with drinks and food in their hands.

It was the night Yeosang had left. If you were honest with yourself, you were really, really looking forward to tonight. Jongho had been nothing short of reverent towards you, and it made you feel good.

He could also be playful at times you didn't expect, and he'd been teasing you a lot about how you two would be alone for basically a week. And though you knew Jongho wasn't the one to go at a quick pace, that he would always let you lead, you were kind of excited inside. Because duh, who wouldn't be?

So when you had just finished cleaning the house while Jongho cooked, planning to watch movies with him that could hopefully turn into something else, the doorbell gave you both a surprise. But it was really not very much a surprise that Wooyoung and San were here.

"Ah, the house seems empty without Yeosang, doesn't it?" Wooyoung welcomed himself in, looking around and then looking at you smugly. "We can't let you take advantage of Jongho while he's alone. It's why we're here. We're the… horny police."

"Wooyoung!" You gasped, shaking your head in disbelief while Jongho and San doubled over with laughter, "You clearly don't know how Jongho can be if you think I'm the horny one here."

"Hey!" Jongho was half crying and half laughing at this point, "I didn't do anything! I'm innocent!"

"He'd never do something like that, stop lying!" San defended him.

You put your hands on your hips as you glared at Jongho, "Need I remind you how absolutely reckless you've been when Yeosang's home?"

"Ah, this is exciting," San was eagerly anticipating the next move.

"Oh?" Jongho tilted his head cockily, "Sure. It's not like you play footsie everytime we have to sit on the darned table, isn't that so?"

Wooyoung snorted and you scoffed, "At least I don't give you back hugs when Yeosang disappears for one second."

San gasped, "Jongho! That's so reckless!"

"Exactly!" You shook hands with San, "Imagine if Yeosang comes and finds him, of all the people in this world, back hugging me."

"What do you mean?"

"She's right," Wooyoung nodded, "If it were say, me or anyone else, he wouldn't even bat an eye thinking we're teasing her or something. But since it's you who doesn't normally do stuff like that…

"He’ll immediately know something’s up,” you concluded with a firm nod. “Anyways, I’m clearly the innocent one here. You two-” you pointed at Wooyoung and San, “Should be protecting me tonight.”

“Worry not,” San saluted, “We’ll make sure there’s a respectable distance between you two while we’re here.”

You shook your head, laughing as you went to the kitchen to take out some snacks. They were already planning on the movies you all were going to watch tonight. After setting everything on the table, the duo made you sit between them, pushing Jongho to the side when he whined.

“She’s ours tonight,” San was grinning as he swatted Jongho away, “Just because Yeosang isn’t here doesn’t mean you can do anything-”

“You’re making me sound so bad,” Jongho finally surrendered as he put his face in his hands and sighed, shaking with laughter but in defeat.

“You’re making all of this sound way worse than it is,” you put a popcorn in your mouth, “It’s not like anything was going to happen tonight. Right, Jongho?”

Jongho was too flushed to reply and you and Wooyoung burst into giggles while San gasped and slapped you two.

The night was spent watching a bunch of movies that you all had already watched before so you could make fun of the movie and of each other without having to fully focus. It was how it went when San and Wooyoung used to come over. They always made you join and together, you’d gang up on Yeosang.

By the time you were done with two movies, Jongho and Wooyoung were already asleep, Jongho comfortably lying on the couch while Wooyoung’s head rested on your shoulder. San yawned, looking at you. “You’re awake.”

“We’re the last ones standing,” you shook your head at the two, “We should just leave them here. They’ll find the bed if they want. You enjoy the bed alone while you can.”

“Sounds fun,” San scoffed and then turned towards you, smiling knowingly. “So it finally happened.”

You looked down as you smiled, slapping his thigh because he was smiling so widely at you. “How did it happen?”

You sighed happily, “It took us a few drinks to finally confess.”

“Ah, was it the day Yeosang found his juniors in the restaurant?”

“Oh? Did he mention it?”

“Jongho did,” San smirked, “He was complaining about how Yeosang ditched you two, but now that I think about it, he didn’t sound too sad. In fact, he was practically beaming.”

You laughed out loud, “He was. And he’s unexpectedly brave in front of Yeosang as well. He keeps making references and when Yeosang finally finds out, he’s gonna lose it.”

“He is,” San laughed, “When are you going to tell him? Shouldn’t you have told him by now, considering he left?”

You bit your lips, “He was gonna skip going home if I told him earlier. He wouldn’t kick Jongho out, would he?”

“Ah, Yeosang’s too innocent and pure for his own good,” San shook his head, “How, exactly, are you going to tell him?”

You had given it some thought. Telling Yeosang wasn’t that hard. You were scared of his reaction. Would he be okay with this? It’s not like you did something wrong, but he was still Jongho’s friend first. And the fact that all this had happened under the same roof as him, and to top it off, the fact that none of you had told him about your feelings for each other before… he was either going to be very happy or very disappointed- but only because you two didn’t confide in him.

You’d met Seonghwa and Hongjoong a few days ago in the art club. You’d told them about the situation and asked for advice. Hongjoong had been pleasantly surprised but Seonghwa had only nodded knowingly- it looked like he had caught on. And while you two were discussing how to break it to Yeosang, Mingi and Yunho had come in with a blast, dramatically dancing to express their agony over the fact that you weren’t the little kid they’d known but someone who was dating their friend and would ‘corrupt’ him.

“By the way,” you looked at San, forgetting about the question he’d asked, “Why do all of you think I’m corrupting Jongho?”

San laughed so loud you were positive even Wooyoung would wake up, but they only shifted in their sleep. “Minnie… It’s clearly a joke. We really don’t expect much from the two of you in that department, so when you gave us those little bits earlier, I was really shocked. Is Jongho a romantic afterall?”

“He is,” you confirmed with a proud smile, “More than you’d think.”

San ooh-ed at that, “Suddenly I really don’t want to leave you two alone for even a moment.”

“Shut up and go sleep,” you let out a short laugh, “Goodnight.”

—----------------

“Do I finally have you all to myself tonight?”

You had to look away and take a deep breath- Jongho clearly had no idea how casually he said those sentences and just what they made you feel.

After the sleepover with Wooyoung and San, you spent most of the next day with your classmates as you prepared for a festival. By the time you’d reach home, Jongho was asleep on the couch, probably waiting for you. You’d woken him up with a kiss to his cheek and asked him to sleep comfortably in his room.

“You didn’t have to wait- I told you I was going to be late.”

“I know, I had nothing else to do so I decided to laze around here,” he pouted.

And finally tonight, when you came back from work early, you prepared dinner for the two of you, putting in some extra effort to make it special. You even got some drinks, thinking a few wouldn’t hurt. And when Jongho came back from work, he was surprised to find you setting the table.

“Do I finally have you all to myself tonight?”

“Jongho!” You looked up, “You’re gonna be the death of me.”

Jongho grinned, hugging you and kissing your cheek. “I could say the same.”

You pushed him away, ordering him to go wash his hands so you could have dinner together. While he was gone and his laughter boomed through the apartment, you tried to control your wildly beating heart, inhaling.

You needed to be calm. Just like before.

But you couldn’t help but sigh because Jongho looked especially good today, with his hair messed up just the right amount, away from his forehead, the sleeves of his shirt rolled revealing his muscular arms, his hands-

“Like what you see?”

And he was in the mood too.

“Clearly, I do,” you took a bite of rice and Jongho looked at you with a raised brow.

“Ah. So we’re shameless about it today, huh?”

“Very,” you grinned, “You look good today.”

“Thank you,” he smiled, putting food on your bowl, “Stop watching me and focus on your food when you eat.”

“Yes, sir,” you pouted, “You’re as bad as Yeosang sometimes.”

“Which reminds me,” he looked at you, “I can move out as soon as Yeosang comes back. I have my dorm room back.”

“Really?” You sighed, “Can’t say I’m happy about it.”

Jongho gave half a smile as he finished his food, helping you clear the table and you washed the dishes while he cleaned the table. You were almost done when you felt his arms wrap around your waist, his chin resting on your shoulder, “I’m gonna miss you both so much when I go back. It’s gonna be lonely without you two.”

“Pretty sure you had a roommate,” you said, trying to ignore the butterflies in your stomach.

“I do, but… it’s not gonna be the same. You know that.”

“Well,” you finished washing the dishes, wiping your hands clean before turning in his arms, facing him and he swayed the two of you, “Why don’t you stay, Jongho? You can share the rent if that’s what’s stopping you.”

“As much as I’d like to,” he kissed the tip of your nose, “I shouldn’t. You know that. You and Yeosang are siblings, and you two can live comfortably together.”

“It’s not like we were uncomfortable,” you frowned, slapping his chest and wowing at how hard it felt, which made him laugh, “I know what you mean. Especially now that we’re… like this.”

“Like what?” He teased and you glared at him.

“Not the point. Yeosang would be okay with it, you know that. He trusts us.”

“Yeah, but it’s gonna be uncomfortable for him,” Jongho said and you nodded slowly. He had a point- even if Jongho was his best friend, the two of you were in a relationship now and Yeosang would feel like a third-wheel. “Imagine if Yeosang brought his girlfriend here to live with him. How would you feel?”

“To be honest? Disgusted,” you laughed, and he nodded.

“Let’s tell him about us when I move out. I’m anxious about how he’d feel.”

“He’d be fine,” you trailed a finger down his chest, “Now can we stop talking about everything?”

Jongho smirked, letting you trail your fingers all over his body, tracing the outline of his arms, “You’ve really been working out, haven’t you? But then… You’ve always been more muscular. I always liked that about you.”

“You do?” Jongho was surprised.

“What’s there not to like?” You smiled, “These arms… they’ll always make me feel safe.”

Jongho sighed, wondering what he did to deserve you before holding your face, tucking your hair behind you as he kissed you, so slow and passionate that it made your back arch and you had to wrap your arms around his neck to hold steady. He was really taking it slow, his soft plush lips just kissing yours as if he wanted to make you feel safe with that too. You groaned into the kiss which was when he took a step forward and the kiss turned more heated, his hand under your shirt at your waist and yours unbuttoning his shirt, eager to feel his built figure. It only fueled him and he pushed you back and back until you were flat against the kitchen counter, him half on top of you.

“I could do this all night,” he muttered against your ears, trailing kisses down your neck and continuing there.

“Jongho, the counter’s cold,” you laughed, making him smile against your neck and he let you rise, only to pick you up effortlessly (earning a squeal) and placing you on the counter, the two of you now face to face. You grinned, kissing him again and he picked you again, making you wrap your legs around him as he carried you to the couch, laying you down lightly before continuing.

You two spent hours just talking about this and that, recalling old memories, heated sessions of makeout in between and then sitting in each other’s arms. And you… Jongho was making you bold tonight, making you push him back on the couch and get on top of him, nearly rutting against him as you took control, kissing him first before doing what you’d noticed he loved doing- kissing and nibbling on his neck.

And it undid something in him.

And though you two didn’t go all the way in, you very well could have given the intensity of your makeouts. The last words you whispered to each other were confessions and promises of love as you two lay next to each other, dizzy with sleep and love.

The next night was pretty much the same, and before you knew it, Yeosang was back home, Jongho had moved on which had made both of you tear up and drink your sorrows away. Even Yeosang had insisted that Jongho stay, but it was for the better, he’d know later.

And he did, when Jongho took him out to dinner and told him that he loved his sister and wanted to let him know. Yeosang had been pleasantly surprised, cursing himself over why he hadn’t seen it coming, because now that he thought about it, it was painfully obvious. Jongho told Yeosang about how you two had a different sort of relationship since highschool days, and when you two had started living together, it had blossomed into a beautiful friendship and love.

Of course Yeosang approved and was happy. But one day it hit him.

“Minnie…”

“Yeah?” You were munching on the cookies while you two watched whatever was on the TV.

“So while I was gone home, you two were alone… and in a relationship…”

“Oh,” you started laughing hysterically, “Well, Wooyoung and San came for a sleepover the first night. They called themselves ‘the horny police’.”

“And the rest of the nights?”

You scanned his face as you chewed, “Why do you need to know?”

“Minnie!” Yeosang searched for something to hit you with and you laughed loudly before running away, him following with a rolled up newspaper and you two ran around the kitchen. “You two sent me off on purpose!”

“No, we did not!” You laughed, “And nothing happened, okay? I ought to bleach your mind. You’re making it sound like we committed a crime!”

“Nothing happened?” He stopped.

“Nothing!” You huffed, “I was too busy and tired those days. We would only have dinner together and then… you know.”

“I know what?”

“Come on, do you really need to hear it?” You pouted, “It’s not like you’re an angel yourself, Yeosang-”

His aim was as good as a shooter and the two of you spent the rest of the night hitting each other (playfully, of course) while you told him what exactly you liked about Jongho (the idea of you with one of his friends was utterly perplexing to him since he thought they were disgusting, but he had to admit Jongho was a good choice- also mentioning he would have never allowed it if it was Wooyoung) and Yeosang told you about his new crush in his class.

All was good.

Except for Yeosang being unable to see you two look at each other with ‘heart eyes’ and pretending to barf every time that happened.

And Jongho making it worse by blowing kisses towards you, relishing the loud protests that came from every one of your friends.

All was good.

#jongho drabbles

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