It was precisely 9:42 PM when Sungyeol's eyes finally moved to the clock and he gasped when he saw such numbers. It was past Sunggyu’s bedtime, and Woohyun’s too, and they both had a festival to attend tomorrow, those two needed to sleep.

He saved his work and directed himself to his brother’s room, but once he was near the door, he couldn’t hear anything. Strange, he thought. He knocked once to warn about his presence, then opened the door carefully not to frighten the boy inside, but all he saw was Sunggyu sprawled on his bed while the cellphone was neatly leaning on the wall with a black screen.

He approached the boy and just as he imagined, Sunggyu was sleeping. He had both hands underneath his cheek, the cutest thing, really. Sungyeol pocketed his phone then moved his brother’s body enough to place his favorite plushie between his arms and cover him properly. The boy held the plushie immediately but when he felt the covers on his shoulders, he fought sleep to try to talk to his brother.

“Hyung…”

“Hey, did I wake you up?” Sungyeol asked in his most softer tone but didn't wait for his brother to reply to continue. “Sorry, go back to sleep now, it's late.”

“Woohyunnie…”

Sungyeol chuckled. “Sleep Sunggyu, we talk about your conversation with Woohyun tomorrow.” Sunggyu hesitated a bit but was too sleepy to protest, so he ended up just trying to find a comfortable position. “Sleep well, Gyu, I love you and I’m proud of you. You’re still a child that has a lot to learn, but you’re already a wonderful person.” He whispered and planted a kiss on his brother’s forehead before he got up and left the room. Meanwhile, Sunggyu suppressed a smile and soon he was back to sleep.

________________________________

Sunggyu woke confused, not because there was something weird happening but because he only expected to see Sungjong in school. Before he panicked and thought he had overslept, the middle brother quickly explained that it was early and that he came to help with everything so Sunggyu could arrive on time, properly dressed and prepared, for his big day. When panic left his body, the boy became energized and Sungjong started showing his own excitement through his questions.

“So are you prepared? Which song are you going to sing? What are you going to wear? Show me your clothes. Do you want me to style your hair in any particular way? How about we highlight those eyes of yours, hm?”

“Lee Sungjong!” The two inside the room heard Sungyeol yelling, probably because the apartment wasn’t that big and the eldest could also hear Sungjong’s loud excitement as well. “Let Sunggyu's brain wake up!”

 Upon hearing him, Sunggyu threw his covers away and jumped from the bed. He moved straight to where Sungyeol was and found him cooking something while there was a lot of food already at the table. “Good morning.” Sungyeol greeted him with a smile as the boy gasped.

“Hyung! Why so much food?” He pointed at the table filled with things he liked to eat in the morning.

“Because today is your big day and we need to fill this belly of yours properly so you have the energy to do well.” He looked away, feeling shy about what he was about to confess. “And, after this week, you deserve some spoiling too.” He then clicked his tongue. “But Sungjong arrived and I need to make more food for him.”
“Am I unwanted now?” Sungjong crossed his arms and leaned on the door frame of Sunggyu room. He didn’t take what Sungyeol said so seriously, but it wouldn’t be him if he didn’t protest a little.

“Of course no-” The elder was about to retort but felt Sunggyu's small body attaching to his in a hug. 

“Thank you, hyung.” The boy said as he looked up with the silliest smile.

“Eh? It’s nothing, you deserve.” He spared a few seconds to ruffle the boy’s hair before he returned his attention to the stove. “Go wash so we can eat.”

Sunggyu detached himself and was about to go straight to the bathroom when he remembered something. “Did you finish your work?”

The two elders shared a look. They both knew Sunggyu wasn’t remotely interested in Sungyeol’s work but that question was about something different, what he really wanted to know was if Sungyeol had time for him now.

Sungyeol let out a disconcerted smile but decided to look at his brother in the eyes. “Nope, I wanted to be well-rested for your festival so I ended up sleeping before I could finish it.” Sunggyu was on his way to make a disappointed expression when the elder shrugged and continued with a brighter tone. “There isn’t much left so I thought it was better to put you first and finish when you’re sleeping.” He risked a glance at the maknae but it was like Sunggyu was still processing what he just heard. “It’s still very early, we can take our time to eat slowly as we talk about whatever you want.” He threw the boy a wink and, with that, Sunggyu squealed in happiness and ran straight through the bathroom.

Sungjong suppressed a smile but walked until he reached the table and made himself comfortable there. 

“Sorry for forcing you to come for dinner this week, I hope I didn't screw up with your study program.”

Sungjong made a hand motion for the elder to let go of those thoughts. “Nah. Firstly, you didn't force me, you just invited me and I came because I wanted to. Secondly, Moonsoo Hyung was kinda right. We have been studying hard all semester, we were well prepared way beforehand for our exams, we needed a break.” Sungyeol nodded then prepared to wrap things up on the stove. “I know Moonsoo Hyung and I weren't at the eye of the typhoon, and that you two tried to endure most things by yourselves. But, after everything that happened lately, it was the first time one of you called with good news, and the first time Moonsoo Hyung didn't feel like he was betraying his brother, so we needed to come.”

“How did it go? Your exams?”

“I don't know.” Sungyeol threw a disbelief look at his brother for replying so shortly so the younger continued. “ I'm  worried because there were some open questions no one really knows which answer is right, but Moonsoo Hyung thinks I am worrying for nothing and that we were prepared enough.”

“Sungjong, you studied a lot and way beforehand, trust yourself.” Sungyeol pleaded as arrived with a plate full of pancakes, then sat beside his brother and held his hand. “You don't need to keep up with any standards, create your own. Mom is not here to pressure you and I don't want nor need you to be exactly like me, in fact I would prefer if you and Sunggyu weren't. There’s more to life than just school and I want you to experiment all the good things that I couldn't at your age.” Sungjong looked at his brother's hands over his and squeezed it

 to show he understood.

Both brothers smiled at each other but it didn't take long for the elder to change the subject. “Talking about school, lately I have this feeling about Sunggyu...” He said as he pulled his hand back.

Sungjong frowned at the concerned tone his brother used. “What?”

“I think Sunggyu is too smart for his age.”

“Like you?”

“No, not like me.”

Sungjong squinted his eyes, not knowing exactly what to think about that. “Well, he is older than his classmates, it’s understandable if he picks up things a bit faster, his brain is one year ahead in terms of development.”

Sungyeol sighed. ”There is that to consider too but I'm not saying this because of school only - even though he says every now and then that things are easy - I don't know exactly how to explain but, in my eyes, he seems like two or three years older than Woohyun instead of only one year.”

“So what do you want to do about it? Do you want to test him and give him special education just like you had? That has to be expensive, do we have money for it?” Sungjong frowned.

“Lmao, Sungjong, with his father's songs, Sunggyu has more money than you and I combined, didn't you see him asking to pay for our meal the other day?” Sungyeol chuckled then continued in a serious manner. “With my new job things will get easier so we, as a family, could afford it too, but that’s not the point.”

“Then?” The younger squinted his big eyes.

“I want to do absolutely nothing if it's ok with you.” He said and Sungjong seemed quite surprised and confused. “I know everything that is happening splashes indirectly on him, especially because Woohyun doesn't have a mood to play, but even so he seems so happy to be where he is...”

“Are you sure?”

Sungyeol nodded. “I asked him yesterday and he looked ready to fight like last year.” Sungjong gasped but the elder continued. “He clearly doesn't like what's happening to me, Woohyun and Myungsoo - and I might be wrong - but I have the feeling he is really happy to show, and he is more interested in developing, qualities he won't be taught in school.”

“But don't you think he should return to his original grade? Maybe he just needs a little talk.” The younger wondered.

“I wouldn’t push him beyond that and I think a little talk can solve many things with Sunggyu nowadays, but he definitely won't want to understand anything that remotely suggests a grade skip.” Sungyeol sighed. “He doesn't want to be separated from Woohyun.” 

“But it’s not like his friendship with Woohyun has to end, right? You won't let it end, right?” Sungjong asked in worry.

“No, Myungsoo and I agreed on that way before, so there is no reason for their friendship to end.” Sungyeol made a hand motion for his brother to forget that. “I’m informing you because you need to know, we agreed to make decisions about Sunggyu together and, when it comes to his happiness, you'll probably know better. My opinion on the matter is that this time it's better to not do anything because he is already happy the way things are.”

“Then we won't do anything. If Sunggyu isn't comfortable taking this step then he doesn't need to. I don't want a conflict now that things are good, it wouldn't be good for anyone.”

“That's good, I just had to let you know so when you come here you treat him according to his development.”

“Fair enough.” Sungjong then suppressed a smile but in the end, he couldn't hide his amusement. “I'm  not surprised with the things you said about me, because you have always tried your best to be a good brother for me, but I have to say I'm impressed.”

“About what?” Sungyeol blinked.

“You just reported on Sunggyu and your opinion on the matter reflects what he wants and what would make him happy.”

“Well…” Sungyeol tried to speak but the younger continued.

 “Then his performance clothes are properly separated and ironed, accessories from his father are available in enough number so he can choose, you made breakfast with all the things you hate him eating, you said he deserves that, you said you want him to do well, you said you want to listen to him and you made time for it - and actually seem like you’re looking forward to it - and you straightforwardly said you're putting him on top of your priority list…” Sungjong counted on his fingers and opened up a satisfied smile. “You're an entirely different person.”

“ I feel so guilty that we really hadn't much time together lately.” The elder confessed as he watched Sunggyu move to his room wrapped up in his towel.

“I get it, I get it.” The younger Lee chuckled. “But the amount of food though… You didn't even need to cook for me, there was enough food.”

“Nah, you also deserve it because you worked hard this semester, besides, I just wanted to speed some things up, I'm taking him for a picnic tomorrow. You can join us if you want, at the park, around 8 am.”

Sungjong just made a face. “Can I not? I just woke up early today because it's his festival and because Moonsoo hyung offered a ride, otherwise, I'd meet you at school.”

“Wow, I can't believe how the tables turned and now it will be me who will beg for you to spend time with your brother. Just wow, Sungjong.” Sungyeol playfully complained.

“I'm tired from studying,” Sungjong whined, pleading with his eyes to be forgiven. “I can come later but 8 AM it’s just too early for a Sunday.”

“OK, fine, you covered for me countless times so it’s ok, but I'll need to hold on to that promise later, ok?” Sungyeol said with a serious tone.

“Sure Hyung, I can stay with him so you can finish your work later.” The younger rolled his eyes.

Sungyeol immediately frowned. “I don't need you so I can finish work, but I’ll need you so I can talk to…” Sungyeol was halfway through his sentence - and Sungjong already gasped as he could predict the way it would be finished - but Sunggyu came running from his room all dressed up and interrupted their conversation. “Wow, look at you, how handsome.” Sungyeol halted his sentence to throw a compliment but the maknae wasn't interested in that.

“Hyunnnnng~~~, Hyung, Woohyunnie wants to make up with Myungsoo hyung.” He squealed and both elder brothers shared a look as the boy climbed on his chair.

“Really?” Sungjong raised his brows and immediately threw a napkin over the boy’s shirt.

“Yes, Hyung, yes! Everything started when…” 

Sunggyu was like a word machine gun. He didn't pay attention to his plate even though Sungyeol filled it with things that he liked and just spoke at such speed that the two elders thought he was up for rapping later on. Despite the speed, Sunggyu spoke as eloquently as a child his age was able to and gave them more details than any kid his age could remember. It was an impressive moment until both insisted on the boy to slow down and eat a bit.

He obeyed and became slightly distracted with the taste of Sungyeol pancakes  (that filled his mind with memories of his mother), but even so, he kept telling his story. Eventually, he reached the part about his plan and how it didn't exactly work - though it was enough for Sungjong to understand why Sungyeol was saying Sunggyu seemed to be too smart - and then he explained his video call with Woohyun yesterday.

The younger friend had called him in tears because Myungsoo brought his clothes when he was at school. Sunggyu blamed himself because it wasn't something he thought about, but Woohyun thought it meant Myungsoo was so hurt by his words that he didn't want to see him. Sunggyu was sure that it was a misunderstanding (and the other two agreed) but Woohyun seemed to believe that Myungsoo had lied about what he felt, so, when hurtful words happened, it made the elder give up on him. 

After that, Woohyun said Myungsoo was a liar a ton of times, but none of them were like when he discovered the truth, none of them were accompanied by real anger. Sunggyu said Woohyun looked lost, disappointed, guilty, and, above all, really desperate, especially because he didn't know with whom he would end up with. 

Then Woohyun specifically said he felt lonely even in the presence of his grandparents, and that it helped to see his friends but it wasn't enough. Sunggyu further explained that he tried to convince Woohyun that everything would be fine because Myungsoo would go to the festival but the boy didn't believe that (nor wanted to go to the festival) even if he had explained that Sungyeol got the information from the young dad attendance from Myungsoo himself.

“Why doesn't he just talk to Myungsooo hyung?” The middle brother wondered with a hint of frustration and Sunggyu couldn’t help but explain.

“It’s difficult, hyung.” The boy said and risked a quick glance at Sungyeol. “Besides, if he says what he wants and Myungsoo hyung does it, it won’t feel real. He will feel like an obligation or a burden.”

The elder pointed his whole palm at Sunggyu and looked at Sungjong with an expression that could only be translated as “see what I mean?”. The hand gesture made Sunggyu a little lost on what was going on between his two brothers - especially because there was some discomfort on Sungyeol's part - but Sungjong understood everything. Sunggyu used his own experience with Sungyeol to better explain Woohyun’s feelings while Sungyeol wanted to point that such kind of thinking was the reason why he thought Sunggyu was too smart for his age.

“I see.” The middle brother told both.

“The irony.” Sungyeol rubbed his hands on his face then sighed. “Woohyun won’t say anything because whatever Myungsoo does, it will feel unnatural, so he entered another feeling’s turmoil. Meanwhile his dad thinks he is angry since the day he slept over and that he needs time to cool down, and that’s  why Myungsoo won’t take the first step either.”

“Doesn’t that mean they will never talk if they keep being like this?” Sunggyu asked as he furrowed his brows only for Sungyeol to nod.

Sungjong immediately squinted his eyes. “That’s terrible but how do you know about Myungsoo’s hyung feelings? Have you been talking to him?” Sunggyu gasped in surprise and then looked at his older brother just as inquiring as Sungjong.

“We exchanged a couple of messages before I  invited him for that dinner, but nothing big enough to change our situation. Talking about that, maybe I should message him and give him a hint.” He finished his sentence as he pulled the phone out of his pockets but he didn’t manage to unlock the screen because Sungjong was already blocking the phone with his hand.

“No.” He said firmly and Sungyeol warily moved his eyes to his middle brother. “You promised me you wouldn’t try to help unless somebody asked you to.”

“Well, I tried, but…” Sungyeol made a devious expression. “If I remember correctly, I was interrupted before I could really promise anything.” He pulled his phone from underneath his brother's hand and turned to search for Myungsoo contact. 

Sunggyu's eyes grew bigger when he saw Sungjong gasp and jump around the elder brother to take the phone out of his hands. The boy didn’t know if he was supposed to be tense because this was a fight or if he was supposed to be amused at the unusual scene of a play fight between his brothers.
Sungjong lost his patience before Sunggyu decided on his reaction, and pressed Sungyeol ribs so the slight pain would make him let go of the phone. “The hell?” The elder complained. “He asked me to warn him, I can prove it.” He said as he rubbed his sides.

“Even if you are telling the truth, it is no use, Myungsoo hyung is already there.” The younger Lee announced.

“What?” Sunggyu was the one that managed to ask as Sungyeol still seemed to be processing that information.

“You heard me.” The younger Lee said as he returned to his seat, with Sungyeol phone as a hostage, then sat down. “He is over there right now. I know because my boyfriend told me he agreed to meet Myungsoo hyung over there today and, since your apartment is halfway between my dorm and their parents apartment, he offered me an early ride.” 

Sunggyu gasped happily. “He went on his own?”
“As far as I know, he slept there. Myungsoo hyung called Moonsoo hyung last night when he was about to go there.” 

“Hyung, they’ll make up!” The maknae squealed happily.

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself Sunggyu, I don’t know if things will go that smoothly, we’ll need to wait and see.” Sungyeol gently explained to the maknae before turning to his other brother. “My phone, please.” He showed his hand and Sungjong begrudgingly returned it. He was about to keep talking but he unlocked the screen and gasped loudly. “Oh my god, we lost track of time! If we don’t hurry, we’re gonna get late!”

With that announcement no one had half mind to keep discussing anything, so each one ran for a different side. Sungyeol went to his room to put on a proper shirt (strategically choosing the one Myungsoo got him on his birthday) while Sungjong ran to help Sunggyu choose his accessories. Ten minutes later, Sungyeol was kicking everybody out and Sungjong left with brushes and a hairdryer, Sunggyu hair would need to be done in school.
On the way, Sunggyu wasn’t shutting up about the festival or the fact that, making up with Myungsoo or not, Woohyun might not come to the festival. It was clear for the elder brothers that the maknae was treating the festival as his stage debut -and that was kind of cute - but the strange thing was Sungyeol hadn't seen him properly rehearsing anything at home.

Upon arriving at school, they headed for the closest bathroom and while Sungjong worked on Sunggyu's hair, Sungyeol tried to inquire the boy about the song and the rehearsal (or lack of it). It didn't work. Well, Sungjong did a great job, as always, but Sunggyu didn't crack to reveal his song choice or his shadowy method of singing without anyone hearing his voice.

Sungjong also tried to ask, but until they reached the boy classroom they hadn't succeeded, and then the two brothers decided to just disappear once they saw what Dongwoo was dealing with.
The tables and chairs were pushed next to the walls so everyone could move more freely and, with more space, things were a bit out of control. The kids were running around, some of them were dressing in costumes, giggling, and screams were happening every five seconds. Meanwhile, Dongwoo was dividing himself between instructions, a crooked ponytail, and begging for the kids to behave. The pink haired teacher was close to having a headache, his classroom was a synonym for chaos.

As soon as the two brothers left, Sunggyu's eyes moved around, searching for his friend. Even though Woohyun had warned him that he didn't want to appear for the festival, Sunggyu was disappointed, if Woohyun didn't appear at all, then his plan wouldn't work at all because he needed Myungsoo to be there too. Even so, there was a bit of time for the festival to begin and even more time until his classroom play and his performance, so he refused to kill all of his hopes.

The boy decided to sit on a corner while he waited but he couldn’t even give two steps before the pink-haired teacher noticed him.

“Ah, Sunggyu!” He finished the ponytail then ran to talk to him. “I'm so glad you arrived,” Dongwoo said with such relief that made the boy frown. “You're the eldest and the kids like you, can you give me a little help to put some order?”

Sunggyu sighed but he loved his teacher, so he put on his father's sunglasses (that were too big for his face) and decided to help a bit.

“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! BEHAVE!” He yelled and most kids that were moving around became startled and actually stopped to pay attention to him. “Those who aren’t ready: go dress up your costume; those that are ready: come here, I’m gonna teach this really cool game.” He furthered commanded and soon enough there were a bunch of kids circling him.

He managed to make kids sit in a circle and start a rhythm game that didn’t quite help with Dongwoo's headache but it was certainly better than before. With the kids controlled a bit, the teacher was able to organize things better, but after a while, Sunggyu excused himself from the game to talk to him.

“Hyung.” He poked Dongwoo for attention.

“You must be worried about your song, but don't you worry, I brought the instrumentals you asked me to and I already gave the person controlling the sound all the instructions.” He winked. “You’re ready, aren't you?”

“Hyung, it is not gonna work if Myungsoo hyung doesn't come.” 

“You don't need to worry about that because Myungsoo will come for Woohyun.”

“But Woohyunnie isn't here.” He pointed and Dongwoo briefly looked around. The boy was right, Woohyun wasn't there. “A few things happened yesterday, he said he didn't want to come anymore.” Dongwoo made an expression of utter panic but Sunggyu kept talking. “I tried to convince him to come and… we still have some time, right?”

Dongwoo checked the time on the classroom clock before replying. “The festival will begin soon but there is still a bit of time until we need to perform.” Dongwoo squatted and grabbed him gently by the shoulders. “But if Woohyun doesn't appear, I'll need you to take his place ok?”

After that, the teacher moved to do something else and left Sunggyu at loss rooted in place. Once the shock of the teacher's request passed, Sunggyu couldn’t help but put his hands together and pray. “Come on, Woohyunnie, you need to arrive soon. I need you here.” 

_____________________________________

They moved to the theater because there was nothing else to do other than try to save some seats, and hope for Dongwoo to survive the kids. There were a few parents or family members around and despite having a lot of seats available, they chose to sit by the back to not hinder any short parent view. 

Once they were seated, both brothers decided to send messages. Sungjong sent to his boyfriend, explaining that the parents were already occupying half the seats and that he and Sungyeol weren’t physically able to save seats for everybody while Sungyeol sent one to Hoya, and his parents, saying the same, but they didn’t think it was necessary to send a message to Myungsoo’s parents. Well, maybe that was just Sungjong opinion but that was the one they followed.

Noticing Sungyeol was growing anxious, Sungjong tried to make small talk but he couldn’t help very much, what helped was Hoya coming with his family, that was a complete distraction. Hoya’s parents complained that the Lee brothers didn’t appear that much anymore and excitedly explained about their trip to Busan to meet their friend (Hoya's biological mother), and Sungyeol surely was entertained enough trying to translate everything for Hoya’s brother.
That didn’t last. Despite being busy with talk and translation, Sungyeol had eyes that noticed seats being taken and an entire family was still missing.

“This doesn’t look good Sungjong.” He elbowed his brother once the other half of the Lee family became distracted among themselves. “Do you think Woohyun fought with Myungsoo and he really decided not to come?” He asked. 

The young dad had confirmed multiple times he would come, and he had confirmed Sungyeol attendance too - which led the elder to believe Myungsoo wanted to specifically see him at the festival for unknown motives - but, if father and son had fought again and the boy decided not to come, it wouldn’t matter if Myungsoo wouldn’t attend or if their conversation scheduled for the weekend was still up, Sungyeol would be really worried about Woohyun.

Sungjong bit his lips because that was something that could happen and, whatever answer his brother's question might have, he wouldn’t know what to say. He tried to check his phone though, there was no message from his boyfriend and Sungjong didn’t know what to think about that. It could mean a huge crisis that kept Moonsoo attention away from his phone, it also could mean that the situation was still the same, or that something happened but father and son made up and that was what was also keeping Moonsoo attention away from his phone.

Sungyeol kept his eyes on his brother as the younger debated with himself if he should send a message to his boyfriend but then Hojun asked something and both brothers interpreted it as a sign that they could wait a little more. As they waited, more and more seats were filled with the kids’ friends and family members, and Sungyeol was about to argue that they needed to ask someone if everything was ok when they heard Moonsoo voice behind them.

“Oh my god, there was nowhere we could park, we took forever to find a place.” He said as he announced his presence. 

“Hi.” Myungsoo also greeted them with a whisper.

The Lees looked at him and Myungsoo, who was holding a small bouquet and a small cake box slightly behind his brother, and then the pair of brothers looked at each other to communicate without words. The smile Moonsoo was wearing seemed a bit flustered, but chill, and Myungsoo looked anxious but neither happy nor sad. What the hell was going on?

“We tried to save some seats but you took it too long...” Sungjong managed to blabber apologetically as Sungyeol and Myungsoo made eye contact but were not daring to say a word to each other.

“It’s ok, mom said she would save some seats for us.” Moonsoo tried to dismiss his boyfriend's concern and then tried to look around. The small theater was already packed and he couldn’t easily spot his parents. “Have you seen my parents?”

“As far as I know, they... haven't arrived yet,” Sungjong said carefully while enunciating the last words, which made Myungsoo break eye contact with Sungyeol to look worriedly at his brother.

“What if…” Myungsoo was ready to voice his theories but the tone he used made his brother worry and interrupt.

“They must be having difficulties to park, let’s try to save some seats, they must be on their way. See you later.” With that Moonsoo waved at everyone and dragged the elder Kim away.

Both Lees watched them but started to gossip with each other.

“I guess we have the answer for your question. From the look on their faces, Myungsoo hyung and Woohyun didn’t fight, nothing bad happened, see?” Sungjong whispered as Sungyeol frowned.

“No, that’s not it, I have a weird feeling about it,” Sungyeol confessed and Sungjong lifted an inquiring brow. “I agree that they didn’t fight, because, if so, I don’t think the Kims would have come. But, Myungsoo seemed worried about Woohyun's presence - more like the lack of thereof - and Moonsoo tried to soothe him by distracting him.”

“You’re right, something doesn’t fit.”

“The only thing I can think to explain those two behavior it’s if Myungsoo had some kind of unilateral interaction with Woohyun? But how? It doesn’t really make much sense in my head, why would Myungsoo miss a chance when something unilateral would only reinforce all the bad feelings Woohyun is already having? And their mother certainly explained what was going on with Woohyun yesterday, right?” 

“From what Sunggyu told us this morning, I don’t think Woohyun opened up to her, so maybe she only explained he was being difficult.” Sungjong pointed.

“Yes, you’re right. But even if Myungsoo doesn’t know, if he went there… It still doesn’t make much sense in my head.” Sungyeol tapped his chin as he thought.

“If it doesn’t make sense to you, it certainly won’t make sense to me.” Sungjong sighed and they made silence because after a few minutes wandering, the two Kim’s only found two seats available near, two rows back and were coming close.

“I must be missing some variable.” Sungyeol concluded in a whisper once the other pair of brothers sat.
“Should I try to scoop some information with Moonsoo hyung?” The younger offered.

“No.” That answer surprised Sungjong so the elder decided to explain a little more. “If Moonsoo had the same information Sunggyu had, he would have told Myungsoo. Myungsoo would have definitely done something different then, and that would bring any scenario but the current one. Besides, as far as we know, Moonsoo only went there this morning, so, if your boyfriend knows anything, it’s only from his brother’s side. And that has no value right now because their parents don’t know that Woohyun wants Myungsoo to take the first step.” 

Sungjong thought a bit before explaining his point of view. “Moonsoo hyung said that Woohyun is ok with him and that even if he doesn’t open up straightforwardly he let’s a few things through. If Moonsoo hyung had met him, he would have picked something up, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, but you said that he only went there to pick Myungsoo up and to give him a ride here.”
“Nope, I didn’t say that.” Sungjong disagreed and Sungyeol frowned. “I said he went there to give Myungsoo hyung a ride but I didn't say that this ride was to bring him here. My point is: he left me at your apartment very early and we had a long time to talk. So, if you take out the commuting time from your apartment to their apartment, the commuting time to come here, and the time they spent trying to park, there is some huge time gap. Maybe they had to go somewhere and that explains why my boyfriend didn’t see Woohyun.” The younger smartly argued and Sungyeol gasped.

“Oh my, you genius CSI.” He beamed. “That’s it, that’s it.”

“What?” The younger said because despite coming up with a very good theory, the realization Sungyeol had wasn’t so obvious to him.

“Myungsoo is carrying a cake and a small bouquet.” Sungjong tried to look from the corner of his eyes to be sure but there they were, on Myungsoo’s lap. “In order to buy those things, they had to leave there early.”

“That makes some sense.” The younger one agreed.

“Yes, and yesterday’s phonecall tired Sunggyu - when I noticed it was past his bedtime, he was already sleeping. I kinda woke him up when I went to his room but he slept again right away - so if Woohyun was just as tired, he probably wasn’t awake when Myungsoo was there.”

“OOOOOOOHHHHH.” Sungjong gasped, and that earned some curious glances even from the other pair of brothers that were near enough. He forced an apologetic smile because it was pretty clear that he and Sungyeol had been discussing them but then Moonsoo rolled his eyes and pulled his phone to send a message, so Sungjong continued. “So what would be Myungsoo hyung unilateral interaction?” 

“It doesn’t really matter because, whatever he wanted to do, it didn’t happen because Woohyun wasn’t awake and they probably didn’t want to wake him up early because they knew he was tired. Myungsoo was also set on coming to the festival - he confirmed every time we spoke - but he knows Woohyun is upset again and that there was a possibility a conversation wouldn’t happen, that’s why flowers  and cake, he prepared extra things to take the first step.” 

“If you’re wrong, I won’t point it out because the narrative fits what I wish.” The younger student commented as he straightened himself on his seat because the lights were starting to turn off.

“Sungjong, do you realize they just need to meet? They are both ready.” Sungyeol said, perplexed with his own conclusion.

“Yes, but for that to happen here Woohyun needs to appear.” Sungjong pointed.

“But he will appear.” Sungyeol's tone had no doubt. “Even if he doesn’t want to be on the play anymore, he will come because Myungsoo’s parents probably know what their son is up to, and because Woohyun is coming, I need to go.” Sungyeol concluded randomly and was about to get up but Sungjong grabbed him by the arm and dragged him down.

“Are you crazy? Firstly we shouldn’t in, secondly Sunggyu is gonna kill you, his festival is about to start.” Sungjong tried glaring but the dark took away half of his eye menace.

“Sungjong-ah, Sunggyu is always butting in. If he tells Woohyun about it, things can become really sour today.” The elder reasoned.

“How so?” The younger one interrupted.

“Like everything he told Sunggyu yesterday is true, that Myungsoo doesn’t want him anymore, and, on top of that, the rest of his family betrayed him again.” Sungyeol explained. “His head is full of bad theories already, if he accepts them as the absolute truth and that nothing can be fixed, do you think he will even try to talk to Myungsoo or he will just, I don’t know, think that he needs to accept everything as crumbles because he ia a burden on everyone?” Sungjong gulped as he thought about his brother's words. “I know Sunggyu a bit better now, he will feel bad if he makes things get worse between Woohyun and Myungsoo.  If Sunggyu needs to in - because let’s face it, sometimes he can’t help it - it's better if he knows everything to not add on Woohyun troubles and to push his friend in the right direction.” He reasoned and pleaded. “Let me go.”

Sungjong didn’t say a thing, he let go of his hyung arm and tried to recoil his legs as much as he could so the elder had room to pass.

___________________________________________

Sunggyu didn’t notice the time passing because he was keeping his eyes closed as he prayed for Woohyun to appear but eventually Dongwoo came to talk to him.

“Sunggyu, you’ll need to use Woohyun costume and say his line, you know his line, right? It’s ‘lets have an adventure!’ and you need to say with enthusiasm.”

“Oh, no, no, no no no Hyunnnnnnnng, noooooo” Sunggyu tried to hold his teacher, but when the elder prevented him from doing it so, the boy put his hands together in a begging manner. “Please, hyung, please.”

Dongwoo sighed then crouched down to talk to him. “Sunggyu, Woohyun didn’t come and we need to go backstage.” He reasoned.

“But Woohyunnie still can appear so we need to wait, aren't other classes performing before us?” The boy argued.

It wasn’t like Sunggyu was wrong so Dongwoo pressed his lips together before suggesting something. “Then you’ll bring Woohyun’s costume, and, if he doesn’t appear until we need to start, you'll dress it up and deliver his line, ok?” The teacher pushed the costume on Sunggyu's hands and gave him a pointed glare before moving to start gathering the kids together.
The boy watched his teacher for about two seconds then he stomped his feet on the ground to release his anger. After that he still had a bit of frustration so he wriggled his boy around and pouted until he heard a noise coming from the door. Once he looked in that direction, he saw his brother with an urgent look on his face and motioning for him to come close.

“Hyung, Dongwoo hyung wants me to play Woohyunnie’s part if he doesn’t come.” The boy complained as soon as he got close. “I don’t want to.”

“That buddy, but don’t worry about that, Woohyun will come.” Sungyeol tried to soothe the sulking boy but the younger had his doubts.

“But he’s still not here and Dongwoo hyung says we need to go soon and … and.. He gave me Woohyunnie’s costume!” The boy further complained and Sungyeol squatted to be at eye-level with his brother.

“I know ok, and I know you’re frustrated because you don’t want to do anything in his place, but Myungsoo and Moonsoo are here already and they wouldn’t have come if they were sure Woohyun wouldn’t come.” Sunggyu still seemed conflicted but Sungyeol tried to go straight to the point before Dongwoo noticed him there. “Woohyun will probably be late - so hang on - but I need you to tell you a few things so you don’t end up saying something that will upset him ok?”

“What?” The boy asked curiously.

“Sungjong told us that Myungsoo visited Woohyun last night, right? But they didn’t talk.”

Sunggyu squinted his eyes. “Are you sure, hyung? Woohyunnie slept before me yesterday but maybe this morning…”

“No, they didn’t talk, I’m sure of it. Moonsoo picked Myungsoo up and they left there early.”

“Aghjaklsçs, why?” Sunggyu stomped his feet on the ground again. “ He needs to…”

“I know, and I’m sure Myungsoo will.” Sungyeol interrupted to assure. “But if Woohyun discovers Myungsoo went there and purposely left before they could talk, he will think Myungsoo left to avoid him, and then he will think that everything he was feeling yesterday was true.”
“But, hyung…”
Sungyeol grabbed him gently by the shoulders and looked in his eyes. “Sunggyu-ya, remember that Myungsoo promised him they would talk once the school year was over?” The boy quickly nodded. “Today is the day their conversation will happen. Myungsoo didn’t leave his parents' apartment early to avoid Woohyun, he wanted to prepare a surprise for when they talk, so don’t say anything about Myungsoo visit.”

“What if grandma and grandpa informed Woohyunnie about it?”

“I don’t think they will tell Woohyun about the surprise, if there is one.”

“Not the surprise but Myungsoo hyung coming over.” Sunggyu explained better.

“Then Woohyun might think he has no other chance to fix things, especially today because he told Myungsoo not to come. If that happens, he will probably feel worse than yesterday so it’s important to do as you did yesterday, and tell him that nothing is over and that Myungsoo came here to see him. If you can, try to encourage Woohyun to talk to him.”
“I can do that.” The boy said, determined.
“Woohyun is already expecting the worst so, just like yesterday, he might not believe Myungsoo is here. If that happens, tell him that you saw Myungsoo around here, he will believe in you.“ Sungyeol was about to open his mouth to continue when he noticed Dongwoo coming their way.
“Sungyeol what are you doing here? We are about to go backstage.” The teacher asked with a reproving tone as he approached.

“Nothing, just trying to tell Sunggyu where we will be.” Sungyeol said to the teacher before looking at his brother again. “When you step on the stage I’m at the back on the aisle’s left. Myungsoo is not seated far from me, but he is on the right. Make sure to tell Woohyun that.” He winked at the boy, smiled sheepishly at Dongwoo, then left.

Sunggyu watched his brother retreating back for a couple seconds as he registered everything Sungyeol told him. Once Dongwoo called him, he moved to the line the kids were forming, he had a really determined expression on his face.

As Dongwoo directed the line full of kids backstage, Sunggyu thought and thought. He still had a few questions for his brother but he thought Sungyeol explained enough to prevent him from messing up (this time he wouldn’t!). He knew what he had to do but that also depended on how Woohyun's state of mind was, and even more of the younger boy's attendance.

When they arrived backstage another class was performing already and that worried Sunggyu. He trusted his brother and he wanted to believe he talked some sense to his friend the night before, but the minutes were passing and Woohyun didn’t arrive yet. What if the grandparents didn’t know they needed to bring his friend straight to backstage? Could they even find the way? This wasn’t a place they would go often inside school, would Woohyun himself know how to get there?

He tried asking Dongwoo to call Woohyun grandparents but that didn’t go well. Dongwoo didn’t have their phone numbers and he also said that he wasn’t allowed to call them too. Sunggyu got pissed with that and he wanted to throw a tantrum - one of those he used to throw at Sungyeol when their relationship wasn’t good - but he ultimately decided that it could do more bad than good at this point. He moved to a corner to be alone, he didn’t want people to know he was nervous and bother him about it. He put his father's sunglasses on to avoid people discovering his state (that had nothing to do with his own performance) through his eyes, but the way he held Woohyun’s costume to his chest could be a major give away.

Sunggyu watched the kids from the first performance return from the stage excited. They were happily squealing and congratulating each other for doing well as their teacher assembled them and planned their leave back to the classroom. Another class moved to enter the stage right after and Sunggyu got even more worried, this time he actually started to pray.

Two minutes later and as if summoned by Sunggyu's powerful prayer, the door opened and a little typhoon appeared in the form of Woohyun.

“Woohyunnie!” Sunggyu's shriek of relieved happiness alarmed everyone and Woohyun barely had time to look for him before Sunggyu was already hugging him. “Woohyunnie, I’m so glad you came!”

“It took the longest but I’m here hyung!” Woohyun confirmed, even though that was obvious, and that was enough for Sunggyu to know his friend was still down but there was nothing new to worry about. Woohyun didn’t know about Myungsoo, and he knew just what to say.

“Oh my god, Woohyun you’re so~~ late, but I’m glad that you made it.” Dongwoo approached them to greet the boy and his grandparents arrived right after, both short of breath.

“I’m sorry we’re late, there was absolutely no space left to park…” Bumsoo apologized to Dongwoo.

“It’s ok, he arrived just in time.” Dongwoo used his everything-will-be-ok-smile before turning to Woohyun... “Sunggyu has your costume so hurry up and try to dress up.” ...and then to Sunggyu. " Sunggyu, help him quickly!” He ordered as he turned to talk to the grandparents.

Sunggyu pulled Woohyun to his corner and grabbed the costume but hesitated on giving it to his friend. “How are you feeling?” Woohyun took a deep breath and it wasn’t necessary for him to explain, Sunggyu knew that nothing much changed. “Will you really want to do this?” He asked just to be sure.
Woohyum nodded. “I dreamt that my mother hugged me and said she wanted to watch my performance, so I decided to...”

Sunggyu didn’t understand much about dreams, and Sungyeol hadn’t explained much so he could develop any theory about this one, but that answer pleased him. He decided he had enough to work with. He opened a plastic bag with the costume and grabbed a vest to help his friend with as he spoke. “You should have come sooner then”

“We tried.” Woohyun argued. “We only managed to park the car away from school.” The younger explained with a pout.

“Ok, but you need to impress now and we don’t have that much time to get you ready, besides, now you won't know where your family will sit so you won't know where to look." Sunggyu said, already trying to get the conversation where he wanted, as he gave Woohyun an eye patch and tried to tie a black cloth on his friend. “Don’t worry, we still can do something about it.”

Woohyun sighed but tried to put the eye patch properly. Once that was done and Sunggyu stepped back, he let out a sigh and commented sadly. “It's fine, I'm not like the other kids, I’ll not impress anyone else.”

Sunggyu, who had picked up a plastic sword,  stopped in his tracks and tried to sound as innocent and confused as he could.  “What are you saying? There is your grandparents, your uncle probably came with Sungjong hyung and Myungsoo hyung came to watch you perform.”

Woohyun didn’t bother to acknowledge what Sunggyu said about his grandparents and Moonsoo, they weren’t Myungsoo so it was not the same thing. Besides, as Sunggyu already knew, he felt quite regretful about what he told Myungsoo, but there was no way he could take back those words so he didn’t think the elder would appear for the festival. 

He grabbed the plastic sword from Sunggyu's hands and placed it between the cloth and his shorts. “Don’t lie, hyung, he didn’t even want to see me yesterday and he probably won’t come here because I told him the festival it’s only for our families so he shouldn’t come.” The boy sighed resignedly. 

Sunggyu made sure to frown and do just as Sungyeol asked him to. “But he came, I saw him.”

Woohyun’s head snapped back at him with interest. ““Really?”

“Yes, he has been here for a while.” Sunggyu grabbed a skull sticker inside the plastic bag and Woohyun turned around so the older boy could apply on his vest but waited for more. “He is sitting close to Sungyeol hyung, I mean, not that close, on the aisle’s right side.”
“Wh-why?” Woohyun stuttered and gave a step ahead as Sunggyu tried to apply pressure on his back so the stick could glue properly

“Isn’t that obvious?” Sunggyu asked as he circled Woohyun to look at him again. “You’re his family and he loves you.” He then took a red bandana from his pocket and moved close to the boy.

“But… I just… I just...” Woohyun could only stutter incoherently as Sunggyu tied the bandana on his head.

“Now you look handsome.” Sunggyu said, satisfied with his own work then shrugged at his friend. “If you don’t believe me, you can try to search him in the crowd once you’re on stage. But if he is here, you don’t need to wait anymore to tell him everything you told me yesterday, don’t you think?”

Sunggyu left the question in the air and didn’t force any answer back. It wasn't like Woohyun would be able to say anything, he just looked very distraught and his mouth was dumbly open.
“Guys, are you ready? The other class is about to finish their performance, we need to stay put.”
“Yess.” Woohyun muttered with a hint of anxiety.

“Then let’s go.” The teacher urged.

“WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIT, Woohyunnie still needs a scar! Every pirate needs one!” Sunggyu protested. Dongwoo bit his lips for about two seconds but then he tried to look for some marker as Woohyun started to mildly hyperventilate.