“You won't believe what happened today!” That was the first thing Sungjong heard Sungyeol say when he called his hyung to know about their maknae first day in school later that night. He frowned on the other side of the phone and dreaded to ask and discover what was Sungyeol talking about, but he knew he had to say something to make his hyung get things out of his system before he got too worked up and blew on the most innocent creature around him: Sunggyu, that would retaliate by silent treatment and bratty behavior again.

“First and foremost, is Sunggyu ok?” Nothing happened to him right? Sungjong asked in concern.

“Oh no, he is fine.” Sungyeol dismissed and Sungjong sighed in relief. “But you won't believe what happened today!”

Ok, now Sungjong knew Sungyeol was itching to be asked so he indulged. “What happened hyung? Did Sunggyu speak to you today?”

“Ehr no.” Sungyeol answered awkwardly. “But he screamed at me, does that counts?”

Sungjong scoffed. “No, that's typical behavior.”

“I don't know why I still bother asking you this.” Sungyeol said and Sungjong just knew his hyung rolled his eyes on the other side. “Aside screaming at me he asked a question, made half of another, introduced himself and said cheese.”

“Cheese?” Sungjong asked finding everything weird. “Hyung, rewind a little, I am a normal person, I need context.”

“Ok, I'll start from the beginning. Sunggyu didn't want to go to school today although we told him over, and over, and over again that he would and that he should come back to school. But anyway, I managed to drag him out of the apartment without the screaming, and when the door of the lift was about to close, a kid, younger than Sunggyu, unaccompanied and screaming his lungs out, dashes inside the elevator almost getting squeezed by the door. Do you know how livid I was? I almost fainted.”

“No, you didn't.” Sungjong spoke with a voice lacking emotions.

“Yes, I didn't, you know I am exaggerating.” Sungyeol agreed. “But I was surely dying to scold the first adult that appeared.”

“Ok, that part is the normal you.” Sungjong agreed. “So, why there was a kid running inside an elevator on our floor? We are like the maknae tenants on this floor.” He asked curiously.

“New neighbors. Across us.” Sungyeol answered as if that explained everything although he was sure Sungjong slow mind wouldn't accompany his brain.

“Oh, really? They moved to the unoccupied apartment?” Sungjong perked up.

“Yes.” Sungyeol groaned. “Anyway, the father gets in after a moment, he scolds the boy, which didn't satisfy me because he let the kid talk back. Can you believe that?” The kid is like six and already impolite with his own father. Now Sungyeol was totally exaggerating, the kid had a moment of 90 degrees bowing to his teacher.

“Wow.” Sungjong faked amazement. “Now tell me what do you have to do with that? Actually, just tell me if the dad is hot.”

“Can you focus here please?” Sungyeol demanded. “As you said I have nothing to do with that and I could let it go and forget about it, but the kid spotted Sunggyu and Sunggyu spotted the kid and then bang, the kid automatically says Sunggyu is a friend.”

Now Sungjong laughed. “Why do you sound upset with this hyung? Sunggyu is seven, he has to make friends to help him loose it up, you know this just as good as me. Now, the thing that interests me, is the dad hot?”

Sungyeol rolled his eyes and decided to ignore his brother’s curiosity. “Because it's weird, out of nowhere to point at another person and automatically become friends, this isn't normal for me.”

“But at his age, it was for me hyung. When I was Sunggyu’s age I would become best friends with whoever wanted to be my friend and look at me now, I was really popular in high school and soon enough I'll be the same in college.” He said the last part in sarcasm before he went back to the previous topic. “Let Sunggyu be, you're the one weird, not us.” He scolded lightly. “Now can you tell me...”

“Way to flaunt it my face, brat.” Sungyeol complained bitterly but indulged. “But, ok, if I go with your theory of how normal people behaves this would still be weird because Sunggyu introduced himself without me even asking him to, and you know we tried to introducing him to other kids his age this past year but he was still uninterested enough to even say his name.”

“You have my full attention now.” Sungjong became serious.

“So, once the elevator arrived at the ground floor the boy and the dad leaves it first and Sunggyu starts not wanting to go to school again. This time he starts to scream and try to stay inside the elevator at all costs, and when I manage to make him go out he runs away to... now the very weird part, guess where he ran off to.”

“I don't know? Shouldn't we be focusing on why you let him ran away in the first place? Hyung, don't be irresponsible with our baby!” Sungjong scolded.

“No guessing? Fine.” Sungyeol said deciding to ignore Sungjong’s poor scolding. “He ran to the father of the boy and held the guy legs tightly to the point that if I tried to pull him the guy would fall and crush him, then he starts to look at the guy like saying 'please save me from this monster, he wants me to go to school'.”

“So you're this upset because Sunggyu did that?” Sungjong asked dryly. “Hyung, I would do that, especially if the dad is hot, but my point here is: nobody likes you when you're on your nagging mode. Besides, the guy must have done something that told Sunggyu he was a better option than you, his own brother.”

Sungyeol thought about that for a moment and if Sungjong’s theory was right (and unfortunately for him Sungjong was always right when it came to people) maybe that happened because the guy was constantly patting his son or running his fingers on the kid’s hair, but he wouldn't tell Sungjong that. He snapped out of his thoughts when his brother almost screamed after a minute of silence. “Hyung, what does Hoya hyung tells you all the time? You should listen to him.”

“' please?'” Sungyeol answered sarcastically and he could hear Sungjong slapping his own forehead.

“To treat Sunggyu nicely!”

“Sungjong, I can't always do that and you know it, I have places to be, obligations, I can't always miss stuff or get late just because Sunggyu doesn't want to do something.” Sungyeol reasoned. “We gave him a year, it's time to move on.”

“Hyung, I don't want to hurt you but I rather hurt you than Sunggyu.” Suddenly Sungjong lost his patience. “When people have kids they put them first, but our mom is gone, Sunggyu’s father is gone, he only has you and I left. None of us asked to be in this situation that young and now we have to finish raising him, but you treat him like he is the least of your priorities. Besides, you never spent too much time with him, don't you think Sunggyu doesn't feel that distance between you two? Don't you think he doesn't feel unwanted? Show him some love for god sake!”

Sungyeol pinched the bridge of his nose to alleviate stress and tried to use a soft tone to tame the younger. “Sungjong, he doesn't like me, never liked, period. But as you said, we have to finish raising him, and that means he has to obey!”

“Have you been hearing yourself? Gosh, you're so dumb, if I were to be the eldest Sunggyu would have no problem whatsoever, you know what? Maybe I should postpone college and go back home so Sunggyu has someone who actually loves him a lot by his side.”

“You can't do that Sungjong, your college is entirely paid, that's what we agreed, a car for me, college for you and keeping the rest for Sunggyu’s future.” Sungyeol snapped but Sungjong couldn't care less about his hyung tone, not when he was at the other side of the city.

“Like I care! Sunggyu and his present are much more important.”

“Lee Sungjong, don't make me yell at you, Sunggyu is sleeping!” Sungyeol hissed. “Listen here, I'm the eldest and I am responsible for him and for you until you come of age, it's my word that goes.” Sungyeol suddenly spat in anger and Sungjong knew better than to piss his hyung completely, because always, always, always it was innocent Sunggyu that ended being affected by the elder wrath, after all, he was trapped with Sungyeol for at least twelve more years.

“Now you're pulling the age card when you have lost your arguments.” Sungjong chuckled dryly in disbelief. “So, great eldest brother of all times...” He spoke sarcastically. “Tell me how you managed to make Sunggyu let go of the guy.”

Sungyeol sighed deeply. “He asked for the other boy to accompany him to school and apparently they're going to be classmates, they even took a picture together already and that's where the 'cheese' came from.” Sungyeol explained lazily choosing not to tell Sungjong about the part where Dongwoo threatened him with his eyes to be in that picture too.

“Why aren't you happy for him? He made a friend.” Sungjong couldn't understand.

“Look, the kid is annoying, talks non-stop, the father looks twenty something and has no authority whatsoever. He absolutely has no backbone to make his own kid obey him, and he had the audacity to try to lecture me and advise me?” The elder scoffed and now Sungjong knew what really had Sungyeol so pissed.

“He has a kid of his own hyung, maybe he...” Sungjong tried to argue but Sungyeol was not having it.

“Again he looks twenty something! Like this guy was incredibly irresponsible already having a kid that young Sungjong, not to mention he goes talking about heaven and finding the love of your life in school, can you believe that bull? His son will grow up weird in the head.”

“Oh my god.” Sungjong was horrified. “Hyung, a friend is what Sunggyu needs, don't mess up with his first friendship in a year. Besides, if you too befriended the dad, you could help each other with picking them from school or, be taking them there, or he could watch Sunggyu so you can go out on one of your dates. You're acting too dumb for a person that claims to be so smart.”

“Sungjong, which part of don't trust him with my baby brother you didn't understand? Besides I don't want Sunggyu behaving more bratty than he is already is, the kid will surely affect him in a bad way if they hang out too much together. No, I don't want Sunggyu hanging out with these kinds of people, he can keep it to school. Besides I didn't get along right off the bat with the kid’s father either.”

“Argh, knowing you I know you said something stupid to keep them away, don't you know that first impressions are hard to shake? Congratulations for becoming an hyung.”

Sungyeol inhaled and exhaled deeply to calm himself before speaking again. “Let's not talk about this anymore. How was your first day in college? Are the dorms ok? Is the roommate nice?”

“My first day was great.” Sungjong said with a sigh, he knew Sungyeol was done with the previous subject, he knew those generic questions were probably only asked to dodge a fight with him. Honestly, it hurt Sungjong that Sungyeol asked that kind of questions with such intentions, and probably out of obligation too, but he didn't want to create another issue between them so he let it go. “I expected worse from the dorm so it surprised me a bit. My roommate is nice and pretty handsome, but straight, and I haven't formed an opinion on my classmates yet.”

“That's a relief then, you'll be able to focus on studying without any problem inside your room.” Sungyeol said in honest relief.

“Hyung, you don't need to be worried about me, I...” Sungjong wanted to say something, he knew what his hyung was referring to, but he wasn't able to because his hyung interrupted him.

“But if anything happens to you, kick them in between the legs and stick your fingers in their eyes, that should do for you to run away, and don't be afraid to report it ok?” Sungyeol advised and, given the subject they were lightly touching, he seemed to have genuine concerns about his well being and that warmed his heart and made Sungjong have some hope, Sungyeol could be caring if he wanted, he just needed to direct that a bit towards their maknae.

“Yes hyung.” Sungjong caught himself agreeing and then they stood in silence for a minute, Sungjong could clearly hear Sungyeol fumbling with things before he gathered the courage to ask something.

“Hm, Jong, I know you just started college but... I was wondering if you... Can you come home this weekend?” He finally blurted after some hesitation. “I need you to watch Sunggyu for a bit.”

“Are you meeting with Sangwoo-shi?”

“…” Sungyeol made a silence that told Sungjong everything he needed to know.

“Hyung, I don't like that guy.” Sungjong whined.

“You don't have to, I'm the one that should.” The elder hissed defensively.

“Argh, you're so stubborn.” Sungjong was ready to complain but at that moment he had a brilliant idea. If he couldn't make Sungyeol change his opinion in anything, he could at least help Sunggyu out a bit if Sungyeol wasn't there. “But fine, I'll take care of Gyu.” He agreed in his best neutral tone, he didn't want to seem too eager with Sungyeol’s absence. “I have something for him anyway so I might as well give him on Saturday.”

“Oh, what is it?” Sungyeol asked in a brighter tone.

“Hyung, Sunggyu and I have our thing, don't be jealous.” Sungjong teased and the elder grumbled something he couldn't understand but he didn't want to ask and prolong this phone call. “Hyung, I got to go, it was barely the first day and I already have some assignment.”

“Urgh, tell me about it.” Sungyeol groaned. “Anyway, go take a rest and finish your assignment, I'll see you next Saturday.”

“OK, Bye hyung, tell Sunggyu that I have exciting things prepared for us.”

The two brothers hung up the phone then, Sungyeol feeling tired out of his mind and Sungjong feeling like he would unleash his devilish side a bit.

__________________________________________

The week passed quickly but strangely. On Tuesday, when they left their apartment so Sungyeol could drop Sunggyu in school, the boy didn't resist but he pointed towards what's supposed to be the new neighbor's door and asked with his eyes if they were coming too.

Sungyeol wanted to tell that no but he inhaled deeply and decided to trick Sunggyu somehow. “I think they are still sleeping, but you'll definitely see your friend at school. Why don't we go first so can you wait for him there? If you learn something new before him you can teach him since you're the hyung.” Sunggyu didn't move right away, he just kept blinking a lot as if processing what Sungyeol just said while his brother prayed in his head that his words worked somehow and that he didn't have to drag him away.

“Gyu?” Sungyeol called after a minute or two and Sunggyu snapped back to reality and, to the elder’s surprise, the younger nodded and followed his brother silently, the thing that left Sungyeol thanking all the gods that existed and not existed, in a metaphorical way, because he didn't believe that.

From then on Sungyeol tried to avoid the neighbors, leaving in a different time or picking up Sunggyu in a different time, and, yes, he saw the little neighbor (from afar) a couple of times during the week but managed to avoid the father with success. He had to bribe Sunggyu a bit for him to go home or distract him from asking if he could go play with the little neighbor but everything was fine for him.

As for Myungsoo, he was glad he was not meeting with that annoying and judging neighbor, he was pretty much mad about what the taller had said in their college parking lot and if given the opportunity he would confront the other about it and tell him some stuff to his face as well.

On the other side, his heart squeezed every time he saw Woohyun disappointed face when he came up with some excuse of why his son couldn't invite Sunggyu over or why he couldn't go play in Sunggyu place. Deep inside he knew Woohyun knew he wasn't being honest like he always was, but the young boy ended up always accepting his father’s word for the day only to try again the next day.

When Friday came and Myungsoo placed Woohyun in bed and finished reading a story (although the kid could read some things by himself already), he asked again.

“Dad, tomorrow is Saturday and we don't have school so can Gyu hyung come to play tomorrow?”

“Hyunnie...” Myungsoo sighed in frustration but when he looked at his son he saw that Woohyun had determination in his eyes, he would probably not accept excuses today. Myungsoo still tried to sidetrack him. “Are you already that close that he is Gyu hyung now?”

“Yes.” Woohyun didn't bat an eyelash. “He told me he didn't mind if I called him that and I told him he could call me by a nickname too.”

“So that boy does talk?” Myungsoo asked in amusement. “What does he call you?”

“Of course he talks. Not a lot, but it's fine because I like to talk to him a lot.” Woohyun nodded to himself, satisfied with his answer. “He calls me Woohyunnie.” He added with a happy smile and Myungsoo smiled fondly at his son, but he should have known that by that his attempt in sidetracking the younger was going to be futile. “Dad, why can't Gyu hyung come over? You don't like him, is that it?”

Myungsoo sighed deeply again and shook his head. “Sometimes I ask myself if I did the right thing when I chose to have a very open relationship with you because now it seems that you'll catch me every time if I try to lie to you.”

“Dad, are you lying to me?” Woohyun asked hurt and disappointed. “Why?”

“Because I don't like to see my baby sad and I know the answer to your questions can hurt you.” Myungsoo said and Woohyun looked down and fumbled with his covers over his chest as he thought about it. “Do you still want to know?” He asked softly after some time as he placed a hand over his son small ones to gain his attention back.

“Yes.” Woohyun mumbled and looked at his father with puppy eyes.

“Do you think you can handle it? If you can't we can talk about this another time.” Myungsoo assured.

Woohyun hesitated a bit but nodded. “Yes, I'm a big boy, I can handle it.”

Myungsoo chuckled lowly and ran his hand over his son's hair. “You're not ready for all truths in this world but maybe you can really take this one.” He said more to himself than to the kid. “Alright then.” He placed his hands under the younger arms and placed him in a sitting position so they could sort of be on the same eye level.

“You know your friend has a brother right? The one we met in the lift that day?”

Woohyun nodded cutely. “Yes, scary hyung.”

“You shouldn't call him that.”

“But that's the way Gyu hyung calls him.” The kid reasoned.

“It doesn't matter if Sunggyu calls him that, you shouldn't call him that, promise me you won't do it again.” Myungsoo used a firm tone and Woohyun understood that he should obey so he nodded and Myungsoo nodded back before continuing. “He told me he didn't want you visiting Sunggyu not the other way around so don't think I don't like your friend or don't want him over ok?”

“Daddy, why?” Woohyun asked in confusion, he couldn't understand.

“Baby, he doesn't like us and if he doesn't like us he won't let Sunggyu come or have you over there.” Myungsoo elaborated.

“Why?” The kid insisted with eyes watering. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No baby, you're perfect.” Myungsoo cupped the kid face and kissed his forehead. “I... I honestly don't know.” Myungsoo answered completely frustrated and sad as well. “I don't know if we gave a very bad first impression in the lift although we were fine in the car, I don't know if it was me that touched a sensitive topic for them in the car, and maybe Sungyeol-shi judged me and didn't like me just for the fact that I am this young.”

“But you're my dad!” Woohyun tried to reason although tears started to fall.

“Yes, I am your dad, and I always did and do what's the best for our family, but you know how much prejudice and weird stares I get for having you when I wasn't even sixteen.” Myungsoo said apologetically.

“But this is unfair!” Woohyun was fully sobbing now and Myungsoo had to hug him tightly.

“I know baby, I know, and daddy is sorry that I can't change things for you so you could play with Sunggyu tomorrow.” Myungsoo rubbed circles over Woohyun Toy Story pajama. “But, if you want it, I can call Uncle Moonsoo and we can go play some soccer, what do you think?”

“It's not the same thing!” The boy whined and yes Myungsoo knew that specially when Woohyun wanted so much to spend time with his own friend.

Myungsoo pulled back to look at the kid that was still pretty much sobbing though his tears didn't fall anymore. “Do you want to do something else? Maybe we should go to grandma house and play in the pool?” He offered but Woohyun shook his head.

“I want to play with uncle Moonsoo.” The kid managed to say and Myungsoo was kind of relieved.

“Ok then, I'll call him right away.” Myungsoo smiled and wiped his son tears and kissed his forehead before pulled the covers a bit up so Woohyun could adjust himself on his bed again but instead of doing that Woohyun looked up at him with puppy eyes.

“Appa, can I sleep with you today?” Myungsoo took a good look at his son’s sad expression that he knew too well, one that it showed that he was trying to be strong and failing miserably at it and one that begged to not be left alone for as long as he wasn't ok.

Myungsoo didn't say anything anymore, he got up, picked his son in his arms and moved to his own room. Sometimes he wasn't sure if he was a good parent, but in times like these he did what Woohyun needed and that was enough for them.

____________________________________________

When Saturday came Sungjong arrived home around 11 AM only to almost lose his balance and fall when Sunggyu’s small body collided against his when the young boy hugged him for life.

“Hi Gyu.” Sungjong smiled fondly and pulled Sunggyu away just so he could crouch beside him and hug him properly. “I missed you so much.” He added a couple of kisses on Sunggyu head to emphasize that and Sunggyu leaned on it, enjoying as much love as he could get since Sungyeol wasn't much into showing him affection.

When they pulled away Sunggyu eyed his hyung with big desperate eyes. “Hyung, I'm hungry.”

“Already?” Sungjong asked chuckling. “Can you wait a bit till it's lunch time?”

“But... I haven't eaten anything yet.” Sunggyu pouted.

Sungjong eyes bulged and could feel his blood boiling by the second. “Where's hyung?”

“Scary hyung is sleeping.” Sunggyu answered with an upset pout and Sungjong got up and with long strides went towards Sungyeol room which made the younger ran to follow him.

He opened Sungyeol room door with force and screamed, a thing that made Sunggyu flinch a bit and hide behind him. “YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING SLEEPING AT THIS HOUR AND LETTING YOUR BROTHER STARVE!”

Being the light sleeper that he was Sungyeol promptly woke up and sat in bed, and it only took him a brief look at Sungjong’s pissed face for him to understand the situation and groan.

“Get your up!” Sungjong demanded and then grabbed Sunggyu by the hand to bring him to the kitchen. He sat Sunggyu on a bench and started to fumble with things as he grumbled. “It isn't even a full week I left and things are already like this, urgh, now he is starving the boy.” He opened the fridge and the first thing he spotted was a bottle of 1L Yogurt. “Ahn, there's yogurt, maybe you can drink a little while I...” Sungjong grabbed the bottle and it was weightless so he moved direct to the garbage bin, becoming more frustrated. “YAH! DON'T YOU GO GROCERY SHOPPING?” He screamed from the kitchen to be sure his older brother heard as he looked inside the refrigerator.

“Can you stop screaming please?” Sungyeol suddenly appeared in the kitchen. “Why are you here so early? I went to sleep like half an hour ago and you wake me up screaming your lungs out.” He complained as he moved lazily in the kitchen to make something so he and Sunggyu could eat.

“Hyung, for god sake, it's past eleven, Sunggyu still didn't eat yet and there's barely any food left.” Sungjong was exasperated.

“It's eleven already?” Sungyeol eyes became big and he stopped mid opening the fridge to look at the clock hanging on the wall. “! Sangwoo hyung is coming to pick me up in half an hour.”

Sunggyu opened his eyes wide in surprise and Sungjong just had one more reason to complain. “Yah! Language!”

Sungyeol became flustered as he opened a cabinet to pick up cereal and a bowl. “I worked till late and went to sleep with the sun rising.” He explained and placed the bow in front of Sunggyu then threw some cereal on it before he got some milk in the fridge and added to the cereal as his brothers watched him. “I know you don't like talking to me, but next time if I take too long to wake up by myself you should wake me up with a nudge.” He hissed looking in the kid's eyes then stormed out of the kitchen.

Sungjong immediately moved his eyes from his hyung back to the maknae sitting at the kitchen table. He saw Sunggyu eyes water and he pushed the bowl away from him, got down the chair and moved depressingly to his own room and closed the door behind him.

Sungjong huffed in anger and went to search for Sungyeol. “Hyung! Have you lost your mind? You just hurt Sunggyu again.”

“It'll pass, he will scream a bit at me later or refuse to do something and that's it.” Sungyeol replied without an ounce of worry as he looked in his closet for clothes to wear for the day.

“So you're going to leave like that? Won't you apologize to him at all?” He is crying because of you for god sake!

“What do you want me to do Sungjong? It is not like I purposely didn't want to give him food, I have work to do so I can earn money to support you two and that's why I went to sleep late. You're not here every day anymore and I feed him, I take him to school, I bathe him, I make him do his homework, I'm doing everything alone now, excuse me if I'm not totally used to a new routine, AGAIN, after just a week!” Sungyeol spat harshly.

“Have you stopped to consider that he might have chosen to not bother your sleep because he knows you do all of this for him? That he chose to wait for you despite being hungry? You could have handled this in an entirely different manner, you could just have apologized and shown at least some honest guilt and I could have made him breakfast so you could go on with your life, but instead, you made him cry, AGAIN!” Sungjong spat back.

“Sungjong, I don't have time to be arguing with you, go out so I can change, I don't think I have the time for a bath.” Sungyeol complained, ignoring Sungjong complaints. “We talk about whatever you want when I come back.” He ended up saying just because Sungjong was glaring lasers at him.

“Fine, but leave some money so I can do some grocery shopping for you two.” The younger agreed then turned around to go comfort Sunggyu. He knocked on the door a couple of times before calling his brother. “Gyu? Gyu, it's Jongie, can you open the door for hyung?” No reply came and Sungjong tried again. “Gyu-yah, come out, you need to eat something. What do you think of pancakes?”

Sunggyu slowly opened the door just an inch and Sungjong could only see one of his small eyes looking up at him but he could see pretty much that Sunggyu had his full cheek all wet. Sungjong felt his heart squeeze with the sight but at least with the door open he knew he could coax the maknae out of his room, he just needed to make him comfortable enough to want it.

“Pancakes?” Sunggyu managed to ask in a small voice and Sungjong took a breath so he could coax Sunggyu when Sungyeol passed like a storm from behind him and the boy got scared and closed the door again.

Great! Sungjong thought, now Sunggyu just retreated like a scared wild baby animal. He wanted to kill his hyung, he was sure to make his hyung done for once he came back home, but until there he would put his plan into action and do what he always tried to do: make his troubled baby brother happy.

Sungjong went back to the kitchen and prepared a couple of pancakes for his brother and when he finished he thought about going to the new neighbors, introduce himself, ask for a cup of milk and invite Sunggyu’s friend over to play since Sungyeol wasn't home to hinder and would be taking his time to come back. His idea was futile though because when he actually knocked on the door the neighbors didn't open, maybe they weren't home.

Fortunately, Sungjong found a nonexpired banana milk in the fridge to go with the pancakes, and after some coaxing on his part, and assuring Sunggyu that Sungyeol wasn't home anymore, he was able to make Sunggyu come out to eat.

Sunggyu was still pouting upset when he finished eating (with some insistence of Sungjong since his mood cut his appetite in half) Sungjong decided to engage him in conversation with a topic he thought the younger would probably enjoy.

“Gyu, I heard you went to school every day, hyung is so proud of you.”

“I still don't like school.” Sunggyu crossed his little arms and pouted even more.

“But I heard you made a friend, is that true?” Sungjong asked softly and Sunggyu bit his lip for a couple of seconds but ended up smiling and the older knew just then he had won Sunggyu over. “What's his name?”

“Woohyunnie.” Now Sunggyu smiled big and openly.

“Woohyunnie? What a nice name! Who's the hyung, you or him?” He asked showing honest interest because that would make Sunggyu talk more.

“Me, I'm the hyung!” Sunggyu said a bit shyly.

“Wow. You're the hyung! That's so cool. You're taking care of him like a good hyung is supposed to do right?” He asked and Sunggyu’s eyes got comically big and he nodded hard. “I heard your friend lives across us, is that true?” Sunggyu expression morphed into one of sadness and he nodded slowly. “What happened Gyu? What did I do that made you sad? Can you tell hyung so hyung doesn't do it again?”

“You did nothing hyung, but scary hyung doesn't let me play with Woohyunnie out of school.” He slurred looking down at his lap.

“Yes, Sungyeol hyung told me that.” Sunggyu agreed. “But!” He said and Sunggyu’s eyes snapped back to him and waited in anticipation. “What if I let you play with Woohyunnie?”

“Really?” Sunggyu asked and Sungjong could see his small eyes forming hearts, Sunggyu would probably love him forever.

“Why not? He is a good kid right?” Sunggyu nodded quickly agreeing. “But since Sungyeol hyung doesn't want it we have to keep it a secret, can you can keep a secret?”

“Yes, yes, yes! Hyung thank you so much, I love you so much, I love you more than a number of stars in the sky!” Sunggyu jumped out of his chair, circled the table and hugged him as tight as he could to show his gratefulness and that had Sungjong almost melting.

Sungjong chuckled and patted the younger hair and then pulled him away a bit to explain the terms of this deal. “You know that Sungyeol hyung goes out a lot with this friend of his, right? Every time I come here because he has to go out I'll let you play with Woohyunnie if he is available, but you can't tell Sungyeol hyung that ok?”

“Yes.” He agreed easily. “Can I go invite Woohyunnie over right now?” He asked in excitement.

“Well, I knocked on their door earlier and it seems like they aren't home.” Sungjong explained and Sunggyu pouted again, although he was so happy with the news that he couldn't bring himself to go back to being sad. “Why don't you get changed and we put a movie on Netflix to watch? If we hear them arriving home I'll go over there talk to his dad about our plan, and if he agrees you can play together, what do you think?”

Sunggyu smiled, Sungjong knew he wouldn't receive a negative answer on this matter.

______________________________________________

“OK, Woohyun, enough of snacks!” Myungsoo said once he arrived home and stole the package of his son tiny hands, which made the boy pout.

“Aigoo! Isn't my favorite tree too cute?” Moonsoo said and little Woohyun started to run in the living room with his uncle behind him just to tickle him and, when the elder finally got the kid in his hands, a fit of delighted giggles was heard in the apartment.

“Enough with games.” Myungsoo ordered although seeing Woohyun happy expressions squeals and giggles pleased him. “You two should go take a shower while I set the table, the food we ordered on our way here should be arriving soon.”

“Foood!” Woohyun cheered once his uncle let him go. “I'm so hungry!”

Myungsoo chuckled and took off his jacket and threw it on top of the couch. “You're ready to eat a lot right? I don't want to see you leaving any vegetables behind when the food arrives ok?”

“Of course not! Woohyun will eat everything because he is a big boy!” Moonsoo defended.

“Yes, besides I have to make mom proud, she is watching me from heaven!” Woohyun added.

“Then go take a bath.” Myungsoo urged although he was chuckling and Woohyun darted to the bathroom, leaving his father and his uncle alone in the living room. “Thank you for coming on such short notice Moonsoo, he was so upset last night and you're always such a great help with him.”

“Nah, don't mention it. You know it was such a shock when we discovered you'd be a dad, but I admire you a lot for being brave and taking responsibility for him, you're trying your best and are doing such a good job too. Besides I love that little tree a lot, he is such a gift.”

Myungsoo made a thankful smile. “This means a lot you know, people are always judging me....”

“Because they don't know your story, if they knew it, instead of labeled as irresponsible you'd be considered a hero.” Moonsoo assured with a pat on his brother back.

Myungsoo frowned and squeezed his eyes in tense suspicious. “Hero?”

Moonsoo tensed too as if he realized he shouldn't have touched a very delicate subject, but at that moment a loud shriek came from the bathroom and the doorbell rung simultaneously and the younger Kim felt relieved he had a reason to escape the mess he created. “I'll see what Woohyun needs, you get the door.” He suggested and darted to the bathroom.

Myungsoo let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he briefly took some wet with sweat bangs out of his face and moved lazily to answer the door, it was probably the food they had ordered.

Sungjong had left Sunggyu waiting at home and currently waited patiently for the door to be opened so he could apologize in Sungyeol’s behalf. He was a bit curious to see what the new neighbors looked like and he wasn't sure how the conversation between him and Sunggyu’s friend’s dad would go, but he wasn't psychologically prepared for what he had seen in front of him when the door was opened.

His hyung had said the guy was young but Sungjong didn't expect the guy to be this young, he gave Sungyeol’s age tops. The guy was wearing black jersey shorts, a Laker's shirt and gray line socks, that kind of clothing, maybe normally more lose, but, because of sweat, the glued lightly on the other’s upper body revealing a bit of muscle of his chest and abdomen. This was not all, the guy had amazing arms and his legs were just as sculpted. And his face? Sharp and intense eyes, nose shaped as a perfect L, and delicious lips. Sungjong first thought about this guy was: Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! But when his mind finally managed to work the second thought was: where do I know you from? He found the guy somehow familiar, not like they ever were introduced to each other, but he was sure he had seen the guy somewhere, maybe he made him remember of some actor, but he couldn't exactly pinpoint who.

“How can I help you?” Myungsoo asked softly and Sungjong almost melted with that deep voice right there, but the weird stare the man was giving him made him snap back to reality and he was finally able to gulp and talk.

“Is this Nam Woohyun’s residence?” Sungjong asked softly, pretending he wasn't just basically drooling at the single dad a second ago.

The other’s stare became hard, he was clearly defensive. “Who are you and what do you want with my son?”

Sungjong tried to make a friendly smile. “My name is Lee Sungjong. I'm, sort of, your neighbor from across…” He offered a hand for a handshake and the other just moved his eyes from his face to his hand and back at his face with an expression that darkened by the minute so Sungjong was quick to add. “The normal one.” He pulled his hand back.

“What do you want?” Myungsoo repeated in anger, after hurting his son what the hell did these people want with Woohyun?

“I would like to talk to you about the kids’ friendship.” Sungjong tried using a bright tone.

Myungsoo had nothing against the baby of the family, but he had everything against the elder and he surely didn't want more mess, that could result in his son being hurt, with the middle brother. He thought that those neighbors already made damage enough when they made Woohyun cry last night, so he didn't have any doubts, he just closed the door on the other’s face.

Sungjong could be just as stubborn as Sungyeol when he wanted so he just knocked on the door again and spoke loudly. “Please, let's talk! I don't know exactly what Sungyeol hyung said to you, and I understand that you are angry, but I'm here to apologize.”

Myungsoo didn't answer back he just stood in place looking at his door and thinking about what he was just hearing and that's when Moonsoo came out of the bathroom. “Woohyun splashed me all over when I adjusted the temperature. Hahaha. Hey was it the food?” The younger asked but Myungsoo shook his head.

“The kids are becoming fast friends and hindering their friendship is a stupid move!” Sungjong reasoned from behind the door and Moonsoo frowned.

“Who's that?” He asked curiously.

“One of the brothers of Woohyun’s friend, he wants to talk about the kids but I don't want anything to do with these people if they don't want anything to do with us, besides Woohyun cried himself to sleep yesterday, so...”

“Hyung, but if he is approaching you maybe he has some different thoughts on the matter, you can give him a chance to talk and then if you don't like it you can just kick him out.” Moonsoo reasoned.

“Please, give me five minutes of your time!” Sungjong pleaded.

Myungsoo sighed but opened the door. “You have five minutes.” He said and stepped aside for Sungjong to walk inside his apartment.

“Thanks.” Sungjong smiled in relief and walked inside the apartment only to gasp when he saw the other in the living room. “Moonsoo hyung?”

“Sungjong?” The other gasped.

Myungsoo looked from one to the other. “Do you know each other?”

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AN: Sungyeol is so abnormal in this I swear, but, before everyone throws rocks at me, I want to tell you that I made him this way because I want to show how he will change for the better through the chapters. Anyway, two more characters and we see here that Sungjong is kind the bridge between his brothers and he knows better for Sunggyu but unfortunately he can't impose his will because he is not the eldest, and we also are able to get a snippet of how things work in the Kim/Nam apartment. 

As I said to a reader before they have their original surnames and we will see why through the chapters, though you can see here that Sungyeol and Sungjong don't have the same dad as Sunggyu already.

Well, that's it, see ya.     Happy New Year fellow inspirits.