Myungsoo thought it was better not to tell anyone about his dad volunteering to take care of Woohyun during finals week because two things would happen if he did: 1 – Woohyun would be upset that Myungsoo met with Moonsoo and his grandpa without him even though he was the one that chose to stay in Sungyeol apartment and 2 – Myungsoo would lose the only excuse he had to be more quiet and pensive. It was not that he was completely mute, but it was better if Sungyeol thought that he was mulling his own problems instead of being freaking out of what could and could not be an improper touch because clearly, they had different concepts of that.

As for Sungyeol, the taller thought his neighbor main concern was Woohyun so their own problem was pushed on back of Myungsoo mind and this made both of them not feel weird about it. It did not help that Sungyeol thought he and Myungsoo had the same problem, who would help him with Sunggyu this one week? Of course, if Sungjong couldn't his only other option to ask this favor was the closest thing to a best friend, and kin he had: Hoya. But the thing was that up till Wednesday Hoya hadn't returned his calls or messages.

So, after three days waiting and not receiving a reply, Sungyeol decided to man up and complain to someone that could do something about it.

“Dongwoo hyung!” Sungyeol threw a big gummy smile towards Dongwoo as he approached him and the pink haired teacher was about to smile back but didn't at the last moment before dodging him.

“Hi Sunggyu, Hi Woohyun, go put your bags on your lockers and go play a bit before we start things ok?” He greeted and instructed the boys before he greeted Myungsoo. “Hi, Myungsoo.”

“Hyung!” Sungyeol whined a bit while Myungsoo forced a smile for the teacher and said a quick 'what's up'. “Am I not worthy of your greetings anymore? What did I even do this time? I'm behaving so well, I...”

“You're up to something, don't even try to lie, because I deal with kids every day for years, I'm basically a lie detector by now.” Dongwoo said with squinted accusing eyes.

“Well I need a favor from you, yes, but it's nothing too complicated.” Both Dongwoo and Myungsoo looked at Sungyeol expecting for further development so the taller just spilled. “I just need to talk to Hoya hyung so can you tell him to call me?”

“That would be difficult, he turned his phone off because he has a deadline.” Dongwoo said and Sungyeol instantly winced, he knew what that word meant and he equally didn't like it. Dongwoo grabbed Sungyeol by the arm and pulled him into a corner. “Actually I want to ask you something. Can you lend us Sunggyu?”

“Come again?” Sungyeol blinked in surprise.

“Hoya needs something to make him lose all that stress he has been piling up and every time he is with Sunggyu it's like he can be a kid again, what better way to do loose it up than to forget the world and be a kid again? Please, lend us Sunggyu on Saturday so we can do something together, I can make Hoya loose up with adult entertainment later at night.” Dongwoo pleaded.

“Can't that be next Monday or something? We kind of have plans.”

“What? Sungyeol!” Dongwoo whined.

“I promised Myungsoo I would watch his game.” Sungyeol said torn into helping his cousin a bit, because he knew Sunggyu was the excuse for every kid activity Hoya liked to do, and keeping his promise with Myungsoo, after all, Myungsoo promised something at him too.

It turns out Sungyeol didn't need to feel guilty that much time as well because Dongwoo clapped his hands together and opened a big grin. “That's awesome, Hoya also likes sports, we're totally going.”

“Hyung, I think if we don't go now we are gonna be late.” Myungsoo tried to softly call his neighbor and, before Sungyeol could say something, Dongwoo grabbed him by the arm again and brought him back to Myungsoo.

“Text me time and place and we're definitely going too.” He then turned to Myungsoo. “As for you... concentrate ok? We'll cheer for you. Now go, I have a bunch of kids to take care of and I'm sure you have classes to attend." With that, he pushed them both out of his classroom, patted both of their butts and left, which made the other two confused.

“What was that?” Myungsoo asked completely puzzled.

Sungyeol could only shrug. “ But it seems like you got yourself more people to watch your game.”

Myungsoo blinked then it shrugged himself. “It's not like I get intimidated or pressured with more people watching me. Anyway hyung, let's go, we are going to be late.” He was about to grab Sungyeol wrist to pull him out of school but stopped himself right before he could even touch his neighbor and turned around to lead the way.

Sungyeol spent about two seconds looking to his wrist, sighed deeply, and then forced himself to follow his neighbor.

______________________________________________

“Where is Gyu hyung?” Woohyun asked his uncle with some puppy eyes that left him and his lover with two squeezed hearts.

“He is coming.” Moonsoo answered the way he could, it was not like he knew the kid whereabouts.

“But dad's game is about to begin!” Woohyun whined, as he pointed towards the court and Moonsoo eyed his lover as if saying 'please do something'.

“Well, I don't know what more I can do, Hoya hyung said he is arriving in five and...” Sungjong was about to explain everything again when his eyes found someone in the crowd. “Is that Sungyeol hyung?” He asked and Woohyun and Moonsoo followed his line of vision and spotted Sungyeol next to two shorter people, one of them having pink hair. “I didn't know he would come. HYUNG HERE!” He got up and waved his arms in the air.

“Look, Sunggyu arrived.” Moonsoo pointed and Woohyun got up on his seat and started to scream as well.

“SUNGGYU HYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNG!”

Sungyeol seemed a little lost and hesitant, but when he was able to spot Sungjong, Moonsoo and Woohyun, he quickly directed someone (little Sunggyu) towards them, then the three adults followed behind him and when they finally got there the two kids hugged each other tightly.

“Hyung, what are you doing here? I didn't know you would come.” Sungjong asked surprised, Hoya missed filling him in on that, but it wasn't as he would complain.

“You're kind of late.” Moonsoo gave his two cents.

“I promised Myungsoo to watch his game.” Sungyeol briefly explained and sat unceremoniously. “Sorry, but I didn't even know Sunggyu would even want to dress up like a complete cheerleader so we had to wait for him to get ready.”

“Hyung, I thought you wouldn't come!” Woohyun pouted once he finally let go of his hyung.

“Of course I would, Sungyeol hyung promised we would watch it together.” Sunggyu defended himself then Woohyun shooed his uncle so Sunggyu could sit next to him.

“Oh my god look at them, how cute they are!” Hoya pointed to Woohyun and Sunggyu that looked up at him as if he just went crazy. “Aren't they the cutest little fanboys ever? Look at this: Pompoms!” Hoya almost squealed as he pointed to the boys wearing matching basketball outfit that had Myungsoo number and name on the back, holding pompoms and have some green stripes draw on their faces.

“Hyung, you're being weird.” Sunggyu said with a frown as Woohyun finally spotted Dongwoo.

“Hi, Dongwoo hyung! Did you come to see daddy too?”

“Of course dear.” Dongwoo smiled widely and patted the boy's head.

“Really?” The youngest boy eyes twinkled.

“Really! Sunggyu was even telling me how good of a player he is, so I came to see.”

“Daddy is the best player in the world!” Woohyun said with such confidence that for a second Dongwoo was worried of what would happen if Myungsoo lost his game, Woohyun would be so disappointed.

Someone started to introduce the players so everyone scrambled to find a seat so they ended up sitting in this order: Sungyeol, Sunggyu, Woohyun, Moonsoo, Sungjong, Hoya and Dongwoo, which was advantageous for the four members of the shipping squad to conjure among themselves.

“Hyung, why didn't you tell me Sungyeol hyung would come?” Sungjong hissed lowly at his cousin.

“Sorry, I had a lot of stuff to do and then I totally forgot.” Hoya said sheepishly. “But, with Sungyeol here we can start everything sooner.”

“That's true, but I never imagined he would come.” Moonsoo said with surprise in his tone.

“Neither have I. But imagine my surprise when he said Myungsoo invited him and he actually intended to come?” Dongwoo leaned over Hoya to participate in the conversation. “From what I hear this is like this big achievement.”

“Well, we still have to know if he will like.” Sungjong said as he eyed his older brother with crossed arms over his chest.

“MYUNGSOO! MYUNGSOO!” The kids cheered and clapped a couple of times and Sungyeol looked past them to the four other adults.

“Guys, do we know when this game really starts?”

“Already want to leave Sungyeol?” Hoya opened up a teasing grin that showed his fangs. “I know you don't like sports but hang in there, you came with us after all.” He advised.

“It isn't like that!” Sungyeol hissed annoyed and decided to look to the front.

“If you guys want my humble opinion I think there is something more into this.” Dongwoo sharply observed. “Myungsoo seemed a bit out of it all week long.”

“Like what? From what I have seen Wednesday, hyung seemed like he was preparing himself to face the guillotine.” Moonsoo said with a heavy sigh.

Suddenly Dongwoo, Hoya and Sungjong kind of stopped breathing and Hoya were the one that mustered some courage to ask. “You don't think that he and Sungyeol are...”

“No, it can't be!” Sungjong said horrified.

“What?” Moonsoo asked.

“I think it would be bad of Yeollie to suggest this, Myungsoo wouldn't stand a chance.” Dongwoo agreed.

“What?” Moonsoo insisted.

“But does Myungsoo even know...?” Hoya asked. “And if he does, why would he accept it?”

“I surely didn't tell him!” Sungjong raised his hands in the air in a defensive manner.

“Sungjong, what!???” Moonsoo asked exasperated and totally worried now but right at that moment, Myungsoo was introduced.

“…And KIM MYUNGSOO, number 6, playing his last season!” Myungsoo was introduced and the kids went so crazy cheering that Sungyeol had to cover his ears and give them a big judging expression (that he might have learned with Hoya) while everyone that was there for Seoul U cheered for him.

“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.” The boys cheered waving their pompoms

“Wow, he is popular.” Dongwoo pointed as Myungsoo made hand motions for everyone to scream louder.

“Maybe more than what Sungyeol can handle.” Hoya said pointed with his head to Sungyeol wincing and throwing glares everywhere around.

Myungsoo then made his usual two V signs and put them together to form a W then pointed in their direction which made Woohyun wave his pom-pom even faster and scream as high as he could with Sunggyu doing just the same and Sungyeol thought he would go deaf by now.

Myungsoo chuckled and waved their way and the two adults couple waved back and then Myungsoo's eyes finally met Sungyeol and his body for a second went stiff thing that didn't pass unnoticed for the two couples.

Sungyeol felt exposed with Myungsoo strong gaze on him, he felt embarrassed as if other people there were witnessing him undress. He felt red crept into his cheeks when people started to wonder who Myungsoo's was looking at and some girls behind Sungyeol were already fighting thinking that Seoul U ace was looking at them, until a teammate – one of those guys Sungyeol knew hanged out with Myungsoo - threw an arm around his neck and dragged him to the middle of the court because the game would start. Only then he sorts of could breathe again.

Fifteen minutes into the game and Sungyeol looked bored, Myungsoo only ran here with guys from another team and he didn't even touch the ball yet both teams had scored a couple of times and the score was sort of tied. The coach of their university team seemed like he was fuming, the two set of couples were worried, Dongwoo was even biting his nails, and both kids were deeply frustrated.

“Woohyunnie, why Myungsoo hyung doesn't do anything? He has to score.”

“I don't know hyung, I don't know!” The boy then turned to his uncle with despair in his eyes. “Uncle, why these guys don't let daddy play?”

“Because they probably know Myungsoo hyung is gonna score as soon as he touches the ball.” Moonsoo patiently explained. “Now, pay attention to the game, hyung might steal the ball while you aren't looking.”

“I know this game is kind of short and all but I think they want to tire him.” Hoya mused.

“I'd like to see them try. Myungsoo hyung exercises frequently and he is able to entertain Woohyun in a game of soccer for 90 minutes.” Moonsoo said confidently.

“Oh!” Dongwoo suddenly said and everyone looked back at the court while people were gasping left and right.

At that moment one of Myungsoo's teammates, someone called Lee Minho, tried to pass him the ball and Myungsoo ran to receive it, but as soon as he touched the ball he was held back by his shirt by one of the adversaries while another hit Myungsoo in the face while trying to retrieve the ball.

“DADDYYYYYYYYY!” Woohyun screamed desperately though his scream was silenced by the collective gasp in the court when Myungsoo fell down on the floor.

“Oh my god!” Moonsoo promptly got up in worry as people tried to check on Myungsoo.

“Daddy!” Woohyun tried to go out of his seat and go check on his dad but Moonsoo held him tightly. “No! I have to go there! Daddy is hurt! Daddy is hurt!” Woohyun whined practically crying.

“Woohyunnie, look, he is getting up.” Sunggyu pointed towards the court and they could see Myungsoo wobbling a bit, trying to get up as a lot of people fretted over him.

The coach tried to ask him questions and a doctor seemed to try to examine him but everything Myungsoo could do was look at the bleachers in search for the people that came to watch him. Woohyun eyes were glistening so much with tears that Myungsoo could even see them from where he was, the boy looked distressed and ready to go down the bleachers if it wasn't for his uncle holding him. Hoya and Dongwoo had matching furrowed brows, and Sungjong was biting his nails. As for Sungyeol, he was at the edge of his seat with the biggest scared eyes Myungsoo has even seen him make and, after a blink of confusion in the neighbor way, the taller of them discreetly made a fighting motion.

Only then Myungsoo nodded weekly, which made Woohyun a bit more relieved, but it didn't stop the boy from having tears almost falling from his eyes. Moonsoo pulled the boy down and in a hug and Sunggyu also held his friend hand so Myungsoo felt ok to start avoiding people around him and telling he was fine and that he wanted to play. The other players were lucky that he was a dad and had to give a good example and the only thing he could do take revenge was to win this ing game. Flared up with adrenaline, and some hate, Myungsoo decided to give his all no matter what it cost.

After the referee signaled fouls, people moved out from the court and the game began again with Myungsoo receiving the ball to shoot from the lateral. He passed the ball immediately to a player called Taemin and ran fast enough to just receive the ball again and shoot the ball again towards the hoop. Since he was behind the three point line, people waited with held breaths to see if Myungsoo would score. At that moment, Sungyeol, that knew nothing much about basketball, caught himself wishing for the ball to go inside the hoop and when it did he surprised himself when he jumped in place to cheer!

Woohyun and Sunggyu cheered together, hugging each other while Sungjong watched Sungyeol actions with an amused smirk. “You look at that.” He said more to himself than anyone but hit Hoya, Dongwoo, and Moonsoo to equally observe his hyung, that only stopped jumping in place when Myungsoo looked at him and pointed a finger in his direction.

“It was for me!” Woohyun squealed, and although every adult had their doubts (Sungyeol included), they decided not to tell the boy it probably wasn't for him and that actually helped Sungyeol think that his cheeks wouldn't be so red as he imagined they would.

Basketball was a fast game so the ball was quickly in the game again; Myungsoo was managing some magic dribbles getting the ball and making three points, his specialty, every time he ever touched the ball. It seemed that the young dad had renewed spirits, and that seemed to have captured Sungyeol interest because he already had stolen a pompom from Sunggyu and one flag from Moonsoo.

The game had been kind of tied until the opposite team made a foul on Myungsoo, but, after he was back in his original game, Seoul U quickly grew some heavy advantage and the other players were also motivated to score. When the game ended, 183 to 81, and Myungsoo had scored almost half of his team points, people went crazy and Woohyun cried and laughed at the same time, he no longer had any voice to scream to his father.

Myungsoo's teammates on the bench promptly invaded the court and, together with those already there, went to hug him, but Myungsoo fell on his knees then let himself fall on the ground, too tired of anything.

“...A..Y!” Woohyun voiced failed him as he gasped.

“Oh my god, we have to help him!” Sungyeol also gasped utterly worried and quickly tried to climb down the bleachers to direct himself to the court with Woohyun following him soon behind.

“Oh my god, he is gonna lose himself in the crowd, Myungsoo hyung will kill meeeeeeeeee!” Moonsoo screamed horrified trying to follow Woohyun and the rest decided to follow them, to help Moonsoo but probably to tease Sungyeol as much as they could.

People thought Myungsoo had fainted or something, there was a lot of people around him, and because of that, there weren't celebrations like throwing somebody in the air or jumping on top of each other. Myungsoo started to mumble he was fine but people were still making a barrier which made it difficult for Sungyeol to reach him once they arrived there, Sungyeol even had the same height of the players but he was skinny and people could easily shove him around.

Woohyun had more luck, he was tiny and with that he easily crawled underneath the player's legs and reached his father with ease, soon placing his tiny hands on his dad's face.

“...ddy!” He tried to speak although his voice failed him, Myungsoo would recognize whatever bit of voice of his son anywhere.

“Namu?!” He opened his eyes fully only to see his son with tearful eyes so he tried to sit, which made some people feel relieved and start to go away. “What are you doing here alone? Where is Moonsoo? Why are you crying?” Woohyun tears fell from relief and he hugged his dad neck with all his strength, not caring if his dad was sweaty or smelly. “Were you worried about me? Don't worry, I'm fine, I'm fine.”

“Who's this kid?” Some people asked.

“That's Woohyun, Myungsoo fanboy.” Other answered. “I think he is Myungsoo baby brother.”

“But they don't look alike, do they have different dads?” Someone asked.

“Maybe he is adopted.” Someone reasoned and when Myungsoo heard that he promptly identified the person and glared so hard the person gulped hard and decided to move away, and Sungyeol finally managed to get through, now with the rest of the gang in toll.

“Myungsoo! Oh, Myungsoo! Are you ok?” The tall neighbor asked worried crouching beside the young dad and his son.

“Yeah, I just need rest, food, water and some ice on my cheek.” Myungsoo said a little confused.

“You jerk, you had Woohyun all worried for nothing.” Sungyeol said as he got up and lightly kicked Myungsoo feet and after he said that Myungsoo promptly patted his son hair, missing the way Sungyeol was weirdly upset.

“It's fine Namu, I'm fine, you're fine, we are going to be fine.” He assured on the boy's ear and then Woohyun pulled halfway back and nodded at him, but didn't let go of his father neck.

“Yes, Woohyun only.” Hoya dropped some heavy sarcasm from somewhere behind Sungyeol and Dongwoo hit his stomach for him to shut up.

“Are you really ok Myungsoo? Do you need help with anything?” The pink haired teacher asked.

“Yes, can you help me get up? I need to go find Moonsoo and …”

“I'm right here.” Moonsoo said and made himself known. “Don't worry, I snapped a bunch of pictures of this moment for you.” He said placing his phone back in his pocket as Dongwoo and Hoya promptly helped Myungsoo and Woohyun up, but once Myungsoo was in full height he went straight for his brother.

“Why Woohyun came here by himself? Weren't you supposed to look after him Moonsoo?” He hissed angrily then sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose to alleviate stress then looked at his brother in the eyes. “Woohyun is a piece of Jihyun, if something happens to him.... Sunggyu, Sungjong, and Sungyeol hyung situation wasn't enough for you to learn something? Please be more responsible with your nephew, Moonsoo.” He ended up pleading.

“But he ran away ahead!” Moonsoo argued. “I was right behind him, he didn't come out of my line of vision any moment, I swear. You know I love Woohyun to the moon and back. But you were the one that worried him and this is why he ran away ahead.” Moonsoo smartly replied.

Sensing an impending fight between his dad and uncle, Woohyun promptly tried to apologize, though after an hour screaming his voice didn't come out fully but still quite guiltily. “S...ry ...addy … my ….ault!”

Myungsoo lost his arguments so he let out e very deep sight, finally placed Woohyun on the ground and looked at him in the eyes. “Woohyun, if Moonsoo is supposed to look after you, you have to obey him and stay with him. I know you were worried about me, but you can't run away anytime you want. I have explained countless of times why I don't want you to do this and how bad that is, you understand that you'll have to be grounded right?”

Woohyun opened his little mouth to argue but decided against it in the next second, and just nodded and looked down at his feet.

Myungsoo then ruffled his son's head. “Don't be down, we won the game and this was partially my fault so I'll think of something easy for you this time.” Woohyun barely couldn't contain a smile when Myungsoo looked back at his brother that seemed upset and had Sungjong rubbing a hand on his back. “Sorry Moonsoo, it's just.... Woohyun is my life. Otherwise, you know how grateful I am for your help since Jihyun pregnancy.” He said and the boy felt shy, shifting from one foot.

“I think I'm gonna cry.” Dongwoo whispered in Hoya's ear and the said man patted his back, but when they did that Myungsoo remembered that he might have been making everyone uncomfortable so he decided to change the subject.

“Sorry for this. Anyway, it was your first time seeing me play, what do you think of it?” He asked.

“Honesty you were not that good in the first half of the game.” Hoya said bluntly.

“Hyung!” Sungjong said horrified as Dongwoo his boyfriend tummy again.

“But then your game totally changed and you were so quick on your feet again. Honestly, I wasn't expecting you to be this good. How many points you scored alone?” Hoya asked and the young dad shrugged.

“87, I counted.” Sungjong dutifully informed. “Moonsoo and I kind of have a bet going on.... I think I am about to pay him a meal.” He said a bit displeased.

“Sure you are.” Moonsoo chuckled to himself now getting happier.

“Yeah.” Myungsoo forced a smile and shifted from side to side a bit nervously. “I wanted to show a better game but the other team wasn't making easy and then I have been having a lot on my mind lately...” His eyes unconsciously flickered over Sungyeol for a second.

“You have to leave those things outside the court, you know this, right hyung?” Sungjong asked and Myungsoo gave a short embarrassed nod. “You'll end up hurt if you don't pay attention to the game, it wasn't only Woohyun that was worried about you.”

Myungsoo raised a curious brow but couldn't dwell much on it because Hoya, the sports enthusiast, was already asking things again. “But dude, after that foul your game changed so much, I want to know what passed through your head to raise your spirits, what made you want to change your game.”

Myungsoo unconsciously looked at Sungyeol, that at this point was just quietly fiddling with the pompom he stole from Sunggyu earlier, and shrugged but didn't notice the other four adults holding grins.

“Who cares Hoya.” Dongwoo said. “The important thing is that he played well and he was able to make us all interested in the game. There was even someone that even stole his brother pom pom to cheer, can you believe? Stealing things from a kid?” Dongwoo teased and Myungsoo quickly scanned all of the adult's hands only to see Sungyeol trying to shove the pom pom into Sunggyu hands again.

“No, hyung, I don't want it anymore.” The boy complained after some time quiet. Sungyeol was totally embarrassed so he shoved the pom pom into Sungjong hands and turned around to go away, which made Myungsoo open a hopeful smile and the rest laugh at the tallest of them hard.

“Sungyeol, our car is not parked that way.” Hoya screamed, and with that Sungyeol was so startled that he almost bumped into someone before he changed directions which made the gang laugh even more.

“Myungsoo why don't you go wash up so you can join us for dinner?” Dongwoo suggested. “We made Sungyeol cook all afternoon.”

“Hyung, Sungyeol hyung made kimchi jiggae.” Sunggyu tried to convince him saying yes by telling him the dish in a whisper, although he didn't want to spoil the surprise, everyone ended up hearing it anyway.

“Go hyung, we wait for you in the car.” Moonsoo encouraged. “I'll keep both my eyes and my hands on Woohyun.” He assured.

“Really? Ok then. Don't leave me behind.” Myungsoo said, a bit too eager to everyone's tastes and disappeared between people the next second.

“That was fast haha hahaha.” Sungjong laughed.

“Yes, Dad likes kimchi jjigae this much.” Woohyun opened up his little arms as wide as he could.

“It's his favorite dish.” Moonsoo explained.

“Now, isn't that something interesting?” Hoya grinned as he looked at every adult pair of eyes mischievously. “There is something there.”

“There is something there.” Dongwoo agreed but then grabbed Hoya by the hand. “Now let's go before Sungyeol throws a fit. See you soon guys, Sunggyu obey your brother.”

___________________________________________________________

“Come on Sungyeol, tell us. What did you do this time?” Hoya demanded. “Don't make me use seniority on you.”

“As if you're that much senior.” Sungyeol snorted. “Five months only.”

“Not his, mine.” Dongwoo backed Hoya up as he tried to grab some of the food with his chopsticks but Sungyeol slapped his hands and the food fell back into the pot. “What? That's almost seven years.” He said and Hoya smirked triumphantly showing his fangs, which made his appearance similar to a little devil. Sungyeol often wondered, aside difficulties to generate a child, why would his uncle adopt this one.

“I did nothing wrong, I swear.” Sungyeol barked.

“It doesn't seem so, Dongwoo told me Myungsoo was down all week.” Hoya argued.

“He was!” Dongwoo confirmed and tried to scoop a bit of food again.

“He was not down, he was worried about his own stuff. Dongwoo hyung!” Sungyeol complained, with another slap on his hands.

“If he was not down why are you trying to make it up cooking his favorite dish?” Hoya asked with a raised brow.

“I am not...”

“That's what you do when you want to say sorry to someone you like. How many times do you cook for me? For Sungjong? For Sunggyu?” Hoya quickly made any excuse that could be made disappear in thin air and Sungyeol got so red he seemed like he would explode. “I don't have your blood Sungyeol, but we are family and I know you well.”

“It isn't fair to ask me how many times I do it for Sunggyu, I have to cook for him every day.”

“He is kind of right.” Dongwoo agreed and was about to go try to steal food a third time but this time retreated his hand when Sungyeol glared hard at him. “I'm hungry!” He complained.

“Ok, I'll give you that.” Hoya said ignoring his boyfriend hungry complaints. “But Yeol, we just want to help you, so you'd be helping yourself if you just spilled the beans.”

Sungyeol looked from Hoya to Dongwoo a couple of times and sighed deeply. “People are not my thing.” He said. “And as I got to know Myungsoo, I noticed he is a bit different from what I am used to dealing with.”

“In a good sense? In a bad sense?” Dongwoo asked though he was sulking Sungyeol hasn't let him eat yet.

“In..., how do I say this....” Sungyeol scratched his head. “I know I've been fooled a couple of times before but I don't think he is a bad person.”

“Now the part that we don't know please.” Hoya urged.

“Guys, it's hard to explain.” Sungyeol whined. “He does things... that have implications... he doesn't think about the implications, which is bad and leaves me frustrated, but he isn't bad. I am frustrated, but I can't bring myself to be mad at him and this is why....”

“Sungyeol, please I think we need a bit more of context to help you, just tell us.”

“Ok, here it is what happened, he....” Sungyeol was finally ready to spill the beans and Hoya and Dongwoo would be on the edge of their seats if they were sitting on a chair and not around Sungyeol coffee table, but at this moment Sungjong opened the door and entered the apartment with Moonsoo, Myungsoo, and the kids behind.

Dongwoo groaned, Sungyeol looked relieved, but Hoya glared hard at his cousin. Great timing Sungjong.

“What?” The boy asked innocently.

“Kids, come wash your hand and faces.” Sungyeol called and the boys scurried off to the bathroom with him so Sungjong motioned Myungsoo and Moonsoo to follow him to the kitchen to wash their hands there.

“Nothing,” Dongwoo said loud although there was a bit of sarcasm on his undertone. “Sungyeol just placed food on the table and we finally get to eat!” He hit Hoya a couple of times.

“Ouch, babe!”

“Do you want them to figure it out that we don't have the purest intentions in mind? Behave for god sake!” Dongwoo hissed.

It didn't take long for the boys emerge from the bathroom and the kitchen and sit around the coffee table on Sungyeol living room. It was little crowded around the coffee table to Sungjong and Moonsoo quickly served themselves, while Woohyun sent his usual prayer for his mother, and sat on the couch.

The dinner went on animatedly with Dongwoo and Hoya praising Myungsoo athletic prowess and Sungyeol asking if Sungjong and Moonsoo were working hard for their first finals ever and how college was going for them. Woohyun wasn't talking much but he managed to make Sunggyu eat some vegetable thing that left Sungyeol almost beaming, though everyone paid attention they didn't pay attention that so Sunggyu wouldn't feel shy and stopped eating the vegetables. As for Myungsoo, he tried to pretend to be cool and not like he was having the time of his life with Sungyeol making his favorite dish to please him and the said tall hyung pretended he wasn't feeling glad Myungsoo liked his small gesture of reconciliation.

Woohyun and Sunggyu finished their bowls soon, left their bowls at the sink then came running back to Sunggyu room and as soon as they were out of earshot Sungyeol beamed. “Sit you see it? Did you see it too?” He asked everyone in excitement. “He ate some vegetables today and left his bowl in the kitchen. He is picking up Woohyun habits, lord thank you!” He said looking at the ceiling as if talking with God himself.

“You're happy with that.” Dongwoo pointed kind of surprised.

“It is a great achievement.” Sungjong and Hoya said together.

“I agree with it too.” Myungsoo added. “In my apartment, he started to clean after himself as well, Woohyun has some little duties, if he is there he helps him. Do together with him, make him feel like he is playing and praise him for it, he'll like it and keep doing it.”

Myungsoo suggested and the two couples got tense waiting for Sungyeol reaction because a couple of months back Sungyeol would jump in Myungsoo throat with of that kind of comment that he thought was mocking his skills. Sungyeol reaction right now would seem like a good measurement of the neighbor's relationship so they waited for it kind of tense, but for their surprise, Sungyeol pouted, P-O-U-T-E-D, a thing that they didn't see in the past fifteen years or so.

“So he cleans up after himself when he's with you? This is not fair, not fair all."

Myungsoo chuckled. “You're gonna make it.” He was about to go for a pat on Sungyeol shoulder but then he retreated his hand and went for his beverage glass instead, and while they interpreted that as Myungsoo just changing his mind, they missed Sungyeol deflating a bit, but what they didn't was the way Sungyeol didn't seem to mind advice that came from Myungsoo, at least they were in good terms for parenting tips.

“Ok, I'll keep your advice in mind.” He said with a smile as he got up with his bowl. “Now every one of you knows where is my kitchen so have the decency to leave your bowls there at least.” He said grabbed the pot and some other smaller things and went directly to his kitchen.

Sungjong sent an eye signal to Hoya and the said man sighed, collected bowls and announced he would the courtesy of helping to wash the dishes this once, which left Myungsoo alone to fend for him self (though he didn't know these three would plot against him).

“So, hyung....” Moonsoo caught his attention. “Aside from winning your match today, how are you? You didn't seem that good the last time I saw you.” Myungsoo stiffened a bit and moved his eyes slowly to send some kind of message to his brother that was probably being ignored.

“Yeah, I noticed you were kind of down this week. You were so quiet, usually, you greet me cheerfully.” Dongwoo added backed Moonsoo.

Myungsoo forced a smile. “I was worried about today's game, you saw how difficult it was. I have to prepare psychologically in advance because usually, I am the target for the fouls.”

Moonsoo snorted. “Hyung, you're not one to feel scared about a game.”

“I wasn't scared, just worried, and not only about that, but about Woohyun too. Finals week is already in the corner and I hadn't anyone to help me to take care of Woohyun while I studied.” Myungsoo gave his excuse number two.

“Ahn you told us about that before.” Sungjong agreed.

“Thankfully my dad offered help, he will spend this week with me.” Myungsoo smiled at him then at Dongwoo, this time more sincere. “Though Woohyun doesn't know yet”.

Dongwoo then got curious so he looked at Sungjong to ask him something. “How will Sungyeol do? Has he to focus too right? I don't think you can come here to take care of Sunggyu, I'm not sure Hoya can help this week as well; KBS is trying to buy the rights of his Webtoon to do transform into a drama, he has the last meeting this Monday and if everything goes right he will start the script right away.”

Sungjong gasped. “Really? Oh, my God, this is so big, I feel so well connected right now.”

“Shhhhh.” Dongwoo placed a finger on his big lips. “Don't tell him I told you, he wants to tell you the news himself if he closes the deal. So, what Sungyeol will do in order to concentrate?” He asked and Sungjong shrugged, it was not like he could help.

“Maybe my dad can help.” Myungsoo suggested. “He loves kids.”

“Yeah, it is gonna be like taking care of us. Quiet and Hyper.” Moonsoo said teasing and dissolving himself in giggles only to earn a slap on his shins with courtesy of his brother and in that moment Sungyeol came stomping his feet angrily from the kitchen.

“SUNGYEOL, COME BACK HERE, I WON'T FINISH THE DISHES ALONE!” Hoya yelled from the kitchen.

“NO, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HELP ME, I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU, THIS TIME I ACTUALLY NEED TO STUDY!”

“YOU DON'T!” Hoya argued.

“I DO!” Sungyeol yelled back.

“Hyung, Myungsoo and Moonsoo hyungs were saying that their dad will come to help with Woohyun, maybe he can help with Sunggyu as well.” Sungjong offered and Sungyeol turned to yell at him, stopped in his tracks, then yelled back at Hoya.

“YOU'RE LUCKY MYUNGSOO WILL HELP ME, YOU CAN LEAVE THE DISHES THERE I'LL DO IT LATER!” He yelled and then turned to Myungsoo. “Thank you, I owe you this one big time, just wait a bit I'll bring something so we can call it quits that other promise ok?”

Sungyeol ran to his room as they heard Hoya closing the faucet and emerge from the kitchen drying his hands. “Sungyeol is such a pain in the sometimes, he is the one lucky that I like him despite the constant humiliation on my intellect. Where did he go?” He asked and plopped down by Dongwoo side, but the minute Hoya asked that Sungyeol returned from his room with a box that he placed in the middle of the table, opened up and started to take pieces of chess from inside of it in glee. “Oh my god no!” Hoya said horrified.

“I think I have to go, I have to go to school tomorrow.” Dongwoo said and prepared to go up to leave.

“And we'll go play with the kids.” Sungjong said to try to save his and tried to pull an innocent Moonsoo from his place.

“Nonsense, tomorrow is Sunday, hyung.” Sungyeol said absently minded as now Myungsoo helped him to arrange the pieces on the board.

“I have classes to prepare.” Dongwoo came up with another excuse.

“I have the plot to write.” Hoya also announced.

“Again, tomorrow is Sunday.” Sungyeol said calmly as he continued placing the pieces on the board.

“Please don't choose me, I promise I'll never try to eat before it's time again!” Dongwoo ended up pleading.

“Can you please get up hyung.” Sungjong hissed as he tried to drag his boyfriend. “Fast”

“Whatever, I'm playing with Myungsoo anyway.” Sungyeol shrugged as he announced his opponent and Sungjong, Hoya and Dongwoo were momentarily relieved but after half a second gasped in horror as Moonsoo tilted his head to the side in confusion because of the others reaction.

“This makes a lot of sense!” Sungjong finally wailed.

“What?” Moonsoo asked.

“Guys, why are you being so weird?” Myungsoo got the guts to ask as well.

“Myungsoo, how can you be that naïve? You're about to play a chess game with Sungyeol!” Dongwoo gasped in horror as he remembered the only time he played with the taller.

“So?” Myungsoo asked unimpressed. “He said he likes but doesn't have the chance to play it often so I promised to play with him if he came to watch my game.” He explained and the couple of hyungs and the maknae gasped at Sungyeol.

“You told him that?” Dongwoo asked and shook his head at him.

“Hyung, you're so evil.” Sungjong squinted his big eyes at his brother in disappointment.

“What?” Sungyeol asked indignantly. “Where is the lie in that? I like to play chess and I don't play it often.”

“Because no one likes to play with you!” Hoya said exasperated then turned to Myungsoo. “Don't do this to yourself Myungsoo, he's..” Hoya tried to warn him.

“I'm the one that doesn't like to play with you.” Sungyeol barked then turned to Myungsoo. “Don't listen to him, let's begin, I'll let you be first.” He offered to rotate the board so Myungsoo would have the white pieces while Dongwoo was doing big mimics to tell Myungsoo to say no. “The one who wins gets something from the other.” He suggested and offered a hand for a handshake and for further mortification of the crowd, though Moonsoo was just becoming frustrated.

“Deal.” Myungsoo said chuckling innocently as he shook Sungyeol hand.

“Can somebody tell me what the hell is happening here? I am not understanding a thing.” Moonsoo complained in frustration.

“Sungyeol hyung plays Chess since he was six.” Sungjong explained.

“Just make your first move.” Sungyeol ignored his brother

“So? Myungsoo hyung too.” Moonsoo said as Myungsoo hands were reaching the piece he would move.

“You're not understanding Moonsoo, Sungyeol played in Chess competitions since he was six and he won first place in every chess competition he participated in Korea. He even scored high on competitions abroad.” Hoya explained.

Myungsoo halted his hand before he touched the pawn and looked at Sungyeol in the eyes. “Is that true?”

“I have some trophies in my mother's place.” Sungyeol nervously said and when Myungsoo stayed there frozen he quickly threw an incentive. “If you last fifteen minutes I'll consider it that you won.”

Myungsoo held his gaze, searching for something in Sungyeol eyes and, when he found what he was looking for, he finally got the pawn in front of his queen and placed two squares ahead.

“No, no, no! I can't believe you're doing this!” Dongwoo whined as Sungyeol moved his own pawn and quickly Myungsoo moved one of his horses.

“Shhhhh!” Sungyeol demanded silence as he also moves his horses and Myungsoo quickly moved one of his bishops in front of Sungyeol horse. Sungyeol then moved his other horse to be diagonally behind his pawn. Myungsoo grabbed the horse he already moved and moved forward to be in Sungyeol horse other diagonal and then Sungyeol stopped in his tracks and looked up slowly with eyes as big as he could make. “That's Fried Liver Attack. You know some chess.” He accused surprised while the others looked confused from one another.

“I told you, I knew how to play.” Myungsoo dared to smirk at him. “ Should I tell you now I had a very qualified teacher?”

“You're interesting Myungsoo, I like that.” Sungyeol admitted. “I won't go easy on you anymore.” Sungyeol said adjusting his posture and turning his neck to the sides to crack it.

“Fifteen minutes it's all I need, as you've seen today, I'm not the type to go down without a fight.” Myungsoo said with confidence.

“I'm getting his chess books so we can understand this.” Hoya got up to go to Sungyeol room, Myungsoo seemed confident and if he did manage to last fifteen minutes, he wanted to comprehend and be part of that historical moment, he surely wouldn't let Sungyeol live it down.

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AN: I made my dongsaeng a promise so here am I keeping it. Don't get used you all.

I had to do some research for these tactics of chess so if you can't imagine the dispositions of the pieces on the board don't worry, I barely understand myself, you just have to know that Myungsoo used a very aggressive tactic.