Sungyeol woke Myungsoo around dinner time and the neighbor woke up startled and kind of mad with himself, how could he have slept when he had so many things to do? He took a bath to better wake himself up, ate what Sungyeol had cooked and they ate in a weird silence but soon enough they separated to do their own stuff. Thankfully Myungsoo hadn't pulled an all nighter that night and was able to sleep a little more, not on the next day either.

Both of them were happy when Friday came, the exams were over and none of them had energy for anything else, Sungyeol was especially happy that Myungsoo went straight for his apartment probably to sleep, not only he wanted some distance from his neighbor he wanted the younger to catch up on his sleep because the guy was in need.

The kids were also happy they there would be no more exams and no more studying, they just needed to go to school on Monday to receive their grades and that was it, they would be on school break. Myungsoo dad wanted to celebrate that everyone was done with their school responsibilities and wanted to take them to eat out, but when he saw Myungsoo completely sprawled on his bed sleeping, he left a note for his son and invited Sungyeol for dinner.

Sungyeol wasn't sure if he should go without his friend/crush/love interest but Myungsoo needed to rest and the kids wanted to go out (even though Woohyun was a bit worried about his dad) so he decided to send Myungsoo a message and go out with them.

This dinner was more interesting than the other. Myungsoo dad was an outgoing man and clicked well with Sungyeol when talking about politics and economics, Myungsoo father was impressed, Myungsoo stopped bringing his friends home when Woohyun was announced and he didn't remember those he ended up meeting later to be this smart.

“Grandpa? Can I have more juice?” Their economic and politics were interrupted when Sunggyu comfortably asked for more juice and Sungyeol brows had risen their max, were they close that close already?

“Of course dear!” The Kim patriarch said and served Sunggyu and then turned to Sungyeol to highly praise Sunggyu in every way he could until Sungyeol got embarrassed with those praises.

When he noticed Sungyeol being uncomfortable he decided to talk about how brave Sunggyu was trying to be when he tried to show he was a happy kid despite being lonely and missing his parents, a thing that he knew Woohyun also felt about his own mother. He also gave Sungyeol tips on how to coax Sunggyu to eat more vegetables and eat bigger portions and Sungyeol managed to hear a lot of funny stories of Myungsoo childhood, his dad surely had a way with his words.

At some point of the night, Myungsoo's dad phone started to ring nonstop and the old man said that was their cue to go back home because that was a signal that Myungsoo was freaking out. The old man picked up the call and assured that everything was fine, Woohyun was fine, they were all together, but Myungsoo only calmed when he talked to Woohyun on the phone.

“I'm so sorry this is a bit embarrassing. I know I passed down a lot of things of fatherhood to Myungsoo, but I don't know where all this protectiveness comes from, sometimes he just freaks out as if Woohyun would disappear of his life or something even if the kid is out with people that he trusts.” He had said when they were back on the phone.

“It's ok, I'm not a parent myself but even I freaked out once.” Sungyeol smiled to show that that was understandable but Myungsoo dad shook his head.

Myungsoo dad shook his head, apparently, he thought that things weren't that simple. “I don't know what goes on in Myungsoo head, he doesn't open up about his problems with anyone since Woohyun mother died. We know some of his struggled because we were there, but he is just... Anyway, Woohyun is seven now, he needs Myungsoo but he is discovering more of the world and... I just wonder when Woohyun hits puberty if Myungsoo behavior won't suffocate him...”

Sungyeol blinked. He couldn't understand these kinds of father concerns, not Myungsoo's not his dad, simply because even if he and Sunggyu became really close their dynamics were different because they were brothers.

“You aren't understanding anything right?” Myungsoo dad chuckled. “Forget what I said, just remember to take care of Woohyun the way that Myungsoo want's it.” He advised.

Sunggyu and Woohyun had slept on their way back and Myungsoo dad and Sungyeol had to carry them upstairs where Myungsoo was pacing back and forth in worry, but, seeing his son comfortably sleeping with his face on his dad's shoulder, he was instantly disarmed and just let his father go inside to put his son to sleep properly.

“Hyung.” He called Sungyeol when the neighbor was about to enter his apartment. “Thank you for your hospitality.” Sungyeol just nodded at that. “Tomorrow we will pick up my mother at the airport and try to have some family time, so I don't think the kids will be able to play. Please inform Sunggyu about this.”

“It's fine. I have plans myself.” Sungyeol answered before changing quick good nights, unlike Woohyun Sunggyu was a bit heavier and Sungyeol knew if he stayed with the boy on his arms another minute he knew his spine would break in two.

After changing him and tucking him that little hamster to sleep, Sungyeol reached for his phone and sent a message to Sungjong, Hoy, and Dongwoo asking if they could meet tomorrow for lunch, he desperately needs to take stuff out of his chest and now that he didn't have more exams he hadn't any reason to push that back.

Pinkhyung. I can't make it. Dongwoo was the first to reply. I have a pile of exams to grade, I'm sure you remember we have a meeting about that on Monday.

Yeol: Oh, right, sorry Dongwoo hyung. He sent it back.

Jongie: I can, I kind of miss hanging out with us only and since Moonsoo hyung has family business to attend, why not? Sungjong agreed soon.

Hoya: You not mad at me anymore? Hoya asked and Sungyeol could feel his hesitation and guilt through that message if the other 50 private messages weren't enough through the week.

Yeol: Let's talk in person hyung. Sungyeol suggested.

Hoya: Alright, so lunch?

Jongie: Lunch.

Yeol: Lunch.

Pinkhyung: I'm so jealous. T.T

The next day both Sungyeol and Sunggyu were awakened by someone knocking on their door. It was Myungsoo and Woohyun, already dressed up for the day and inviting them to breakfast that the patriarch Kim was finishing to cook. The door to their apartment was open and there was light coming from behind the dad-son pair making Sungyeol think he was seeing a holy image or something that came out of a drama. Sungyeol sighed internally very dramatically, why this neighbor had to be so hot? Why he had to be so straight? Why did he have to be a dad? And why, despite knowing all of this, Sungyeol had to fall in love?

It turns out the pair had a bit of a hurry because they were going to pick Myungsoo's mother at the airport (she was coming from Jeju and Woohyun was very excited to see her and later introduce her to Sunggyu) so they kind of dragged the pair of brothers to their apartment to eat without letting them change their clothes.

Sungyeol had to admit he liked that meal and the conversation during breakfast. He discovered Myungsoo's dad was a retired lawyer, but, because Myungsoo's mother worked tasting food all over Korea, there were times when she wasn't home so he had to learn how to be good enough for the kids and that included on making food good enough to make his youngest eat vegetables, it turn out Moonsoo was picky when a kid, so he ended up getting a few tips with a friend of his wife through the phone once.

When they finished eating Sungyeol and Sunggyu politely thanked and went back to their apartment and Sungyeol put a movie on Netflix so they could watch together and though Sunggyu paid attention and was reacting accordingly Sungyeol thought's kept revolving around the dimples next door and how much Myungsoo eyes were so sparkly. He sighed deeply, knowing too well that he was far gone and that it was something impossible.

“Hyung. Hyung!” He suddenly went back to reality when Sunggyu tried to shake him, apparently, the movie had ended and Sunggyu had been trying to talk to him for some time. “Hyung, put another movie.” Sunggyu asked.

Sungyeol picked up his phone to look at the time. “No, we are going to meet Jongie and Hoya hyung for lunch, we should get ready. Now, go take a bath, we are meeting them in an hour.” He ordered and Sunggyu pouted, but it was Jongie hyung and dancing hyung, two people he loved to meet so he obeyed and hopped off the couch to go to the bathroom.

As Sungyeol got alone his thoughts drifted again, this time to the request he wasn't supposed to judge, what was gonna be it and when would Myungsoo would finally ask?

_______________________________________________________

“So...” The older prompted the other to talk but judging his actions the younger wasn't gonna tell him much.

“So what?” Sungjong asked uninterested as he took a look at the menu, the hyungs invited him for lunch so he was gonna take the advantage he and Sunggyu were maknaes and ask for a lot of meetings that he wouldn't pay for.

Hoya patience just ended the moment he felt plainly ignored. “Sungjong did Sungyeol tell you something?” He asked as he forced the menu down the table. “Come on, throw me a bone here or else the meat you're hoping to get won't come to your plate.”

Sungjong merely raised his eyes at him and sassed. “Sunggyu shares with me.” Hoya glared hard and Sungjong sighed. “Hyung, for the last time, we didn't talk this past week, we were having exams.”

Hoya sighed insufferably and looked down at the table. “I'm feeling like crap, I shouldn't have made him remember those things.” Sungyeol is all kinds of weird but he actually welcomed me into the family quite fast... and he always helped me with school work over the phone....

Sungjong sighed and looked at his hyung in the eyes. “Hyung, you know that you were a huge help for him. Hyung got mad, I got mad, but it is not like we will hold this against you and reject you or something, you were so little when Uncle took you in... our bond is strong.”

“Sorry, I just... I just wanted to get closer since we're the same age, but sometimes Sungyeol seems so unreachable... maybe deep down I still fear rejection, I don't know.” He shrugged.

“Sungyeol hyung will never reject you that way.” Sungjong said softly. “He called you here today right? Maybe he will appear with some food to patch up things with you. Genetically you aren't related, by law you are our cousin, but if we talk about feelings you're like another brother and the voice of reason, not only for me but for him as well.”

“Thank you Jongie. You're growing up so well.” Hoya said genuinely thankful that Sungjong gave him such comforting and encouraging words.

“Let's talk about something else. Any news this week?” The younger suggested.

“No, nothing much, I'm working my off, but that isn't new.” Hoya chuckled to himself. “How about you and Moonsoo? Have you two already told people about you two.”

Sungjong sighed deeply and a bit upset. “No.” He said dispiritedly.

“Why?” Hoya asked and Sungjong shrugged before talking.

“But... after all that Sungyeol hyung went through I know I don't want that for me.”

“It makes sense.” Hoya agreed. “Did you tell him that?”

“About Sungyeol hyung experiences? No.” Sungjong shook his head. “But I told him I didn't want to be hidden.”

“Oh, and what did he say?” Hoya asked in interest.

“Well, he didn't say anything at the time, but he made sure that I'm not hidden to his brother or our friends, most people know about us.” Sungjong explained and Hoya frowned.

“Why does it seems that this is not enough for you?” He asked.

“Because it isn't.” Sungjong confirmed. “I already met his father, but he introduced me as a friend, not a lover. I wish he could tell his parents, and he says he wants to tell them, but he is not sure about their reaction.”

“But didn't Myungsoo had a kid at the age of fifteen? I don't think being gay is a worse scandal than that.” Hoya reasoned.

“I think these are completely different things. He says they are supporting, but there is no way of knowing because his parents wanted him and Myungsoo to continue the bloodline and maybe this is why they supported Myungsoo hyung when Woohyun happened. Despite early, Myungsoo hyung already made them proud, meanwhile Moonsoo hyung...” He sighed deeply.

“Hey, don't be like that, where is your positivism?” Hoya tried to cheer him and Sungjong was ready to sass him when he spotted Sungyeol coming holding Sunggyu hand and a small bag in his hands.

“He's too predictable sometimes.” Sungjong ended up saying only for Hoya to frown before he got up to wave at his brothers. “Hyung! Gyu!”

Immediately Hoya understood Sungjong wasn't talking to him and got up, turned around to greet his cousin and shifted in his place a bit nervously, he was ready to apologize for the umpteenth time when Sungyeol released Sunggyu hand and hugged Hoya for dear life.

“Hyung...” Hoya instantly wrapped his arms around Sungyeol to return the hug.

“Are we... Sungyeol are you ok?” Hoya whispered in ears in deep concern.

“No.” Sungyeol answered equally whispering and pulled back. I had a nightmare because of that but honestly, that was the last of my problems. He pushed the small bag in Hoya's hands. “Sorry. I need your help.”

“That was fast, what is happening?” Sungjong asked in concern as Sunggyu eyed everything not understanding, and, considering that Sungyeol usually had troubles and waited to apologize, Sungyeol apologizing now meant that something serious was happening.

Sungyeol let out an insufferable sigh. “I'm in love.”

Sunggyu gasped surprised but kind of confused. “In love?”

Hoya raised his brows so high that he had a funny expression as one of his webtoons characters and Sungjong jaw went low. “Who?” The younger asked.

“Who?” Sungyeol retorted with sarcasm that didn't mean to hurt anyone. “Who do you all ship me with?” He said and both Hoya and Sungjong gasped.

“Ship? What does a ship have to do with being in love?” Sunggyu asked in curiosity and completely confused.

“I kind of imagined you were heading there... so you finally realized.” Hoya said with a bit of pity as he guided Sungyeol to sit and Sungjong did the same with Sunggyu.

“You could have given me heads up.” The taller complained.

“For you to tell me I was imagining things and that I was teasing you?” Hoya asked. “Yes that happened, but it is not like I can manipulate reality, you know very well that if I could I would have made some things easier for me and you.”

Sungyeol fell on the chair then threw half of his body over the table and hid his face in his arms. “What do I do?”

“Calm down, we need to know everything from the start to know what to do.” Sungjong said and Sungyeol lifted his head to look at him. “And we need a code.” He briefly looked at Sunggyu from the corner of his eyes before addressing Sungyeol again. “So who are you in love you with hyung?”

Sungyeol thought for a bit before saying the closest girl name from Myungsoo name he could find. “Myungsook.”

“She has a name similar to Woohyunnie dad.” Sunggyu said with a giggle and Sungyeol wanted to bang his head on the table because of the choice of this name.

“It was a coincidence.” He groaned.

“You know what? Let's order some food while you organize your ideas.” Hoya said as he called the waiter. “Can we have some meat?”

It took some time to the waiter come with their meat and side dishes and for them to grill it, but, as soon as Sunggyu got distracted with food and some drama airing on a TV hanging on a wall, they started whispering to each other about Sungyeol problem.

“First tell me: how that happened?” Sungjong demanded.

“I don't know!” Sungyeol whined.

“Come on, she must have done something that made you stop and say: I like her!” Hoya encouraged. “You know how it went for me, Dongwoo hyung just needed to laugh once in front of me and I was completely hooked up. 'How can someone fall so deep with a laugh?' was your reaction if I remember correctly.”

“Actually a lot happened, I could make a list.” Sungyeol said and Hoya and Sungjong prompted him to continue using their eyes. “Remember how I didn't like Myungsook but every one of you kept pestering me to get along and all? So I invited her for Sunggyu birthday?” He said the last part in almost a whisper but Sunggyu still turned around when he heard his name.

“Did you talk to me hyung?”

“I was telling the guys how Myungsoo's dad took care of you this week.” Sungyeol lied and Sunggyu nodded.

“He what?” The teenager gasped as Hoya furrowed his brows.

“Grandpa is so funny.” Sunggyu giggled then turned around to watch TV and eat again.

“Wait, what?” Sungjong was more flabbergasted and Hoya this time hung his jaw low.

“Where that came from?” Hoya asked when he managed to recompose himself a couple of seconds later.

“Apparently Sunggyu got himself adopted by Myungsoo dad and now he calls him grandpa but this is not the point here.” Sungyeol dismissed the topic and he watched Sunggyu turn around, nod excitedly and go back to watching tv and stuff his mouth and Sungyeol sighed before he turned to the other two.

Sungjong shook his head so he would be able to concentrate. “So? Did something happen after that?”

"More like in the middle of it." Sungyeol sighed and stuffed his face in between his arms again over the table.

“What? Was in the bathroom when you...” Hoya trailed and Sunggyu turned around to look at him judging and Hoya cleared his throat and just stuffed his own mouth while Sungjong placed more grilled meat on Sunggyu plate. They waited a couple of seconds and Sungyeol mumbled something but the two weren't able to hear it correctly. “Louder please.”

“We kissed.” Sungyeol said loud enough for them to hear but not to attract Sunggyu attention again. “I mean he.. she kissed me.” He said and the other two gasped loudly.

“Ajdbhisdbhdsdnksmlsa.” Hoya gasped. “What?”

“Oh my god, will I ever come out of here without feeling like I am discovering the world isn't flat?” Sungjong mumbled to himself but quickly recomposed because his curiosity could kill him. “How was it?”

“She...” Sungyeol eyes darted to Sunggyu and then back at them. “He entered the bathroom and Sangwoo hyung was kind of holding me and he instantly got mad and started to pretend he was my boyfriend. I went along because it was advantageous for me if Sangwoo thought I had moved on, but then he placed his hands on me and kissed me.”

“No hyung, I didn't mean to ask that, I want to know if it was good, how did you feel, these kinds of stuff.” Sungjong insisted.

“It was very brief Sungjong.” Sungyeol replied with flushed cheeks. “I...” He hesitated. “I felt a shiver down my spine, also my heart was beating so fast and I think I felt a sparkle between us but I convinced myself that it was just my imagination because... Anyway, I thought the kiss would be a normal one but then he angled his head to prepare for a french kiss....”

“French kiss? I knew hate and love are two faces of the same coin, but I never thought this would really happen!” Hoya was still flabbergasted and kind of frozen in place.

“But we didn't kiss like that. I felt him trembling against me, so I remembered I got a brain and pushed away from him as soon as Sangwoo left. I know he wanted to help me but what kind of straight man kisses his friend like that?”

Hoya clapped his hands happily and Sunggyu turned again to look at him. “Sunggyu please watch TV, we are talking about politics and economics, you don't like that.” Sunggyu made a disgusted face and went back to watch TV and Hoya continued. “The kind that isn't straight.”

“How do you explain the boy then?” Sungyeol asked in a half whisper.

“He can be bi.” Sungjong reasoned.

“See, Jong agrees with me, I told you that once.” Hoya agreed and Sungyeol turned to glare at him.

“If I didn't know he still kind of mourns his late wife – yes Hoya hyung, he had a wife too – and spends all his free time home I would say he probably would have shagged at least one of those fangirls he has in college already. Besides, he discovered his uality pretty soon and obviously it was a woman.” Sungyeol argued and the other two decided to drop this in favor of discovering more of what happened between the two neighbors.

“So he trembled...” Hoya continued trying to make Sungyeol continue with the story and not offer excuses.

“Yes, I thought he forced himself to 'help' going over his own limits by kissing me and that he was disgusted, but later he apologized and said he didn't feel disgusted, it was something else but when I asked him about it, he said he didn't trust me enough to tell me yet.” Sungjong and Hoya gave each other a look that pretty much conveyed they were exchanging information mentally, before turning to Sungyeol so they could hear his rant.

“We decided to forget that and we got awkward but we worked things out for the kids, but I think this was what made me look at him as a man you know... Anyway, everything was fine until Sangwoo decided to appear drunkenly screaming at my door. You do remember that Myungsoo and I went out to solve that right?” Sungyeol asked and the other two nodded.

“Would you believe if I told you he stripped in front of me, messed his hair and appeared at the veranda to make Sangwoo think he was interrupting intimate moments.” Sungyeol then rubbed his hands over his face. “I had to explain to all my neighbors that there was nothing between Myungsoo and I the next day...” He sighed then laid his hands down and continued speaking. “I kissed all of his face too.”

“What! You naughty thing!” Hoya was utterly amused.

“It was an act, we had to be believable for it to work and it did.” Sungyeol defended himself. “And I felt very very hypocritical afterward.” He said with guilt.

“Well, it kinda was.” Sungjong agreed.

“But he was so understanding, he said not to think too much about it and said he didn't mind to be used for that because he could do a lot for a true friend and, I don't know when he told me that I just sort of melted ok?” Sungyeol said and both Hoya and Sungjong frowned and looked at each other in a bit of worry before he continued.

“You know I'm not used to things like that so it made me feel good and terribly guilty at the same time because as I get to know him more and more I discover that we click better than I ever expected and...” He inhaled deeply. “He is so nice, you should see the way he treats Sunggyu and he was able to discover the content of Sunggyu bullying and I was able to have a very important conversation with Sunggyu about that that left him more confident.”

“I've never imagined I'd say this but Myungsoo is a huge help, and he is so nice, supporting and he is handsome and hot and a complete dork and, despite very young for that, it was like he was made for being a parent.” He said and Sungjong rose a brow, too weirded out that Sungyeol changed his opinion too much. “Yes, I take back all the bad stuff I ever said about him, he doesn't deserve that at all and he is much more than a pretty face and a teenage parent.” Then the taller rubbed his hands over his face in distress. “Gosh, why did I had to fall in love? I didn't want to, I wasn't supposed to and the worst thing is I didn't even notice myself, my college friends pointed to me when they told Myungsoo was taking advantage of me and I defended him fiercely.” He then made a worried look. “You don't think he is taking advantage of me right? Do you think he is trying to charm me on purpose?”

“What would he gain from you?” Hoya wondered. “It's not like you're extremely rich... Sunggyu is, not you.”

“I don't know, free food? Rides? Free time?” Sungyeol shrugged.

“But he gives you just as much of that, besides he went grocery shopping for you a couple of times so you could stay home working if I can recall correctly.” Sungjong rebuked. “And he takes his time to coax Sunggyu to eat vegetables and make him exercise.”

“Yes!” Sungyeol agreed, relieved that someone agreed with him at least that. “So he isn't doing on purpose, right? I'm in this situation because of me only right?”

“Yes, but, Yeol, you're not at fault, you don't choose who you'll like it. Maybe you fell because he is what you need and we all know that because this is why we tease you and ship you two.” Hoya explained.

“I feel depressed when think it can never happen, it totally didn't help me that his dad practically kicked him out of his own apartment and told him to stay at mine.” Sungyeol pouted.

“Who says it can never happen?” Sungjong asked.

The taller sighed deeply. “Sungjong he isn't bi, he is straight, he talks like a straight person, he walks like a straight person, he has interests of a straight person.”

“Sungyeol, look at me, what exactly screams gay to you?” Hoya asked in a disapproving manner. “You're too judging for a person that shouldn't be. You know that in Korean society, not all gays can walk with a neon sign on their forehead saying 'I'm gay' and in his case, he has a kid to take care of, he would be more closeted than all other gays no?”

“Well, Moonsoo hyung says he can't vouch for anyone, not even his brother.” Sungjong offered. “But, from what I could gather, Myungsoo hyung chose to stay kind of aual since his wife died so yeah, even if he were to be bi, I don't think he still would look at you hyung, which is a pity because you do look good together... kind of like me and Moonsoo hyung.” Sungjong admitted.

“Who would look like you and Moonsoo hyung?” Sunggyu surprised everyone by making a question and the adults were suddenly flustered with that, thinking that the boy heard their conversation fully.

“I'm talking about a drawing a classmate made that it looks like me and Moonsoo hyung.” Sungjong quickly lied. “Hoya hyung said he wanted to see it.”

“Oh. But hyung is more handsome live.” Sunggyu praised and Sungjong smiled while the others felt relieved.

“Thank you Gyu, now go back to your food.”

“I can't take more food, I already ate everything.” He said with a distraught expression if he ate anything more would be torture, and, truth to be told, there was no more grilled meat at the table, as for the side dishes... most of the vegetables were still there.

While the other two were surprised that Sunggyu was eating all the meat without they even noticing Sungyeol felt nervous, Sunggyu heard or haven't heard their conversation?

________________________________________________________

“Everything is so new, I'm kinda loving it.” Moonsoo said with an smile on his face.

“You won't love in four years anymore. In four years you just want for it to be over.” Myungsoo gave his input.

“Well, I'm not like you that has a hurry.” Moonsoo shrugged as he gave his nephew, that was eating while looking back and forth them, a brief look.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Myungsoo asked defensively already with fire in his eyes.

“Daddy?” Woohyun questioned, afraid that he would fight his uncle.

“Chill, you two, I don't want any fights in front of Woohyun.” Bumsoo ordered.

“Yes, I didn't have a break to come all the way down from Jeju to watch you two fight.” The matriarch agreed with her husband and her two kids eyed each other before Moonsoo continued.

“It means what it means hyung, you want for it to end so you can go to work so you can have money to better raise Woohyun. I don't think this is a bad thing at all, it's just like my situation is very different, I'm enjoying college and intend to continue doing so. Everyone has different priorities right?”

“Still, I want to hear you say that in four years.” Myungsoo insisted although much calmer and cordial now.

“Ok, hyung, let's have this talk again in four years.” Moonsoo conceded with a sigh. “But you don't need to get mad at me just because I mentioned your situation with Woohyun. It's hard to support you when all you do is snap at me instead of thanking me for the countless times I helped with him." He then got up grabbed his plate, and everyone else's, and directed himself to the kitchen. “I'll do the dishes.”

“Daddy, don't pick a fight with Uncle Moonsoo.” Woohyun complained.

“No one was picking a fight.” Myungsoo defended himself.

“You were.” Woohyun accused then turned to his grandpa, the highest authority around. “Grandpa ground him!” He demanded and Bumsoo wanted to laugh at this cute demand but instead held his poker face on as he received a look from his wife to go out.

“Let's go to your room so your grandma can scold him.” Bumsoo suggested and Woohyun pouted a bit but decided to climb down his chair and follow his grandpa.

Myungsoo's mom waited till the pair was out of sight so she could have a hard stare at him. “Myungsoo.” She said sternly and he sighed.

“What?” He asked as he got up to walk to the couch and let his body ungracefully fall there, making his mother follow him.

“Myungsoo, what's up with you? Is this a way to treat your brother? Should I remember you how many times Moonsoo helped you when it was not his obligation at all?” She asked sternly but Myungsoo wasn't gonna bend that easily.

“You're not gonna make me feel guilty mom, I don't want anyone, Moonsoo included, hinting that Woohyun is a burden or weights me down.”

“That wasn't what your brother was saying. He is discovering a new world, he needs your support too.” She said.

“And he has it, he has my support more than you know.” He said only for his mother to raise a brow of confusion. “I was just giving him a bit of reality and there is nothing to do with the fact that I'm in a hurry to finish college so I can work full time to support Woohyun.”

“Be careful with the way you do that, you are hurting your brother unnecessarily.” She warned.

“I'll talk to him and apologize.” Myungsoo sighed then stuffed his face on a pillow which made his mom hesitate a bit before asking.

“Are you ok? Is it something the matter?”

“I... There is a lot going on lately and if that wasn't enough I'm not sure I'm going to receive good grades this time around.” He admitted with a sigh.

“Do you want to take things off your chest?” She suggested hoping he would say yes.

“No.” He ended up saying only for his mom to sigh.

“Myungsoo, you can't keep being this way, you keep bottling things up only to snap at Moonsoo or to explode on someone else later. You need to share your burdens, at least talk to someone.” She said but he didn't answer so she decided to add more into her pleading. “Maybe it's time for you to find a girl and give Woohyun a mom. Do you want me to set a blind date for you? Maybe Moonsoo has some pretty friend to introduce.”

Myungsoo immediately sat on the couch and looked at her horrified. “Mom! I don't want a blind date, I don't want to give Woohyun a mom, he already has one!” He strongly objected totally indignant.

“Why? Don't you feel lonely, son?” She asked softly.

Myungsoo was silent for a while, of course, he was lonely, and maybe it was kind of obvious, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her that. “It's not like anyone wants me when they realize I have a son either." He looked down at his feet a bit embarrassed. "I-I don't want a girl.” He stuttered a mumble.

Unfortunately for him his mom heard and slid on the couch to get close to him and hold his hand. “Myungsoo, why you don't want a girl? Is it because you want a boy?” She asked in the most coaxing, soft and low tone she could muster and Myungsoo head snapped up to look at his mother with a totally shocked expression that he couldn't contain, his eyes were wide and his jaw was parted, he was pale and he completely couldn't move. “Because if you want to try a boy it's ok.” She added in a coaxing tone.

“O-ok?” He stuttered totally taken aback.

“Oh dear, you're my son, do you really think I wouldn't have noticed? You can fool anyone, dear, but not your mother.”

“Of course I have an interest in women, I had in Jihyun.” Suddenly Myungsoo snapped nervously pulling his hand out of hers only for her to look at him fiercely.

“We all know that Jihyun had a category of her own and no other girl will ever get you to feel whatever you felt for her.” She concluded then became soft again. “I know you feel lonely, I also know it is hard to find someone at your age that would overlook Woohyun, but if what's holding you back is the fact that you think I won't support you in this either, you're completely wrong.” She tried to pat him again.

Myungsoo just stood there not saying anything, he wanted to clear things up and take this off his chest but he couldn't, he simply couldn't, and that hurt so ing much. Unconsciously his eyes started to water and he started to hyperventilate and his mother eyes became big in surprise because all that she wanted was to make him relax, to make him accept himself (if that was the case) and just generally take things off his back because she felt he was having too much on his plate for too much time already.

Unfortunately, she wasn't able to comfort him anymore because Woohyun strutted out of his room complaining away with his grandpa in toll. “Daddy, I don't want to go to Incheon, Gyu hyung and I want to play together during school break and you also...” The boy halted his words, Myungsoo tried to wipe tears out of his eyes as fast as could but unfortunately, his son saw them and got worried. “Daddy, were you crying? Did grandma scolded you too much?” He asked worriedly as he ran towards his dad to inspect his face.

“Yes.” Myungsoo lied. “Because I misbehaved and fought with Uncle Moonsoo.” He said which made his mother sigh deeply frustrated.

“Good, you deserved.” Moonsoo said bitterly as he came out of the kitchen and directed towards the door.

“Where are you going?” His father asked.

“Don't go uncle.” Woohyun pleaded. “Daddy will say sorry, right dad?” He looked from Moonsoo to his dad and Myungsoo nodded.

“Moonsoo, I'm...” Myungsoo was about to apologize but his brother interrupted him.

“I'm not in the mood right now.” Moonsoo said then got out, closing the door with some force which made Myungsoo look down at the ground in guilt.

“I'll try to talk to him.” The patriarch said and ran after Moonsoo closing the door behind himself.

“See what you did?” The matriarch scolded Myungsoo. “I didn't raise you two to be enemies so I expect you two to make up and come to Incheon so we can spend some time as a family.”

“I don't want to go to Incheon.” Woohyun repeated his complaint as soon as he remembered that.

“Why?” Myungsoo asked more recomposed and using a soft tone. “It's been some time we don't spend time with grandpa, grandpa and uncle Moonsoo at once, we could play in the pool...”

“But....” Woohyun was about to explain once again that he and Sunggyu had promised each other that they would play together every day of school break when the door busted open and the said boy entered the apartment holding a big colorful box in his hands.

“Woohyunnie! Woohyunnie! Sungyeol hyung gave me a new puzzle and it's not even my birthday!” Sunggyu exclaimed excitedly because he didn't notice there was a new person there. “Let's...”

“Who is this?” The old woman interrupted the boy and only then he noticed her. And the second Sunggyu noticed her he completely shut his mouth and blushed a furious shade of red as he got shy and kept looking at her pretty much like had done with Bumsoo in the beginning.

“Hyung!” Woohyun greeted but not with his usual enthusiasm, he was upset about Incheon.

Noticing Sunggyu behavior Myungsoo chuckled. “Gyu-ah, come here.” He beckoned and Sunggyu approached him very very carefully as if any step wrong would make the old woman snap at him or something. Myungsoo-half hugged his waist and patted Sunggyu hair with his free hand to reassure him while Woohyun did the honors.

“Grandma, this is Sunggyu hyung, he is my best friend that lives across a door. He is eight.” He explained although he still had an upset tone

“Sunggyu, this is my mom, Woohyunnie grandmother, her name is Park Sonmi.” Myungsoo introduced Sunggyu didn't say anything he just bowed like three times still blushing and the next second the old woman was all over Sunggyu.

“Oh my god, isn't he adorable? Look at those puffed cheeks!” She cooed and Sunggyu kind of mimic Sungjong judging look but Woohyun only pouted in jealousy.

Myungsoo smiled at the interaction. “He is, isn't? But our Namu it's more.” Myungsoo said and let go of Sunggyu to fully hug Woohyun and take the jealous pout off his face and a complete hug was enough for the jealousy to disappear but the pout was still there.

“Mom, Sunggyu got really close to dad, dad even let Sunggyu call him grandpa.” Myungsoo explained softly, as mother and son pretended that Myungsoo's dad hadn't already filled her in on the week taking care of the kids.

“Oh, then you have to call me grandma!” She said enthusiastic, not only because she already knew a bit of Sunggyu circumstances but because Sunggyu being cutely flustered in front of her already made her like him, and, by the twinkle in Sunggyu eyes and the continuous blush on his cheeks she knew she had said the right thing.

After a moment of Woohyun grandma cooing at him, Sunggyu finally managed to turn to Myungsoo and show the colorful box of puzzles that still was in his hands.

“Hyung, can Woohyunnie play with me?” He asked showing the puzzle on his hands but instead of the father answering it was the son who did.

“I can't, they want to take me to Incheon.” Woohyun complained, crossed his arms and... pouted.

“But... but... We were going to play together...” Sunggyu said so disappointedly that he let his little arms fall with the gravity although he still kept holding his puzzle box.

“Aigoooooooo, aren't them the most adorable creatures on earth?” Sonmi cooed again. “Suddenly I want to take them both to Incheon so I can get close to Sunggyu and play with my little grandson.” She finished her speech with a pinch on her grandson's cheek, and the boy gasped.

“Really? Can hyung go with us?” Woohyun picked up on the subtle invitation and asked marveled looking from Sunggyu to his grandma in glee.

“I don't think your grandpa would mind. Do you mind Myungsoo?” She asked.

“Me? Of course no, I love to spend time with these two.” Myungsoo half-hugged the two. “Ahn... it would be so fun, we could sleep together a little later than bedtime, watch movies and dramas, and I could read you stories every night and there's a pool too...”

“A pool?!” Sunggyu gasped in excitement, already thrilled with the idea of spending some time away from his apartment.

“Yes hyung, we have a pool, but I can't touch the bottom of it because I'm short.” Woohyun explained adding another pout and Myungsoo chuckled.

“You will grow.” He said with a chuckle.

“Sunggyu-ah, why don't you go ask for permission to go with us?” She suggested.

“Yes! Yes! I'm gonna ask Sungyeol hyung.” Sunggyu got himself free from Myungsoo hold and ran for the door. “HYUUUUUUNNNNNNNG!” He yelled.

“HYUUUUUUUNG!” Woohyun yelled right after as he also got himself free from Myungsoo hold. “Wait for me, I'm going with you!” He ran opening and closing the door right after him.

“Is it ok for him to do this?” Sonmi asked more concerned with Myungsoo lack of worries about his son running around unaccompanied than actually the boy safety since she now knew Sunggyu lived in the apartment across.

“Hum, yes, I let the door open all day so if he wants to go back and forth Sunggyu apartment he can.” Myungsoo explained not showing his usual worried which made his mom from. “I know Sunggyu brother is on the other side to take care of him.”

“You trust him?” She asked with raised brows.

“He has been a huge help.” Myungsoo admitted. “And the boys like it, Woohyun also loves his food. Talking about that, moooom, you have to try Sungyeol hyung Kimchi Jjigae, it's like... do you remember that one time you took us to Amanti? It tastes so similar to what I remember that I could say it is the same.” Myungsoo changed the subject completely totally getting excited.

“I remember, I've never seen you eat so much.” She smiled at the memory then adopted a teasing tone. “So this neighbor of yours...”

She was about to further when Sungyeol opened the door as if he owned the place with the kids in toll. “Myungsoo can you explain why they are talking about sleeping in a pool in Incheon while reading because I can't understand a thing.” He pleaded but then noticed the woman beside Myungsoo and bowed. “I'm sorry, I didn't know Myungsoo was accompanied.”

“Oh, hyung, this is my mother, Park Sonmi, and we just invited Sunggyu to spend some days in Incheon, we have a house there with a pool and all.” Myungsoo briefly explained.

“Hello mam, I'm Lee Sungyeol.” He greeted and bowed and the woman just nodded at him and seemed kind of surprised, but Sungyeol wouldn't know with what. “Sunggyu doesn't know how to swim.” Sungyeol ended up saying as Myungsoo mother looked at him up and down.

“I can learn!” Sunggyu complained.

“How many days?” Sungyeol asked making the boys feel hopeful.

“Well, I have to go back on Monday because we have a meeting at their school, but he can stay more for as long as you want to, if they are together I don't think they'll be bored.” Myungsoo explained.

“I don't know Myungsoo... a weekend is ok but...more than that?” Sungyeol was unsure as he looked back and forth from Myungsoo to his mother.

“PLEASE HYUNNNNNG!” Sunggyu hugged his long legs and begged.

“PLEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE!” Woohyun echoed making his best puppy eyes.

“I think I need to call Sungjong to ask what he thinks about this.” Sungyeol settled for saying and briefly looked at Myungsoo mother again, finding weird the attention he was receiving from her.

“Hyung, you're the oldest so you have a say and I don't think Sungjong will complain, why are you hesitating? Are you worried about Sunggyu safety? I'm gonna be there, my dad is gonna be there, and my mom is awesome with kids as well, hopefully even Moonsoo will join us.”

“I was planning on spending some time with him.” Sungyeol ended up confessing and that made Sunggyu a bit torn, he wanted to spend time with Sungyeol, but he also wanted to go with Woohyunnie.

Myungsoo then snapped his fingers because he just had an idea. “Then why don't you come with us too? You two can sleep over there and on Monday you decide if you want to bring Sunggyu back or leave him a few more days there.”

“Me?” Sungyeol asked puzzled.

“PLEASE, PLEASEEEEE!” Woohyun was backing up his father with aegyo.

“COME WITH US PLEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE!” Sunggyu decided to do the same.

“Yes, come with us hyung.” Myungsoo invited getting excited as well and now his mom looked at him frowning and back at Sungyeon and why the tall neighbor thought that was a bad thing?

He gulped hard. “Is this your request Myungsoo?” He ended up asking much for a confusion of the others in the room.

“No, just an invitation.” Myungsoo said with an amused smirk and Sungyeol opened his mouth to say he wouldn't go, that he had things to do, work, or go grocery shopping, let out any other excuse when Myungsoo mom finally addressed him.

“Sungyeol..” She said not using the polite form but having some weird emotion on her tone. “You should come with us, I have something to show you.”

“Mom, please not my baby pictures!” Myungsoo complained.

“It's not your baby pictures but I'm sure you'd both want to see this.” She said with confidence only for he son to frown. “Please come with us.”

“I...” Sungyeol was completely weirded out by Myungsoo mother but – he bit his lips – totally curious. “...ok” He ended up saying.