Sunggyu turned around in bed and slowly blinked his small eyes open just so he could see Sungjong sleeping face in front of his, the small boy slowly sat on the bed and rubbed his eyes off sleep. He was in the middle of doing this when something invaded his nostrils and he became alerted.

“Jongie hyung?” He called and nudged his older brother, it was not long before the elder was yawning and opening his big eyes.

“Did something happened Gyu?” Sungjong asked still in a sleepy state but as soon as he noticed the unusual smell filling his nostrils he motioned Sunggyu follow him and both boys scrambled to the kitchen to find Sungyeol cooking a feast of omelets when there was plenty of other things already at the table. “Hyung?” Sungjong called in curiosity and Sungyeol almost made the pan fall from his hands.

“Lee Sungjong!” Sungyeol complained and Sunggyu already hid behind his middle brother. The eldest turned the stove off and turned around just he could put the contents of the pan on a plate. “What a scare!”

“Sorry.” Sungjong said halfheartedly. “Why are you cooking a feast?”

Sungyeol froze for a second before speaking again. “I felt like cooking.” He said and Sungjong squinted his eyes and him in a manner that clearly said 'I'm-not-that-stupid-just-spill-the-truth'. “I wanted to take my mind from other things.” He added with a forced cheerful tone but knowing Sungyeol better than most, although he was sure the elder never showed all of himself, he knew his hyung was sad.

Sungjong and Sunggyu shared a look, the younger seemed a bit worried and lost, and the middle brother sighed, he planned a no sugar coating conversation with lots of scolding for Sungyeol to feel guilty but, how he was supposed to do that now? He just pulled Sunggyu hand and gently pulled Sunggyu towards the table while Sungyeol followed suit with a plate full of omelets.

“I ventured myself with a new recipe so I hope you like it.” Sungyeol slid one omelet in each plate and Sungjong picked a piece of it with a fork and lead closer to Sunggyu mouth which made the little boy leaned back all the way he could and eyed the omelet distrustfully, was he gonna die if he ate this?

“Come on, it can't be that bad, he cooks for you every day of the week.” Sungjong insisted. “Come on, if one gave the first step the other should meet him halfway.” Sunggyu pouted a little but when Sungjong offered the piece of omelet again he didn't refuse.

“So how was it?” Sungyeol asked in anticipation, though outside he had a poker face. Sunggyu tilted his head to the side a bit and made an expression that clearly said 'yeah, it's just edible'. “See! He doesn't like me!” Sungyeol pointed an accusing finger at him and Sunggyu eyes became big, he started to get scared of Sungyeol next move, his hyung would probably ground him in his room for the rest of the day.

“Sunggyu dear, can you eat the rest of your omelet by yourself in your room? I think hyung and I need to talk.” Sungjong coaxed softly and put a glass of milk to share space with the omelet in the plate and cutlery on top of the food before he gave it to the boy and Sunggyu went to his room trying his best not to let everything fall, though Sungyeol eyes upon him made him nervous.

Sungyeol sighed deeply and leaned over the table just to hide his face in his hands. Saturday was a and Sunday started with a bang already.

“Hyung, you should just apologize.” Sungjong said softly and that made Sungyeol look at him.

“Apologize? I didn't do anything! I cooked for him and he insulted my food!” Sungyeol was taken aback by his brother suggestion.

“Hyung, you know he is naturally picky with food, and maybe he is cautious because you were super scary yesterday, what if he thinks you finally snapped and want him dead?” Sungjong reasoned and the elder rolled his eyes.

“Nobody is dying under my watch, besides I might get angry and scary but I would never hit him, much less kill my own baby bro.”

“Then apologize, ask for forgiveness, not about today but about yesterday when you scared him so much that he cried and gave all this trouble to just eat a meal.”

“Sorry that you had trouble because of me.” Sungyeol said mechanically and not sincerely at all.

“To him you idiot!” The younger hit Sungyeol nape. “You two need communication to better understand each other and get closer.”

“Easy to say but he doesn't talk to me.” Sungyeol argued.

Sungjong rolled his big eyes. “And just because of that you don't talk back to him? When he does something bad you should explain to him what is wrong, when he does something right you should praise him so he knows he is doing things right. You should spend more time with him to get to know each other better and show him some love. Do you know how desperate Sunggyu is for that?” He was beaming because the neighbor ruffled his hair and spent half an hour playing a game with him alone! Sungjong wanted to scream this in his hyung face but thought it was more prudent to keep to himself. “If you did that Sunggyu would start to relax around you.”

“Jong, he doesn't like me and I don't know how to deal with kids! Besides I don't have time for that, I literally don't!”

“Of course you have time for that.” Sungjong disagreed. “I know most of the days you're really busy with work and study aside having to deal with Sunggyu and that Sunday you stay home and try to get ahead on something you might need for the week, but you have the whole Saturday free.”

“No Sungjong!” Sungyeol said irritated and got up. “Don't ask me to give away the only day I have to myself.”

“Hyung seriously, there will be a time when I won't be able to come over to babysit him, besides I just entered college if I want to mix with people I have to have Saturday free.” Sungjong reasoned and Sungyeol looked at him almost betrayed that Sungjong seemed to want to dump all the responsibility on him as if he wasn't doing enough.

“If it is that so...” He spoke with gritted teeth. “I can let go of my dreams and work more so I can pay a babysitter for him on Saturdays.”

Sungjong sighed in frustration. “That's not what I meant! You don't need to do that!”

“Oh right.” Sungyeol snapped his fingers together as he just had an idea, but his tone was extremely sarcastic. “We can ask Hoya hyung, that just started dating to babysit Sunggyu on Saturdays, or, maybe we could try leaving Sunggyu with Mr. and Ms. Baek from next door.”

“Or you could let Sunggyu play with his friend across the door, maybe the boy's father could cover for you on Saturday if you agreed to watch them on Sunday and you both would have a break.” Sungjong suggested.

“NEVER!” Sungyeol shouted.

“Why? I don't understand you, I saw them briefly yesterday and, yes, the guy seemed extremely young, but they were nothing like you described, the boy even gave me a smile and bowed 90 degrees.”

“Absolutely not Sungjong, I won't change my mind about that!” Sungyeol growled.

“Then the only solution is for you to quit dating that and spend time with your brother!” Sungjong shouted it back.

“Ha, now I see what you really want.” Sungyeol said in sarcasm. “I won't freaking do that and you know it.”

“Yeah? But you should! I met this guy once and I know already he's a bad person. He only sees you when it's convenient for him, which is some Saturdays, he tries his best to not meet your friends....”

“I don't have many friends!” Sungyeol reasoned though he wasn't that bothered by that fact.

“OK, I'll give you that, but we met just because I went to visit you when he was at your apartment for the night so he didn't really have a choice to meet me, but he hasn't come back here since Sunggyu and I moved in, he doesn't know Hoya hyung either, he never met and doesn't want to meet Sunggyu. By what you told me you barely go on normal dates like going to watch a movie or going to eat together, besides, there are times he completely disappears!”

“And all of that are my problems! If it's about Sunggyu I can listen to your rants, but this is my life Sungjong, I'm older than you, I know what I am doing.”

“And he is like fifteen years older than you!” Sungjong hissed and Sungyeol was for a second taken a back so the younger took the opportunity to continue. “Oh my god you're so blind! Hyung, you work well, you study well, but, despite that, you do nothing well when it comes to this guy, this guy is super fishy! Besides I know that things with him are not all flowers and rainbows, don't you think I wouldn't notice that you two fought yesterday? This is why I don't understand, why you rather spend your time with this guy rather than try to smooth things out with Sunggyu, that on the long run, it would be better for you!”

“ENOUGH!” Sungyeol finally snapped totally pissed and hurt. “I am doing the best I can right now and you only know how to criticize me, for god sake put yourself in my place for once!”

“Do you think I don't? Do you think I don't put myself in your shoes or Sunggyu shoes? I do this all the time and this is why I know you're both hurting, and I'm always trying to help you two connect, which leaves me totally emotionally tired. But you have to understand hyung, that a year ago our situation changed and our lives are never gonna be the same anymore, the only solution is to adapt, so stop resisting and start acting like a parent and put Sunggyu first!”

“I'M NOT HIS PARENT!”

“Yes, but you're the substitute of that! So you should adapt and if your lover can't see this and be understanding, or if he can't even try to help you, he is a bad guy so stop seeing him! Why can't you see I'm not against you dating, of course not hyung, I love you and I want to see you happy, but I am against you dating this person, he is not a good person to have a relationship with!”

“How can you say this? You know nothing about my relationship!” Sungyeol growled offended.

“I know enough, and I don't like him.” Sungjong collected himself a bit and made his voice cold. “I'll dress Sunggyu up and I'll take him to play in the park, you should reflect.” He added as he moved towards the bedrooms.

“YAH!” Sungyeol complained but Sungjong already disappeared closing Sunggyu door behind himself.

__________________________________________________________

The next week started to pass slowly and, although Sungyeol was doing his best to keep avoiding his neighbors, Myungsoo was doing his best trying to meet with him, after all, Saturday was gonna be Woohyun birthday and his son would be happy if his friend could attend. The young dad had caught a glimpse of Sungyeol back a couple of times during the week but by the time Wednesday arrived Myungsoo decided to change methods and try to look at him in their college.

Myungsoo walked through the corridors of Sungyeol department pretty lost and people were eyeing him curiously, some girls were blatantly giving him some drooling looks, and those who knew him wondered what he could possibly want there.

“Hum, Myungsoo shi, can I help you with something?” A girl that dated briefly one of his friends approached him.

“Oh, Yein shi, you study here?” He asked and she nodded. “Do you know where I can find a student called Lee Sungyeol?”

“Who?” The girl furrowed her brows. “Don't you mean Park Chanyeol?”

“No. Lee Sungyeol.” Myungsoo repeated and then wondered if the guy had given him a wrong name, or the wrong department, after all, if he went to the floor above there was still another department, this was a possibility, but decided to be positive, today was the day he would be able to see the nasty neighbor. “He is taller than me, skinny with broad shoulders and very white, his eyes are doe-like and he has brown hair.” Myungsoo described.

“That's Chanyeol.” The girl said with a smile. “Are you trying to scout him to the basketball team? If so I should tell you in advance that Chanyeol is more into computer games.”

“No, and I'm sure that's not the name of the person I'm searching for.” Myungsoo said with a hint of frustration. “The person I'm searching must be graduating soon or at least be halfway through the major.”

The girl blinked. “That's Chanyeol!”

Myungsoo took a breathed in and out to control himself, he couldn't be angry when he didn't even find the nasty neighbor yet. “OK, assuming that I got the name of the person I'm searching wrong, where would I find this guy?”

“Oh, he is usually in the computer labs.” She said. “It's the last door of this corridor to the left, the room is not big so make sure not to bother the others there. She pointed to a specific door. “I got to go now, I hope you find Chanyeol.”

Myungsoo rolled his eyes the moment she turned around, he had no business with this Chanyeol, but maybe he could find Sungyeol in the same place, after all, he had said he said he wasn't that social.

He directed himself towards the pointed door and poked his head inside the room, there were about six people gathered there. There were two boys discussing something in shushed tones a couple of feet from the door, a girl with round glasses two computers ahead of them that were giving love stares for one of those boys and further inside the room there was a group of three people, the two boys had their backs towards the door and were paying attention to whatever an older woman was talking.

“Excuse me, is, hum, Lee Sungyeol here?” He asked a bit timidly but loud enough for everyone to hear and suddenly felt one by one turn to look at him. There was obviously two females there and none of the boys near him was the male he wanted to speak so he directed his eyes to the end of the room and the two boys there were sharing a look before one of them got up and looked at him. “You?” He asked irritated.

“You seem to be avoiding me so I came here to make sure we'd cross paths, come out here, I need to talk to you.” Myungsoo demanded in the same tone before he closed the door and waited for the other male in the corridor.

“Sungyeol is there any problem between you two?” The older lady asked because it is general knowledge that when a guy with muscles searched for a guy that loves books, it was because the guy that loves books stole the other girlfriend using his brain.

“Hyung... if you need some backup...” The other suggested.

“It's ok Chanyeol, go back to your orientation, that guy and I don't have anything to talk about so I think I'll finish this pretty fast.” With that Sungyeol started to walk then came out of the room he was. “What do you want?”

Myungsoo took a breath in and out to push some anger back down his system, he was here because Woohyun and Woohyun was worth everything, so, instead of spitting his thoughts about him he forced what he hoped to be a friendly smile in his face and asked the question he came here for, although he used a hushed tone to avoid people hearing and judging him because he had a kid.

“I'm going to celebrate Woohyun birthday this Saturday and we would be really happy if Sunggyu were to attend since he became friends with my son. So Saturday at six? You can come too if you want it.” Not that we like you but we can put up with you if we get Sunggyu to attend. He thought but didn't say, he didn't want to risk a negative answer.

Sungyeol was surprised, he thought that after what he had said to this guy he would be hated and the guy would avoid him like the plague just as must, but no, he was wrong, this guy was just really annoying as his kid, well, now he knew where that came from. “No.” Well, the negative answer came anyway.

Myungsoo was confused. “Why? If you don't want to come you can send him with your other brother, we don't mind.” He ended up insisting, after all, even if he allowed the boys play, that would only happen if Sungyeol didn't know, and that meant that sooner or later would end up in a mess, but figured things could go smoothly if he managed to get Sungyeol permission.

“I already told you I don't want your manner less kid influencing Sunggyu badly, I already have my plate full with him.”

Myungsoo crossed his arms and Sungyeol might or might not have been distracted a second by those biceps that showed under his shirt. “You're the most insensitive and judgmental person I ever met. You know nothing about me, you know nothing about my son and you already put us in a freaking stereotype even if we helped you.” Myungsoo said indignantly. “I'll have you know that my son has enough manners and charms to be loved by everyone! Everyone but you, you Scroogy misanthrope.” He then shook his head the taller. “I only hope that your brother doesn't turn out like you, it would be a pity to see a sweet boy like him become a heartless like you.”

After that, the younger dad directed himself towards the stairs, but not before he bumped on Sungyeol shoulder, thing that almost made him lose his balance. “ you.” Sungyeol hissed lowly as he watched the other back and massaged his shoulder. When the pain subsided a little he pulled his phone and made a phone call.

“Hyung, are you free this Saturday?” He asked as soon as the other picked up the phone. “Can we we all hang out together? I miss you two but I haven't been having much time but we should get together to catch up. Saturday at six is good for you? Great!”

________________________________________________________________

“Are you ready to blow your candles?” Myungsoo asked as he finished drying his kid hair that Saturday.

“Of course I'm ready!” Woohyun giggled pleased.

“Good. Grandma, grandpa and uncle are coming in a few minutes.”

“I can't wait!” The boy said in anticipation. “I want to introduce Sunggyu hyung to them!”

“Woohyun-ah...” Myungsoo sighed, turned off the hair dryer and then turned his son to face him. “I tried inviting Sunggyu but his brother wasn't too happy with the idea.”

“But today is Saturday, and Sungjong shi said that in the Saturdays Sungyeol shi goes out, so we can play whenever he is out. Hyung didn't come until now so they are waiting for Sungyeol shi to go out to come.” Woohyun retorted with the most logical and positive answer he could muster and Myungsoo ran a hand on his head fondly.

“Don't have too many hopes baby.” The young dad advised. “I don't think Sunggyu will come, not that he doesn't want to, but because his brother will not let him. And now that Sungyeol-shi knows about your party he might not ask Sungjong shi to come today.”

“No. Gyu hyung will come for sure.” The little boy disagreed.

____________________________________________________

Sungjong guessed Myungsoo wasn't that comfortable with him because he had sent his brother to his room with a message. Not like Sungjong would ever complain about that, the guy was just as easy on the eyes as his older brother. What got Sungjong though was the content of the message, he was surprised to hear from Moonsoo that Myungsoo had some guts to go talk to Sungyeol about Woohyun birthday when his brother had expressly told him to keep distance.

Albeit kind of amazed, Sungjong was relaxed, Sungyeol had sent a message earlier that day asking him to come home around five in the afternoon so he thought Sungyeol was going on a date with his boyfriend and that would make it easier for them to attend Woohyun's birthday, he even bought a puzzle so they could give a gift to the birthday boy. He started to anticipated probably as much as Woohyun, after all, Moonsoo would be there and they could get closer.

That was nothing that would happen at all and he notices that as soon as Sunggyu small body collided with his in a hug when he arrived home Saturday. The little boy had a desperate look on his face when he looked at his middle brother and then shot a quick glance to a calmly working Sungyeol working on his laptop.

“What Sungyeol hyung did to you this time Gyu?” He asked trying to comfort him rubbing a hand on the younger back.

Hyung, he is not going out! Sunggyu eyes desperately told him right away.

“I'll have you know that I did nothing but work most of the time today.” Sungyeol said calmly, not bothering meeting eyes with his brother. “What's that in your hand?” He asked and Sungjong wondered if Sungyeol had some super power to see the half hidden bag in his hands.

“A new puzzle for Sunggyu, so he lets you work in peace.” Sungjong gave an excuse that his hyung seemed to buy with a low hum. “And what makes you work on your precious Saturday?” Sungjong asked with a bit of sarcasm already.

“I got some extra work, seriously, some authors might as well get a foreign pen name because they write nothing right in Korean.. and this book here... totally cliché.” Sungyeol complained. “Buy hey I'm four chapters before I'm finishing correcting everything.”

“Ok, and where's Sangwoo shi?” Sungjong asked in curiosity.

“Had to go visit his parents in the countryside.” Sungyeol answered bitterly and Sungjon suddenly understood Sunggyu desperation.

“Why am I here then?” He dared to ask and only then Sungyeol turned to look at him with devilish eyes as if he knew about their plans.

“We're going out with Hoya and Dongwoo hyungs, Hoya hyung was pestering me for a while and since I had time today...” For a moment Sungjong was surprised, then angry, but the only thing he could spit back was:

“Maybe you should tell Sangwoo shi to do this too.” Sungjong said to himself but apparently, Sungyeol didn't hear a thing so he grabbed Sunggyu by the hand and brought him to his room. “Let's get you ready Gyu.”

When they left home Sungyeol seemed to happy inside about being a cruel (in Sungjong opinion), Sungjong was upset and Sunggyu showed with all his body language that he didn't want to be there, he was angry, he was pouting, he was a second away of crying. They arrived at a restaurant about an hour later, but exactly on the designated time, only to find a short man alone in a table that quickly waved to them.

“Hoya hyung!” Sungyeol greeted uncharacteristically enthusiastic.

“Wow Sung brothers, it's been so long!” Hoya teased. “Hi Gyu!” The elder greeted but the said boy just turned his head to the side.

“Sorry, we've been busy to figure out everything and now that Sungjong is in college most things related to Sunggyu are done by me so you can imagine I barely have time....”

“The only reason we are having a family outing today is that he got ditched by Sangwoo shi.” Sungjong blurted out and made Sunggyu sit in a chair then sat beside him.

“This is not true.” Sungyeol glared at his brother.

“It totally is, and we fought last weekend because you didn't want to have some family time.” Sungjong insisted.

“Well, it's not like I'm a hundred per cent free these days too.” Hoya said trying to prevent the impending fight and Sungyeol smiled with an air of superiority that Sungjong just hated.

“Where is Dongwoo hyung? I thought we were meeting him today.” Sungyeol asked.

“We better meet him today because I could be getting acquainted with someone interesting if I didn't have to come here today.” Sungjong said in a hostile way.

“He's washing his hands. Why he is so hostile today?” Hoya whispered the last part and Sungyeol shrugged. “Oh, here he is. Hyung!”

The other guy approached their table and him and the three new arrived boys made confused faces that morphed into happy expressions.

“Dongwoo hyung!” Sungyeol smiled.

“Sungyeol, Sungjong! Oh! Even Gyu is here!” The pink haired teacher gasped but Sunggyu was so mad that he hid his face in his arms over the table. “Why is he mad?”

“When isn't he mad is the right question.” Sungyeol said only to gain an elbow in his stomach with the courtesy of Lee Sungjong.

The waiter arrived then and they ordered their food and drinks before Hoya addressed his lover. “You didn't tell me you'd be Sunggyu teacher again.” He said and Dongwoo made a guilty face, but maybe this happened because this year he wasn't that worried about the boy? “You know I'm only related to Sungyeol and Sungjong because I was adopted by their uncle but I love this little guy a lot too, so take good care of him ok?” He ruffled Sunggyu hair and the boy, despite being angry leaned into his touch.

“Of course, you didn't even need to ask.” Dongwoo said with a smile while he held Hoya hand under the table. “But I'm not even worrying about him lately, this year Gyu is a new man, he had been attending school just fine and he even made a friend. He said in a cheerful tone.”

“Really?” Hoya was surprised and Sungjong eyes twinkled mischievously much for Sungyeol frustration.

“Why don't we talk about that?” He suggested.

“Sungjong ah, Dongwoo hyung is not here today as a teacher.” Sungyeol scolded although he tried not to sound like he was scolding, he forgot of how good of a person Dongwoo was.

“It's ok.” The eldest smiled brightly and started explaining. “Sunggyu is older than everyone in his classroom, because, well, he dropped school for a year, so I thought he would have trouble bonding with other kids if he were to try to attend school normally, but now he is best friends with one of the babies of the class.”

“Woohyunnie.” Sunggyu finally lifted his head to look at Dongwoo with eyes full of tears.

“Yeah, the boy name is Nam Woohyun and he is this tiny little cute squishable baby and I just want to put them both on my lap and squeeze them forever.” Dongwoo continued as Sungjong smirked to his older brother because, if he and Sunggyu weren't allowed to go to Woohyun birthday, he was sure to have the time of his life annoying Sungyeol.

“And they really get along well?” Hoya asked curiously.

“More than well, do you know those people that hit off right off the bat? They became friends the minute they discovered they would be in the same class, I even took a picture of them together with Sungyeol and Woohyun father. Sunggyu has been opening up too and here and now he replies, isn't that awesome?”

“That's huge news Sungyeol, why you didn't tell me?” Hoya tried to get up to shove lightly Sungyeol shoulder but the man just leaned back into his chair so Hoya short arms couldn't reach him.

“A picture huh? That's interesting.” Sungjong eyes screamed evil and Sungyeol wanted to die.

“Why interesting?” Hoya frowned.

“It's not, let's talk about something else, hyung, how is your newest webtoon doing?” Sungyeol tried to sidetrack his cousin.

“It's doing great Yeol, thank you for asking, but why interesting?” He insisted and now Sungjong had a triumphant smile on his face, and now it was Sungyeol that hated that.

“Oh hyung, you know nothing.” Sungjong quickly made an apologetic face. “I'm sorry I've been kinda busy adjusting to college to update you but here's what happened: Sunggyu friend is our across door neighbor.”

“Really? That's why they knew each other.” Dongwoo seemed to think that that could explain things a lot.

“Oh my god, this is such great news... if he's been talking in school he could open even more if he has a friend that is his age near him.” Hoya said with a smile that showed his fangs.

“The thing is, Sunggyu is forbidden to play with Woohyun out of school.” Sungjong just dropped the bomb and crossed his arms to watch in delight the aftermath, and probably the downfall of his hyung.

“WHAT??” Dongwoo and Hoya gasped together. “Sungyeol how can you do this? Wasn't the past year enough for you!” Hoya growled but they stopped all the commotion that could have been unleashed when they heard Sunggyu sniffle.

“ Though this kind of explains why you were so uptight in the only day I had seen you and his dad together. And hey, you told me you'd explain me that and never did!” The pink haired man pointed an accusing finger to his tallest dongsaeng before he looked at the only boy at the table.

“Gyu-ah what happened, can you tell your hyungs?” Dongwoo instantly became worried.

Sunggyu eyed his eldest brother in apprehension, he hesitated but when Sungjong rubbed his back he finally tried speaking. “Woohyunnie birthday.”

“Oh, when that is?” Hoya asked and judging the silence he got he knew the answer already. “Today?” He asked just to be sure.

“More like right now hyung.” Sungjong said and Sungyeol was surprised, he didn't comment anything with Sungjong about that.

“How do you know?” He asked with his eyes squinted.

Sungjong just scoffed and looked at his nails distractedly. “You're the only one Sunggyu doesn't speak to.”

“If it's his friend birthday what did you drag him here?” Hoya was confused. “You could just let him stay with his friend and then appear a couple of hours later to pick him up.”

“I don't want Sunggyu hanging out with these neighbors, he won't go to that birthday party no matter what you say.” Sungyeol didn't bend and Sunggyu eyes produced more tears.

“See Hoya hyung? See what he does? He makes Sunggyu cry all the time.” Sungjong accused.

“I don't...” Sungyeol tried to deny but was interrupted by his cousin.

“Sungyeol, how many times did I tell you to treat Sunggyu better, he is a troubled kid. You heartless...” Hoya was about to cuss but Dongwoo pinched his leg, Sunggyu was right there.

“ Yeol, why don't you like them? I see nothing wrong with them.” Dongwoo asked softly.

“Nothing wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong.” Sungyeol then took a deep breath in, he had a lot to say and he would need this entire breath.

“Wait for it hyungs, this is the cherry on top.” Sungjong said and Sungyeol started his rant.

It took an hour and a half for Sungyeol spill everything he had against the pair of father and son, granted that when the food came he stopped his rant for thirty minutes in order to eat and then started all over again.

Hoya and Dongwoo started to take turns arguing with Sungyeol in Sunggyu favor but they were not making much progress and, at this point, Sunggyu refused to eat and had already cried silently a lot so his tiny eyes were tired and barely hanging open.

“It's not gonna work hyungs, when he runs out of arguments he pulls age order and that's it.” Sungjong complained.

“You're right, that's it because I'm the one responsible for you two till you come of age so you have to do what I say. Now let's pay and go home, Sunggyu is sleepy and I have four more chapters to work on when I arrive home.” Sungyeol suggested and raised a hand to call the waiter.

“Actually...” Dongwoo and Hoya exchanged an evil look with each other. “Since age order is something we discovered Sungyeol likes...” Sungyeol eyes stopped searching for the waiter for a minute and looked at the two men in front of him, he felt something he didn't like would start.

“You can take Sunggyu home, Jong, he is sleepy. Sungyeol will stay because we, the hyungs, are pulling hierarchy and making him listen.” Hoya glinted in evilness while Dongwoo winked at Sungjong and Sungyeol regretted ever calling his cousin this week.

Sungjong didn't need to be told twice, he was already shaking Sunggyu awake and trying to pull him out of the restaurant.

“This isn't fair.” Sungyeol complained.

“Do you think you're being fair to your brother?” Dongwoo retorted right away.

“Yah! Sungjong! When I arrive home I better not find him in the brat party or else!” Sungyeol threatened but Sungjong just stuck his tongue out for him.

________________________________________

“Baby, you told me you were excited to blow your candles, come on!” Myungsoo coaxed.

“Namu, we are hungry, blow the candles so we can eat the cake.” Moonsoo pouted.

“But... but... I want Gyu hyung to come to my birthday if I blow the candles the party is over and he won't be able to come anymore.” Woohyun said in a depressive tone.

“He really likes this boy huh?” Myungsoo mother chuckled. “He wasn't this close even with Kibummie. “

“Don't talk about Kibum, it took a while for him to forget that his friend moved out of the country.” Myungsoo scolded.

“Let me try.” Myungsoo father slightly pushed his son back and sat Woohyun in his lap the same way he did back then when Moonsoo or Myungsoo didn't want to do something. “Woohyunnie, some times our friends can't be by our side all the time, but this doesn't make them any less our friends.”

“I know but... I wish hyung was here to celebrate with me since he lives close. And I wanted him to meet grandpa and grandma.”

“What if you blow your candles with us now and then on Tuesday I buy another cake and bring to school so you can have Sunggyu beside you when you blow up again?” Myungsoo suggested and Woohyun shook his head.

“No, everyone will want cake, it will not be special anymore.” Woohyun said and Moonsoo sighed heavily and let his body fall on the couch.

“I don't think we can wait anymore Myungsoo, we have to go to Busan to work tomorrow if we want to come back on Monday to visit Jihyun.” His mother said, she was a food critic and often traveled around the country to taste the new places food, what a bad life she had no?

Myungsoo pinched the bridge of his nose to alleviate stress, he still didn't want to force Woohyun when it was supposed to be his day, a day where he always should be happy because it was the day he came into this world. He nodded to his parents, he understood that they had to leave, and they would bring Moonsoo away too since they were his ride so he made Woohyun said goodbyes to his grandparents and uncle.

The boy gave them a strong hug although he was disappointed and upset. “Sorry grandma, sorry grandpa, sorry uncle, I don't feel like celebrating anymore, but please don't be angry at me.” He apologized.

“How can we be angry at you when you pout like this.” Moonsoo pinched his nephew's cheeks and Woohyun forced a smile to him.

“That's ok baby, we came because we love you not because of the cake.” His grandma said then kissed his forehead.

“But if you decide to cut the cake when we're gone don't eat everything alone so you won't get a stomachache.” His grandpa advised and ruffled his head.

“Dad, I'll go sleep now.” Woohyun announced and Myungsoo was a bit surprised and just watched as Woohyun left to his room an hour before his bedtime.

The young dad still talked for some time with his family then said goodbye and as soon as they left he went for Woohyun room, the boy already had changed and was climbing up his bed. “Do you want me to read a story for you?” He asked and the boy looked up to him still with a pout in his lips but shook his head.

“Do you want to sleep with me today?” He offered as he got close to sit on his son bed while the younger adjusted himself on it.

“No, it's ok.”

“Ok then, I'll let you sleep.” Myungsoo bent to give him a kiss on his forehead then got up and head for the door. He turned off the lights and was about to close the door when he heard Woohyun small voice hesitantly call him.

“Daddy?” Myungsoo stopped turned around and hummed for him to continue. “Thank you for everything you do for me, you're the best daddy in the world and I love you, but I'm sorry I didn't blow my candles.”

Myungsoo chuckled to himself. “I'll keep them, when Sunggyu manages to come we can blow them then, ok?” He suggests him and he could see the boy nodding slowly.

“Thank you, daddy.” He said and Myungsoo closed the door as the boy turned to the other side to sleep.

Myungsoo went back to the living room and separated the wrapping paper of Woohyun gifts to throw out then separated them together on top of the couch, again this year his parents gave the boy too much stuff, though he wouldn't complain, it would take him a while to buy Woohyun new clothes.

He headed to the kitchen and started putting the plates and cutlery back into place, then carefully took the candles out of the cake just to gently wash their bottom in the sink and then put them in a drawer. Lastly but not least he eyed the cake and wondered what he should do with it, Woohyun didn't want to cut it, but he wanted a slice... Maybe he could just keep in the fridge then try to make Woohyun at least share the cake with him tomorrow.

Myungsoo proceeded to grab his camera to upload the few pictures he managed to take from Woohyun, himself and their family into the computer. He was in the middle of doing that and sorting out the pictures simultaneously when the doorbell rang. The young dad frowned, he wasn't expecting anyone anymore.

“I'm sorry for arriving this late, Sungyeol hyung purposely took us to have dinner on the other side of the city and I only managed to escape with Sunggyu now.” Sungjong ranted an apology as soon as Myungsoo opened the door.

“Woohyunnie?” Sunggyu asked sleepily as he looked past Myungsoo trying to find his friend.

“He is already sleeping.” Myungsoo muttered apologetically and Sunggyu sleepy eyes filled with some tears.

“Hyung...” Sunggyu didn't finish his sentence but he clearly asked his brother: 'why Sungyeol hyung did this to me, I was late, I hurt Woohyunnie!'

“I'm sorry, Gyu, I'm sorry we couldn't arrive faster, but we wouldn't be able to stay long.” He patted his brother's hair and then addressed the younger dad. “I bought him something, it's our gift so I hope he likes it.” Sungjong handed the back to the neighbor.

Right then Myungsoo had an idea so he just handed back the bag to Sunggyu. “No, it's Woohyunnie's”. He tried to push it back into Myungsoo hands.

“I know, but it won't be the same thing if I give it to him, he didn't even blow his candles because he was waiting for you.” Myungsoo said and the pair of brothers were surprised. “He is sleeping, right? We can wake him up a bit for you to give your gift and for him to blow the candles and cut the cake, it could be a surprise, don't you think he would like?”

“It has to be fast then, I think the people holding Sungyeol hyung up won't be able to keep him for long.” Sungjong urged.

“Then get in.” Myungsoo ordered and the two boys entered his small apartment.

The young dad ran to the kitchen and got the candles from the drawer and the cake from the fridge and then assembled them together. He scrambled back to the living room and passed the cake duties to Sungjong then prepared himself with a camera to capture the moment, he didn't know if he had to do that because it was a habit of his to document Woohyun whole life, or because his son would probably think he was dreaming in the morning.

The three marched to the kid room, and Myungsoo opened the door, snapped the lights up and urged his son to wake before he positioned himself to take some pictures. “Woohyun-ah, wake up.”

The younger stirred and opened up his eyes a bit confused. “What?” He asked but right then the two boys entered the room singing the birthday song and Woohyun sat in bed disoriented until he saw a cake with burning candles in front of him.

A few snaps of the camera on his back seem to bring out of dreamland. “Sunggyu hyung, you came!" He said in excitement and the other boy nodded.

“Do you want to blow your candles now? Or are you gonna let them melt?” Myungsoo asked and Sungjong lowered the cake enough for the boy to be able to blow it.

“I'll do it.” He said confidently now.

“Then make a wish and do it.” Myungsoo encouraged and the little boy didn't even bat an eyelash.

“I wish for Sungyeol hyung to like me so I can stay beside Gyu hyung forever.” He said quickly and before Myungsoo could say he wasn't supposed to say out loud the kid was already blowing his candles so he snapped a couple shots of him with Sunggyu smiling by his side despite both of them having sleeping faces.

“This is for you, we can do it together next time.” Sunggyu said and pushed the bag into Woohyun lap but the boy didn't even look at it and was already hugging him tightly which made Sungjong pull the cake out of the boy reach, saving innocent sheets from getting dirty.

“I'm sorry to interrupt, but we got to go, I think Sungyeol hyung will come home soon.” Sungjong urged.

“Take Sunggyu for a stroll in the park tomorrow, I'll bring a cake for you two.” Myungsoo suggested a hidden play date that left the boys grinning.

“Ok then, let's go Gyu, we don't want to get caught, Sungyeol hyung is already pissed today.”

“Happy birthday Woohyunnie, we're same age now.” Sunggyu chuckled into the boy's ear as they hugged once more and before everyone knew it they were both gone.

Later that night Woohyun went to bed (again) with a pout dissolved and so happy that he was afraid his dad could hear his happy internal squeals from the bedroom next door. In the apartment across, Sungyeol arrived stomping his feet and went straight to his room only to find his two younger brothers sleeping peacefully in his big bed, and in each other arms. He huffed lowly, now he didn't have anything to complain.

Sungyeol then closed the door carefully and went to Sunggyu room, to sleep on the only bed there, and it was only then that both brothers opened their eyes, looked at each other and sighed in relief.

____________________________________

AN: Now we know that Sungyeol is dating someone Sungjong doesn't approve at all, what do you think about this new information?

Myungsoo also tried to be the better person and humbly invited Sungyeol, and got shot down, and this time he was the one leaving Sungyeol speechless.

PS: Don't worry about Sungyeol relationship with this guy, they will break up eventually because this here is Myungyeol