A.N: This chapter wasn't beta-read.

Kim Kibum

The two men left the coffee shop sipping their coffee. A beautiful woman walked past them and they looked at her and immediately at each other smiling.

“Women...always women.” Minho remarked nudging Kibum's arm since he was still checking out the woman that was already several steps away from them.

“So are things between you and Chaeri serious?” Kibum asked.

“Yes. We are dating and I even met her grandmother. I’m serious, really serious.”

Kibum nodded “You seem to match well.”

“You think?” Minho asked amused raising one eyebrow. “So what about Soo Mi?”

Kibum frowned. Ever since he asked her to finish their ual relationship they weren’t often together in the same room and he avoided her as much as he could. Until they could go back to normal that was the best way to deal with the problem that being in love with her was to their relationship. The day they left Daegu after his grandmother fully recovered, was the last one they were together for a long time.

“Chaeri told me that she is meeting a guy she met at the coffee shop.”

Kibum swallowed acting as if it didn't bother him. He knew how popular she was at work and even at school. She always bragged about guys asking for her phone number. One of the guys got lucky. It was better that way.

“I’m totally fine with it.”

“Liar!” Minho exclaimed raising the coffee cup to his lips.

“It’s not a lie.” Kibum said earnestly “I moved on and she did too. That’s how it should be.”

“Doesn't mean that you are fine with it.” Minho replied, “Just that you think it’s the way it should be.”

“Doesn't matter. I’m taking the next step with Hyorin.”

“What? ?” Minho’s annoying teasing smile made Kibum roll his eyes.

“Yes, . I’m also serious about her. Very very serious.”

And if everything went well soon he would be over Soomi and Hyorin would be the only one in his mind.

Nae Soo Mi

Soo Mi locked the door of the apartment and took her shoes in silence. It was already late and she didn't want to bother Minho and Kibum. Although a part of her wanted Kibum to be up and waiting on the couch for her. It was her first date with Cheon Soo, a guy she met at the coffee shop and asked for her number, and she made the effort to talk about it every time she was at home in front of Kibum, for the last two days.

She talked about how handsome he was, smart and gentle and even though she praised him a lot, Kibum didn't seem affected.

Cheon Soo wasn't a bad date. She didn’t lie on the praises even though she exaggerated them. He was indeed handsome and smart, he was very polite and very traditional, which she didn't like much. He was older than Soo Mi too and treated her as if she was a princess. He already talked about wanting to get married and have a family of his own and how she was the first woman he asked for her number. He has been to a couple of blind dates but none seemed to interest him as much as she did.

Soo Mi enjoyed his company but she couldn't see herself marrying someone like him. She never thought much about getting married. It was the dream for some of her friends but she never had one before. Now she envisioned herself becoming a hairdresser, maybe opening her salon and always with Kibum by her side.

Soo Mi sunk into the empty couch. At one point in her life, Kibum’s role shifted from a brother to another one. Kibum would be the perfect husband. She leaned her head back into the couch and closed her eyes.

She was in love with him even though she was trying her hardest to accept that they were back to only friends. She turned her head and opened her eyes. A coat was forgotten on the far left side of the couch and she reached out to pull it in her direction. However, the coat fell on the back of the couch so she kneeled on it to grab it but froze. Beside the coat on the floor were a pair of black pants, a white blouse, and a pink bra.

Soo Mi her lips and raised her eyes to the door of Kibum’s bedroom. As a cue, a giggle came from it, a female one.

Anger bubbled inside her and she grasped the fabric of the couch. The door of Kibum’s bedroom opened and he came out only wearing track pants. He was giggling grabbing a woman’s hand with red nails, pulling it away from groping his chest and both froze when they saw her.

Soo Mi spotted the woman behind him peeking. It was her, the queen of the real estate, the woman that made Kibum break up the deal he had with her, Hyorin.

The woman blushed deeply and hid behind Kibum, pulling his shirt down, that she was wearing, to cover her .

“We thought that it was earlier and….” He tried to explain and Soo Mi frowned. He lost track of time. He was so busy having with that woman and neglected to cover his tracks before she arrived.

Soo Mi grabbed the woman’s clothes from the floor and threw them at Kibum that grabbed them the best he could. Soo Mi could see the surprised gaze Hyorin sent her but what bothered her the most was the anger in Kibum’s eyes. He was upset with her?! She was the one who had a reason to be upset!

Soo Mi turned around on the couch and crossed her arms over her chest. The door of Kibum's bedroom was closed and she bit her lower lip wondering what Kibum was telling to Hyorin, how he was explaining her actions to her. Did he tell her that she was his sister, or did he tell her the truth, that only a few days ago they were having in the shower, that she knew exactly what to do to make him come, that he liked to sleep holding her after they had ?!

Soo Mi groaned and grabbed the pile of blankets that she always used to make her bed on the couch. Since she no longer shared the same bed with Kibum and she insisted she slept on the couch instead of bothering Minho to share his room with Kibum she was now stuck to the living room couch.

It wasn't bad since she was small and the couch was soft, but she lost a lot of privacy and it infuriated her when Minho would wake up super early to go work out.

After a while, when she was almost done with her bed the door of Kibum’s bedroom opened and Hyorin came out followed by him. Soo Mi watched them through the corner of her eyes walk to the door. They stopped there whispering to each other and she couldn't help but look at them. Kibum was caressing her back gently and she was smiling enamored at him. They seemed close, intimate and she burned with jealousy. She should be the one in her place and she wasn't and according to Kibum, she would never be. Noticing how she was looking at them, Hyorin bid goodbye to Soo Mi and she nodded trying her best to be polite and not scream at the woman that she was in love with her boyfriend. Kibum’s cold eyes on Soo Mi made her look away and that was better because when she looked back again she saw the couple kiss. She quickly turned away and walked to the bathroom as if she remembered something urgent to do there. However, she only stood facing the mirror like a fool. She looked tired and she barely recognized herself in that jealous angry person.

She once read in a book that love could bring the best and the worst in people and maybe that was right. She hated that awful person she was becoming. Hyorin wasn't at fault. Not even Kibum. No one was. Simply Kibum didn't love her or see her as someone he wanted to have a romantic relationship with.

“What is wrong with you?”

It took her a while to realize it wasn't her brain asking her that but Kibum, that was now at the door of the bathroom staring at her “You were extremely rude to Hyorin.”

“Rude?” She only threw her clothes at him. “I sleep on that couch. That’s my bed and I just found her underwear in it. Did you start having on the couch and move to the bedroom?”

“W-what does that…”

“Do you know how disgusting that is?”

He rolled his eyes “You didn't think that when we did it in it before!”

“Yeah well, that was my body and not hers!” Soo Mi pushed him out of the way and strode to the living room. He followed her.

“I’m sorry, alright. I didn't want things to happen like this. I was out celebrating with her and things heat up.”

“Celebrating?”

“Yes.” His voice softened “I bought it. I have the space for my bakery Soo Mi. It’s happening!”

He seemed so genuine happily and she wanted to be as happy as he was but the monster inside her woke up again. He told Hyorin first. It was true that she was probably the one who helped him buy it but still. She was the one with whom he celebrated, the one he had wild with to celebrate it. Soo Mi chew the inside of her cheek trying to control her jealousy and smiled at him, the most genuinely that she could.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry. We will be more careful next time.”

Next time...she didn't want the next time to happen.

“NO!” She stopped him “I don't want you to bring women home for !”

“What?!” He chuckled incredulously “This is my place and Minho’s. We always did that and…”

“Then I’m bringing guys too. I’m bringing Cheon Soo too. And we will have . Steamy hot …”

“Where?” Kibum asked taking her seriously crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“Here.” She touched the couch not letting him win. “I’m riding him here, oral anything...we will do it here.”

Kibum groaned uncomfortably and shook his hands “I don't need to know what you are doing...I…”

He took a deep breath as if he made a decision and nodded “Alright, it’s time you have your own space.”

Soo Mi stared at him in surprise.

“We can turn the small laundry room into a bedroom. I’m sure Minho will agree with that.”

Soo Mi didn’t want her own bedroom, she wanted him to fight for her and tell her that the idea of a man touching her disgusted him as much as the idea of him touching another woman disgusted her.

“You mean it? I can have with him. You don’t mind?”

Kibum swallowed hard and she studied his eyes for any sign of jealousy but Kibum nodded.

“Yes, I don't. As long as he treats you right. Because if he doesn't…”

He did not complete the sentence but his jaw clenched. He was still the big brother in the end and nothing more than that.

Choi Minho

Minho wasn’t sure where to look during lunch. On his right side was Kibum and on his left side was Soo Mi, both barely talking during the whole meal and sending each other upset stares. Lately living in that apartment was the same as living in the middle of a war zone. Only that day they fought six times. The reason would vary and usually didn’t make much sense: Kibum always sat on the right side of the couch and Soo Mi didn’t find it fair; Soo Mi used the bathroom first in the morning and Kibum didn’t like how it always smelled like her body soap in it; Kibum brought macaroons for everyone but none were yellow, Soo Mi’s favorite color…

Minho was going insane. It was so clear for him that Kibum and Soo Mi were way more than close friends or partners. He couldn't understand why they stubbornly denied what they felt. It was true that for some people love could be a scary experience. Soo Mi was inexperienced when it came to that feeling and Kibum was too scared of his “curse” and losing Soo Mi as his best friend. But for someone like Minho that was always ready to jump into things with all his might not giving in to love was frustrating him. He wasn't the only one who thought that their friends were in love. He picked up Chaeri from work earlier that day and even she believed that Soo Mi loved Kibum.

Minho saw from the corner of his eye how Soo Mi moved her chopsticks to grab the last piece of kimchi. And like he predicted Kibum did the same on the other side, their chopsticks hitting each other, declaring the beginning of yet another fight.

“I saw it first.” Soo Mi growled at Kibum.

“I bought the kimchi!” Kibum retorted.

Soo Mi chuckled as if he just said a joke and forced her chopsticks down to pin the piece of kimchi to the bowl. “I made the rest of the side dishes that you ate.”

“Oh really?” Kibum didn't give in ready to snatch the kimchi away as soon as he got the opportunity. “I bought the bowl and all the plates where the food is in.”

Minho chewed his food in silence looking from one to the other. That wasn't an argument about kimchi or dishware, it was much more than that. It was the growing between them that they weren't able to control even though Kibum was actively having with his new girlfriend and Minho caught Soo Mi making out with her date. It was the love and jealousy they barely could hide.

“I’m sure the kimchi is enough for both…” Minho mumbled but both Soo Mi and Kibum stared at him as a warning to not intrude on their affair.

“So you bought the dishware. Almighty Kibum giving his friend a place to stay! How gracious of you to share what you have with me…”

“Do I sense some irony in that? Do you have perhaps any reason to complain?”

Minho munched his food. He was sure the only complaint Soo Mi had was that she missed her makeout sessions with Kibum.

“Do you?” She asked back frowning.

Minho was sure Kibum’s complaint was that he missed her in his bed.

“Yes!” Kibum pinned down the kimchi too “I have many! I could make a list of things that you do that annoy me!”

“OH REALLY? I can make one about you too!”

They looked like kids arguing and Minho covered his ears while both fought about all the pity things they complained about each other all day. He watched them frustrated until he couldn't take it anymore.

Minho stood up the sound of the chair being forced back and of his hands hitting the table scaring Soo Mi and Kibum that quieted down.

“Can you two just shut up?!” Minho groaned “I’m near a mental break down here. It’s impossible to live with you two if you act like this! The only thing I see going on here are two people that want to kiss each other so badly that they find any reason to fight!”

“W-wait a moment…” Kibum tried to stop Minho but he shushed him.

“No, you wait a moment! You two either makeup or I’ll lock you both in the same room until you solve your problems with a session of steamy !”

“This is not about…” Soo Mi tried to interrupt too but Minho stared at her stopping her.

“You were the closest and most intimate friends I’ve ever met. You were great together and look at you now, ruining anything that you have just because you are too blind to see what is so clearly in front of your eyes! Don't ruin this just because you are burning in jealousy. Either do that or just accept that you are now dating another person. Either move on or acknowledge what you truly want!”

Soo Mi looked down at her plate in silence and Kibum cleared his throat uncomfortably. Minho smiled because they looked like two kids being scolded. With all the patience in the world, Minho used his chopsticks to split the kimchi in two and served it to both, placing the little bit on each of their bowls.

“I’m sure that if you try you can find a solution for your divergencies like two adults would.”

Minho sent them one last look and then left the kitchen. Soon Later Soo Mi came out from it in silence and Kibum started washing the dishes.

The fight was over and even though they weren't talking Minho sat on the couch and smiled to himself.

He was sure that silence was a sign that they were thinking about what he said. For sure soon they would be able to see what was truly bothering them.

Kim Kibum

Kibum entered the salon were Soo Mi worked hoping that he wouldn't see her boyfriend there and that he would be able to have a conversation with her, like two adults.

Minho’s words during lunch made him uncomfortable the whole day and he realized what an idiot he was lately.

Luckily the admirer wasn’t in sight - even though Kibum wanted to meet the guy - and instead, he was greeted by Soo Mi’s coworker and herself.

She didn't seem that surprised to see him and smiled at Kibum warmly. It's been a while since the last time she smiled at him like that and he felt good for it.

“Soo Mi, your boyfriend is here!” Her coworker announced making Soo Mi blush slightly.

Kibum was going to correct her but Soo Mi spoke first grabbing her bag and coat “He is only my oppa. I’m dating someone else.”

She followed Kibum outside and they walked down the street in silence side by side like they did many times before.

He couldn't help but feel sad that he wasn't considered her boyfriend anymore, that she now corrected her coworker and didn't want them to see him as her boyfriend. However, it was better this way.

“So, are you two really dating?” He needed to know. Minho was right. He had to accept it and move on. That was what he asked of her after all.

“Yes.”

“Does he treat you right?” Because if he didn't Kibum would kill him. If she wasn't his then she needed to have the best man in the world, someone who treated her like a princess, as someone special.

Soo Mi looked at him like she always did when they were teens and he asked if someone bullied her. However that Soo Mi in front of him, even though she still was wearing her hair in two ponytails was much more mature than the one from before.

“Yes. He is kinda sweet.”

“Kinda…” Kibum hummed “What does he do for a living?”

“He works at an IT company.”

“Oh, that's good. How old is he?”

Soo Mi chuckled “Are you acting as my older brother now? Asking so many questions about who I am dating.”

“That's because I am your older brother. You said so, I’m your oppa and I will punch any guy that dares to hurt you.”

She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and Kibum’s gaze found hers. He had to punch himself then didn't he?! It was clear in her eyes that he was the man that hurt her the most.

“I’m sorry.” He his lips “Sorry for how I behaved these last weeks and sorry for not stopping us before we hurt each other as we did.”

“It’s not your fault. I wanted it. I didn't want to stop!”

His heart hammered on his chest. He also didn't want to stop and he was sure that if she insisted again he would once again waver. Before that conversation went through that path he took an envelope from the pocket of his coat and offered it to her.

Soo Mi opened the envelope and smiled taking out the card.

“Already?!” Her eyes shined brightly holding the inauguration invitation and he smiled back. It was true that he worked without stopping but still, it was a miracle how fast he managed to prepare the bakery to open it.

“The store was almost new and we only had to paint the walls. There are still some things left to do until we open in two weeks, like deciding on the full menu but it's mostly done.” Kibum looked down at the pavement and then at her again “I'm so nervous but happy! And I want you to be there. It makes no sense if you aren't. I also invited grandma and grandpa. They will be staying at a hotel closeby. It's not comfortable if we all stay in the apartment.”

“I'm sure they will look like two fishes out of the water but it will be fun!”

“They are like my parents and I need them to be with me on the day it finally happens...Everyone important to me should be there. You need to be there too.”

Soo Mi teared up and Kibum reached out for her hand that he held as if it was the most precious thing. Minho was right. He missed touching her, kissing her, being with her. It was undeniable how well they matched physically and emotionally.

“Your dream is coming true.” Soo Mi mumbled, “You worked so hard and I’m so proud of you.”

“Yes.” He squeezed her hand “Thank you for always believing in me!”

“You deserve it all!”

“Does that mean that you will be there?”

She seemed taken aback with the question “Of course! Why wouldn't I?”

“Lately I’ve been an and…”

It was her time to hold into his hand with all her strength “I told you before and it will always be like that whatever happens! You and me, Kibum and Soo Mi are for life! We are for life!”

He swallowed hard and nodded because he knew she was right. Ever since the moment they met, the moment a girl with two ponytails offered him a smile with missing teeth and grabbed his hand to pull him into playing with her and climb a tree together, he knew she was trouble and yet he embraced it gladly. When he was with her, scraping his leg climbing over a tree, falling on his , getting into all kinds of trouble he still was the happiest ever. Laughing over it and holding her hand to climb that tree again and looking from the branch down with hands still linked together was worth it.

Whatever happened Kibum and Soo Mi were for life!