Those who are near and those who are far away will mock you, you infamous city, full of turmoil.

Ezekiel 22:5

Taemin had gotten up early that Sunday as well and prepared breakfast. Even if Jinki did not come to church, he always ate with his family. He often took care of the horses until they were back. Taemin cleared the table as his father went upstairs to get ready for the service.

"Naeun and Eve are getting along really well." He said to Jinki who was sipping his coffee with drowsy eyes.

"She's really good at keeping her balance. I could hardly believe she'd never been on a horse before."

Jinki sat up a little straighter as he listened to his brother.

"You'll see, she's really smart." Taemin talked about the little student with enthusiasm.

Inside, he knew it was best that Jinki now took over her lessons. But he could not deny that he would have been happy if Jinki had not had the time. But this way he didn't have to look for justifications to excuse the fact that he found Naeun really cute and Minho very nice. It was better for everyone if he didn't teach Naeun.

"Minho is very involved. He listens in on everything and is very interested."

Jinki watched his little brother closely.

For something seemed different about him that morning. Taemin was already wearing his Sunday suit. He was just waiting for his father so they could leave for church.

"Maybe you should give him a less-" but before he could finish speaking, Taemin stopped abruptly. He lowered his shoulders.

"What's wrong?" he wanted to know. His big brother gave him a knowing look. With raised eyebrows and a winning smile, he looked at a puzzled Taemin.

"Who would have thought?" He crossed his arms.

"You like them." He stated and feasted on his discovery.

Heat moved into Taemin's cheeks. But before he could reply, their father came down the stairs. Without a word, Taemin walked out of the kitchen, leaving a contented Jinki at home.

With the utmost concentration, Taemin tried to focus on Father Park's words. But over and over again Jinki got in his way. You like them - pushed itself between him and the words of God. In his mind, Jinki kept mocking and pointing his finger at him. You like them. Firmly, Taemin clutched the Bible in his hands. What was the big deal? It made no difference now whether he liked them or not. He would only see them fleetingly on Sundays. For from today onwards, Jinki would take over Naeun's teaching. Taemin could only hope that his brother was also as sensitive as the little girl's father.

Naeun was a shy girl and needed to be handled delicately, then she could blossom. Her father knew this and Taemin could observe it too. But had Jinki realised it during the introductory talk? Could Jinki bring up the patience to handle her calmly and carefully?

Taesun grabbed his son's shoulder. Bewildered, Taemin saw that everyone had stood up to pray. He too stood up. Taesun couldn't help but see how quickly Taemin's chest rose and fell.

"Are you all right?" he whispered to his son.

"I don't think I slept well." Taemin answered him softly.

You like them. Taemin had to swallow. He wanted to tell Jinki everything this morning. What he had to watch out for with Naeun, where they had left off last time. But he didn't get around to it. How was Jinki supposed to follow up seamlessly if he didn't know all that?

"Dad, I...I don't feel very well." Concerned, Taesun looked to his son.

"Do you want me to drive you home?" Taemin shook his head.

"The fresh air should do me good." He said quietly and walked out of the church.

This was the first time Taemin had left the service early.

The fresh summer air couldn't cool him down. Taemin's thoughts ran into each other. Love your neighbour as yourself. He said these words over and over again, like a mantra to calm him down. But it did not help. Once again he wondered if it was considered a lie to say nothing. Basically, it was just withholding things one thought. It certainly could not be compared to that. At least that's what Taemin tried to tell himself.

"Leave me alone!" Taemin directed his gaze towards the commotion.

He would recognise those piercing cat eyes anywhere. Key tore away from a man. Taemin identified his brother's best friend, Jonghyun. He had short brown hair and seemed quick to t