Chapter 9

The alarm buzzed faintly before Namjoon reached out and switched it off. His gaze immediately fell on Seokjin, curled up beside him, still fast asleep with his head resting lightly on Namjoon's arm. Jin's lips were parted slightly, his breathing steady, his features softened by sleep. For a moment, Namjoon simply stared. The morning light filtered in through the curtains, illuminating Jin's face so perfectly that Namjoon felt his chest tighten.

He couldn't resist. Leaning forward, he pressed a gentle kiss to Jin's forehead. The contact was brief but enough to set his heart racing. To Namjoon, starting his day with Jin in his arms was everything he wanted. If only time could freeze here-if only this could be his every morning.

Carefully, he slipped his arm out from under Jin's head, making sure not to wake him, before heading to the bathroom. Though his classes began in the afternoon, today there was a mandatory morning orientation. Still, he didn't mind. His day had already begun perfectly-with Jin.

After showering, Namjoon went downstairs and began preparing breakfast. It was their unspoken rule: whoever was free cooked for the other. Little rituals like these bound them together as brothers-but to Namjoon, they meant far more. For him, Jin wasn't just family. He was everything. And even though Jin didn't return his feelings, Namjoon still wanted to take care of him in any way he could.

By the time the food was set out on the table, Jin still hadn't come downstairs. Namjoon left the plates for him, packed his things, and was just about to leave when soft footfalls made him turn. Jin was walking down the stairs, dressed simply but with that effortless grace that always caught Namjoon's eyes.

Namjoon smiled brightly. "Hyung, I'm going to university. I'll be back around six, okay?"

Jin didn't answer-just gave a stiff nod.

Namjoon tried again, his voice light. "I made breakfast for you. Make sure you eat. Bye, hyung." He stepped outside, but something in him resisted leaving like that. He turned back, ran inside, and before Jin could react, he wrapped his arms around him from behind.

"Love you, hyung," Namjoon whispered, planting a quick kiss on Jin's cheek before darting out the door again.

Jin stood frozen, his hand tightening at his side, his face flushing in a mix of anger and helplessness. "God damn, Namjoon," he muttered under his breath, cursing loud enough for no one to hear. This-this reckless affection-was what made it unbearable. Namjoon wasn't the quiet boy he once was. He was bolder, unashamed, and every touch burned Jin from the inside. It was suffocating... and yet, in some twisted corner of his heart, he couldn't bring himself to fully hate it. That was what hurt the most.

---

After breakfast, Jin texted Taeyeon, asking if he was free to meet later in the day. Once he got a confirmation, he decided to distract himself with housework.

The chores kept his hands busy but not his mind. When he entered Namjoon's room, Jin expected the usual mess of a student's space. Instead, everything was neat, carefully arranged-except the desk, which was cluttered with books and papers. With a sigh, Jin began to tidy it.

As he stacked the last book, his eyes fell on a small photo frame. It was from his graduation day-Jin in his robes, smiling proudly, and Namjoon right beside him, staring at him instead of the camera. Namjoon loved this photo so much he had framed it the very next day.

Jin lifted the frame gently, tracing his thumb over Namjoon's gaze. He remembered how proud his brother had been, how loudly he'd cheered. The memory was bittersweet now. Jin wanted to cling to that version of their relationship-the one where they were just brothers. He missed it desperately. But reality kept pulling him away from it.

By the time Jin finished cleaning the house, he was exhausted. He took a shower, called a locksmith, and had a new lock installed on his bedroom door. He told himself it was for peace of mind. He didn't want to wake up with broken locks again, he needs privacy. He skipped lunch, made himself coffee, and dozed off on the couch until it was time to meet Taeyeon.

---

The café was quiet, sunlight filtering through the wide glass windows. Jin sat at a corner table, fidgeting with his fingers until Taeyeon arrived.

"Hi, Jin."

"Hi, Taeyeon. Thanks for coming."

"Anything for you," Taeyeon replied warmly, taking a seat.

Jin hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Taeyeon... I've thought a lot about this. I think we should break up." His voice was soft, but steady. "I know we didn't really date, but we announced it officially. And now, with everything going on, I just... I can't give you anything. I feel guilty. It's not fair to you."

Taeyeon frowned, squeezing Jin's hand. "But Jin, we can still try. I like you. I understand what you're going through. We don't have to rush, we can go slow. Unless... is this about Namjoon forcing you? If that's the case-"

"No," Jin cut him off quickly. "It's not Namjoon. It's me. I'm too stressed. Now Im not ready to date. And..." His throat tightened. "I don't feel the same anymore. I lost those feelings, Taeyeon. Please understand."

There was silence before Taeyeon nodded, though his eyes dimmed. "If that's what you want... okay. I won't force you. But Jin, I'll still be here. As your friend. Always."

Relief and guilt crashed together in Jin's chest. "Thank you, Taeyeon. Really. I'm grateful for you."

They parted on gentle terms, Maybe Taeyeon wasn't meant for him. Maybe no one was. But Jin's heart was little lighter from not holding Teayeon back.

---

By the time Jin returned home, the clock read 6 p.m. He stepped inside cautiously, praying the house would be empty. Relief washed over him when he found no sign of Namjoon.

He locked himself in his room, took a long shower, and changed into pajamas. He curled up on his bed, scrolling aimlessly through his phone, determined not to think of anything. But boredom crept in, followed by the ache of reality.

A knock on the door shattered the quiet.

Jin's body tensed immediately. "Namjoon..."

He hurried to open it, afraid the younger would break the new lock. As the door swung open, Namjoon stood there-tired, drained from his day, but still smiling faintly when he saw Jin. Without hesitation, Namjoon pulled him into a hug.

Jin pushed him off, but Namjoon clung tighter. "Hyung, did you install this lock?"

Jin sighed, his voice low. "Please, Namjoon. Don't do anything. I'll open the door for you. Just... don't force it."

Namjoon chuckled softly, almost playfully. "Okay. As long as you open for me, I won't." He finally let go, stepping back. "Hyung, I'm hungry. Can you cook for me?"

Jin's head ached, his body begged him to refuse-but he couldn't. He nodded silently and went downstairs. Namjoon, satisfied, disappeared into the shower.

In the kitchen, Jin cooked quickly, ignoring the dull pain in his stomach. He plated the food neatly on the dining table and escaped upstairs before Namjoon could return.

When Namjoon came down, he found the food waiting but no Jin. His chest sank in disappointment, but he didn't chase after him. Instead, he ate quietly, telling himself there would be other chances. Later, he studied for a while before the pull in his chest dragged him back to Jin.

The door wasn't locked this time. He slipped inside, moving quietly. Jin was already asleep, curled under the blanket. Namjoon lay down beside him, wrapping his arms around his brother and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

When Jin stirred awake, he found himself trapped in Namjoon's embrace. He tried to pull back, but Namjoon only drew him closer, burying Jin's face into his chest. The warmth was suffocating and safe all at once. Jin closed his eyes again, too tired to fight. He told himself it was easier this way, just for tonight.

Namjoon smiled faintly in the dark, his hold tightening. This was where Jin belonged. And no lock, no breakup, no one else would ever change that.