In Every Memory

..

Ni-ki had barely taken a bite of his sandwich when Jake shamelessly stole half of it off his plate.

“Yah! Jake Hyung, that’s mine!” Ni-ki shouted, trying to snatch it back.

Jake smirked, taking an exaggerated bite. “You didn’t put your name on it.”

Ni-ki lunged at him, but Jake dodged, laughing. This was their daily routine—Ni-ki trying to eat in peace and Jake making it his mission to annoy him.

But today, Ni-ki was not in the mood to let it slide. He narrowed his eyes, dramatic as ever.

“You know what? I’m telling Mom!”

Jake scoffed, throwing his arm over the couch lazily. “Go ahead. Oh wait—Mom’s not here.” He grinned, knowing full well their mother was traveling.

Ni-ki grabbed a cushion and threw it at Jake’s face.

“AND STOP ACTING LIKE A TEENAGER IN LOVE!”

Jake almost choked on his stolen sandwich. “Excuse me?”

Ni-ki crossed his arms. “You think I don’t notice? The way you sneak out late at night? The stupid smile on your face when you check your phone? YOU’RE DATING HEESEUNG, AREN’T YOU?”

Jake froze for half a second. “...No?”

Ni-ki slammed his hands on the table. “OH MY GOD, YOU ARE! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?”

Before Jake could answer, the door swung open.

“We’re here!”

Jungwon and Sunoo walked into the house uninvited, looking way too excited.

Jake groaned. “What are you two doing here?”

Sunoo flopped onto the couch. “Ni-ki texted us.”

Jungwon nodded seriously. “He said there was an emergency.”

Jake turned to his traitor of a younger brother. “You texted them?!”

Ni-ki shrugged. “The world deserves to know.”

Sunoo smirked. “So... Jake Hyung and Heeseung, huh?”

Ni-ki threw his arms up. “RIGHT?!”

Jake groaned. “It’s not a big deal.”

“NOT A BIG DEAL?” Ni-ki shrieked. “I CAUGHT YOU ON THE PHONE WITH HIM LAST NIGHT. AT 2 A.M.”

Jungwon gasped dramatically. “Oh my God. A secret late-night call?”

Sunoo raised an eyebrow. “Jake Hyung, is this why you’ve been in such a good mood lately?”

Jake rubbed his temples, regretting everything. “Why are you guys even here?”

Sunoo patted his shoulder. “For entertainment purposes.”

Before Jake could defend himself, his phone buzzed.

It was a text from Heeseung.

Heeseung: Are you busy fighting with Ni-ki?

Jake sighed, typing back.

Jake: I hate my life.

Sunoo peeked over his shoulder. “OOH, A TEXT FROM HEESEUNG?”

Jake locked his phone immediately.

Ni-ki narrowed his eyes. “Jake Hyung.”

Jake sighed. “What?”