The day after their chaotic cafeteria conversation, Heeseung found himself feeling unusually restless. Now that his friends knew about his crush on Jake, it was impossible not to think about it. Should I confess? But what if he doesn’t like me back? He shook his head, trying to focus on his class.
Unfortunately, focusing was not an option when Sunoo poked his shoulder during the lecture.
"Heeseung, are you even listening?" Sunoo whispered.
Heeseung blinked. "Huh?"
Jungwon smirked from the seat next to them. "He’s been out of it all morning."
Ni-ki leaned in. "Thinking about Jake hyung?"
Heeseung immediately stiffened. "No!"
Ni-ki and Jungwon snickered, while Sunoo rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure. You’re so obvious."
Before Heeseung could protest, their professor shot them a sharp look, forcing them to quiet down. But even as the lecture continued, Heeseung couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated.
At Heeseung’s House
Jake parked his car in front of the house, adjusting his shirt before heading toward the front door. He knocked twice, fully expecting Heeseung to open it.
Instead, he was greeted by Jay and Sunghoon.
Jake blinked. "Ah."
Sunghoon crossed his arms. "You again?"
Jay sighed. "Seriously, Jake?"
Jake cleared his throat. "I came to talk to you guys."
Jay raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Not Heeseung?"
Jake smiled innocently. "Why would I visit Heeseung?"
Sunghoon scoffed. "You tell us."
Jake gave his most convincing shrug. "I’m just here as a friend."
Jay exhaled slowly. "Jake, we know."
Jake tilted his head. "Know what?"
Sunghoon smirked. "That you like Heeseung."
Jake blinked. "…Excuse me?"
Jay crossed his arms. "We’re not stupid, Jake. We see how you look at him."
Jake opened his mouth to argue but quickly realized there was no way out. "Alright, fine," he admitted. "Maybe I do like him. But is that a crime?"
Sunghoon grinned. "Depends. What are your intentions?"
Jake rolled his eyes. "I’m not here to steal your precious little brother away."
Jay gave him a pointed look. "You say that, but you keep sneaking into his room at night."
Jake froze. "How did you—?"
Sunghoon smirked. "We know everything."
Jake groaned. "Okay, fine, I like Heeseung. But can you two stop acting like his personal bodyguards?"
Jay and Sunghoon both raised an eyebrow.
Jake sighed. "Yeah, I should’ve known better."
Sunghoon patted his shoulder. "At least you’re aware."
---
Later That Night
Heeseung was getting ready for bed when a soft knock interrupted him.
"Come in."
Jay stepped inside, looking strangely serious.
Heeseung frowned. "What’s wrong?"
Jay sighed. "Heeseung… do you like Jake?"
Heeseung froze. "Wh-what kind of question is that?"
Jay raised an eyebrow. "A yes or no question."
Heeseung looked down, fumbling with his sleeve. “…Maybe a little.”
Jay exhaled. "I figured."
Heeseung hesitated. "Are you… mad?"
Jay’s expression softened. "No. But Sunghoon and I have protected you since you were born. We just don’t want you getting hurt."
Heeseung gave him a small smile. "I know. And I appreciate it."
Jay ruffled his hair. "Just remember—we’re always watching."
Heeseung groaned. "You guys need a new hobby."
Jay smirked. "Protecting you is our hobby."
Heeseung rolled his eyes but felt warmer inside. Because no matter what, his brothers would always have his back.
Even if they did make his love life a complete nightmare.