The Boundaries We May Never Cross || a seventeen fanfiction

Chapter Ten

The doorbell rang, startling Jihan who was on the couch peacefully watching Totally Spies.

She frowned and walked towards the foyer. Checking the camera, she was surprised to see her brother patiently waiting outside the door.

"What in God's name?" She muttered and undid all the door locks from the inside. She pushed the door open and was greeted by the smiling face of her younger brother.

"I brought you chicken!" Seokmin enthusiastically lifted the plastic bag that hung on his left hand's wrist. "I know you can't cook so when I found out you'd be living alone for a while- Can't you at least say hello because you know qyour resting face scares me very very much."

Jihan was only able to stare, her brain still processing what was happening. There has been obvious tension between her and her younger brother for the past month. They barely saw each other at home, and in school, they avoided crossing paths. Their last one-on-one conversation did not go well, Jihan had to walk out on Seokmin to stop herself from spitting harsh words she'd be unable to take back.

As Jihan opened her mouth to speak, Seokmin pushed his way into the apartment. "Father lives here? No wonder it's so boring and plain and sad and depressing."

Jihan failed to fight back a huge grin as she shut the apartment door. She made her way back in and saw that Seokmin had placed the food on the nordic coffee table in between the television and couch.

"Not you inviting yourself in," Jihan rolled her eyes and plopped herself beside Seokmin on the couch.

"I mean, if father own this then I am 4th in line to inheriting it so it's technically four lives away from being mine," Seokmin reasoned. Jihan thought it was the dumbest thing she has ever heard so far.

"Does Chan know you're here?" She asked. She was surprised the youngest brother didn't hide in any of the bags. He was the one who clung to her most.

"Of course not, he would've forced me to bring him with me even though he's completely burnt out-"

"Burnt out?" Jihan interrupted. Seokmin recognized the worry in her voice despite her resting bitch face that made her seem like she gave zero fucks.

"Kid just arrived home by the time I left."

"But it's nine in the evening."

"Exactly. What's up with him?"

Jihan sighed and brought a palm to the forehead in a swift motion. "He's practicing for auditions."

"Auditions?"

"Kpop auditions, Seokmin."

"Kpop auditions?!" Seokmin repeated, his voice ear-splitting.

"What else?" Jihan rolled her eyes. She bent over to unwrap the food from the plastic. There were two servings of honey garlic chicken. She loved honey garlic chicken. She passed one of the boxes to Seokmin before leaning her body against the couch.

"Does the devil know?"

"He does, he just doesn't mind." Because he knows I took all the punches so that you guys won't have to.

"Does he expect anything from me?" Seokmin asked hesitantly.

Jihan couldn't stop herself from laughing. "He only wants you to do well in school."

"You know," he folded his arms across his chest. "I used to be so jealous of you and Jihoon since you spent most time with father."

Jihan raised a brow, "What the f-"

"Let me finish!"

Jihan stared at him with disgust and confusion on her face. How could he possibly envy her, the punching bag of their family? But in some sense, she kind of understood.