Love; Lock It! | Treasure

TWENTY SIX; Merrymaking

"Could you pass me the jam?" Upon Haruto's request, Airi passes him the jar while judging him at the same time. Haruto continues his breakfast, not getting affected under the scrutiny of his younger sister.

"I expected better from you, brother." Airi comments and takes a bite of her toast.

"I'm not in the mood of jokes, Airi." Haruto deadpans.

"I'm not joking. I'm just appalled at your dull behavior. It's your birthday for God's sake." Airi reminds him the umpteenth time as if it was gonna affect him.

"You want me to dance or something." He snarks in reply.

"Stop being over smart and take a look at your gifts please. Mom and Dad left them in the living room this morning. They said they'll try to come back early." This time she pleads but to her dismay.

"As expected from them. Have fun unwrapping them." Haruto scoffs, getting up from the table and going back upstairs.

"He's such a kill joy." Airi scoffs. She knew her brother's reasons were valid, she just didn't want him to shut everyone out on his day again. The doorbell rings snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Can someone answer the door?" She shouts.

"Ahjussi! Ajumma! Where does everyone go when there's someone at the door?" Whining, she gets up from her chair and answers the door.

"Hi! I'm Sihmin. Haruto's-" "Girlfriend. Oh my goodness, brother!" Airi squeals before Sihmin could get a chance to speak.

•••

Legs hanging from bed, book from his grandmother in hands and distant rose quartz sky showing little signs of light through the window make Haruto feel at ease. Just like every year, isolation becomes his peaceful tranquil once again. Or maybe he thought it did as Airi's voice breaks it.

"What even this girl is doing?" Dismissing his sister's shrieks, Haruto continues to stare out of his window. Out of a sudden a thought crosses his mind.

"Sihmin didn't wish me, did she?" He wonders for a few seconds then swoops his phone to check any kind of notification from said girl.

"It's not like I wanted anyone to greet me." Trying to console himself, he tosses his phone aside and goes back to reading the book. Before he could turn the page, a knock at his door disrupts him.

"Come in!" He shouts, going back to reading.

"So what did they give this time?" Not knowing it's Sihmin rather thinking it's Airi with their parents' gifts for him, he questions without looking back. Meanwhile Sihmin gets on his bed, tiptoing through the way and covers Haruto's eyes with her hands once she reaches him.

"Don't know about them but I'm here for you, Sir." Sihmin whispers coyly. Placing his hands on hers, Haruto holds them for a moment then abruptly he forces them backwards making Sihmin lose her balance and fall on his bed.

"Haru-" Before she could utter his name, Haruto pins her down with a hand on her mouth.

"Think of the devil and the devil is here, huh." He murmurs smugly.

"Uhmmmnnnemmm!" Sihmin muffles because of his hold. Seeing the girl struggle, he removes his hand from her mouth.

"I'm surprised to know that you were thinking of me, Watanabe but please get off before I assume something else of your intentions." Sihmin pants and narrows her eyes causing Haruto to leave her in an instant and scoot back.

"I-I was just trying to surprise you back. Stop with whatever you're thinking." Flustered, he retorts and stands up from his bed. Before Sihmin could get a chance to respond, he changes the topic.

"By the way, why are you even here? Couldn't stay away from me?" Leaning against the wall, he questions cockily. Sihmin pretends to think for a good ten seconds then replies with a smirk.

"Didn't wanna leave you alone with my thoughts roaming in your pretty head, Haruto. The devil's here to pester you herself."

•••

"Happy birthday dear Nori! Happy birthday to you!" Unleashing party poppers, all the Suns and Moons including Seeun and Rami sing as Nori cuts the cake. After Junkyu feeds her some, she throws her arms around him giddily.

Junkyu planned the whole surprise with Suns and Moons' help. He wanted to make sure Nori loved every bit of it. And her affection was the proof that she did.

"Nori-ah greet us as well. We also blew the balloons." Jeongwoo stands behind Nori with open arms causing her to let go of Junkyu and tackle him in a hug while giggling. Junkyu grumbles under his breath but let the hug slide for Nori's sake.

"Both of you have your whole lives ahead to smooch, accept our greetings for now." Yoshi side hugs her next, teasing the couple at the same time.

"We were not smooching!" Nori screeches looking at Yoshi in disbelief.

"But you would if you get a chance." Hyunsuk jokes adding to their embarrassment.

"Not you too." Junkyu glares playfully at Hyunsuk who shrugs sheepishly in return.

Paying no further heed to their friends' antics, Junkyu drags Nori to a corner. Standing behind her, he puts the locket he bought with Sihmin's suggestion around her neck.

"Wow! A locket. It's so pretty." Nori gasps as she checks out the necklace in her phone's mirror.

"Yup, a locket. To lock our love, Nori-ah." Junkyu whispers in her ear from behind.

"I'm touched. I love you, Kyu. Thank you." She voices out after feeling the necklace around her neck.

"I'm glad you like it. If not for Mina, I would've been a little indecisive about what to get you." Junkyu admits.

"Sihmin helped you buy my gift? Woah, she surely knew what would I like." Nori asks taken aback.

"See, she's not as bad as you thought she is. It's a pity she couldn't be here." Junkyu scrunches his nose and pouts in disappointment.

"But she's with Ruto, isn't she? If she really is taking care of my best friend's heart then I'm glad she's not here." Nori responds zoning out for a moment.

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