Meet Park Jiyoo, the only girl in a squad of five siblings, and the undisputed princess of her four overprotective brothers.
With their dad out of the picture, her brothers-especially Park Jay and Sunghoon-take their role as her protectors to heart...
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the school quad, bathing everything in a golden hue as Sunoo eagerly shared his plans for the cheerleading audition. I lounged on the grass, the soft fabric of my cardigan protecting me from the slight chill of the morning air. As Sunoo spoke, his excitement was palpable, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Your brother Sunghoon mentioned they'll be practicing basketball at the gym at the same time, so I'll have a great view. And who knows, maybe he'll even cheer me on," Sunoo said, his grin infectious as he flipped his bangs out of his eyes.
I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. "Ew, don't make me picture that," I teased, giving him a playful shove.
"But seriously, I still want you to audition with me. It'll be so much fun, and we'll get to spend more time together," Sunoo persisted, his excitement bubbling over.
I hesitated, memories of my cheerleading days flooding back. Despite the joy and attention it brought me, there was a darkness lurking beneath the surface, a secret I couldn't share with anyone.
But Sunoo's persistence wore down my defenses, and with a sigh, I finally relented. "Okay, I'll join," I muttered, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
Sunoo's delighted squeal filled the air as he pulled me into a hug, his infectious energy lifting my spirits. I couldn't help but smile as I watched him dance around, drawing the attention of passersby with his exuberance.
Soon enough, Sunghoon joined us, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Sunoo's boundless energy. "What's going on here, babies?" he asked with a smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Jiyoo's going to audition with me! Isn't that amazing?" Sunoo exclaimed, grabbing Sunghoon's arm without a hint of shyness.
Sunghoon's gentle gaze met mine, and I could see the unspoken understanding in his eyes. "That's great news, Princess," he said softly, his support giving me the courage to move forward.
As the two of them slipped into their own conversation, I quietly excused myself, leaving them to their brotherly bond. Retrieving my cardigan from the ground, I dusted off any dirt before heading towards the school building.
The hallways were quiet as I made my way to my locker, the soft sound of my footsteps echoing off the walls. Opening my locker, I realized with a sinking feeling that my books wouldn't all fit. Frustration gnawed at me as I struggled to find a solution.
Suddenly, a voice broke through my thoughts, and I looked up to see Ni-ki standing beside me, a few of my textbooks in his arms. I was taken aback by his unexpected appearance, but I quickly composed myself, offering him a grateful smile.
"Did you need a ride home? I heard your brother has basketball practice," Ni-ki asked, his smile wide and genuine.
I chuckled at his concern, grateful for his thoughtfulness. "Actually, I'm joining Sunoo for the cheerleading audition. He convinced me," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me at the thought of his support.
Ni-ki's smirk only widened at my response. "Well then, I'll definitely be there to watch you, babe," he said, his tone teasing yet sincere.
My heart skipped a beat at his words, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. "What?" I stammered, feeling a rush of emotions swirling inside me.
"It'll be fun, plus I'll get to see your brother's reaction. Now that would be a sight to see," Ni-ki said with a shrug, his hands buried in his hoodie pockets.
I couldn't help but laugh at his audacity, shaking my head in disbelief. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you if a ball comes flying your way," I teased, feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie with him.
Ni-ki's playful challenge only made me laugh harder, his unwavering confidence both amusing and endearing. As we walked down the hallway together, I couldn't help but appreciate his easygoing nature and the way he effortlessly brought a smile to my face.
"So, if I come watch you audition, can you give me a smile? I'll even cheer for you," Ni-ki asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his cheekiness, but a smile tugged at the corners of my lips nonetheless. "Fine, but don't expect me to go easy on you," I replied, feeling a sense of excitement building within me.
As we parted ways, his cheerful farewell echoed in my ears, filling me with a newfound sense of confidence and anticipation. With Ni-ki's support and Sunoo's enthusiasm, I felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that I had friends by my side every step of the way.
But before we parted ways, Ni-ki grabbed my arm gently, pulling me back for a moment. "Hey, Jiyoo, can I ask you something?" he said, his expression suddenly serious.
I nodded, curious about what he had to say.
He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I've noticed you've been nicer to me lately. Is it because of Rio?"
Surprised by his question, I paused to consider it. "Partly," I admitted. "But also because... well, I've realized you're not such a bad guy after all."
Ni-ki's lips curved into a genuine smile, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes. "Thanks, Jiyoo. That means a lot," he said softly before releasing my arm and heading off down the hallway.
Watching him go, I couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through me. Maybe Ni-ki wasn't so bad after all.
As I continued on my way, a sense of anticipation bubbled inside me for what could be waiting for me at the try out.
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