**Chapter 3: Sunshine in the House**

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The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the living room where Kim Hoseok, or Hobi as his brothers affectionately called him, sat with a steaming cup of coffee. At 26, Hoseok was the literal sunshine of the Kim family—a beacon of positivity and energy that brightened even the gloomiest days. As a math professor at Seoul International College, he had a knack for making complex concepts simple, and the same could be said for how he approached life at home.

"Morning, Hobi hyung!" Jungkook's voice chirped from the staircase as he bounded down the steps, his face lit up with a shy smile.

Hoseok looked up from his coffee, his face breaking into a wide grin. "Morning, Kookie! You're up early today. Big plans?"

Jungkook shrugged, a little embarrassed. "Just trying to get a head start on my studies. Joon hyung's been on my case about staying ahead."

"Ah, our strict principal at work," Hoseok teased, patting the seat beside him. "Come sit with me for a bit before you dive into all that studying. You could use a break."

Jungkook hesitated for a moment but then nodded and plopped down next to Hoseok on the couch. "Okay, but just for a little while. I don't want to disappoint Joon hyung."

Hoseok chuckled, ruffling Jungkook's hair. "You're such a good kid, Kookie. Always thinking about making everyone happy. But don't forget to take care of yourself too, okay? You're just as important as those grades."

Jungkook smiled, a little more relaxed now. "I know, Hobi hyung. Thanks."

At that moment, Jimin strolled into the living room, still stretching and yawning. "Morning, hyungs," he mumbled sleepily, before flopping down on the other side of Jungkook. "Why is it so bright this early in the morning?"

"That's because our Hobi hyung is here to brighten the day," Jungkook teased, earning a laugh from Hoseok.

"You know it, Chim," Hoseok replied with a wink. "And you're not too bad yourself when you’re not half-asleep."

Jimin grinned lazily, leaning into Jungkook. "Well, someone has to keep you both in check. Can't let you guys steal all the sunshine."

As they chatted, Taehyung wandered in, his face as serious as always. "Morning, Jin hyung said breakfast will be ready in a few minutes."

"Morning, Taetae hyungie!" Jungkook greeted with a small wave, his voice a little softer than before.

Taehyung nodded in return, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Hoseok. "Hobi hyung, can you help me with something later? There’s a case I’m working on with Jin hyung, and I need some advice on how to present the data."

"Of course, Tae," Hoseok replied, his tone encouraging. "You know I'm always here to help. We can go over it after breakfast."

"Thanks, hyung." Taehyung gave a small, appreciative smile, which was a rare sight.

As they continued chatting, Namjoon walked in, his usual serious expression in place. "Good morning, everyone. Ready for another day of learning, Jungkook?"

Jungkook stiffened slightly but nodded quickly. "Yes, Joon hyung. I'm going to start studying right after breakfast."

"That's what I like to hear," Namjoon said with a nod of approval. "But remember, it's not just about studying hard. It's about studying smart. If you need help, you know where to find me."

"Of course, hyung," Jungkook replied, feeling the familiar pressure settle on his shoulders.

Hoseok noticed the slight shift in Jungkook’s mood and quickly jumped in to lighten the atmosphere. "Hey, Namjoon, you should join us after breakfast. We were just talking about how Chim's half-asleep banter is the highlight of the morning."

Namjoon’s stern expression softened into a smile. "Is that so? Well, I suppose I could spare a few minutes. It’s been a while since I’ve just relaxed with you guys."

"That’s the spirit!" Hoseok said, clapping his hands together. "We all need to take breaks now and then. Even you, Principal Kim."

"Alright, alright," Namjoon conceded, finally taking a seat with his brothers. "But only for a little while. I have a meeting later."

Jin appeared in the doorway at that moment, wiping his hands on a dish towel. "Breakfast is ready, everyone. Come and eat before it gets cold."

As they all made their way to the dining room, the usual morning buzz filled the air—laughter, light teasing, and the warmth of family. Hoseok took his place at the table, watching as his brothers dug into the food that Jin had prepared. It was in these moments that Hoseok felt the most content, surrounded by the people he loved most.

As they ate, Hoseok noticed Jungkook picking at his food more than usual, his usual bright demeanor somewhat dimmed. Leaning in closer, he asked in a soft voice, "Kookie, everything okay?"

Jungkook looked up, startled, and quickly nodded. "Yeah, Hobi hyung. Just not that hungry this morning, I guess."

Hoseok wasn’t entirely convinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he reached out and squeezed Jungkook’s hand gently. "If you ever need to talk, you know I'm here, right?"

Jungkook's eyes softened, and he squeezed Hoseok's hand back. "I know, hyung. Thanks."

The rest of breakfast passed with more light-hearted conversation, Hoseok making sure to keep the mood lively. But underneath his usual cheerfulness, a seed of worry had taken root. Jungkook had always been the baby of the family—innocent, sweet, and eager to please. But lately, Hoseok had noticed little changes in him. The way he seemed more reserved, the way he flinched at certain questions, and the way he clung a little closer to Jimin and Hoseok, as if seeking comfort.

After breakfast, as everyone began to disperse to their respective tasks, Hoseok pulled Jin aside in the kitchen. "Hyung, have you noticed anything different about Jungkook lately?"

Jin looked up from the dishes, a frown creasing his brow. "Different how?"

"He just seems… off. Like he's not as happy as he usually is. I don’t know, maybe I’m overthinking it, but I can’t shake the feeling that something’s bothering him," Hoseok admitted, his usually bright eyes clouded with concern.

Jin sighed, leaning against the counter. "I’ve noticed it too, but he hasn’t said anything to me. You know how Kookie is—he doesn’t want to worry anyone. But maybe we should keep a closer eye on him, just in case."

"Yeah," Hoseok agreed, nodding. "I don’t want to push him too hard, but I also don’t want him to feel like he has to deal with whatever it is on his own."

"Let’s give him some time," Jin suggested, his voice gentle. "If he doesn’t come to us soon, we’ll have to step in. But for now, let’s just be there for him, like we always are."

Hoseok smiled, feeling a bit more reassured. "You’re right, hyung. We’ll be there for him, no matter what."

As the morning continued, Hoseok couldn’t help but keep an eye on Jungkook, his concern lingering in the back of his mind. He hoped that whatever was bothering his youngest brother wasn’t too serious, but deep down, he knew that they might be facing something bigger than any of them realized.

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