IDOL

Chapter 3: Little Sister

The next morning arrived faster than I anticipated. My mind had been racing with thoughts about Kael and the upcoming hike, leaving me with barely any sleep. The soft chirping of birds outside my hotel window and the first light of dawn stirred me awake. I glanced at my phone—5:30 a.m. I had an hour before meeting Jaxon and the others.

Sitting up, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Kael had invited me to join them, and though I wasn't the outdoorsy type, I couldn't pass up the chance to spend more time with him. But lingering in the back of my mind was Jaxon's ever-watchful presence, reminding me that he was always hovering—especially when it came to Kael.

After dressing in hiking clothes, I tied my hair into a ponytail and headed to the lobby. The hotel was still quiet, the air outside crisp with early morning coolness.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Jaxon greeted as I stepped out of the elevator, a teasing smile on his face. He had a coffee cup in hand, his protective energy already apparent. "Ready for your first adventure in Seoul?"

"Morning," I mumbled, still shaking off the grogginess. "Yeah, I'm ready. Where's everyone else?"

"They're meeting us at the trail," he said, his gaze softening. "But... Kael's coming to pick you up personally."

My heart skipped. "Kael?"

"Yep. He insist on picking you up." Jaxon said, but there was a hint of seriousness in his tone. "But remember, Zari... don't get too close, alright?"

I shot him a look, half-amused, half-frustrated. "Oppa, I know."

Before I could protest further, Kael appeared, his warm smile brightening the dimly lit lobby. He was dressed casually, and even with his tousled hair and hoodie, he looked effortlessly handsome.

"Morning, Zari!" he greeted cheerfully, his voice carrying a warmth that made my heart race.

"Morning, Kael," I replied, trying not to sound too flustered.

"You ready for the hike? I promise the views are worth it," he grinned.

I smiled back, the excitement bubbling up. "I'm ready."

Jaxon's eyes lingered on us as we left. "I'll meet you two there," he called out, his voice firm. "And remember, Zari... don't wander off."

I rolled my eyes playfully but knew he was serious. Jaxon had always been overprotective, and this morning was no different.

As Kael and I walked through the quiet streets, the soft hum of the waking city surrounded us. My thoughts kept drifting between the beauty of the moment and Jaxon's lingering warning.

"So, how are you finding Seoul?" Kael asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"It's amazing," I replied, smiling up at the soft pink sky. "I've barely seen any of it yet, but I already love the energy here."

"I'm glad. You're going to love the view from the hike," Kael said, his enthusiasm contagious. "I bet it'll be perfect for your photography."

We reached the trailhead where the others were waiting, and after a few greetings, we started the hike. Kael walked beside me the entire time, making sure I was comfortable, pointing out interesting spots along the way. The group was lively, but I found myself enjoying the quiet moments between Kael and me the most.

As we reached a clearing with a stunning panoramic view, I took out my camera, capturing the breathtaking scene. Kael stood beside me, watching with a soft smile.

"Told you it'd be worth it," he said, his voice gentle.

I glanced at him, feeling the familiar flutter in my chest. "You were right."

The others were chatting, their voices distant, and for a moment, it felt like it was just me and Kael. He seemed thoughtful, more serious than usual, and after a pause, he spoke.

"You know, Zari," he started, his voice hesitant, "Jaxon's pretty protective of you."

I sighed, a knot forming in my stomach. "Yeah, I know. He's always been like that."

Kael chuckled lightly. "He made it clear to all of us not to get too close to you... especially me."

His words made my heart sink. "Especially you?" I asked, hoping my voice didn't betray the sadness creeping in.

"Yeah," Kael said, running a hand through his hair, looking slightly awkward. "He knows we've been spending more time together, and he just doesn't want anything to... complicate things."

I bit my lip, feeling the familiar sting of Jaxon's overprotectiveness. "I see."

Kael looked at me, his expression softening. "Zari, you're like a little sister to me too. That's why I care about you, why I'm always looking out for you."

His words hit me like a punch to the chest. *Little sister.* It was exactly what I didn't want to hear.

I forced a smile, even as my heart ached. "Yeah, I understand."

Kael smiled gently and placed a hand on my shoulder, completely unaware of how much his words had hurt me. "You're important to all of us. Especially Jaxon."

I nodded, but my chest felt heavy, the disappointment settling deep. I turned back to the view, hoping the beauty of the city below could distract me from the lump in my throat.

Jaxon joined us shortly after, his arm draped protectively around my shoulders as if to remind Kael—and everyone else—that I was off-limits. I tried to keep up appearances, laughing at their jokes and enjoying the rest of the hike, but inside, all I could think about was Kael's words.

*Little sister.*

As we made our way back down the trail, the beauty of the sunrise felt a little duller, and I couldn't help but wonder if Kael would ever see me as more than just Jaxon's baby sister.