𝗘𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 | 𝗞𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗩

1

The sun's rays filtered through the thin curtains, casting a warm, golden hue over the room. Tae-Hyung squinted, his eyelids fluttering as the light touched his face. The sunlight was relentless as it broke through the window, brushing across his features and rousing him from his sleep. Slowly, he stretched, his body stiff from the awkward position he'd fallen asleep in, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he gazed out the window. The small house outside, with its overgrown garden and modest structure, looked peaceful in the morning light. Tae-Hyung had left the window ajar the night before, just a habit he had gotten used to in the quiet of his home.

"I need to do my work soon," he muttered to himself, a quiet determination in his voice. He paused for a moment, a flicker of hope crossing his mind. "If I want to see him." His fingers brushed against the edge of the bed as he stood up, a soft creak in the floorboards signaling his movement.

The morning routine was familiar comfortable, even. Tae-Hyung moved to the bathroom, the cold tiles greeting his bare feet as he splashed his face with water. He brushed his teeth quickly, the minty taste sharp and fresh in his mouth, before turning to change. He grabbed the same grey t-shirt and faded jeans he wore every day. It was the only set of clothes he owned, a constant reminder of the limited life he led. They were worn and frayed at the edges, but they fit him like a second skin. There wasn't much else to choose from.

With his usual routine complete, Tae-Hyung walked into the kitchen. He moved efficiently, his steps practiced as he prepared a quick breakfast. Scrambled eggs, toast, and rice-the same meal he made nearly every day. He set the food on the counter and quickly went to work mopping the floor, the rhythmic motion of the mop against the tiles almost mechanical. His stepdad would be waking up any moment now, and Tae-Hyung had no intention of being caught unprepared. The house was small, cluttered, and always seemed to need something done. As he mopped, he stole a glance at the counter, where the breakfast was waiting, untouched.

Once he finished mopping, he quickly rinsed the dishes and tossed his stepdad's clothes into the washing machine. The mundane tasks of everyday life—laundry, cooking, cleaning—were all part of his routine. His stepdad never seemed to notice or appreciate the work Tae-Hyung put in, but that was fine. He wasn’t doing it for recognition. It was just part of living in a house where he was nothing more than a servant.

Once everything was in order, Tae-Hyung grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulder, and stepped outside. The fresh air felt good against his skin, a welcome contrast to the stuffy atmosphere inside. The small street he lived on was quiet, with only the occasional car passing by. As he made his way down the road toward the bus stop, he caught sight of a familiar house. The house was big and welcoming—a house that had always felt like a home to him, unlike his own.

"Tae-Hyung!" A voice called out, warm and familiar. Tae-Hyung's heart lifted as he turned to see his best friend, Ji-Min, coming toward him. Ji-Min, with his bright eyes and plump lips, was already grinning as he jogged over, wearing a white t-shirt and loose black pants. His face radiated warmth and energy, a stark contrast to Tae-Hyung’s more reserved demeanor.

"Ji-Min!" Tae-Hyung called back, a smile forming on his lips as his friend approached.

Without missing a beat, Ji-Min wrapped his arms around Tae-Hyung in a tight hug, lifting him off his feet slightly. Tae-Hyung let out a surprised laugh, his arms awkwardly hanging at his sides for a moment before he returned the hug.

"Hi," Tae-Hyung greeted, pulling back from the embrace with a soft chuckle.

"Where were you yesterday?" Ji-Min asked, his voice suddenly tinged with concern. "I was waiting for you. Jung-Kook was there too." He leaned back slightly, his cute eyes scanning Tae-Hyung's face.

Tae-Hyung's stomach fluttered at the mention of Jung-Kook’s name. His heart gave a little jolt at the thought of the handsome boy, his crush—someone he couldn’t stop thinking about. "I... I slipped and twisted my leg," Tae-Hyung explained with a sheepish smile.

Ji-Min raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Are you okay? Why are you always so reckless? You always get hurt."

Tae-Hyung smiled sheepishly. "I’m fine, just a little clumsy, I guess." He shrugged it off, not wanting to dwell on it.

"Tell me about the competition," Tae-Hyung said, eager to change the subject. "How did it go?"

"It went really well!" Ji-Min replied, his eyes lighting up as he spoke. "And yeah, Jung-Kook was there. He was looking so handsome. You missed your chance, thanks to your clumsiness."

Tae-Hyung rolled his eyes, though his heart fluttered at the mention of Jung-Kook. "Says the clumsiest person I know," he teased, and Ji-Min playfully shoved him in response.

Tae-Hyung laughed, his mood lifting in his friend’s company. They continued walking toward the bus stop, the usual banter flowing easily between them.

"You know," Ji-Min continued, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, "I need to convince Yoon-Gi hyung to introduce us to Jung-Kook. I can't believe he’s my brother, but he never lets me meet any of his friends. It’s so frustrating!"

Tae-Hyung smiled at the mention of Yoon-Gi, Ji-Min’s older brother. Yoon-Gi was a mysterious figure to Tae-Hyung, someone who seemed to exist in a different world, one that Tae-Hyung could never quite reach. "Well, he’s just protective. You should be happy you’ve got a family who looks after you," Tae-Hyung said softly, his voice tinged with a sadness that he couldn’t quite hide.

Ji-Min looked at him, sensing the change in his tone. "Tae-Hyung," he said, his voice gentler now, "don’t be sad. I know one day, you'll find your perfect family."

Tae-Hyung flashed a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "I hope so," he replied quietly. It was a sentiment he clung to, even though part of him feared that hope might never be realized.

As they reached the bus stop, the bus arrived, and they climbed aboard together. Tae-Hyung found a seat by the window, gazing out as the bus pulled away. The city moved by in a blur, but his thoughts lingered on the warmth of Ji-Min's words. He wasn't sure if he'd ever find a family that cared for him like Ji-Min's did, but for now, at least he had his best friend-and that was enough.