Love changes EGO

~23~

A/N POV~

"I really do have the worst timing, don’t I?” Jisu teased, nudging her sister Misoo with a grin.

Misoo rolled her eyes and swatted Jisu’s hand away playfully before heading to her room to get ready for the day. She could hear Jisu’s laughter trailing behind her as she shut the door, chuckling to herself. Despite her sister’s mischievousness, it was comforting to have everyone in one place again.

Downstairs, Jisu moved on to preparing breakfast. One by one, the family members wandered into the kitchen, greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm breakfast. Jia joined first, setting the table, while others soon followed, settling around the table with their morning mugs. Soft chatter filled the air as they exchanged early-morning stories, laughter slipping in between sips of coffee.

Just as everyone was starting to dig in, Misoo reappeared, freshly dressed and ready for work, with Namjoon right behind her. They took their seats, joining the conversation with warm smiles. Soon enough, the time came for Misoo and Namjoon to head out for the day. Bidding everyone goodbye, they moved toward the front door. As Namjoon stepped outside to retrieve the car, Misoo paused, noticing another car pulling up to the driveway.

Curious, she leaned forward to get a better look. The car came to a stop, and to her surprise, Autumn emerged from the passenger seat. With a grin spreading across her face, Misoo rushed over and enveloped her sister in a tight hug.

“Autumn! You’re finally here!” Misoo exclaimed, squeezing her sister tightly. They laughed, holding each other for a moment before letting go.

Namjoon pulled up with the car, smiling as he saw the reunion unfolding. After a few moments, Misoo and Namjoon said their goodbyes to Autumn and Jin, who had arrived with her, and climbed into their car, ready to start the day. They waved as they pulled away, and Autumn and Jin headed inside, relieved to finally be home.

Inside, they were welcomed by the familiar, comforting smell of breakfast. After the long journey, their hunger had only grown. Though they had been offered food on the flight, it was far too salty to enjoy, leaving them both ravenous. As they walked into the kitchen, the rest of the family spotted them and leapt up with delighted shouts, wrapping Autumn and Jin in warm hugs.

“Have you guys eaten anything yet?” Jia asked, noticing how tired they both looked.

“Nope, we’re starving!” Autumn admitted with a sheepish grin.

“Then sit down, I’ve got just the thing!” Jisu responded, leading them over to the table as she set down a plate piled high with breakfast. Autumn and Jin exchanged grateful looks before diving in, savoring every bite. Jisu took this opportunity to dash upstairs to get ready for work, while Autumn and Jin lingered over their meal, catching up with everyone.

After they finished eating, Autumn and Jin rinsed their dishes and tucked them into the dishwasher. Then they made their way upstairs to Autumn’s room, where Jin collapsed onto the bed with a contented sigh, stretching out while Autumn headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Jin barely had time to close his eyes before a light knock sounded at the door. It was Jisu, peeking in to check on Autumn.

“She’s in the shower,” Jin called softly, not wanting to disturb anyone else. “Oh, okay, I’ll come back later then,” Jisu replied, ducking back out and closing the door gently behind her.

When Autumn emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, she looked over at Jin, who had already drifted into a light nap. Smiling softly, she climbed onto the bed, exhaustion pulling her down, and lay beside him. Jin stirred slightly, and, sensing her close, he reached over and tucked the blanket around her. She murmured sleepily, grabbing his hand without opening her eyes.