Nocturnal Buddies ✩ Yang Jeongin

Chapter 56

Sohee was enjoying her morning in peace when a knock rippled through the tranquil air. Her attention shifted away from her phone and towards the door, calling out to whoever was on the other side. Although she knew who it would be, she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her lips the second she saw her siblings. They immediately began to sing to the younger girl, wishing her a happy birthday.

Her smile continued to grow as her siblings made their way towards her bed, clapping their hands enthusiastically. Sohee giggled at their silliness as her eyes curved up into their own smiles. The second their performance drew to an end, Dohyun clambered onto the bed and practically threw himself on her. A laugh erupted from Sohee as he shouted, "Happy Birthday!" without a care in the world.

Hyunjoo's lips curved up into an endearing smile as she watched her siblings interact with one another. She would join the two shortly after, climbing onto the bed and sitting down. Light conversation was held between the three siblings, laughter sounding every so often. Happiness filled the room as they basked in each other's company, starting off the special day bright.

"Alright, you should get up now." Hyunjoo motioned the younger girl after checking the time. "Let's have breakfast first, and then I can help you get ready afterwards."

Sohee hummed in response as Hyunjoo got off the bed. The younger girl rolled off right after, immediately going to the bathroom to do her morning routine. Hyunjoo's attention shifted to her brother, who was happily playing with one of Sohee's plushies. A smile pulled at her lips before she called his name, prompting him to look at her. Without a word, she opened her arms and he was quick to get up. Dohyun hurried over to his sister before wrapping his tiny arms around her neck. Once he was secured in her arms, she carried the little boy to the kitchen. 

"Let's set up the table while we wait for Sohee, okay?" Hyunjoo hummed as she set him down.

Dohyun responded with a quick nod and a small smile. Hyunjoo couldn't help but smile adoringly at her brother, cooing at how cute he was. She made her way to one of the top cabinets shortly after, and he was quick to follow after her. He watched as she pulled out four glass plates, before placing them on the kitchen counter. Hyunjoo went to retrieve the big plate filled with freshly made blueberry pancakes- Sohee's favorite.

She stacked a few on the first plate before handing it to Dohyun. The little boy carried it to the table and went over to Sohee's seat. After he set down the plate, their dad walked into the kitchen. A smile immediately pulled at his lips when his son happily greeted him. Dohyun hurried over to the older male and hugged him before rushing back to his sister.

"Good morning, dad." Hyunjoo smiled as she handed the little boy another plate. "How did you sleep?"

"I slept fine," he hummed as he fondly watched his kids. "What about you, sweetie?"

Hyunjoo hummed in content before her focus returned to preparing the next plate. Minjoon made his way to the table after hearing her response. He thanked his son for bringing over his plate before grabbing his morning newspaper. Dohyun flashed the older male a cute smile and returned to his sister once again. As he was retrieving the next plate, Sohee walked into the room.

"Good morning, dad," the younger girl greeted, going over to kiss him on the cheek.

"Good morning," Minjoon replied with a smile. "Is the birthday girl excited to celebrate her special day?"

Sohee nodded her head with a toothy smile displayed on her face, practically humming a, "I very much am."

Hyunjoo listened to her sister's plans for the day, while she cut the pancake into smaller pieces for Dohyun. When she was done, she carried the plate to the dining table. She set the plate down in front of the little boy, who thanked her with his usual cuteness. The older girl ruffled his hair in response, a smile growing on her face. Once Hyunjoo settled into her seat, the four family members enjoyed their breakfast together.