Red String (sunsun)

Outing.

Sunoo’s POV:

"Sweetheart… my boy… wake up. It’s morning now."

I woke up to the sound of my mother’s voice. She was sitting on the bed, gently stroking my hair. I slowly opened my eyes and hugged her.

"Good morning, Mom. What time is it?"

"It’s already past 10, cutie. You should wash up and come have breakfast. Sunghoon will be here at 10:30, so you should come down before he arrives."

"Okay, Mom. I’ll be there."

After that, Mom kissed me on the cheek and left my room. I got up and went to the bathroom to wash up.

I get dressed quickly and rush to the dining room—because I know Sunghoon hyung is a man who’s always on time.

The moment I step into the room, Sunghoon hyung and Dad are already sitting at the dining table. The maids are serving them food. I sit beside Mom.

"Good morning, cutie. You’re late today," Dad says with an annoying tone.

He’s always like this. He loves teasing me.

"Good morning, Dad," I mumble, rolling my eyes.

I glance at Sunghoon hyung—he’s already started eating.

"What are you guys planning to do today?" Dad asks.

Sunghoon hyung looks at me, so before he can answer, I speak up.

"I’m going to show the waterfall to Sunghoon hyung."

"Oh really? But cutie, you need permission first."

"Why, Dad? Why do I need permission for that?"

I’m confused by his sudden comment. That waterfall is the place where Mom and Dad went on their first date.

I’ve always wanted to go there with Sunghoon hyung too. I know we’re not in a relationship… but in my heart, he’s already mine.

"Cutie, that’s me and your mom’s place. You can’t just go there whenever you want," Dad says in a playful tone.

"Aaah, Mom! Why is Dad always like this? I’m going anyway. I don’t need his permission," I say with mock anger.

"You can’t. I’m going there with your mom today," Dad says with a silly smile. "We want to have a private moment there. Right, baby?"

"What are you saying, dear?" Mom shakes his head. "You two, stop this nonsense so early in the morning. It’s not just the three of us here—Sunghoon is here too. And darling, stop teasing the kid."

Only then do I realize—oh no—Sunghoon hyung heard all of that. Ugh. Dad is the worst.

I glance at him and see he’s smiling at our silly fight.

"It’s okay, Uncle Jin," Sunghoon hyung says with a soft smile.

"Dad, I’m going. Don’t mess with me."

"Cutie, you’re so beautiful when you’re mad. I love it. You look just like your mom when you’re angry."

Mom playfully slaps Dad’s shoulder.

"Stop it darling, just shut up and eat, please."

"Okay. Your command is my duty, babe," Dad replies dramatically.

After that chaotic breakfast with Mom, Dad, and Sunghoon hyung—ugh, I can’t believe Dad said all that—I escaped to the study room. I needed some air. Or maybe just silence.