[Sowon x Jin] Of Sunshine and Hurricanes

one

"Honey, dinner!"

When I heard my mother's voice from below, I had to stop writing. I was halfway through with my homework, but considering that my mother would not appreciate it if I kept the food waiting, I closed my textbook and went downstairs.

At the dinner table, everything had already been served. I was about to sit, but then, I noticed the three plastic tupperwares that contained the same side dishes we would have tonight.

My mother did not have to say anything. I immediately knew what I had to do.

"Tell your brother to be here within a minute, I'm starving."

I nodded.

Carrying the containers with my both hands, I walked to the front yard which was surrounded with tall oak fences. The night felt cooler than usual, and it made me think that autumn was finally nearing its end. I could have worn a sweater before going out of the house, but I did not. It was not like I would spend an entire night outside, anyway.

On the right side, among the row of fences, I stood in front of the small gate that was installed for quick access. Upon seeing the chain lock on the handle, my hand searched through my pockets for the keys.

Shoot.

Both pockets of my sweatpants were empty, and much to my dismay, I came to a realization that I had totally forgotten to take the keys with me. Good job, Kim Sowon. You and the little things you forget. I then told myself, and without a choice, I placed the tupperwares on the old hardwood bench beside the door-

"Frogs!"

"Where?!"

Before I could even think, I jumped back, anxiously looking for a four-legged slimy creature somewhere on the grass. When I found none, I let out a lungful of air in relief.

"It's winter soon. You're not going to find them leaping everywhere at this season!"

I glanced above the fences where I found the culprit peeking, whose face looked like he was about to burst out laughing any seconds from now.

I glared at Kim Seokjin.

"Where's Sangwoo?" I asked for my brother instead.

"You mean your Sangwoo oppa?" Seokjin replied, stressing the last word.

"I don't have all day," I said, trying not to sound irritated.

"Roger!" Seokjin imitated a soldier's salute before he went out of sight from the other side of the fence. Then, I heard a soft thud on the ground and a few string of low grunts. Seconds later, Sangwoo, my older brother, hurdled over the fences, holding a black plastic bag.

"Hey, baby sis," Sangwoo greeted as he laid on the ground, out of breath.

I took the plastic bag, looked through it and found that it contained another set of tupperwares of side dishes from Mrs. Kim.

"I'm taking this inside. Get the keys and hand those over to Seokjin," I said, pointing my finger over the bench where I left the tupperwares I brought. Then I began walking off.

"Wait!"

Another thud.

I looked back and saw Seokjin helping my older brother up to stand. "I'm eating here," he beamed as if he wanted to tell me just so I could know.

"Again?"

"Why not?" Sangwoo chimed in. "Mrs. Kim's not home until later."

Oh.

Before I could answer, he and Seokjin raced inside the house as they loudly cheered 'Dinner time!' until they got inside.

.:.

"Are you still upset?" Seokjin asked me after dinner. I was at the kitchen sink, washing the dishes. He was leaning against the edge of the counter beside me.

"Upset about what?"

"About me shouting 'frogs' earlier."

I was already not. But I said, "I'll get back at you."

He just shrugged, then after a moment, he continued, "What are you getting me then?"

"Get you what?"

"For my birthday."

I paused when I realized that fourth of December was happening in two weeks.

"You forgot, didn't you?" Seokjin's eyes widened, and his stare felt obviously accusing.

"Why are you asking me to get you something when I'm the younger one?" I argued quickly and affirmed, "My birthday's three days after yours!"

"Who do you think you are talking to informally?!"

I almost dropped a plate when my mother came in from the kitchen backdoor. I mumbled a halfhearted sorry but eyed Seokjin indifferently. He, on the other hand, just mocked me by sticking out his tongue.

"Thanks for the dinner, Auntie," he obliged to stand straight as he bowed at my mother. "We'll eat your side dishes well."

"Tell your mom I said thanks for spoiling us with her recipes, too," my mother smiled at Seokjin like he was her own son. Seokjin nodded in response.

"Does Sangwoo know you're going?" my mother asked.

"Yes, Auntie," Seokjin flashed her a polite smile.

Seeing him this nice made my eyes roll. And then, he caught me. Even if it was too late, I tried to keep a straight face and carried on rinsing the plates.

"See you around, Sowon," he chuckled my name and flicked my right ear. I waited until his footsteps were gone.

I was not sure which one from those things he did annoyed me more.