Try-Hard, Sin Harder

24. Starry Nights

"My, my. You seem unusually perky tonight," Jin said, grinning down at me. 

 I beamed up at him. "My brother's coming to Korea tomorrow." 

 He stroked his chin. "Well, that certainly explains it." Jin looked over to the people across the beach. "Does Lukas know?" 

 I shook my head. "I think it might be better if we kept it a surprise, he doesn't see his father much." 

 "I see," Jin said thoughtfully. "How about we have your brother over for dinner, then? That way the three of you can catch up and we can finally meet your prince." 

 I let out a nervous laugh. "He's not my prince, Oppa." 

 "But he certainly is important to you," Jin countered. "I see the way your eyes light up when you talk about him. The two of you have a special bond." 

 I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "We used to. Nowadays we don't talk often. In all honesty, I was shocked when he texted me."

 "Do you know why he's coming here?" Jin asked. 

 "To visit our grandparents," I replied. "Other than that, I can't be sure. I've never known what my brother's thinking." 

 Jin leaned over and slung his arm across my shoulders. "Well, don't worry too much about it. I'm sure he'd love to see you. Tomorrow, I'll come over to your apartment at noon and help you make dinner. The boys can watch Lukas and Lexie for you." 

 I slipped my arm around his waist, giving him a brief side-hug. "Thank you, Oppa. I really appreciate it." 

 He flicked a piece of grass at me. "Anything for my dongsaengs." 

 I scowled, and brushed the blade from my hair. "Why you-"

 "Keira!" 

 I didn't have time to look up to who was calling me before he gripped my upper arm and pulled me on to my feet. "Jungkook-oppa?" 

 A cheeky grin spread across his lips. "We're going to light some sparklers soon. Come join us!" 

 "I'd love to, but I was in the middle of a conversation with Jin-oppa," I said. 

 His dark eyes narrowed into slits over my shoulder. "I'm sure he won't mind if you come." 

 Hesitantly, I gave Jin a worried look. He sighed, and rubbed the back of his head. "Go ahead, I'll come join you guys in a little bit." 

 Jin leaned back to lay down on the grassy hill. Cheeks red, Jungkook wrapped his arms protectively around my shoulders, and held me close to him as we walked up the beach. Feeling uncomfortable at his tension, I asked. "Oppa, what's wrong?" 

 His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Nothing's wrong." 

 I slipped away from him, crossing my arms over my chest. "You're a terrible liar." 

 The ghost of his smile faded, and his eyes dropped to the ground. His dark bangs hung over his eyes like a shadow as he spoke in a low voice, "I just don't get it." 

 I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Get what?" 

 "You told me once that you thought I was an amazing person," he said. "So why? If you really meant that, why do they get all of your attention?" 

 I blinked. "Are you jealous that I've been hanging around the others?" 

 He nodded, and didn't raise his gaze from the ground. "I just want you to think that I'm as great as the others."