𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 . [𝘯𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘧𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘶]

one

i parked my bike in the garage and walked up to the front door.

not until i took off my socks and shoes did i realize the stepping mat was wet.

it had been raining before while i was gone. so who would be out of the house at this late at night?

i was so tired from working. it was already 3am and i overworked myself. i have a big test tomorrow and i need to study.

i was also so hungry but i needed sleep. i'd be waking up in 3 hours.

"nari." a low voice said from the living room as i passed through the hallway.

"dad?"

"come here."

i was so confused. why was he being so mysterious?

i felt him walk closer to me and pull me into a hug. this wasn't dad- dad didn't have muscle-y arms and chest.

"namil?? you're back from service!!" i hugged my older brother tightly and cried into his chest, soaking his shirt.

"you got taller." i said, looking up at him.

"and you got shorter."

"not funny!" i said, punching his arm.

he let out a moan and put a hand over the spot i punched him.

"what is it?"

"i'm just kidding!" he said smiling with both his mouth and his eyes.

"oh you better not pull that on mom. she would freak!"

"yeah, probably would have a heart attack."

"for real." i said laughing.

"hey what are you doing out so late?"

"working."

"you have a job?!" since when are you responsible?"

"hey shut up! and i had to get a job. mom and dad aren't doing so well, money-wise. i'm paying for a lot of my stuff myself and sometimes even for nabi."

"it's really that bad??"

"yes. it's that bad."

"how much do you work?"

"every day of the week from 6-12."

"oh god. where are you working?"

"the restaurant up town."

"nari you need to focus on your own needs also. it's good you're finally taking some responsibility in the house but come on, seriously, think about your grades."

"but working is really the only thing i'm good at!"

"nari-"

"no. i'm gonna do what i can and you're not stopping me."

"well i can help too once i get back into work again. then you can focus more in your studies."

"thanks namil but i really need to sleep i have a big test tomorrow!"

"seriously. you know 3 hours of sleep isn't good to run on for a normal day, but a testing day?! you're going crazy. now sleep and i will help you study tomorrow morning during breakfast."

"okay thanks. and good night. i missed you so much. i can't wait to spend time with you again!"

"yeah same, now go to sleep idiot!"

i groggily walked up the stairs and almost fell all the way back down. i skipped brushing my teeth and changing into pajamas, i just went right to sleep.