THE SUN AND HIS STARS ✓

SLEEP. (extra)

Hoseok was a light sleeper. It was by habit, of course, that he got up every morning before the sun rises to make sure it really did rise.

That all changed when Taehyung moved in.

Taehyung had his own room. Hoseok made sure it was the best room he could possibly have. Eun Ha, Taehyung's sister, also got a special room. Hoseok did his best for hospitality, considering that the siblings had just gotten their father a life sentence in jail.

Taehyung was down about it so Hoseok did his best to cheer him up. And when Taehyung was happy, Eun Ha seemed to be happy, too, so Hoseok considered it a win.

The university Eun Ha had gotten a scholarship to was an hour long drive from Hoseok's house. So to make it easier for her, Hoseok rented an apartment closer to the university for Eun Ha on his behalf.

She was angry at first, ranting about how Hoseok was already helping the both of them way too much and he should've just let her figure it out for herself, but her rant ended in a hug, which Hoseok awkwardly attempted to give back.

Hoseok suspected she knew he got up at ungodly hours in the morning. He was always up before her, or Hyunseok, or Taehyung.

One day, Hoseok's suspicion was confirmed.

He had just come down the stairs and into the kitchen to be met with Eun Ha sitting at the table, sipping coffee. Her hair was neatly combed down and she was ready for the day.

"Morning," she said. "I beat you this time, huh?"

"You did," said Hoseok. "I understand you're moving out today, but why are you up so early?"

She shrugged. "Nerves, I guess. Why are you always up so early?"

"Habit."

Eun Ha nodded. As Hoseok dug in the fridge for food, she said, "You'll take care of Tae when I'm gone, won't you?"

"Of course."

"He's a handful," she said.

"I know."

"He likes cuddles."

"I know."

"I'll kill you if you hurt him."

"I know."

She stirred her coffee, and then looked up, staring Hoseok in the eye. "I trust you with him, Hoseok. But just know that if he's ever the slightest bit sad—"

"You'll kill me," Hoseok said with a nod. "I know."

-

Taehyung hugged Eun Ha tightly. Hoseok stood in the background, shuffling his feet a bit. He felt like he was intruding.

The siblings muttered a few things between themselves. Taehyung nodded and gave her another hug.

Eun Ha gave Hoseok a small salute and a grin. "Thanks for everything, Hoseok. I'll find a way to pay you back someday."

Hoseok shook his head. "There's no need for that."

"I'll visit whenever I can, Taehyung," she said.

Taehyung grinned. "I'm holding you to that. Call when you get there, okay?"

Eun Ha nodded. With a wave to the boys, she picked up her bags and loaded them into the taxi that was parked in front of the house. Taehyung and Hoseok watched her leave until the car was out of sight.

-

That night, Taehyung came into Hoseok's room.

"Taehyung?" Hoseok propped himself up on his elbows as Taehyung switched on the bedside lamp. "What's wrong?"