“So tell me again Hazel. What did you do in Kangwon park?” Hyunwoo was sitting on one side of the table, and I the opposite. He had his elbows up on the table as if carrying out an intimidation tactic.

“I was comforting a guy who was upset on a bench and it was Hanbin.” I explained, wording my answer carefully. It didn’t come out quite right.

“Right…” Hyunwoo started, his voice a little more unsure. “And you brought him back to our apartment because?”

“That happened on Monday and then I happened to meet him at the live performance that me and the girls went to. He was a little upset so we talked for a while and I offered him a Capri Sun to take home with him.”

“Doesn’t that seem a little risky, Haz? You don’t even know this guy. He could be anyone.” I almost scoffed at the irony of it all. “And more importantly, why are you offering out my Capri Suns out to every man and his dog?” Hyunwoo said imposingly, and he was being deadly serious. “They’re precious.”

“Oppa, it’s just juice…” I replied tentatively. “Besides, you drink way more than your share. They’re not good for you, y’know. No wonder you’re getting a little belly.” I continued, adding the last comment in passing jokingly.

Hyunwoo looked down at his hoody-clad abdomen. “Do you really think so?” He asked downheartedly. “I’ve been working out this month damn it.” I almost chuckled at his response but held it in. Victory was in my sights if I held my ground.

“We’ve been talking about this for nearly 20 minutes.” I muttered. “Are you going to punish me or not?”

Hyunwoo sighed. “You know I’m not good at this ‘scary parent discipline Hazel.” As I heard his utter this, I could feel my free weekend becoming a reality. “If only Kyungwoo was here…”

“Don’t tell him Oppa.” I pleaded, eyes fixed on his in desperation. “I’ll do anything?”

“Anything?” 

“Yes.”

“I get all the Capri Suns and biscuits for the rest of the month.” He ordered smugly.

I huffed stubbornly. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” My brother was childish but knew how to press my buttons.

“Do that and I’ll suddenly forget the events of last night.”

“Deal.” I quickly replied without thinking, reaching my hand over the table.  “Shake on it.” Hyunwoo stretched out his hand too and leaned his head closer to his palm. “Don’t you dare spit.” I growled. Hyunwoo pouted but my shook my hand.

“Thanks Oppa!” I said brightly.

He sighed audibly and ushered over to me. I rounded the table and he pulled me into a strong hug. “I’m not even mad but just be careful Haz. I don’t want anyone hurting my baby sister.” 

“Of course. Now let me get changed and you can prepare the living room for our drama marathon.”

*

We had been watching ‘The Scholar That Walks The Night’ (밤을 걷는 선비) for more than seemed necessary and I wanted to have a break but Hyunwoo seemed engrossed. I decided that it was for the best to keep on his good side for the time being, so excused myself to the toilet to retrieve my phone. I brought it out of my pocket as I landed back on the sofa with a thud.

“Sounds like you need to lay off the second servings.” Hyunwoo snickered. I shot him a look that immediately made him face forward and focus back on the drama unfolding on the screen.

I looked at my phone again. The dim light of the lock screen informing me that I had a plethora of unread messages to enlighten myself on. I opened Kakao talk hesitantly and immediately saw a message from Mino.

SMINO: Sorry about that OTL [13:03]

Hazel~: It’s alright. Is everything OK? [16:10]

Mino messaged back before I had a chance to start a new message.

SMINO: Yeah it’s all cool ;) [16:12]

SMINO: Just Hanbin saw that message where you asked about him. [16:12]

Hazel~: What?!?! [16:13]

SMINO: Don’t worry he just saw his name, nothing else. [16:14]

SMINO: I explained without giving too much away. Don’t worry. I can be discreet. [16:14]

Hazel~: Not sure I believe that. But either way thanks. [16:15]

SMINO: Btw the way you should reply to Hanbin soon. He’s been checking his phone every 2 minutes for the past few hours and its getting annoying. [16:16]

SMINO: Although the fact that you replied to me first has been duely noted princess ;) [16:16] 

Hazel~: Don’t think anything of it. [16:18]

Hazel~: Bless Hanbin. Is he ok? [16:18]

SMINO: Yeah. Just reply quickly. He’s gonna try and invite you here tomorrow as well. Try to accept. He won’t admit this but he’s really nervous to ask you. [16:19] 

I looked at the screen and couldn’t help but feel I was seeing a different side to Mino. Maybe he did indeed have a more caring and nurturing side? Then another message appeared on the chat feed.

SMINO: It’s pretty pitiful honestly. What kind of man is he? [16:20]

Then again, maybe not.

Hazel~: You’re too harsh Mino! But I’ll message Hanbin back now. [16:21]

SMINO: Sure. Hopefully see you tomorrow…? ;) [16:22]

Hazel~: We’ll see. [16:23]

I replied quickly and exited out of the chat and made my way to the next unread message.

Hanbinnn: Did it go ok? [12:58]

Hanbinnn: Your brother didn’t actually kill you, right? [14:29]

Hazel~: Sorry we were watching dramas^^ [16:27]

Hazel~: We had a discussion about it and I had to make a few sacrifices *sniff* but it’s ok now. [16:27]

I was about to lock my phone but then I saw that Hanbin almost instantaneously read the message. I couldn’t help but smile at his keenest.

Hanbinnn: It’s no problem. What sacrifice? [16:28] 

Hazel~: No Capri Suns or biscuits for a month. LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE;-; [16:29]

Hanbinnn: Oh :( that’s too bad. If I knew where to buy them I’d get you some… [16:30]

Hazel~: No no its fine. I’m joking, ok I’m not but Hyunwoo Oppa is really easy to sway. Just give those two things to him for a month and he’ll forget everything. What an idiot. [16:30]

Hanbinnn: At least you’re not in trouble :) [16:31]

Hanbinnn