That afternoon, the fierce sun beat down on the tin roof of Ann's small rental room, sending blazing streaks of light piercing through the thin curtains, making the tiny kitchen feel like it was steaming. Ann rushed to prepare a simple lunch—fried eggs, vegetable soup, and stewed tofu—but paused abruptly when he reached to open the pot.
The sink was overflowing with unwashed dishes.
"Oh my god…"
Ann grimaced, ruffling his hair as he stepped outside to find a towel. Just then, a knock came at the door, as if mocking his predicament.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Who is it?"
"Ann! It's me, Kai!"
Ann cracked the door open. Kai stood there, a grocery bag swinging from his hand, forehead dotted with sweat, brown hair tousled, but still flashing his sunny midday smile.
"What are you doing here?"
"To freeload, obviously." Kai had no hesitation. "Nina dragged me to the supermarket, but it was too crowded, so I escaped. It's safer here with you."
Honestly, still just a kid. Completely tactless.
Ann sighed but moved aside, letting his younger brother enter. Kai unceremoniously placed his bag down and flopped onto the rug as if he owned the place.
"It's meltingly hot outside…"
Ann retrieved a small spray bottle from the corner cabinet, then walked over and sprayed it all over Kai. Kai stood obediently, familiar with the routine, allowing himself to be thoroughly dampened.
"I'm cooking, just wait."
Ann turned back to resume his unfinished cooking.
Kai glanced at the sink and clicked his tongue: "Are these... dishes from last night?"
Ann pursed his lips and nodded. "Yeah… I fell asleep."
"Alright... got it. You cook, I'll wash them."
"I have to wash dishes at home and even here…Haizzz" Kai grumbled but rolled up his sleeves, donned gloves, and turned on the water. In the kitchen, Ann smiled softly, starting to chop onions. The sound of running water, chopping, and the scent of spices slowly filled the small room, bringing unexpected warmth.
The freshly cooked soup mixed with steaming white rice made the small rental room feel incredibly cozy. Kai wiped his hands and eagerly sat across from Ann, eyes sparkling as though he were at a feast.
"How do you cook so deliciously, Ann? Like a Master chef!"
"Careful, it's hot. Eat slowly," Ann laughed, still holding the pot.
"Yeah, yeah, washing dishes is tough work, you know." Despite his words, Kai's chopsticks had already seized a large piece of fried egg. He popped it into his mouth, closing his eyes blissfully. "Gosh… If I don't marry anyone, can I live with you forever?"
Ann paused, looking at his younger brother, who always joked around, then replied teasingly, "Only if I stay single."
Though he said that, Ann knew it wasn't possible. He truly cared for Kai like a real younger brother, yet it was precisely because of that closeness that living together permanently wasn't feasible.
Kai fell quiet for a moment, then burst out laughing: "Hearing that almost makes me cry!"
Ann glanced at him but smiled gently: "Don't you say that to everyone?"
"True…" Kai scratched his head, "But not everyone agrees to put up with me in the future."
He put down his chopsticks, pretending to be sad, shoulders slumping dramatically.
"I tried telling my parents once, and my mom glared at me while my dad nearly kicked me out of the house. I even grabbed his leg, but almost ended up in the yard. When I tell Milena and Nina, they immediately act like mom and dad, try to kick me out with no hesitation and mercy."
Ann laughed, shaking his head as he sipped his soup.
"And Felix…" Kai tilted his head thoughtfully, "Forget about that little useless. But if… if you're fine with it, Felix and I could happily live with you forever. I wouldn't mind sharing some of the space with him."
Ann nearly choked, laughing aloud.
"You make it sound like I'm some kind of sanctuary."
"Well duh~ In my heart, you're the only peaceful place that me and Felix have. At least you don't say no when I come over and eat like this."
A quiet moment passed. Then Kai asked softly:
"Ann… Does... someone still hitting on you lately?"
Ann's spoon paused.
"No," he replied quietly, looking at the sink.
Kai narrowed his eyes skeptically: "Really? Even 'that guy'?"
Ann nodded shyly. Yet his phone, charging upstairs, lit up:
"Are you free after tomorrow's shift? If yes, let me take you to school." – Robert
…
The next afternoon wasn't as intense, though sunlight still softly illuminated the leaves outside the café. Ann had just finished changing out of his uniform when the doorbell rang. He paused mid-tie of his shoes, his heart skipping a beat.
The glass door opened, and Robert stepped in.
He wore a dark shirt, holding a baseball cap, his eyes calm yet decisive. Importantly, his free hand reached out, catching Ann's.
The entire space froze. Milena stopped typing, Nina's eyes widened mid-candy-chew, and Kai stiffened as if frozen solid.
Was progress really this quick?
"Hello everyone," Robert greeted politely.
"Good evening," Milena replied evenly, arms folded.
Nina tilted her head, suppressing laughter until her cheeks puffed.
"Hey~ Are you picking Ann up for a date?"
Ann ducked his head, avoiding everyone's eyes. "Not really… We'll eat something then go straight ahead to school."
"Then have fun," Milena said succinctly, relieving Ann.
Robert held Ann's hand tighter, a silent confirmation. Ann nodded at everyone, and they exited together.
As the door closed, Milena and Nina exchanged weird-looking smiles at the scene.
But Kai, feeling irritated and betrayed, stomped off to clean the toilet. He grumbled internally—Ann had said he'd always take care of him, but now he was going off with some other handsome, mature, and very demure Alpha!
"Hm! I'm telling Felix!"
---
Bonus:
Me: Kai, why don't you just do something like punching or yelling at Robert to make him stop following Ann?
Kai: What?? Are you out of your mind?? He could hit me and I'll collapse when his hand still shinny. I'm just an 18-year-old boy! (T-T)