"You missed your tutor session." Those were the first words Jeongguk heard as he entered his home— if you would even call it that, it felt more like a building with four strange souls with the addition of a couple maids. Jeongguk was slightly annoyed at the way his father had his legs crossed on the couch, staring at documents and not even bothering to look up. He didn't even expect much, a simple. "Oh, you're back. Go wash up and eat" would've been just fine.

The boy bowed. "Sorry father, I had a meeting with a friend and forgot. I'll make sure it doesn't happen next time."

"You forgot?" Mr. Jeon's eyes finally left the papers he was reviewing and made contact with his son. "We Jeon's cannot simply forget. How will you become the heir to my company if you forget everything and hang out with your hooligan friends?"

Jeongguk's mouth twitched lightly. "I apologize, it won't happen again."

"Alright, your tutor will come again tomorrow to catch up on missed work. I need to review more of these documents, come by if you want to help."

The red-head nodded and bowed again before leaving. He let out a sigh once out of sight of his father. Jeongguk made his way to the family lounge, where his mother would be as always. Sitting in the middle seat, in front of the television, as far as she could be from her husband.

Today, a random reality show was playing— they were usually dramas.

"Hey Mom," Jeongguk greeted her, taking a seat and setting his bag down.

"Oh Gguk-ah! You're here! How was school?" Her hands immediately went to grab the boy's hands.

Jeongguk frowned, but brought it back up when he realized he shouldn't bring any negative feelings around his mother. "Good," he answered simply.

"That's good."

It was the same conversation the two have had for the past few years, but Mrs. Jeon certainly did not realize that. It's not like their small exchange of words ever meant anything to her, but to Jeongguk, they were like a daily reminder of how twisted his life truly is.

After a few more minutes of just holding onto her hand, savouring every moment of warmth that radiated from her soft, slightly wrinkled, hands, he bid her goodnight as he made his way to his room on the second floor. Every time he let go of his mother's hand, he was scared he'd never feel it again

"Was that V?"

Jeongguk stared back at his sister as she leaned against her door frame. The boy decided to ignore the girl and proceeded on his way. She followed right after him into his room, repeating her question once more.

"You mean Taehyung?" Jeongguk finally decided to answer, not being able to take more of his sister's nagging. "How do you even know who he is?"

"Umm, hello? V was literally the talk of the school  last year when he came to beat up Kang and his gang. Plus he's hot, can't forget a face like his. Are you his friend?"

Jeongguk honestly couldn't understand the thought process of his sister sometimes. Maybe it was because they weren't completely from the same blood.

"Kind of."

"Great! Set me up with him."

The red-head looked at his sister. "I'm warning you Somi, stay away from him. He's not sane."

"Oh whatever, if I can handle you, I can definitely handle V. Oh! Speaking of setting up! You know Hana, right?"

"Who?"

Although Jeongguk couldn't see it as he was finding clothes to change into, he can sense the younger had just rolled her eyes.

"She's literally my best friend and has been over so many times I've lost track! You've seen her many times too!" Somi yelled, clearly upset.

The red-head took a few seconds to think before it clicked. "Is she the annoying girl who's always calling me Oppa?"

"Yes! Her! Woah wait she's not annoying! She likes you, you dumbass."

"A lot of girls like me, Somi, but your friend, like everyone, is very annoying. I honestly don't get girls, what a waste of time. Now leave my room so I can take a shower."

Somi puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms. "You suck." Before making her exit, she quietly asked, "did you talk to, uhm, Mrs. Jeon?"

Jeongguk looked at the younger's back, his frown returning. "You know you can call her mom, right? She doesn't have anything against you."

"I know, I just think she might feel uncomfortable. Did you talk to her or not?"

"Not more than usual. Why?"

"It's just— I heard her crying again when I returned from school. I wanted to comfort her, but I was scared."

The boy felt bad. He knew his mom never had any hatred towards Somi, she was just a child tangled in the mess of the so-called grownups. That didn't stop Somi from feeling like she was a mistake in this world.

"She probably was crying over some stupid drama or something. Don't worry about it."

Somi nodded. They both knew that was a lie, but it was a lie that would let them sleep at night. The two knew why she was crying, but no matter what comforting words they provided her with, it wouldn't fix a broken soul— Jeongguk would know from his millions of failed attempts.

"Goodnight," she said lastly before leaving the room.

"'Night," Jeongguk whispered back, although the chances of her hearing that were slim. The boy never knew why, but he never hated Somi, even though she and her mother were in a way the reason why his family had crumpled apart. Her being his half sister never really bothered him. He felt a sense of pity towards her. They were both in the same situation when they found out their father is not really the man he claimed he was.

Somi was probably the closest person to Jeongguk, the one person in the world who could understand what he's been through. Jeongguk sometimes thinks Somi is the only one in his life that'll always care for him, which is why he cared for her so much as a brother, although the boy didn't show it openly. Jeongguk knew the girl thought of the boy in the same way, after all, he was all she had after she lost her mother. Her father was as good as a clock without hands.

He shook the thoughts out of his mind and grabbed the towel and clothes he got out, making way to his bathroom. Jeongguk stripped himself and entered the shower, turning it on to let the cool water trickle over his head. He was never the hot shower kind of guy. He'd let the water be so cold that he'd tremble before. Those were the times when he needed something to distract his mind. Jeongguk found a better way of dealing with that, or so he thought.

Once the shower was done, he was quick to get dressed and dry his hair. Jeongguk reached out to his phone, seeing he received a few messages.

annoying bitch
text message
today 9:22 pm

Had lots of fun on our date ;)

Goodnight Ggukie!♡

Jeongguk didn't realize the small smile that spread to his lips until his phone locked itself from him staring at the messages too long and was able to get a good look at himself on the black screen. He quickly wiped the smile away and threw his phone somewhere on his night stand beforne plopping down on his bed. He didn't even bother checking if he had any homework to do, knowing he'll be up early due his father never letting him sleep past 6, and 7 on weekends.

The smile that he forced away slowly came back as he recalled his day. He hates to admit it but hanging out with Taehyung wasn't as bad as he thought it'd be. Jeongguk has begun to understand why  everyone likes him, even the people he had once left. Taehyung seemed perfect. Like the guy who everyone wants to either date or be, not only for their looks, but for their personality as well. A boy that happy must have a supporting family. He seemed too perfect. And that's exactly why Jeongguk didn't want to even look at him at first. But maybe, just maybe, he wants to look at him a little more— just to take a peak at how a perfect life really looks like, because Jeongguk knows he can never have it.

—
Okay so I tried to incorporate a little bit of taekook into this quite serious chap because I WANTED TO THANK YOU ALL FOR 1K READS 💜 ilysm!!

Anyways, a tiny explanation on why I chose Somi for JK's little sis:
1. It was kind of random?? Like when I watched sixteen i absolutely fell in love with her, as well as producer 101, she's just so cute and agh she just popped into my head while I was writing
2. I think it's mostly cause her name is Jeon Somi
3. Okay I really don't have a proper explanation but um yh

Jeon Somi for those who don't know:

I'm sorry i couldn't pick just one hehe 😅

Bye<3