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ᴊɪᴍɪɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

With an impatient sigh, Jimin stands at the bottom of the stairs, already dressed for their shopping trip. His younger brother, Jihyun, is nowhere to be seen.

"Come on, Hyun!" he calls out, his voice echoing through the empty hallway. Jimin glances at his watch, noticing that they were already running late. Their grandparents are due to arrive at their house soon, and they still have a list of groceries to pick up. He can't help but groan inwardly. Jihyun is always so slow to get ready, and it's starting to become a major pain in the ass.

He hears a faint thud from upstairs, followed by a string of muffled curses. Jimin rolls his eyes. Just what he needs – another one of Jihyun's clumsiness incidents. "Yess! I'm all done!" his brother shouts and comes running down the stairs, still putting his trousers on properly. It's a miracle he doesn't fall down the stairs.

Jihyun looks flustered and dishevelled, but Jimin could care less. "It's a wonder we're related, as dawdling as you are," Jimin whispers, watching his brother tie his shoes.

They arrive at the supermarket a few minutes later and quickly grab a shopping trolley.

"Do you have everything we need in your head?"

"I wrote it all down on my phone," Jimin replies and he pulls out his phone, tapping on the notes app. "Here's the list. I'll go get the milk and orange juice, and you can get the rest."

"Got it," Jihyun says, heading off to the produce section.

Jimin walks over to the dairy aisle and grabs two cartons of milk. Then, he goes to the orange juice section and picks up three bottles. As he is about to leave, he bumps into someone.

The plastic bottles fall out of his hands and roll across the floor. Jimin apologizes profusely and bends down to pick them up.

"I'm sorry," Jimin stammers, but still doesn't look at the face of the person he ran into.

"It's okay," the unknown person replies, their deep voice low and velvety.

He balances one bottle of juice in his arms again and reaches for the other on the floor when a hand comes before him and then holds it out.

"No problem," a deep voice finally replies.

"H-huh? Oh, thank you," he accepts the bottle with red cheeks and finally looks up into the stranger's face.

That voice...

The man is wearing a mask, which is why Jimin doesn't recognise him. He turns even redder when he notices him staring at him and immediately, he bows.

"Oh my God! I-I didn't mean to stare at you and I'm- I'm- sorry about the bottles and-" he rattles it all off quickly, which makes the man in front of him laugh deeply.

"Don't worry. It's my fault too."

Smiling sweetly, he bows and walks back to his shopping trolley.

So embarrassing...but that voice- Somehow it sounds familiar to him.

Jihyun saunters around the corner, eyes widening because of Jimin's flushed cheeks. "I leave you alone for a few minutes and you're bright red in the face," Jihyun teases him, amusement dancing in his eyes. "What did you get yourself into this time?"

Jimin stammers, a sheepish grin replacing the heat on his face. "N-nothing happened! Just, uh, checking something out." His gaze darts around nervously, betraying his words.

Jihyun raises an exebrow, not buying it for a second. "Sure," he hums, a playful smirk gracing his lips. "Well, I see we have everything from the shopping list now," Jihyun nods to the items in the shopping trolley, "so let's head to the checkout before Mum sends a search party." He gestures towards the exit, already heading towards the checkout lanes.

Jimin mumbles a hesitant agreement, trailing behind him. As they walk, he can't help but overhear Jihyun's grumbles about their mother's shopping spree. A mischievous glint appears in his eyes.

"Maybe she wants you to bulk up a bit," Jimin quips, a playful jab at his younger brother's slender frame.

Jihyun scoffs, puffing out his chest in mock offense. "Ha! As if. I've got more muscles than you, Jimin."

"That's hyung to you!"

"I don't call smaller people hyung," Jihyun grins.

"Oh yeah?" Jimin counters, setting down the bags and adopting a challenging stance. "Then maybe I should tell our parents about your little candy bar incident..." He pauses dramatically, savouring the effect his words are having. "Ah! And let's not forget the four points you got on your recent exam the other day. Hmm, they wouldn't be too happy about that, would they?"

Jihyun freezes, his bravado faltaring. Jimin has a point. His nocturnal snack raids and less-than-stellar academic performance are secrets he's rather keep buried. "How do you know about that? I mean-"

Jimin smirks. "Let's just say you're not exactly the stealthiest ninja when you sneak out for midnight snack. And the test paper? Well, let's just say it was an 'accidental discoverey'."

Jihyun groans, defeated. He knows arguing is futile. "Fine," he sighs, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "What is it you want?"

Jimin raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms in front of his chest, grinning cheekily. "Simple. Call me hyung, and maybe lay off the blame game next time."

Jihyun snorts, rolling his eyes. "Easy for you to say. It's more the other way around. I'm the one going all angel here. But fine, if it shuts you up." He mumbles 'hyung' under his breath, laced with sarcasm.

Jimin's grin widens. "Progress! Practise makes perfect, Jihyun." He winks, grabbing the shopping bags with renewed energy.

Jihyun's cheeks flush. As they walk side-by-side, Jimin can't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Maybe this sibling rivalry isn't so bad after all.

----

The door slams shut, echoeing through the house. "We're back!" Jimin announces, his voice bouncing off the walls like a pinpall in a frenzy. He kicks off his shoes, the thud landing just before Jihyun's own pair hits the floor.

Jihyun grumbles, heading straight for the kitchen with his bags. "Honestly, you make more noise than a marching band returning from victory. The whole neighbourhood always knows," he mutters, unpacking groceries onto the counter with a theatrical sigh, followed by Jimin.

Jimin saunters in, a playful glint in his eye. "Are you saying that your hyung is annoying and loud? Is that any way to talk to your beloved older brother? That's too bad... Eomma will also find the missing chocolate a pity," Jimin says the last bit to make his brother understand who is in charge.

Jihyun falters, his protest dying on his tongue. "N-no," he stammers, "I wasn't saying that you're loud... obnoxious... I meant that I'm sure the neighbours are always happy to hear your friendly voice, knowing such a vibrant soul still graces this house, hyung," his voice drips with mock seriousness, though a chuckle betrays his amusement.

Jimin laughs, the sound rich and infectious. "It's kind of cute how hard you try. It's almost endearing. I could get used to not fighting with you." He ruffles Jihyun's hair, the younger boy swatting his hand away with a playful groan.

"Yeah, right," Jihyun scoffs, a grin tugging at his lips. "If we ever stopped bickering, everyone would look at us in disbelief and not believe their eyes. On the other hand, it'd be... amusing chaos, though." The laughter echoes again, the tension dissipating like steam from a hot cup of tea. As they finish putting away groceries, Jimin can't help but steal glances at his brother. Maybe, just maybe, a truce isn't so out of reach. After all, even brothers need breaks from the storm, and right now, the sun seems to be peeking through the clouds.

"Alright, chores," Jimin announced, rolling his eyes playfully. "Kitchen's yours, bathroom's mine. Deal?"

Jihyun sighs dramatically. "Whatever. At least my room is already spotless."

Jimin, with the last can tucked neatly onto a shelf, turns his attention to the bathroom. He isn't a stranger to housework, but it isn't exactly his favorite activity either.

Stepping over a discarded pair of pants, Jimin grimaces. "Seriously, Hyun? Gross..." His disgust is evident as he drops the offending garment onto the floor.

How hard can it be to toss your dirty clothes in the washing basket?

"You can clean those up yourself, mister." Jimin sets about cleaning the rest of the bathroom. He cranks up the music, humming along as he scrubs and wipes. The rhythmic beats helps mask the unpleasant chore.

Once finished, he puts everything away and heads back to his room, quickly exchanging his cleaning attire for something fresh.

"Hyun! Seriously, your pants are still in the bathroom!" he calls out, not stopping in his tracks. But before he can take another step, a familiar, melodic laugh stops him dead in his tracks.

"Huh?" His head snaps around, cheeks burning bright red and eyes wide with surprise.

Standing before him, radiating warmth and amusement, is none other than his grandmother. "Is that my cute little Jiminie?"

"Halmoni? Harabeoji?" he exclaims, a smile blossoming on his face. He rushes towards them, wrapping his arms tightly around his grandmother

"I didn't even hear you come in."

"Oh, don't worry about that. Your mother opened the door for us when she saw us and I see you haven't changed a bit," she chuckles, gently pulling away and raising an eyebrow playfully.

"Not true at all!" Jimin protests, crossing his arms defensively.

"Oh really?" she challenges, glancing at her husband who simply grins back, fueling her laughter.

"You'll always be our sweet baby, Jiminie," she winks, "and so is Hyunie!"

"What about me?" Jihyun's voice interrupts, appearing from the kitchen doorway. "Did Jimin say anything about me?"

Jimin can't help but roll his eyes. "Not everything is about you, Hyun. Halmoni just said you're still her sweet baby too."

A chuckle escapes his lips as he sees his brother's jaw drop, a blush creeping up his neck. "Aww~ Yes, you are indeed~ My cute little brother~" Jimin approaches him and messes up his hair. Jimin knows Jihyun wouldn't dare complain, so he smirks.

"See? Your hyung loves his baby very much," he teases, making exaggerated kissing sounds.

"Can we go in now?" he says through gritted teeth instead.

Jimin watches the tense atmosphere settle over the room like a heavy fog. His teasing, meant to be playful, has clearly hit a nerve with Jihyun. Guilt gnaws at him, seeing his brother clench his fists and struggle to hold back a sharp retort. Did he go too far?

Hesitantly, Jimin follows Jihyun inside, the weight of his misstep heavy on his shoulders. His grandparents trail behind, oblivious to the silent tension between the brothers. He stops just behind Jihyun, who has sought refuge with their mother..

Should he apologize? The question tugs at him, his voice catching in his throat. Finally, he breathes out a soft, "Hyunie?" hoping only Jihyun would hear.

He carefully steps closer, the familiar scent of Jihyun's cologne grounding him. Tentatively, he wraps his arms around his brother's torso, his head finding its usual spot on Jihyun's broad shoulder. Even though Jimin is technically older, Jihyun's height offers a comforting solidity.

"I'm sorry if I went too far," he mumbles into the fabric of Jihyun's t-shirt, his voice laced with regret. He can feel the tension ease slightly, Jihyun's muscles relaxing under his touch.

"Is everything okay again?" he breathes with a grin and notices Jihyun pushing him away a little. A small smirk appeared on Jihyun's lips, barely visible to anyone else.

"Hyung."

Relief washes over Jimin. They might still be annoyed, but the barrier is down. "Despite being annoyed and arguing," he chuckles, squeezing Jihyun again, "I still love you."

He turns around, ready to rejoin the conversation, only to be met with a wall of curious eyes. His family stares, silent witnesses to their private exchange.

"What?" he asks, surprised, raising an eyebrow. The shocked expressions send a wave of awkwardness through him.

"Nothing, nothing," his mother quickly interjects, a hint of amusement lingering in her voice. Everyone averts their gaze, pretending to be absorbed in something else.

"When is Appa coming?" Jihyun chimes in, attempting to steer the conversation away. Their father, the usual center of attention, is missing. Work, as always, keeps him away.

"He'll be a little late, dear," his mother explains apologetically, her eyes filled with understanding. "You know how busy he is." The brothers exchange a sigh, a familiar pang of sadness settling in their chests. Their father's dedication to work often comes at the expense of their time together, but they have learned to accept it.

"Oh... okay," Jihyun says, his voice heavy with disappointment. He turns his attention to the cake their mother has placed on the table, seeking solace in its sugary sweetness.

"Don't let that spoil your mood, you two," their mother says, her voice warm and encouraging. "We can have fun like this too."

"Exactly!" their grandmother chimes in, her words carrying a playful lilt. "We even brought presents for you."

"Eomma... They're not little anymore," their mother protests, a chuckle escaping her lips.

But the bait is set. "What kind?" both brothers chorus in unison, their faces lighting up with childlike hope.

"May we see them now?"

"My, my," Grandma chuckles, her eyes twinkling with delight as she rose with a mischievous grin. She disappears into the hallway, reappearing moments later with a bulging bag. Teasing, it seems, is a family tradition. "What impatient children you are."

"Jimin, since you already have something special," she smiles, "I have something different planned for Jihyun. Don't worry, you'll get yours, and I hope you'll love it just as much!"

A grin stretches across Jimin's face as he accepts a voucher for his favorite clothing store, the numbers on it singing a sweet song of fashion: ₩66,979.50! To top it off, a small bag of his favorite sweets is placed in his hand.

"Thank you!" he exclaims, showering them both with grateful kisses that make their cheeks bloom with warmth. "You really shouldn't have spent so much!"

Jihyun, equally delighted, echoes Jimin's thanks, his new headphones, the ones he's been eyeing for weeks, gleaming in his hands alongside a treat-filled bag of his own. "Thank you."

Grandpa puffs out his chest, a proud smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Seeing you happy makes it all worthwhile."

Jimin, ever the charmer, leans in and whispers, "But the best gift of all? Being back with you guys." He sees Jihyun roll his eyes playfully, yet a small smile tugs at the corner of his brother's lips.

Tsk. Such a sweet talker.

"How about some Wii while we wait for Appa?" Jimin suggests, his eyes lighting up with the prospect of friendly competition. The others readily agree, and soon the living room is filled with laughter and the sounds of playful rivalry as they battle it out on the virtual playing field.

For Jimin, no matter the season or the day, these moments with his family, fueled by the shared joy of games and laughter, are pure gold. They are the heart of their home, a warmth that no time or distance can ever diminish.