[Jared’s POV]

They say best friends are souls that recognize each other before they even speak. That’s me and Jaden. We’ve been attached at the hip since we were toddlers, running around in matching onesies because our moms were college best friends. People always get confused though — Jaden is older than me by exactly one month and twelve days, so technically he’s the hyung. But let’s be real, everyone knows I’m the alpha between us. I’m the one who leads, who protects, who makes decisions, even if sometimes I still act like a kid just to annoy him.

Right now we’re in my living room. The house is big, modern, and quiet. Too quiet. Ever since my mom got promoted as a senior engineer, she became a full-on workaholic. She leaves before I wake up, comes home when I’m already asleep, and lately she’s been staying in company apartments or hotels for weeks straight. The only signs of her presence are the money she leaves on the counter and short text messages. I don’t show it much, but it gets lonely.

But then there’s Jaden. His world is the total opposite. His house is always loud, warm, and full — parents laughing, siblings yelling, home-cooked meals every single night. He has everything I wish I had, but he never acts like he’s better. Instead, he treats my place like his second home, and me like his extra responsibility. Even though he’s only older by a month, he carries himself like he’s a whole decade ahead. Always well-dressed, always prim and proper, with that signature sassy diva attitude that only comes out when he’s with me.

He’s currently sitting on my couch, fixing his hair using my phone screen as a mirror, tilting his head left and right like he’s checking every angle before a photoshoot. His legs are crossed elegantly, one hand tapping his knee impatiently — pure diva mode activated.

I walk over and lean against the couch behind him, my arms crossed over my chest, towering over him easily. I have this natural aura, broad shoulders, sharp eyes, the kind that makes people step aside when I walk down the hallway. But with him? I love using it just to tease.

“Wow,” I start, my voice low and amused. “You’re taking longer than I do to get ready. You gonna meet the President or something, hyung?”

He doesn’t even glance back, too busy patting his bangs into place. “Please, I need to look presentable. Unlike you. Look at yourself — jacket half unzipped, shirt untucked, hair messy like you just fought a storm. Do you have no sense of style at all?”

I lean down closer, my face right next to his ear, making sure my voice drops into that deep, teasing tone I know gets him. “Aw, but you said last week you like how I look ‘raw and manly’. Don’t tell me you forgot already, baby hyung?”

Jaden freezes for a split second before spinning around, cheeks turning a soft pink but his expression still fierce and sassy. He swats my arm hard, but it’s weak, like he’s just playing. “Yah! Don’t call me that! I only said that because you forced me to compliment you! And I’m older, show some respect!”

I chuckle, grabbing his wrist gently but firmly — showing that strength and control I naturally have — and pulling him closer until he’s almost pressed against my chest. He tries to pull away but I don’t let go, just smirk down at him.

“Respect? I respect you a lot. But you look so cute when you’re mad, how can I not tease you? Besides, you may be older by a month, but we both know who’s in charge here.” I wink, then suddenly ruffle his perfectly styled hair just to annoy him.

“JARED!” He screams, immediately fixing his hair again, looking absolutely scandalized. “You are so childish! One minute you’re acting all cool and manly, the next you’re behaving like a five-year-old! Make up your mind!”

[In Jaden’s mind]

Ugh this guy! He’s so frustrating! Standing there all tall and intimidating, acting like he owns the place, calling me sweet names, holding my hand like it’s his right… and then ruining my hair right after! He knows exactly what he’s doing. Even though I’m technically the hyung, he always acts like he’s the one taking care of me, protecting me, deciding everything. And honestly? I don’t mind it at all. It feels safe. But I’ll never tell him that, he’ll just tease me even more. I have to keep my sass up, it’s my only defense.

Just then, my phone buzzes on the coffee table. I glance at it and see it’s my mom.

Mom: Hi sweetheart, won’t be home this month. Big project overseas, I’ll be busy. Bought you groceries online, eat well okay? Love you always.

My smile fades just a little, but I quickly lock the screen so he won’t see. But of course, Jaden notices every little change in me. His sassy expression softens instantly, the diva attitude disappearing, replaced by that caring hyung side of him.

“Another message?” he asks quietly.

I shrug, leaning back and shoving my hands into my pockets, putting back that calm, unbothered alpha mask. “Same old. Work is everything to her now. It’s fine, I’m used to it.”

Jaden stands up and walks over, poking my chest firmly. “It’s not fine. Just because you act all tough and mature doesn’t mean you don’t get lonely. You think I don’t notice how quiet you get when you talk about her? You’re such an idiot, hiding everything.”

I look down at him, and for a moment the playfulness leaves my eyes. I pull him into a loose hug, resting my chin on top of his head, my voice softer and deeper, showing that serious, manly side only he gets to see. “I’m okay, really. Besides, I have you, don’t I? You’re more family to me than anyone else right now.”

He freezes in my arms, then hits my back lightly, trying to sound annoyed but I can hear the warmth in his voice. “Ugh, don’t get all sappy on me now! And let go, I just fixed my shirt!”

I laugh, tightening my hold a little before letting go, going back to my teasing mode. “Why? You like it when I hold you, admit it.”

“In your dreams, you big brute!”

[In Jared’s mind]

Yeah, I act childish sometimes just to make him laugh, just to fill the silence in this house. But when it matters, I know how to be strong, how to take care of him. He’s older by a month, but I’ll always be his protector, his alpha, and the one who teases him until he turns red. This thing between us — the bickering, the flirting, the comfort — it’s something I’ll never let go of. He’s my best friend, my home, and maybe someday, something more.

"Movie time".

They decided to watch a horror movie. Jared acted all cool and unbothered, but deep down he was already nervous and scared. He refused to show it though—his pride wouldn’t let him. It’s just a movie, stop being a baby, he kept telling himself, forcing his expression to stay blank.

Jaden noticed right away how hard he was trying to act tough. She grinned and started teasing him. “You don’t have to pretend, scaredy-cat. I bet halfway through you’ll be hiding your face or clinging to me for protection.”

Jared’s pride stung, so he decided to get back at her. As the opening credits rolled with spooky music, he put on a dramatic terrified face. He gasped loudly and suddenly lunged toward her like he was about to grab onto her in fear.

But in the middle of his act, his hand slipped. Instead of grabbing her arm or shoulder, it landed straight on her butt.

Jaden froze. Shock hit her instantly, followed by hot irritation. Did he do that on purpose? How dare he?! Her heart was pounding fast, and she turned to glare at him, eyes blazing. “Jared! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

But he didn’t apologize. He just pulled his hand away slowly, wearing that annoying, smug smirk he always had. He looked way too pleased with himself for getting such a big reaction. Inside, his heart was racing too—not just from the prank, but from the strange spark he felt when he touched her. He didn’t regret it one bit.

A thick, electric silence fell between them. Everyone else went quiet too, sensing the shift. The movie playing in the background felt far away compared to the tension building up.

“Oops,” he said casually, voice dripping with mischief. “My bad. I was just so scared, my hand slipped, you know?”

“Slipped my ass!” she snapped, crossing her arms. “You totally did that on purpose! You’re such a pervert!”

“Me? Never,” he teased, leaning closer. “Though you did react pretty loud… did you maybe like it?”

“JARED!”

They started bickering right away, throwing insults and teasing back and forth. But under all the arguing, there was something new—something exciting and unspoken that neither of them could deny anymore.

To be continue.

The next morning, Jared woke up with a jolt. He quickly glanced at the clock on the wall and his eyes widened— it was already 9:00 AM. “Shit, I’m late!” he muttered, jumping up from his bed in a panic. He looked around and saw Jaden already up, standing by the sink brushing his teeth like he had been awake for hours.

He walked over to him, frowning. “Hey! Why didn’t you wake me up?! We’re gonna be late, are you crazy?!”

Jaden stopped brushing, rinsed his mouth, and looked at him with a bored face. “Why should I wake you? You’re a big boy, you can wake up yourself. Besides, you were sleeping like a log, I didn’t feel like wasting my energy shaking you awake.”

“Are you serious? You knew we have class early today! You did this on purpose didn’t you?” he accused, crossing his arms.

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. What are you gonna do about it, cry?” he teased, sticking his tongue out at him.

Jared just rolled his eyes but didn’t argue anymore, he was already rushing to get ready. He moved fast, changing his clothes and fixing his hair in just a few minutes. Once he was done, he grabbed his bag and headed straight outside. He walked towards the car parked in front— it was his mom’s car. She didn’t use it anymore since she preferred commuting or using her other vehicle, so she allowed Jared to use it whenever he needed to.

He got inside and started the engine, revving it a little. Moments later, Jaden came out too, locking the door behind him and walking over. He opened the passenger door and sat beside him without even asking.

“Took you long enough,” Jared said as he started driving fast but safely.

“You’re one to talk. If you didn’t sleep like a dead person we wouldn’t be in this situation,” Jaden shot back immediately.

“I slept late because someone kept annoying me last night, remember?” Jared smirked, glancing at him for a second.

“Excuse me? I was just having fun, you’re the one who couldn’t handle it. And don’t think I forgot what you did yesterday, pervert,” Jaden said, hitting his arm lightly.

“Ow! Hey, watch it I’m driving! And I told you it was an accident… or was it?” Jared grinned, purposely driving a little faster making Jaden hold onto the handle for support.

“Jared slow down! Do you want us to die before we even reach school?! Ugh you’re so annoying!” Jaden complained but he was smiling too, enjoying their usual banter.

They kept bickering and teasing each other the whole ride, throwing insults and jokes back and forth until they finally arrived at the school gate. They were really cutting it close, the bell was about to ring any second, but luckily they still made it just in time before the gates closed.

They ran quickly towards their classroom, catching their breath as they entered. The teacher hadn’t arrived yet so they sighed in relief. Inside the room, their seats were far apart— Jaden sat right in the front row, always wanting to focus and listen properly, while Jared was seated all the way at the back near the window. Because of the distance, they couldn’t whisper or chat with each other anymore, so they just settled into their own places.

As soon as he sat down, Jared leaned back, put his bag aside, closed his eyes, and immediately fell asleep. His head resting against the wall, looking completely unbothered by the class starting. Students around him saw this and just shrugged, it was a normal sight already. Even though he was always sleeping during lessons, no teacher ever dared to complain or scold him. Why? Because despite never paying attention or taking notes, Jared was always rank number one in the whole grade. He got perfect scores in every exam and answered every question correctly when called.

What people didn’t know was that the cool, kind, and approachable guy they saw in school was just an act. That was his mask. Only Jaden knew his real personality— the playful, teasing, sometimes arrogant guy he really was. Everyone else thought he was this perfect gentleman. Because of his good looks and top grades, he was really popular. Students from other sections and even other year levels always came looking for him, wanting to be friends or just get his attention. On top of that, he was also part of the Taekwondo Club and was really skilled at it, winning competitions and bringing honor to the school, which made everyone admire him even more.

Meanwhile up front, Jaden was doing the exact opposite. He was sitting straight, listening carefully to the teacher and writing down notes diligently. He was just as famous as Jared, but for his own reasons. He was rank number two, always just a little bit behind him but still way ahead of everyone else. He had a handsome face and a bright personality that attracted both girls and boys alike. He was friendly to everyone, never looked down on anyone, and always helped his classmates when they had problems with lessons. Everyone loved being around him.

But even though both of them were popular and everyone wanted to get close, there was an unspoken thing between them. No one dared to get too intimate or act too friendly with either of them, because everyone could see that the two of them shared a special bond. They were always together, came and went together, and even when they were fighting or teasing each other, it was obvious they were the closest person in each other’s lives.

Halfway through the class, the teacher turned to the board to write something, and Jaden couldn’t help but glance back towards the last row. He saw Jared still sleeping peacefully, looking so calm and unbothered while everyone else was struggling to understand the lesson. He shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips. How does he even do it? he thought. Sleeps all day and still beats everyone. So unfair.

Back at his seat, Jared was actually half-asleep, but he could still hear everything going on in the room. He knew exactly what the teacher was explaining, he just didn’t feel like opening his eyes or participating. For him, school was just something he had to get through, and the only thing that made it bearable was knowing Jaden was there too.

Finally, the bell rang signaling that classes were over. Students started packing their things and leaving the room one by one, making noise and talking loudly. But at the back, Jared was still deep asleep, looking like he could sleep there forever if no one bothered him.

Jaden walked straight towards him, holding his textbook tightly in his hand. Without warning, he raised the book and smacked it hard right on top of his head.

THUD!

“OW! WHAT THE HELL?!” Jared jolted awake immediately, holding his head and looking at him with eyes burning with anger. “Are you crazy?! You could’ve cracked my skull open!”

Jaden just stared at him with a straight face, not even feeling guilty. “Shut up and stop overreacting. It’s already lunch time. Everyone else is gone, are you planning to stay here and starve? Come on, we’re going to the cafeteria.”

“You could’ve just woken me up like a normal human being! Why do you always have to be so violent?! Cursed your ass, seriously!” Jared complained loudly as he stood up, rubbing the sore spot on his head.

“And you could’ve just woken up by yourself! You sleep like a log, what else am I supposed to do?!” Jaden fired back, already walking out of the room.

They continued bickering and throwing insults at each other all the way to the cafeteria. But as usual, it was just their normal way of talking, no one was really mad. When they got there, they bought their favorite food and drinks, then found a table to sit down. For a while, everything was peaceful. Both of them were eating soundly, enjoying their meal and the quiet moment.

But that peace didn’t last long.

Suddenly, a group of boys walked over and surrounded their table. Jared immediately frowned, he didn’t like the look of them— they looked arrogant and troublemakers, the type of people he wanted nothing to do with. The leader of the group stepped forward, wearing a smug face like he owned the whole school.

“Hey, is this seat taken?” he asked, pointing to the empty space beside Jaden.

Jared was about to say “yes” and tell them to go away, but before he could even open his mouth, Jaden spoke first. “No, it’s free. You can sit.”

Jared shot him a look like are you serious? but he kept quiet, crossing his arms and watching them closely.

The leader happily sat right next to Jaden, way too close for comfort. He immediately started talking nonstop, introducing himself and asking Jaden questions one after another. “Hi man, I’m Sojin. I’m from Grade 11 Section A. I’ve seen you around before, you’re really cool you know? What’s your hobby? Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?”

Jaden just nodded or gave short replies, clearly unbothered and not interested at all. But Jared beside him was starting to lose his patience. He was holding his plate so tight his knuckles turned white, it looked like he was about to crush it into pieces any second.

Sojin? Who cares what your name is, annoying prick, Jared thought to himself, gritting his teeth. Talking too much like a parrot. Get lost already.

As if he wasn’t getting the hint, Sojin became even bolder. He casually put his arm around Jaden’s shoulder, then even stretched his leg so it was touching his under the table.

That was the final straw.

Jared stood up abruptly, his face turning completely dark and cold. His aura changed instantly, looking so scary it felt like the temperature around them dropped. He looked like he was just seconds away from throwing a punch right at Sojin’s face.

“Jared! Sit down!” Jaden said firmly, though there was a tiny smirk hiding at the corner of his lips.

Jared breathed heavily, looking like he was really holding himself back, but he listened and sat back down. Seeing this, Sojin and his friends laughed mockingly, thinking Jared was just scared and couldn’t do anything.

That laugh only fueled Jared’s anger more. He looked straight at them and started speaking in a cold, sharp tone, saying all kinds of harsh words and badmouthing them without holding back. He called them arrogant, brainless, bullies who only knew how to bother people, and said they weren’t even worth his time.

Sojin and his friends got furious immediately. “How dare you talk to us like that?! You think you’re cool huh?!”

Without thinking, one of the boys threw a punch straight at Jared’s face. “That’s what you get for talking back, idiot!”

Jaden didn’t even panic, he just leaned back and took a sip of his drink, looking like he was watching an interesting movie.

Jared just dodged it easily, then smirked. “Finally. Took you long enough. This is called self-defence, right?”

Realization hit Sojin’s face— he just walked right into a trap.

All the students in the cafeteria stopped eating and turned to watch. Jared stood up calmly, then landed a strong punch right on Sojin’s face making him stumble back. The other boys rushed towards him all at once, but they were no match. Jared was trained in Taekwondo, his movements were fast, precise and powerful. One by one they fell down, each getting hit right in the face or kicked on the legs, lying on the floor groaning in pain.

Jared walked slowly towards Sojin who was still trying to stand up. He grabbed him by the collar and punched him again and again, hard and fast. “Listen to me well, you piece of garbage. No one is allowed to mess or act too friendly with that guy over there. You heard me?! You fucking worthless bullshit!”

With every word came another punch. Sojin could barely see straight anymore, his mind screaming What is wrong with this guy?! He’s a monster! I’ll never ever harass anyone again! before he finally passed out on the floor.

“Jared! That’s enough, let’s go!” Jaden stood up, putting his drink down.

Jared stopped immediately, like he just turned off a switch. He let go of Sojin and followed him out like nothing happened, acting like he didn’t just beat up five guys alone.

They went straight to the restroom. Jared washed his hands and face, wiping away any sweat.

Jaden leaned against the wall, smiling. “How many is it now? Hmmm… 102 guys you’ve beaten up because of me, I guess?”

Jared glared at him. “Stop joking about this! I’m still so angry, that guy was really getting on my nerves.”

“Come on, relax. He’s not even worth your anger or your strength,” Jaden said, then walked closer and suddenly hugged him from behind, wrapping his arms around his waist.

Jared went quiet instantly, all the anger inside him slowly melting away. He sighed and patted his hands gently. “Fine… just this once, okay? Don’t let those types of people get near you again.”

They went back to their classroom to get their bags, and surprisingly no one called them to the principal’s office. Everyone already knew what happened— those boys were always causing trouble and harassing others, so everyone understood that Jared was just protecting Jaden. Some students even whispered and cheered for them secretly.

Soon, classes ended for the day. Jared drove them home using his mom’s car, the ride was quiet but comfortable now. When they arrived in front of Jaden’s house, he turned to him.

“Hey, do you wanna come in? We can eat something or just sleep and rest in my place, it’s still early anyway.”

Jared looked at him and smiled, shaking his head. “I’ll pass today. I’m tired and I still have some things to do at home.”

“Okay fine, suit yourself,” Jaden said as he opened the door. “But don’t forget to text me when you get home, okay? And also… thank you earlier. You really looked cool beating them up, my personal bodyguard.” He winked at him before getting out and walking inside.

Jared laughed, watching him until the door closed. He started driving back home, but the image of him protecting Jaden and that hug earlier kept playing in his mind, making him smile to himself the whole way. When he reached his house, he immediately took his phone and typed a message:

[Text: I’m home safe. And for the record, I’m not just your bodyguard. I’m the only one allowed to annoy you, remember? 😏]

To be continue...