Just Another Evening

The cafeteria doors swung shut behind them, muting the noise into a distant hum. Hyunjin adjusted the strap of his bag with quick, precise movements. He didn’t say anything at first, but Kook noticed-the small jerk of his shoulders, the way his breath stayed shallow.

“Let’s go home,” Kook said simply. It wasn’t a question.

Hyunjin glanced at him, eyes flicking to the ground, then back. “You sure? You’ve got class.”

“Not important,” Kook replied, tone flat but final. “Better than staying here.”

Hyunjin gave a small nod. “Yeah. Better.”

They started walking, cutting through the quieter side of campus. The air was cooler out here, the chatter thinning with every step. Still, the occasional shout or burst of laughter carried from behind, making Hyunjin tense briefly before smoothing out again.

Kook kept his pace steady, adjusting their path without comment whenever the noise spiked.

“What do you want for dinner?” he asked after a moment.

Hyunjin blinked, as if dragged out of his thoughts. “Dinner?”

“Yes. Food. Intake required,” Kook said, deadpan.

A soft huff escaped Hyunjin-half a laugh. “You make it sound like a machine update.”

Kook didn’t answer, just waited.

“Noodles?” Hyunjin said finally, his voice easing a little. “With sauce. The sweet one.”

“Sweet soy,” Kook confirmed. “Extra vegetables?”

“Yeah.” He hesitated, then added, “And the egg-don’t skip the egg this time.”

“Noted,” Kook replied, like he was logging it in a mental file.

Another burst of laughter rang out somewhere behind them. Hyunjin’s fingers curled tightly around his strap, steps faltering for half a second. Kook shifted their route instantly toward the side street without breaking stride.

“Noise drops by forty percent here,” he said, matter-of-fact.

Hyunjin glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You actually measure that in your head, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Kook answered simply.

They walked in silence for a while, the quieter path easing some of the stiffness in Hyunjin’s shoulders. Kook watched without looking like he was watching, tracking the rhythm of Hyunjin’s steps, the way his hands finally stilled at his sides.

“You’re okay?” Kook asked, voice flat, but his eyes flicked toward Hyunjin just enough.

Hyunjin gave him a small, tired smile. “Getting there.”

“Good,” Kook said. He looked ahead again, then after a beat, added, “We’ll stop for ice cream if the shop’s open.”

Hyunjin blinked, surprised. “Ice cream? Since when do you suggest that?”

“Since now,” Kook said without missing a step. “It stabilizes mood.”

Hyunjin laughed softly, the sound loosening something tight in the air. “Sure. If you say so.”

By the time they reached their apartment building, the tension had thinned to a faint shadow. Kook unlocked the door first, scanning the hallway automatically. Hyunjin slipped inside with a quiet exhale.

“All right. Home,” Kook said, shutting the door behind them.

Hyunjin dropped his bag by the wall, looked over his shoulder with an easy smile-the kind he reserved for very few people. “Thanks, hyung.”

Kook gave a small nod. No words, just that simple gesture. Then he headed to his room without another glance.

Hyunjin slipped into his own, changing into something more comfortable before settling at his desk. His notebook opened with that same neat precision, pencil gliding in quiet, deliberate strokes.

A while later, Kook reappeared-laptop under one arm, his expression unreadable as always. He set it on the low table near Hyunjin and sat down, booting it up without a word.

Then, casually, “Which ice cream flavor do you want?”

Hyunjin paused mid-sentence, blinking at him like he’d misheard. “...What?”

“Flavor,” Kook repeated. “Vanilla, chocolate, something else?”

Hyunjin turned in his chair, brows drawing together. “You’re… letting me eat junk food?” There was a faint laugh in his voice, but also genuine surprise.

Kook didn’t look up from his screen. “Once in a while is okay,” he said, tone flat but steady. “Not every day.”

Hyunjin tilted his head, studying him for a second before humming softly. “Okay, then… chocolate.”

Kook gave the smallest nod. His fingers moved over the keyboard like nothing had happened.

After a beat, Hyunjin asked, “Are you working early today?”

A low hum was his answer, barely audible over the faint click of keys.

Hyunjin smiled to himself and turned back to his notebook.

Kook slipped on his hoodie, grabbed his keys, and said, “I’ll be back in ten.”

Hyunjin didn’t answer, just hummed in acknowledgment, eyes already back on his notebook.

When the door clicked shut, the apartment felt quieter-safe, predictable. He wrote a few more lines, then checked the clock. Eight minutes. His pencil tapped against the page, faster now, rhythm skipping. Ice cream. He kept picturing the freezer door opening, the cold air rushing out, the first sweet bite. His foot started bouncing.

By the time Kook returned, Hyunjin was at the door like he’d been listening for the elevator chime.

“You’re early,” Hyunjin said, voice brighter than before, almost too quick. His eyes darted to the paper bag.

“Three minutes early,” Kook corrected, kicking off his shoes.

Hyunjin’s fingers twitched as he took the bag, peeling it open. The ice cream cups peeked out, and he let out a soft, involuntary laugh..quick and sharp, like he hadn’t planned for it.

“Don’t eat it standing there,” Kook said, grabbing his own cup. “You’ll choke.”

Hyunjin ignored that, already at the table, spoon tearing into the creamy swirl with a precision that looked anything but casual.

“Slow down,” Kook warned, sliding into the chair across from him. “You’ll freeze your throat.”

Hyunjin didn’t slow. His leg bounced under the table, every bite quicker than the last. The cold made his eyes water, but he grinned through it, muttering, “It’s good. Really good.”

Kook frowned. “Hyun.”

Hyunjin paused, spoon midair, blinking like the name had pulled him back to earth.

“Too much, you’ll catch cold.” Kook’s tone softened but didn’t lose the edge of authority.

Hyunjin hummed, set the spoon down reluctantly, then ran a finger along the edge of the cup .. tiny movement, like he wasn’t ready to let go.

They wiped the table clean, stacking the empty ice cream cups and spoons neatly.

“I’ll get some warm water,” Kook said, moving to the kitchen. “Better you don’t catch a cold from the ice cream.”

Hyunjin hummed, nodding slightly, already returning to his notebook. Kook poured the water, careful not to splash, and set it beside Hyunjin before retreating to his own corner of the apartment with his laptop.

“Time to get back to work,” Kook said, opening his screen. “We’ve got that project to finish.”

After a moment, Hyunjin looked up, curiosity slipping into his voice. “How many days will it take to finish that project?”

“A few more days. Not hard work, just careful. We need to be thorough.” He glanced over at Hyunjin. “We’ll manage. No rush.”

Hyunjin hummed softly, pencil moving steadily across the page, then paused to observe Kook’s movements. The quiet companionship settled naturally between them..no pressure, just shared space.

Hyunjin had drifted off to sleep after hours of homework, his notebook now closed and tucked aside. Kook glanced at the clock, stretching his shoulders.

He saved his work one last time, shutting the laptop with a soft click. The apartment was quiet, the hum of the evening settling around them.

Kook stood, moving away from his desk. “Time for dinner,” he muttered to himself, already heading toward the kitchen, the familiar rhythm of cooking settling over him.

Kook’s phone buzzed on the counter, the caller ID flashing a name he had saved with a small, teasing flourish: “Starlit Rogue.” A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he answered.

“You’re free now to call me?” he asked, voice soft.

“You know,” came the reply, calm but firm, “the project should be submitted before the deadline.”

Kook’s shoulders slumped slightly. “So… you won’t come today?” His tone carried a hint of dejection, subtle but noticeable.

“I’ll try,” the voice said, almost like a promise. There was a weariness under it, a weight of responsibility...someone working harder than most could imagine, juggling more than they let on.

Kook nodded, though the other couldn’t see. “We ate the ice cream,” he said lightly, trying to keep the mood easy. “Hyunjin was… hyperactive, of course, but we managed. Dinner is almost ready.”

A soft chuckle came through the phone. “Good. Don’t overdo it.”

Kook hummed, glancing toward Hyunjin, who was now quietly organizing his homework, oblivious to the conversation. “Okay. I’ll call you later.”

The line went dead with a brief, familiar beep. Kook set the phone down and turned toward the kitchen, letting the warmth of cooking and the quiet presence of his brother fill the space.

Hyunjin quietly padded into the kitchen, careful not to disturb the calm rhythm Kook had already set. “Do you need help?” he asked, eyes scanning the counter.

Kook glanced at him, offering a small nod. “Yes, chop the vegetables, please. I’ll handle the stove.”

Together, they worked in quiet harmony. Hyunjin moved deliberately, focused on his task, while Kook stirred, tasted, and adjusted the seasonings. Words were sparse, mostly small acknowledgments or instructions, but there was a natural ease between them, the kind that didn’t need constant chatter.

Dinner was ready soon after, and they sat together, the day’s tension slowly melting away with each bite. Hyunjin, careful as ever, ate in measured bites, while Kook watched him occasionally, a subtle smile tugging at his lips.

Once they finished, Hyunjin cleared the table with methodical precision. Kook washed the dishes, the warm water running over his hands, the scent of soap and food lingering in the air.

Finally, they made their way to their rooms. Hyunjin settled under his blankets quickly, eyelids drooping. Kook lingered in the doorway for a moment before entering his own room.

Kook sank into the wide bed, the blankets cool against his skin. He stretched slightly, realizing just how much space there was. In this big bed… easily four could sleep here, he thought.

He hugged a pillow, closing his eyes for a moment. I really miss his warmth… the quiet comfort of his next to me. The way it feels like home when he's there.

A small sigh escaped him. Guess tonight it’s just me.

Kook lay staring at the ceiling, shifting from one side to another. His body was tired, but his mind refused to quiet down. He adjusted the pillow, then the blanket, even tried lying on his stomach. Nothing worked. Time crawled--minutes felt like hours.

At some point, exhaustion finally pulled him under.

Until the warmth came.

Kook blinked awake to find an arm snug around his waist, a steady breath ghosting against his neck. He froze. When had he came…? His eyes darted to the edge of the bed, he was already too close to it. Carefully, he slid out and moved to the other side, breathing out relief when space returned.

It lasted barely minutes.

The weight came again, wrapping around him like it owned him. Kook’s lips parted in disbelief. Clingier than a koala, he thought, a silent groan bubbling in his throat. He wriggled free, this time putting even more distance between them.

It didn’t matter. The presence followed, warm and stubborn.

By the third attempt, Kook just stared at the dark ceiling, defeated. “You’re impossible,” he muttered under his breath-not loud enough to wake anyone, not that it would matter.

In the end, he gave up, letting the arms stay where they were. Slowly, almost reluctantly, his muscles loosened, and he drifted off again-this time pressed against the warmth he had tried so hard to escape.

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