The living room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the television. An action-comedy movie played in the background, its car chases and jokes providing a light distraction. Min-jun was sprawled across one end of the large couch, legs stretched out lazily, a big pizza box open on the coffee table. He attacked slice after slice with zero elegance—cheese stretching wildly, sauce smearing his chin, eating like he hadn't touched food all day. His eyes stayed locked on the screen.
Esler sat at the other end, holding his own slice neatly on a plate. He glanced at his brother and felt a strange mix of amusement and mild judgment at the messy display.
"Hey! Do you also wanna have some?" Min-jun asked through a full mouth, noticing Esler's stare. A few crumbs flew as he spoke.
"No thanks. I'll have myself," Esler replied, turning his gaze back to the TV.
They watched quietly for a while. Eventually, Esler broke the comfortable silence. "So, I think things are settled between us again, right?"
Min-jun paused mid-bite. "Nope."
Esler looked at him, surprised. "What do you mean?"
Min-jun wiped his hands carefully with a tissue, then cleaned his mouth. He set the pizza down and turned to face Esler directly. For a long moment, silence stretched between them, the movie's laughter feeling distant.
"I mean I haven't forgiven you. Not fully," Min-jun said calmly.
Esler's brow furrowed in confusion. "Min…"
Min-jun took a deep breath. "Look, we both love Jennie. She seems confused right now, so I think we should give her time. I'll stay out of it and keep things normal between us. Just… don't hurt her. Because if you do, no one will be worse than me."
The warning was clear but delivered without heat. Esler met his eyes steadily and nodded. "I won't. You have my word."
Min-jun studied him for a second longer, then nodded back. The tension eased. "Good. Now stop being serious and watch the movie. This part's hilarious."
They finished the film like that—two brothers sharing pizza and quiet reconciliation. The wounds were still healing, but the foundation felt stronger.
Later that night, both of them drifted off on the couches. Esler remained somewhat upright, while Min-jun was completely sprawled out, one arm dangling off the side. The TV switched to a screensaver, bathing the room in soft blue light.
The sharp ringing of a phone shattered the early morning quiet. Min-jun groaned and fumbled for his phone. It was barely 4:00 a.m. Jin's name flashed on the screen.
He answered sleepily. "Bro, what's with the early morning call?"
"You moron, you really forgot?" Jin sounded annoyed and wide awake.
"What, your birthday?" Min-jun mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Meelie!! Your sister is coming today. You actually forgot?" Jin nearly shouted.
Min-jun sat up quickly. "Today? Damn…"
Esler stirred on the other couch and opened his eyes. "Everything okay?"
Min-jun waved vaguely while still on the call. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be there. Thanks for the reminder." He hung up and sighed. "Meelie's flight is today. I completely lost track."
Esler stood up, already more alert. "I'll come with you to pick her up."
Min-jun blinked in surprise but smiled. "You sure? It's really early."
Esler nodded. "She's family. Let's both go."
They quickly freshened up, made strong coffee, and headed out together in Esler's car. The city streets were still quiet at that hour, streetlights reflecting off the roads. As they drove, conversation flowed easily—reminiscing about old times, teasing each other, and carefully avoiding heavier topics.
"You know Meelie always liked you more," Min-jun said with a light laugh. "Even when we were kids, she'd run to you first whenever something happened."
Esler smiled faintly. "She has good taste."
Min-jun chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head."
They reached the airport with time to spare and waited near the arrivals gate. When passengers started coming out, Min-jun spotted her first. Meelie walked out pulling a suitcase, looking fresh despite the long flight. Her face lit up when she saw both of them.
"Min! Esler!" she called excitedly, rushing over.
She hugged Min-jun tightly first, then turned to Esler with an even brighter smile and gave him a warm, lingering hug. "I missed you both so much! But Esler, you look exactly the same—always so put together."
Min-jun rolled his eyes playfully. "Nice to see you too, sis."
The three of them walked out together, Meelie chatting animatedly about her time abroad. She naturally gravitated more toward Esler, asking about his work and life updates while occasionally teasing Min-jun for forgetting her arrival. The easy sibling dynamic warmed the early morning air.
On the drive back, Meelie sat in the front passenger seat while Min-jun lounged in the back. "So, what's new with you two? Anything exciting happening while I was gone?"
The brothers exchanged a quick glance. There was still a lot to explain—Jennie, the engagement, the complicated past—but for now, they kept things light.
"You'll hear all about it," Esler said smoothly. "For now, welcome home."
Meelie beamed, clearly happy to be back with her brother and the one she had always felt closer to. Her arrival brought a new energy, a fresh chapter for their family.
Later that morning, after dropping Meelie at home and making sure she settled in, the brothers returned to Esler's apartment. Jennie, unaware of these new developments yet, went about her day with a quiet sense of hope. Messages from Esler and thoughts about yesterday's conversations with Min-jun kept her smiling.
The family ties were strengthening in unexpected ways. Meelie's return promised more laughter, more truths, and perhaps more complications—but also more healing.
Min-jun felt lighter than he had in weeks. Esler allowed himself to hope that things were finally moving in the right direction. And somewhere in the middle of it all, Jennie remained the gentle center they were both learning to navigate with care.