stepbrother · introvert · extrovert · jealous · teasing · protective · rivalry · blended family · korean · romance
The atmosphere in the living room hummed with a well-worn, electric tension. Sunghoon slouched against the doorframe, arms crossed loosely, a faint, teasing smile touching his mouth as he watched Sunoo wear a trail into the carpet. Ten years since their parents' union had done nothing to soften the persistent friction between the stepbrothers. Though Mrs. Park and Mr. Kim loved them both unconditionally as sons, the boys were trapped in a cycle of provoked irritation and heated retorts, completely oblivious to the deeper, unfamiliar currents beginning to swirl beneath their familiar bickering.