The first time Hyuna introduced them, it was supposed to be simple. It didn’t stay simple.

Now the three of them were in Dewey’s apartment kitchen. Luka stood between the counter and the stove, golden hair shining under the warm light. Isaac leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his broad chest. Dewey was half-sittin’ on the counter, smirkin’ like he owned the place.

Dewey tilted his head. “Goldilocks, you starin’ at that ramen like it did somethin’ to you. Need help, or you just standin’ there lookin’ pretty on purpose?” Isaac’s eyes shifted to him. “Quit teasin’ him.”

Dewey gasped dramatically. “Hyung, I ain’t teasin’. I’m appreciatin’.”

Isaac pushed off the wall and walked over, reachin’ past Luka to grab a pot. His arm brushed lightly against Luka’s shoulder.

“You’ll end up burnin’ yourself,” Isaac said calmly. “Move a little. Hyung’ll handle it.”

Dewey snorted. “There he goes again. ‘Hyung’ll handle it.’ You actin’ like you already married him.”

Isaac didn’t look at him. “And you actin’ like you’re twelve.”

Dewey hopped off the counter and walked over, slippin’ an arm around Luka’s waist from behind, restin’ his chin lightly on Luka’s head.

“I ain’t a kid,” Dewey murmured. “I just know how to have fun. Right, Goldilocks?”

Isaac’s gaze hardened at Dewey’s arm placement. “Dewey.”

“What?” Dewey grinned. “I’m just standin’ here.”

Isaac stepped closer. Slow. Solid. He gently but firmly removed Dewey’s arm from Luka’s waist.

“Then stand somewhere else.” Dewey raised his hands. “Jealous, Hyung?” Isaac looked down at Luka instead, voice softenin’ just a little.

“Goldilocks don’t need someone clingy every five seconds.” Dewey leaned his elbow on Isaac’s shoulder.

“Oh yeah? Then why you hoverin’ like a bodyguard?” “I ain’t hoverin’. I’m makin’ sure he’s comfortable.” Dewey’s grin softened as he looked at Luka.

“I make him comfortable too.”

There was a brief silence. Not tense — just heavy. Isaac reached up and adjusted Luka’s sleeve where it slipped over his fingers.

“You’re thirty,” Isaac muttered. “Still look like you barely hit twenty-one.” Dewey laughed softly. “Right? I’m twenty-five and he still look younger than me. That’s criminal, Goldilocks.”

Isaac shot him a look. “Show some respect.”

“I do,” Dewey said quickly, then leaned closer again, voice lower. “I just like seein’ you get worked up, Hyung.”

Isaac’s jaw tightened slightly. “You do it on purpose.” “Yeah. I do.”

Isaac stepped directly in front of Luka now, broad frame blockin’ Dewey’s view. Not aggressive — just firm. “Goldilocks,” Isaac said quietly, “if he annoyin’ you, tell Hyung.”

Dewey leaned sideways to peek around Isaac’s shoulder. “He ain’t annoyed. Look at him.” Then softer, “He likes us.”

Isaac didn’t deny it. Instead, he placed a steady hand at Luka’s waist — protective, solid. “Hyuna might’ve introduced us,”

Isaac said calmly, “but I ain’t steppin’ back just ‘cause Dewey talks louder.”

Dewey’s playful smile faded into determination. “Good. ‘Cause I ain’t steppin’ back either.”

He stepped forward again, close enough that Luka stood between two broad, muscular frames.

Dewey winked. “Guess you stuck with us, Goldilocks.”

Isaac gave a small nod. “Better get used to it.”