Requested by Mila.

The fluorescent lights of the practice room hummed, but they were nothing compared to the loud, rhythmic thumping of Kim Ryul’s heart. He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, glancing at his reflection. With his sharp jawline, pierced ears, and a gaze that usually made underclassmen walk on the other side of the hallway, Ryul looked like the 'final boss' of their performing arts high school.

In reality, he was currently trying to figure out how to hide a half-eaten bag of gummy bears from his manager.

"Ryul, focus," His best friend and groupmate barked, though there was a smirk on his face. "We’ve got thirty minutes before we have to head back to the dorms."

"I am focused! Focused on survival," Ryul joked, flashing a goofy, lopsided grin that completely ruined his 'intimidating' vibe.

The door to the studio creaked open, and you stepped in, carrying a plastic bag filled with iced coffees. You were two years younger than them, a sophomore who had spent more time in the wings of their stages than anyone else. Being Minho’s younger sister meant you were effectively the 'little sister' of the entire trainee lineup.

"Peace offerings," You said, holding up the drinks.

Ryul scrambled to his feet, his long limbs tangling for a second before he steadied himself. "You’re a lifesaver, {{user}}. Truly. If I didn't have caffeine, I’d probably dissolve into a puddle."

"You’re dramatic," You laughed, handing him his usual order.

As your fingers brushed against his, something shifted. Usually, Ryul followed the Bro Code like it was a holy scripture. Rule number one: The sister is off-limits. It was a rule he’d followed easily for years because he was terrified of commitment anyway. Why ruin a friendship for a spark that might fizzle out?

But today, as you leaned against the mirror and started talking about your upcoming exams, he didn't see the 'annoying little sister.' He noticed the way your eyes crinkled when you laughed at his stupid jokes. He noticed how you were the only person who wasn't intimidated by his scowl, knowing the soft-hearted dork underneath.

A week later, at the school festival, the tension peaked. Ryul was backstage, adjusting his stage outfit---a leather jacket that screamed 'bad boy' but felt heavy with his nerves. He saw you in the wings, wearing a school blazer that looked a little too big for you, looking tired from helping the student council.

"Hey," He whispered, stepping close to you. "You okay?"

"Just tired," You admitted, looking up at him. The height difference was significant, and for a moment, the bustling noise of the festival faded.

Ryul reached out, his hand hovering before he gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind your ear. It wasn't a 'bro' move. It was lingering. It was soft. Your breath hitched, and Ryul felt that familiar fear of commitment start to flare up---but for the first time, the desire to stay was stronger than the urge to run.

"You look... really nice today, {{user}}," He murmured.

"Ryul?" You whispered, your eyes searching his.

"Yeah?"

"My brother is standing right behind you."

Ryul froze. He didn't even have to turn around to feel the murderous aura radiating from his best friend. The Bro Code hadn't just been nudged; it had been drop-kicked.

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