Hanbin slumps into his bed, scrolling mindlessly through his phone, half-listening to the music playing softly in the background. His thoughts drift back to Haneul, and he finds himself beaming at the idea of running into him again, but he knows it'll take a bit of strategy. An idea strikes him, and before he can overthink it, he opens up his messages and scrolls to his chat with Jihoon.
Jihoon, his little brother, is usually busy with his own world of exams, tutoring, and friends, but they still make time to check in with each other. Hanbin taps his fingers against the screen, debating how to bring up Haneul. After all, he doesn't want to come off as too interested—Jihoon might start asking questions, and that could get a bit awkward. But he wants to know more, and Jihoon's his best shot.
He quickly types out a message:
Hyungie:)
Yo Hoon, how's it going? Busy with exams?
He watches the screen for a moment, and the little typing dots pop up almost immediately. Hanbin can't help but chuckle; Jihoon is active when it comes to texting, always glued to his phone, as most high schoolers are.
Hoon<3
Hyung! Yeah, you know it. I have so many assignments, it's wild.
Hanbin smiles, amused by his brother's endless school-related complaints. The kid's always complaining about something or other.
Hyungie:)
Hang in there! So… how's the tutor working out? Haneul, right?
Hanbin finds himself holding his breath, waiting for Jihoon's response, half-expecting a typical dud of an answer. But this time, Jihoon's reply comes through with a burst of excitement.
Hoon<3
OMG, hyung, he's awesome! Seriously, Haneul hyung is so cool.
Hanbin frowns, a slight sting of jealousy prickling in his chest. "Hyung?" He scoffs under his breath, a little annoyed. So Jihoon gets to call Haneul "hyung," but he doesn't? Why is he so special? He types a response, trying to keep his tone casual.
Hyungie:)
Oh? Hyung, huh? Must be nice. What makes him so awesome?
Hanbin taps the screen impatiently, his curiosity growing. He hadn't expected Jihoon to be this enthusiastic, but it only heightens his own interest in Haneul.
Hoon<3
He's just… I don't know, he's smart and doesn't get annoyed, even when I mess up. He explains everything really well, too. Plus, he's not like other tutors who just care about marks. He actually cares if I understand the stuff. It's nice!
Hanbin stares at the screen, feeling a strange mixture of pride for his brother and intrigue about Haneul. From what he'd seen, Haneul had seemed a bit distant, maybe even cold, but Jihoon's description paints a different picture. Hanbin types, his fingers moving quickly.
Hyungie:)
Wow, sounds like a good guy. When's your next session with him?
Hanbin tries to keep his tone light, as if he's not that interested, but in reality, he's planning. His mind is already turning, trying to think of a way to "coincidentally" be around when Haneul shows up next. He watches as Jihoon's reply comes through.
Hoon<3
Day after tomorrow! He's coming over in the afternoon, around 3.
Hanbin nods to himself, mentally locking in the time. Day after tomorrow… 3 PM. He taps his chin thoughtfully. It's the perfect opportunity to drop by and "just happen" to see Haneul. He's already imagining the encounter, picturing Haneul's reaction when he realizes that Hanbin's there, yet again.
Hyungie:)
Nice, maybe I'll swing by to see you. Haven't visited in a while.
He hits send, feeling a little smug about his plan. Jihoon won't suspect a thing, and he'll get a chance to talk to Haneul without seeming like he went out of his way for it. Hanbin leans back, waiting for his brother's response, amused at his own scheming.
Hoon<3
Really? You'll come home?? Sweet! Mom's been saying she misses you.
Hanbin smiles, feeling a twinge of guilt mixed with excitement. It has been a while since he visited, and he knows his mom would love to see him. And if he gets to spend a bit of time with Haneul in the process, well… that's just a bonus.
Hyungie:)
Of course, I'll come by. Gotta check on my favorite dongsaeng.
Hoon<3
Haha, I'm your only dongsaeng.
Hyungie:)
Exactly.
Hanbin grins, sending a smirking emoticon. He reads through the messages again, noting how Jihoon's giddiness practically jumps off the screen. It's funny—he rarely sees his brother this enthusiastic, especially when it comes to schoolwork. Haneul seems to have a way with people, and it only deepens Hanbin's curiosity.