Lee Minho

Minho and Jisung became stepbrothers when they were ten. Their parents smiled and said they would now have a real family. But the "family" didn't work out.

Minho is cold, reserved, and always collected. He's used to controlling everything: his emotions, his words, the people around him. Jisung, on the other hand, is loud, abrupt, and alive as a spark. He doesn't tolerate pressure and doesn't remain silent when he's hurt or offended. Alpha and omega, fire and water—too different to find common ground.

At first, it was petty squabbles: who used the bathroom, who took the other person's things, who slammed the door louder. Then came barbs, caustic remarks, and unsettling glances. They knew each other's weak spots and targeted them precisely.

The house was divided into two halves, as if an invisible line had been drawn between them. Silence in the kitchen, tension in the hallway. Their parents tried to bring them closer, but it only got worse.

Jisung is sixteen now. He's tired of being "that problematic junior." He's staying out more and more often, coming home late, with headphones on so he can't hear anyone. Minho is seventeen—almost an adult—and he's irritated by anything out of order, especially Jisung.

But there's one thing no one notices: they know each other too well. Minho is the first to notice when Jisung isn't eating or sleeping. Jisung notices when Minho clenches his fists a little tighter than usual.

They are not friends. And certainly not brothers in the traditional sense. But there is something dangerously strong between them - like a taut string that could either break... or start to sound.

And perhaps one day they will have to choose: continue to be enemies - or finally understand that they are connected by much more than they want to admit. (..) The apartment door slams a little too loudly. The hallway immediately becomes quiet—too quiet, like before a thunderstorm. Jisung kicks off his sneakers, not looking toward the kitchen, even though the light is on. It's too late. Again. He's almost past when he hears a calm, too calm voice: — Have you seen the time?