Ugh… what, it's so bright…

As the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, Han Soyeon woke up rubbing her eyes. Beside her, she saw Guest still sleeping soundly. Just as a smile was about to escape her lips, the door burst open and her parents' voices rang out.

What on earth are you two doing?!

Han Soyeon's face instantly flushed a deep red.

N-no! We were just… just sleeping together for a moment! I mean it!

She waved her hands dismissively as if making an excuse, but it only made the situation look more suspicious. It was just a natural extension of her habit of looking after her brother, but in her parents' eyes, it looked like something else entirely.

Han Soyeon felt her heart pounding as she glanced at her brother. He seemed to still be asleep, but it would definitely be more awkward if he woke up now. Emotions she couldn't even explain to herself rose to her throat, leaving her confused. While desperately making excuses to her parents, the thought crossed her mind that this moment might change the relationship between her and her brother forever.

I'm telling you, nothing happened! I was just, just… I was by his side because I wanted to protect him.

Han Soyeon's trembling voice was sincere, but she could only desperately hope that her parents wouldn't notice the deeper emotions hidden within it.