Chapter Text
Daniel stood up and waved as the couple walked towards him at the restaurant. He couldn’t help but felt a tinge of jealousy as he looked at them holding hands. Walking towards him was the girl of his dream and next to her was his brother, both of whom are the people he loves the most in the world. Daniel smiled as they approached him then sat down at his table.
“Hey little bro, did you wait for a long time?” His stepbrother, Minhyun, asked as he pulled the chair out for Sayoung, Minhyun’s girlfriend. Daniel watched as they looked at each other lovingly then recalled how he missed his opportunity with her.
-3 years old
Daniel had just finished feeding the stray cats at the bottom of the staircase of his apartment when he overheard a conversation between a little girl and another person. The little girl was crying, seemingly upset about something while the other person was consoling her. Daniel looked to see who it was. He’s seen the little girl a couple of times since she lives in the same apartment complex as him, but the person standing next to her was someone he’s never met before. She was wearing sweat pants and a white t-shirt, her hair in a messy bun. She looked like she’s moving in. Despite her very casual outfit and how sweaty she was from the move, Daniel couldn’t help but be in awe with her beauty. She’s the type that doesn’t require much pampering to look gorgeous.
“It’s ok… don’t cry” she comforted the little girl as she patted her head. “It’s not your fault and your parents will still love you” she reassured her.
“If they love me, why are they leaving each other?” the little girl cried.
Daniel deduced from the conversation that the little girl’s parents must be getting a divorce. That wasn’t very surprising to him since they fought every single time he’s ran into them. Daniel couldn’t help but listen in on the conversation… it was similar to what he went through when his parents divorced and his mom remarried to Minhyun’s father.
“Them stop loving each other doesn’t mean they’ll stop loving you. I’m sure you’re incredibly precious to their heart.” The girl smiled, her eyes turning into a crescent. She had a smile that would make someone feel like they’re completely safe when they’re with her. Daniel couldn’t help be felt drawn to her smile.
“When my parents got a divorce, I thought the same thing. It was my fault, I made them fight and made them hate each other” she continued “but as I grew up, I realized that it was for the better. They were miserable with each other and stayed together mostly for my sake. Once they got divorced, they became happier people. They eventually found love with other people but they never stopped loving me. Just like your parents will never stop loving you.”
The little girl dried her eyes, what Sayoung said had comforted her greatly, but she still had one more concern “but I’ll see less of my dad since I’ll be living with my mom.”
The girl sighed, that was something she also struggled with. “I won’t lie to you, that’s definitely the worst part; not being able to see someone who you’ve seen every day. But here’s the secret, when you see them less, you learn to cherish every minute you get to spend with them. Our time together was less but the quality time we spent together became more. I’m sure your dad will make sure to cherish every second he gets with you.” She pulled the little girl into an embrace “you are so strong, even if you don’t know it yet. It’s ok to cry and be sad, but know that it’ll get better. I promise you.”
The little girl hugged her back and gave a toothy smile “unni, you’re like my fairy godmother. What’s your name? I will summon you next time I feel like crying”.
“Kim Sayoung” she chuckled “I’m not a fairy but you can summon me by going to that apartment right there.” Sayoung pointed to one of the apartments on the 6th floor. “Apartment 6B. I’m moving in there today. If you ever need to talk to me, you can come find me there” she smiled.
Daniel listened to the whole conversation and found himself deeply moved by her words, having grown up in a divorce household himself, he wished someone was there to comfort him the way Sayoung had comforted that little girl. He was never the type to believe in love at first sight, but that’s exactly what happened. He was attracted to her because yes, she is gorgeous, but mostly, he fell for her because of her beautiful heart.
Daniel contemplated whether he should march up to her to introduce himself, maybe even offer to help her move since her being in 6B meant she’s right across from his place, 6A. However, he wanted his first impression to be good and well, his hair looked like a bird nest, he’s wearing two different sandals, and his shirt has a huge coffee stain on it from this morning. She’ll probably think he’s some creep who’s trying to steal her stuff if he approached her now.
With that, Daniel quickly rushed back to his apartment to change his clothes, style his hair, and spray on some cologne. In a span of 10 minutes, he opened his door and was ready to march back down to find her, however, he stopped on his track when he heard two people coming up the stair, having a conversation. Although he didn’t know her enough to know for sure it’s her voice, it sounded an awful lot like her. As for the other voice, he could tell whose voice it is even in his sleep, it was Minhyun’s.
“You’re really going to love this place. The people here are incredibly nice and friendly” Minhyun said as he helped carry her boxes up the stair.
Sayoung smiled “I really owe you one. I can’t believe my luck… the elevators breaking on the day I move in.”
“The elevators here are a mess, it’s the only thing I dislike about this building. But hey, at least it helped us get to know each other.” Minhyun flirted “also, you can always thank me over dinner” Minhyun winked, causing Sayoung to blush.
Daniel stood there, dazed. Just like that, within a span of 10 minutes, Daniel lost his chance.
“Oh hey, why are you standing outside?” Minhyun greeted Daniel as he and Sayoung finally arrived on their floor.
“Um, I was just getting some fresh air” Daniel lied. Sayoung looked at Daniel and greeted him with a smile.
“This is our new neighbor, Sayoung” Minhyun introduced her to Daniel “she’s moving in 6A. You can call her Sayoung noona since she’s older than you” Minhyun teased as he walked over to Daniel and ruffled his hair. “This is Daniel, my little brother”
“Nice to meet you, Daniel” Sayoung said as she extended her hand for a handshake.
Minhyun and Sayoung continued to see each other and began dating a while after, as Daniel stood by and watched them fall in love. He relegated himself to being like her little brother, despite being only 3 months younger than her. Soon, Daniel and Sayoung began to develop a strong friendship as well; it was hard not to when she’s his neighbor and was always at his place. Daniel and Sayoung spent as much time together as she does with Minhyun, however, it always stayed platonic. In Sayoung’s eyes, Daniel was always just Minhyun’s little brother. For Daniel, the more time he spent with her, the harder he fell. She was like a missing puzzle that fits him to a T, their sense of humor was the same, their taste in movies, foods, and hobbies are identical, they even share the love for cats. They could sit there and talk for hours and not even realize it. The only thing they didn’t have in common is that he was in love with her and she wasn’t.
-Present time
“Yah, stop eating my food and get your own!” Sayoung nagged as she slapped away Daniel’s hands.
“But it’s so much better eating someone else’s food” Daniel smirked then took another piece of steak off her plate.
“You’re such a pain” Sayoung groaned but ended up giving him another piece of her steak anyways. “Don’t say I’m not a good noona” she added. “But I hope you choke on them” she joked.
Daniel took a bite of the steak then began grasping at his throat with both of his hands, he started coughing and waving his arms in a panic; motioning that he’s choking.
“Oh my god!!!” Sayoung screamed as she quickly rushed to his side, only for Daniel to bust out laughing hysterically.
“Hahahahah!’ he hooted “you should’ve seen your face!”
“You jerk!” Sayoung rolled her eyes then punched him in the arm “that was not funny!”
“Aw, were you worried about me?” Daniel teased as he threw his arm around her shoulder, antagonizing her further.
“Yeah, I’m worried because I lent you $50 and if you died, I wouldn’t get it back” Sayoung retaliated then shoved his arm off.
“You guys are truly a match made in immature heaven. Seriously, people here will probably think you’re the ones dating each other” Minhyun said as he shook his head at how immature they were, though he was glad his little brother and his girlfriend got along so well.
Sayoung cringed at what Minhyun said and pretended to gag “please never say that again. That’s like incest” Sayoung objected.
Daniel pretended to gag as well even though deep down inside, what Sayoung just said made him sad. He’s come to term with the fact that she’s his brother’s girlfriend and they don’t have a chance, but still… hearing it from her mouth is always disheartening.
Just then, Minhyun received a phone call. He looked at the caller ID and then looked at Sayoung, hesitant to pick it up. However, after the second ring, he gave up. “Hello?” He greeted the person over the phone. Sayoung watched him talk on phone and knew what was coming next.
“Yes, I’ll be right there” he said seriously then looked at Sayoung and Daniel apologetically “Sorry… the law firm just got a big case and they need me to come in.”
He looked at Sayoung then gave her a peck on the cheek “I’ll see you later, ok?” then began rushing off.
“See you later” Sayoung replied halfheartedly as Minhyun walked away. This wasn’t the first time he’s left her in the middle of a date, as a matter of fact, for the past 3 years she’s been dating Minhyun, he’s left her on countless of dates due to his work. She thought she’d get used to it by now but she’s still disappointed every time he leaves. It always felt like she wasn’t his priority.
Daniel gave Minhyun a quick wave then turned his attention to Sayoung, he could tell she was sad. They’ve done this dance many times, Minhyun would leave her and Daniel would keep her company. In fact, that’s how they grew so close to one another; Minhyun left them plenty of opportunities to be alone. Not that Daniel minded it; he will take any moment with her he could get, even if that made it more difficult for him to move on.
“So… want to go watch a movie after this?” Daniel offered, knowing that it’ll cheer Sayoung up. He knew she loves going to the movie because she loves the smell of the popcorns and being able to escape from reality.
“Your treat” Sayoung grinned.
-At the movie
Daniel and Sayoung decided to watch a scary movie despite Sayoung being a complete chicken. She gets scared easily, but she loves the thrill of it. They decided to sit in the very back row so Sayoung won’t feel like there’s a ghost behind her; a logic that completely escapes Daniel.
Suddenly, there was a scene in which the main character looked in a mirror and saw a ghost looking right back at him. The ghost then popped out and started chasing the main character. Sayoung yelled at the top of her lungs and grabbed onto Daniel’s shirt.
“Yah, you’re stretching my shirt” Daniel complained and acted annoyed, even though he was secretly enjoying it.
“Tell me when it’s over” she whined as she buried her face into his arm.
Daniel smirked. “Pst…” Daniel whispered to her, causing her to look up from his arm “there’s a ghost behind you” he teased. Sayoung freaked out over what Daniel said, jumped, and threw her popcorns everywhere as the result. Everyone at the movie theater turned around to look at them, seeing what the commotion was all about.
Sayoung glared at him “it’s on” she threatened then began tickling him knowing that Daniel is horrible at handling tickles. He’s the type that would flail all over the place and scream, and he did just that, causing everyone to look at them once more.
“Shhh! You’re going to get us kicked out” Sayoung grinned, happy that she got him back.
Once the movie ended, Daniel and Sayoung took a taxi and headed back to their apartment.
“Careful of the ghost hiding under your bed~~~” Daniel said in a spooky voice just as Sayoung had unlocked the door to her apartment and was about to go in.
Sayoung turned around to look at him, “you’re a jackass” she scowled, then proceeded to lock her door back up and headed into Daniel’s apartment instead.
Daniel chuckled. Truth is, he wanted to spend more time with her. Yes, he knows it’s a bad idea. Yes, he’s just making it harder on himself. However, when Daniel is with Sayoung, it’s as if common sense is a foreign concept to him. He knew they can never be, but he rather be with her this way than not at all.
Sayoung walked towards Daniel’s fridge and grabbed a beer before settling on his couch. “I guess Minhyun isn’t back yet” she said disappointedly.
Daniel followed suit, he grabbed a beer for himself and settled on the floor right beneath where Sayoung was laying. “He’s probably going to stay there overnight again” Daniel answered.
“Probably…” Sayoung said as she took a sip of her beer.
“So your 3 years anniversary is coming up…” Daniel continued “what are your plans?” Despite his feelings, Daniel was glad Minhyun finally found a girl who he can commit to. Daniel thought Minhyun would never settle down since all of his previous relationships were less than a year, but turns out it just took a special girl. Unfortunately, it happens to be the girl that Daniel finds special as well. Still, Minhyun treated Sayoung well so Daniel didn’t mind losing her to his brother.
Sayoung blushed “well, actually… I was hoping you can teach me cook his favorite meal, lasagna.” Sayoung lowered her voice, embarrassed about what she’s about to say next “I also booked us a room at the Hilton.”
The room went silent; Daniel felt like he could hear his heart shattering into a million pieces. He knew that Minhyun and Sayoung have been taking it REALLY slow, mainly because Sayoung had a traumatic experience in her past relationship that made her afraid to become intimate. The guy she lost her virginity to went after her for a whole year, then once they dated and had sex, he dumped her and told her he just wanted to try a virgin. Since then, Sayoung had trouble trusting guys. Her booking the hotel with Minhyun meant she was ready to take the relationship to the next level. Daniel knew this day would come, he just didn’t realized how much it’ll bother him.
“Daniel…?” Sayoung asked, concerned because he suddenly got so quiet.
“I see…” Daniel answered, as much as he tried, he couldn’t hide the disappointment in his tone. “Do you feel like you’re ready?” He asked as he took a sip of his beer, hoping to drown his sorrow in it.
“Well… I love him and he loves me. Plus, he’s been waiting so patiently” she replied. “Do you think he’ll like the surprise?” Sayoung asked.
An outsider listening to their conversation would find it odd how opened they are to one another, however, that’s just the way Daniel and Sayoung been… she always confided in him and him in her. In many ways, she’s told Daniel things she’d never tell Minhyun.
Daniel struggled between lying to her versus telling her the truth. Truth is, Minhyun has been dying to be with her intimately, Daniel knew this because Minhyun had vented to him a few times about how frustrated he’s getting… yet how can he encourage the girl he loves to go sleep with someone else?
Daniel was torn between his happiness and his brother’s happiness.
“I think he’ll love it” Daniel said then gave her a reassuring smile, deciding to be unselfish once more. “Not sure if he’ll love your cooking though” Daniel teased, hiding his sadness with a joke.
“So you agree to helping me, right?” Sayoung pouted.
Daniel groaned “fiiineee.”
“You are the best little bro ever!” Sayoung squealed then threw her arms around Daniel’s neck, giving him a hug from the back.
And so just like that, Daniel had agreed to help the love of his life become even closer to his brother, knowing that with his help, they’ll make love to one another for the first time tomorrow. Daniel continued to drink one beer after the next until his fridge eventually ran out as he tried to erase tomorrow from his mind. He looked over to find the now asleep Sayoung, laying on the couch. Even when she’s just sleeping, Daniel found her absolutely perfect. In his drunken state, he walked over to her then kneeled down so that he’s face to face with her. He slowly touched her lips with his finger. The lips that he can never have. Daniel leaned in closer until their lips nearly touched, however, he stopped himself and pulled away, knowing that it’s a line he cannot cross. Daniel sat there and looked at her face. How can he survive tomorrow when the thought of it today was already killing him?
__________
Wanna One made their comeback!!! Daniel is killing it in that butler outfit. I die!!