In Too Deep

Introduction

Yoon Jihye's POV

Jeonghan was always there. And, in some ways, he wasn’t.

As kids, Jeonghan was everything to me—my older brother, my protector, the person I fought with the most, but also the person I trusted without question. Despite the constant bickering and teasing, there was never a moment where I felt truly alone, as long as Jeonghan was around. We were like two halves of a whole, always together, whether we liked it or not. It was a little ridiculous, really, how much I depended on him. But when you're a kid, your world is small, and your sibling is your whole universe.

But, being three years younger than him, I was still that annoying little sister to him. Always tagging along, always in his way. I could never do anything without his disapproving sigh or sarcastic comment. And I hated it. It wasn’t fair! Why did he get to do all the cool things with his friends while I was stuck on the sidelines, watching them make fun of me?

But that never stopped Jeonghan. He would never let anyone push me aside, not even his closest friends. It was like a strange, unspoken rule between us. He’d drag me along, knowing full well I wasn’t wanted, and he’d make sure no one could say a word about it. I hated it, but there was something comforting in knowing that, no matter how much I annoyed him, he’d never actually leave me behind. Not for anything.

It went like this for years—his friends, my friends. His life, my life. But somewhere along the way, things changed, and I started to notice things I hadn’t before. Maybe it was because we were getting older, or maybe it was just the way Joshua Hong seemed to pay attention to me in a way no one else did.

I remember when I first met him. I had just turned seven, and Jeonghan had dragged me along to yet another one of his weekend hangouts with his friends. Of course, they were all complaining about me being there. I wasn’t even shy, just nervous. Kids didn’t like me much, but then again, I was used to being the annoying younger sister. But Joshua was different. He didn’t groan or make fun of me. Instead, he stepped forward with a kind smile and introduced himself. His hand was small, warm, and his grip was gentle as he shook mine.

"You’re Jeonghan’s sister, right?" he said, his voice was quiet but sincere. "I'm Joshua, his best friend."

At that moment, I didn’t know what to make of him. I had never seen someone my brother’s age treat me with such kindness. In my eyes, Jeonghan was the center of my universe, and the idea of someone nice(?) getting close to him and becoming his best friend, made me defensive. But Joshua didn’t mind. Slowly, as the days went on, I realized he didn’t just treat me like an annoying kid. He treated me like a person. And, for some reason, that made me want to be around him more.

Writer's POV

It had gone on like this for as long as you could remember. Day after day, you spent your time with Jeonghan and Joshua, never once questioning the steady rhythm of your little trio. High school didn’t change much at first. Jeonghan’s once vast and varied friend groups had naturally dispersed over the years. Some friends faded away with time, their faces blurring into a distant past. Others branched out to new groups, finding people who fit into the ever-changing puzzle of adolescence. But no matter how much the social landscape around you shifted, there were always constants: Jeonghan, Joshua, and you.

The three of you were inseparable. Jeonghan, with his menace confidence, always seemed to lead the way, while Joshua’s calm presence acted as the steady anchor that kept you grounded. And you? You fit perfectly between them, not as an outsider tagging along but as a natural part of the dynamic. It was a rhythm you never thought to question, and honestly, you didn’t see the need to.

Sure, you had friends—people you ate lunch with, chatted with during class, and exchanged notes with when assignments became overwhelming.

Belonging wasn’t a place or even a feeling to you—it was Jeonghan and Joshua. It was sitting at the edge of the basketball court, watching them shoot hoops after school. It was walking to the convenience store to buy snacks you didn’t need. It was the quiet moments, the loud moments, and all the in-betweens that made your trio feel unshakable.