Jin woke up by 5am as usual and went on his morning run. That day, he'd taken another route, wanting to try out something different. It had led him to a hill with a beautiful view of the mountains and greenery and lake below. From up there he could clearly hear the sounds of birds calling and the sweet sound of water washing over the rocks.

He'd sat on the hill for a while just watching the sun come up. Normally, he never stopped on his run to appreciate nature but that day he'd felt a longing to do so. Luckily, he had washed Jungkook's car the previous night, so he didn't have to worry about doing that when he got back to the house.

By the time he got back, it was already bright and the sun had come up. He headed to the BQ to prepare for school and was in the shower when he heard a knock on the door. Whomever was at the door must have been knocking a long time because when he heard it, it was impatient and heavy.

Jin wrapped a towel around his waist and went to the door, his body dripping with water. When he opened it, he found Lee standing there in his usual black suit and his face pulled in a usual scowl. His gaze shifted from Jin's face and trailed down his body. His eyes counting the white scars plastered all over Jin's torso. Jin expected him to mention it.

"Well, that's a sight," Lee stated flatly, instead. "Maybe it's time to assign you even bigger duty, hulk."

"Does it mean I get to carry a gun now?" Jin asked.

"I wouldn't give you a gun even if the estate got invaded by zombie aliens. What's your schedule like today?" He asked.

Jin went through his schedule in his head, and spoke out as he did. "School, country club then back home," he said. "Why?"

"So, you're free tonight?"

"I'll be at home tonight, if that's what you're asking." It was a school night after all, whatever he did he would have to return to the mansion so he could drive Jungkook to school bright and early tomorrow.

With a blank expression, Lee nodded. "Alright then," he said, turning and heading away.

It took a second for Jin to piece Lee's presence and question together. "Hyung!" He called, leaning out of the doorframe.

Lee turned and faced him, brows raised.

"What are you planning to do?" Jin asked.

"About what?" Lee asked, his face as expressionless as ever. He was incredible at hiding his emotions so well, but Jin already knew what was going on.

"You know what I'm talking about," Jin said, seriously. "Just so you don't waste your time, money and energy, I don't celebrate my birthdays."

"Today's your birthday?"

The look Jin gave him was flat and bored.

"It's just a couple of drinks and some fried chicken, nothing elaborate," Lee said, finally caving and revealing his actual intentions.

"I appreciate the gesture but don't bother with that. I don't want it. Today is a regular day like every normal day that has come and gone. Please, whatever you've put in motion, stop it," Jin said to him.

"Jin-"

"I have to prepare for school now, Hyung. I don't want to keep the young master waiting," he said before turning away and heading back into the BQ. He shut the door behind him and leaned against it, a shaky breath escaping his mouth.

Jin pressed his fingers against his forehead, shutting his eyes. He just needed to get through the day without anything dramatic happening. More than ever, he needed the strength to be his normal self and have a normal day.

After a few minutes of breathing exercise, Jin proceeded to prepare for school. He wore his neatly ironed uniform, throwing on the school's cardigan because the weather felt chillier than normal, then he slid on his pair of black boots. He stood in front of the mirror, watching his reflection, trying to find the physical difference between 18 and 19.

He still had the same cropped black hair and his dark brown eyes looked the same, the only difference was the look in them as they stared back at him, disapproving, like they could see past his strong guy façade, like they could see into his soul and knew exactly what was going on with him.

His height was the same. His color hadn't changed overnight. His nose were still small and round with a single silver stud on the left side of it. No difference either with his lips. Everything was still the same, so what exactly was he supposed to be celebrating?

He snatched his bag from his reading chair and left the BQ, making his way to the car park where he climbed into the black Range Rover. Even though there were four cars assigned to Jungkook but Jin always preferred to drive the Range Rover. He loved the heating seatings. Plus, he'd always subconsciously loved how good Jungkook looked sat at the backseat of the car like a true young master.

Speaking of which, Jungkook was already waiting by the time Jin drove the car to the front of the house. He quickly climbed into the backseat, shutting the door behind him and filling the car with his intoxicating signature Sandalwood scent. They were alone again in the tinted car.

A hand settled on Jin's shoulder, squeezing tight. Like a miracle, Jin felt the knot in his stomach loosen. He reached over to his shoulder and placed his hand atop Jungkook's.

"Did you oversleep?" Jungkook asked, softly.

"No. I got caught up talking with Lee," Jin said, releasing Jungkook's hand to place on the steering wheel. He put the car into drive and headed out.

"What did he want so early?"

Jin shrugged. "Nothing of importance," Jin said, and immediately changed the subject. "Did you sleep well?"

Jungkook sighed. "As well as I can. I was on the phone with Yoongi until 3am. He's having some career crisis."

"Isn't he an influencer? Do influencers have crisis?"

"A lot, apparently," Jungkook said. Jin briefly looked at him from the rearview. He was leaning against the seat, his eyes shut, and his dark hair falling across his face. He looked so peaceful, so ethereal. "He's contemplating modeling. I told him to go for it if he wants but he's not sure it's for him."

"Right, because he's short."

Jungkook scoffed. "Jimin's literally a dwarf and I don't see anyone tossing him off the runway."

"He's taller than Yoongi, anyway."

"Yeah, by 0.01 inch," Jungkook said, letting out a yawn. "He's not even a good model. I can walk a runway better than he can."

Jin watched him from the rearview. He could see the tiredness on Jungkook's face as clear as day. "Take a quick nap. I'll wake you up when we get to school, okay?"

"I'm okay. We could talk," he said, trying to keep his eyes open.

"We have plenty of time to talk later."

"But..." Jungkook started to say but a yawn interrupted his words. "Fine. I'll take a short nap."

Eventually, Jungkook shut his eyes and went silent. He was so charming. He was the only part of the day that Jin had looked forward to but in an indecipherable way, his presence, smile and voice soothed Jin.