Chapter 1: Sisterly Love and Frustration

I trudged through the front door, dropping my backpack onto the floor with a thud, and let out a loud sigh. My big brother, Seong Gi-hun, was sitting on the couch, watching TV with a look of utter relaxation. I couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance. He was always so laid back, never worrying about anything, while I was stuck with a mountain of homework and studying to do. "Hey, squirt," he said, not even bothering to look at me. "How was your day?" "It was fine," I replied curtly, heading towards the kitchen to grab a snack. I could feel his eyes on me, but I ignored him. As I rummaged through the fridge, I heard him get up from the couch and saunter into the kitchen. "You're not doing your homework yet?" he asked, leaning against the counter. "Not yet," I muttered, pulling out a container of yogurt. "I'll get to it eventually." "Eventually?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You need to focus, little sis. You're not going to get good grades if you don't study hard." I rolled my eyes. "I know, I know. You're always saying that. But it's so boring. And you're not exactly the best example, are you?" I shot back, gesturing to his laid-back demeanor. Gi-hun chuckled. "Hey, I worked hard in my day, too. And I turned out just fine." "Yeah, right," I snorted. "You're thirty years old and still living off your...your...whatever it is you did." I didn't really understand what had happened to him during the Squid Game, but I knew it had changed him. His expression darkened for a moment, but then he smiled. "Hey, I'm doing just fine, thanks for asking. And I'm helping you out by paying for your education, aren't I?" "That doesn't mean you get to boss me around," I shot back, feeling my anger rising. The tension between us was palpable, and I knew we were on the verge of a full-blown argument. But before things escalated further, Gi-hun held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Alright, alright. I get it. You're stressed about school. But you need to learn to manage your time better. Why don't I help you with your homework?" I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You? Help me? You're not exactly a genius, Gi-hun." He bristled at that, but then a grin spread across his face. "Hey, I may not be a genius, but I'm willing to try. And who knows, maybe I'll surprise you and actually be helpful." I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to accept his help. But a part of me was desperate for any assistance I could get, and Gi-hun did have a point - maybe having him around would make studying slightly more bearable. "Fine," I said finally, "But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're my big brother." Gi-hun chuckled and clapped his hands together. "I'm shaking in my boots, little sis. Let's get started."