So Weird

It's strange.

When reality hits you, things are more complicated than you think.

Euric didn't know how to answer because his mind was full of thoughts on how could he ignore such a simple thing causing it to become big. Why didn't he realize it until now? That probably...the reason why his little brother acts like that is because of other people's ridicule.

...And also because of their carelessness.

"Brother, I don't like it."

Eugene lowered his head and tears keep streaming down his face.

"I don't want to become a good person, I just wanted to be who I am. I want my freedom in expressing my emotions because whenever I suppress something, I feel like bursting."

Euric's expression cracked and his hands trembled.

"I want to be selfish because I want something to be called my own."

Euric couldn't bear to hear it, knowing that he had not once asked his little brother if he was fine nor if things are his fault. He always jumps to conclusion that Eugene really did it and only wanted to know the reason.

Why? Just why?

He wanted to say something but he couldn't utter a word.

It was as if, some force is preventing him.

Eugene on the other hand misunderstood his brother's silence. He thought that his brother didn't want to hear some drama so he swallowed back his words and didn't try to blur out his thoughts.

"I'm sorry, please forget it."

Letting it out is useless. His brother might think he's going crazy.

"Brother, I'm a bit tired, can you go now?"

Euric didn't move.

"Bro--"

"I'm sorry."

Eugene froze and look at his brother with wide eyes, not expecting the apology he heard.

Euric's eyes turn red as he looks at his little brother's face.

Just when did it start that he began to ignore Eugene and always look after Eullian? How could he do such a terrible thing to his little brother who also needs care and guidance? Why? Why didn't he realize it sooner? He is too confident that everything is alright, and that Eugene is not the kind of kid who would be easily affected by rumors.

How painful could it be?

For a ten-year-old child to be judged by society?

"You rest for now. I'll go talk to you tomorrow."

Eugene watches his brother hurriedly walk out of his room.

He slump down on the sofa and stare at nowhere in a daze, still couldn't believe what he heard.

He had long wanted to hear his brother apologize but he never heard it in his past life, even after knowing that they were the reason for his suffering. So why? Why is it so easy now?

He hated it.

Eugene couldn't help his tears.

Why does he need to become like that in the past when everything seems easy in this life? Why he hadn't thought that it was because of a lack of communication that their misunderstanding build a huge gap?

If only...he put down his pride.

Then, wouldn't things be different?

He lives his life believing what others say because that's how also he observed. His father is indifferent to him because he prefers Eullian who is good at studying. His mother cares and pours all her attention on Eullian because she feels guilty. And his eldest brother? He thought that he [Euric] liked Eullian more than him because Eullian is more lovable, caring, and sweet.

What about him?

Just because he's healthy, they always let him be.

What about those times when he would peek at them while they were having their little time together? Why in all those times he was left alone and scared...he had no one to lean on to make him feel better?

He just realizes it now.

Why is he born if he will just suffer?

And how come he just realized at this time that his regret is not about those people whom he hurt but all about himself? That he regrets living in hatred...

Living his life begging for love.

Living his life begging for attention.

Living his life wanting others' affection.

That all along, all he wanted is the word "sorry" to make his heavy and burdened heart loosen.

"Ah. Hahahahaha."

Eugene clutched his chest and cried while laughing.

"I'm so stupid. I'm really so stupid."

Hearing his brother apologize make him realize some things a little too late.

He couldn't believe that he nearly spends this lifetime again in lies.

——"Sami!"

Inside a luxurious cream-colored room inlaid with gold linings and furniture. Euric who came back to his room threw his things in anger and called his personal butler.

"I want you to investigate something!"

When Sami went in, he looked around and saw the mess in the room.

"I want to know the rumor that's going around about Eugene and report it to me immediately. I will give you three days to collect information and send it to me."

Sami's lips twitch.

Here comes an unreasonable request.

"Young master, do I need to include the background of those people who started the rumor?"

Euric calm himself and answered, "Yes. I want everything."

He wanted to know who dared to harm his younger brother while he was not paying attention. At the same time, he also wanted to hear what kind of rumors are circulating that could make his brother changes his behavior.

Things do seem not easy...

And Euric knew that even if he deal with the rumors now, it was too late because the damage has been done and his younger brother is already hurt emotionally.

Why? Just why...

He didn't realize it sooner?

——Eugene feels uncomfortable after his brother's visit.

He wasn't supposed to say those things but he can't help his tears. After all, apologizing to his second brother is not easy, especially after all those things that happen in the past.

He just reach his limit...

Which made him emotional.

Mending his relationship with his family wasn't part of the plan. All he wanted is to protect them secretly to make up for his unsatisfactory desires. So that there would be no guilt in this life.

"Hah!"

Sighing, he lay on the bed and cover his face with his arms.

Talking with his eldest brother drained his energy so even if Vincent stay inside the room, he didn't bother to pay attention to him [Vincent]. He just let Vincent clean his room with gusto as he took a nap in his bed to rest his mind.

After waking up at dawn, Vincent is no longer around and the room became sparkling clean.

He stood up and walk onto the balcony to watch the sun.

It's so beautiful.

Seeing such scenery makes him forget some unpleasant things that happen, so he immediately grabs a chair and sat down while hugging his knees.

Eugene only wears thin clothes and isn't even bothered by the cold.

But Vincent who came inside the room was worried and immediately grab a blanket to wrap his young master.

"Young master shouldn't stay outside with thin clothes or you'll catch a cold."

Eugene didn't speak.

Vincent who was called by the eldest young master was told about everything so his attitude towards Eugene turns [1] 180 degrees. After all, knowing that a child had to bear so much humiliation without anyone's care is too distressing. It's no wonder his young master grew up so demanding, insecure, and short-tempered. It's because of the people who surround him.

No one understands this child.

And knowing how sensitive a kid is...

Just imagine how much damage it causes to his young master in a phase of growing up.

He suddenly feels ashamed as he failed to become the most loyal subject to his master. If only he wasn't blinded by the rumor then his attitude toward his young master would have been better from the very start. But now, it's too late, his young master has no trust in him and even doesn't want his presence by his [Eugene] side.

"Young master, it's getting cold. We should head inside."

Eugene's eyelashes trembled.

Hearing Vincent's soft voice sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help feeling creepy.

What would you do if the butler who used to hate you, treated you so well?

Ignore!

Pursing his lips, he clutches tightly at the blanket on his body and stares at the skies, treating Vincent as invisible.

Vincent thought that his young master is sad.

After all, he was grounded by the housemaster.

But the garden is accessible it's just he didn't know why his young master insists on staying inside the room, creating a gloomy and depressive atmosphere.

"Young master?"

Eugene's eyelashes trembled as he lowered his gaze.

"You're so annoying!"

Pouting, he stood up from the chair and run inside, throwing his body on the bed.

"Why are you inside my room?! I told you that you can't get in without my permission!"

Vincent wasn't annoyed.

"I'm here to help young master take a bath."

Remembering his willfulness, Eugene who traveled countless worlds and learn how to be independent blushed in embarrassment.

"I don't need it!"

How could he forget that Vincent used to bathe him and change his clothes because he was too lazy to move? Aside from that, there is also a time when he would let Vincent massage his foot in a kneeling position because he enjoyed the feeling of being worshiped like a god.

Goodness!

How could he forget such an embarrassing moment?!

Burying his head on the pillow, he shouted and patted the bed while telling Vincent to go away.

Vincent didn't want to irritate his young master anymore so he comply and walk away worriedly, wondering if his young master could take care of himself alone.

Eugene who took a peek at the closed door immediately stood up and run towards the bathroom to take a bath when Vincent left and read another history book right before going to bed.

——The next day, Euric visited Eugene.

This time instead of Vincent, he personally woke up his little brother.

Sitting at the bedside, he stares at Eugene's sleeping face and sighs. He hated his incompetence and what happen to his little brother became his wake-up call.

Now, he won't let rumors hurt his little brother anymore.

What needs to be done should be done and while doing that, he needs to mend his relationship with his little brother so that there would be no grievance and guilt.

Pursing his lips, he raised his hand and patted his little brother's head.

"Wake up sleepy head, you need to eat your breakfast."

Eugene who was awakened earlier when Euric went in couldn't help but internally scream.

What the hell?! What the hell?!

First, it's Vincent, now his brother?!

Creepy! So creepy!

Don't! Don't act so soft! He doesn't like it! Eugene wanted to be treated the same as always! He doesn't need pity at all!

He's fine living alone so don't disturb him, thank you.

"Hmmm."

Pretending that he just woke up...

Eugene show a surprised look and shouted, "Brother?!" and immediately sat up.

Euric was a little worried seeing Eugene wobble so he supported his little brother.

"Why you suddenly sat up? Are you dizzy?"

Eugene lowered his gaze and let his brother massage his forehead.

"Brother, why are you here early in the morning? where's Vincent?"

Euric fixes Eugene's hair.

"I order Vincent to prepare your breakfast."

Eugene dodge his brother's hand and climbed down from the bed.

"Brother, I'll take a shower first."

Euric frowns, "It's early morning, just change your clothes."

No! Eugene hated being touched and his brother is not an exemption so he pretended not to hear his brother and run to the bathroom after pulling a towel.

And while taking his time in the bathroom, Vincent arrived with a warm breakfast and Euric immediately check the dishes before nodding...expressing his satisfaction.

Vincent hesitated.

He wanted to tell the eldest young master about the young master's dislike to warm food but on second thought he set aside the matter since it's the eldest master and knowing the second young master's adoration towards his [Eugene] elder brother, Vincent kept his mouth shut and leave the room.

When Eugene came back, he saw his eldest brother sitting on the couch patiently.

"Brother? Aren't you busy?"

Euric raised an eyebrow, "I'll go back to the academy tomorrow, this time I'll accompany you."

Eugene lowered his head to hide his frown and his displeasure doubled when he saw the warm dishes on the table.

"Come, sit down and eat."

Eugene bit his lips and said, "Brother are you really not busy?"

He doesn't want to eat the food on the table but his brother is present and he can't show such a willful side of his.

On the other hand, Euric misunderstands Eugene's meaning and thought that his little brother is a little lonely and wanted him to assure him that he'll be spending his time with him [Eugene].