[41]

[41]

2 years ago....

15 years old jaehyun sat in one of his mom's car, happily humming a song his older brother taught him. he and his driver were stuck in a traffic jam but nothing to worry. his brother promised to play with him after studying together. where was his brother anyway? as far as he knows the older would be practicing in C9 entertainment. a year from now he would debut. exciting right?

❝Mr. driver are we going to pick up big brother? ❞ he asked the old man who looked at him through the review mirror.

❝unfortunately no sir jaehyun. Sir jaehyung went home eary by himself. truthfully speaking, I was worried when he arrived in the mansion after walking home❞ the man explained, frowning.

Jehyun tilted his head. why would he walk when we have a car?, he thought. ❝do you why mister? ❞

the man shook his head. ❝I'm afraid not sir but that's where you come in sir. Sir jaehyung looked tired, maybe if he sees his favorite younger brother then he would be energized❞ a smile creeped onto his lips as the young jaehyun started clapping his hands while mumbling things on what he could do.

❝I'm home! ❞ running past the maids that opened the grand front doors, jaehyun zoomed past them, throwing his school bag to another maid who tried to run after him. he shouldn't be running in lobby. he passed the head maid who was about to scold him but gave up as he skipped his way up the stairs. he took a few twists and turns before reaching the sleeping quarters of him and his brother. he stopped at the familiar bedroom doors of his brother, a gold name plate on both doors. he doesn't usually knock but he had a feeling he should. knocking thrice, he waited for his older brother to open one of the doors. ❝big Bro? ❞

maybe he's taking a bath, he thought before pushing open a door to his brother's room. he scanned the place, frowning after. the water wasn't running nor was his brother on his bed practicing his singing or judging his poor test scores that he tried to hide.

❝he must be in the secret spot❞ if his brother isn't here then he should be at least in their secret spot somewhere in the garden. secret since it's only the two of them who knows about it. he turned around with his heel before marching of the room and as expected, a maid closed the door behind him. ❝big bro wait for me! ❞

running past the maids and butlers who scolded him, jaehyun payed No attention to them. running to the kitchen where there was a backdoor that led to the backyard and garden as well as the secret spot. of course, like the maids and butlers, he got scolded by the cooks and servers who were busy preparing dinner. he burst open the small backdoor before jumping out and dashing once more. there were more gardeners in the back than the front since there were more plants but that didn't stop him. he can get scolded many times but that wouldn't matter. once he sees his big bro.

it took him a good five minutes before reaching the secret spot. it was their father's secret garden that was far from the estate. closer to the gates that enclosed around the estate . no one goes there since his mom forbidanyone from taking care of the place thus why he and his brother do the work. it also served as their safe haven, especially when their mom would force them to study accounting on some nights or when there were guests around.

The spot had a shed bug enough for a bed to be placed and a full kitchen with a bathroom. at the side was a water pump where he and his brother would get water from. beside that was a garden that they took take care. there was also a big mangrove tree at the back.

❝big Bro!❞ opening the door that led to the inside of the shed, jaehyun immediately frowned at the empty sight. his big brother wasn't there nor was there a trace of him there. where could he be? , he thought. his brother rarely oes home late and when he does he would ask one of their drivers to pick him. not only that but the driver a while ago said he was home already.

seeing no sign of his brother, Jehyun went back outside and to the back where the tree was planted. he called out his name a few times, wondering if his brother ran away or something. he couldn't have right?, he asked himself before pushing his feet closer to the mangrove tree that stood a few distance away fro. the shed.

as he walked closer, he couldn't help but squit his eyes as he caught something swinging. it even bothered him since he and his brother don't even dare to climb or swing something on that tree.

he was a few feet closer when his blood ran cold. he stood there frozen at the horrible sight in front of him. he wanted to scream but he was scared that he was going to get scolded but he needed help. he contemplated if he should call their father who they kept contact with of the staff. obviously the latter since their father was out of town. and so with shacky hands, he took his phone out of his pocket and dialed the main house phone.

"hello Lee residence, maid speaking"

❝m-miss i-it's me j-jaehyun❞ He stuttered, he was still facing the frightful sight.

"oh sir jaehyun, have you found sir jaehyung? it's almost dinner time" the maid grew worried at the second young master's stuttering. "is there something wrong sir? "

❝m-miss p-please s-send some m-men❞

"huh? why is there something wrong sir jaehyun? is the first master there? "

❝that's t-the thing miss. big bro is.... ❞

"is? " the maid had already called for some men and instructed them to follow the location of the second master's phone from the security system.

❝h-hanging❞

🌟

Jehyun rubbed the sleepiness of his eyes before sitting up on the bed he slept in. he had a strange dream—no nightmare about the event two years ago. he rarely dreams and when he does, it was mostly his memories that resurface. no he did not get amnesia, instead he forced to forget it to escape the trauma that it left.

Looking out the window, he guessed it was around 4 in the early morning. he slept in the shed of his father's lot in their estate. he wanted to stay here since he knew the staff wouldn't pester him here. they weren't allowed stepping foot in his father's lot. groaning, he got out of bed before walking to the door which he pushed open and got out.

❝I-i should get some fresh air❞ he said with his hoarse voice. it wasn't the best idea as he was dressed in thin pajamas and some outdoor slippers and with the temperature bing below zero At This time of the day, he could get a cold. he hugged himself tight as a sudden breeze pushed past him. ❝heavens it's freezing❞

he then moved to the back where he walked to the tree. he honestly felt bad for not taking care of the place. there were overgrown grass and weeds everywhere. the flowers that one decorated the place withered and died. the only thing looking healthy was the mangrove tree. seeking of the mangrove tree, he walked up to it before placing a hand on it's trunk and heaving out a sigh. it was like yesterday he saw his brother hanging on this very tree. it still scares him but he knew he had to come back one way or another. he promised his big bro. that whatever happens he would take care of this place for their father. speaking of their father, he wondered where the old man is. he hasn't seen in what 10? 12 years? or so.

Jehyun heaved a tired sigh before slidding down to the ground, back leaned onto the trunk while he placed his hands on his lap. he doesn't know if he's happy to be here devestated.

that's the reason why he moved out. he didn't want the memories to affect him. he even suggested getting a drug induced amnesia. crazy but if it weren't for Chen who pulled him out then he would have followed his mom to the US without hesitation.

❝I'm going crazy❞ he mumbled, running a hair in his bed hair. it was a Friday but he didn't have any plan in going to school. he also chose to ignore Seojun who wouldn't stop texting him and calling him. he was that close to blocking the older but he didn't was it was him who asked for break. he then looked up at the tree. ❝big bro, I'm getting tired. I want to move on but now that I K ow that the person who caused you is my very one boyfriend makes me feel conflicted. I don't know if I should break it off completely or try to talk things out. I love him big Bro, I really do but...❞ Jehyun felt tears start to fall down. ❝I love you more big Bro. I dont know if I should follow my heart that's saying to go to him or my brain who balmes everything on him. tell me big Bro, what should I choose? ❞

heavens it made him feel crazy. all these emotions he never planned on feeling were constantly shifting inside of him. it made him sick that he's back to square one. he chuckled, teeth grit together as he looked straight and wiped the tears away.

❝big bro, do you hate Seojun? ❞

and like the older was there answer him, a strong gust of wind blew which made Jehyun spit out something. he fixed his hair once the wind stopped. ❝I guess you do❞ he pursed his lips. ❝but will you still hate him if we get married and have kids? ❞

he expected the wind to blow again but got none. instead it was the sound of crickets chirping. this made him pout. ❝then will you get mad if I break up with him? huh big—pfft! ❞

spitting out the grass that came with the string wind Jehyun glared At the sky, raising a threatening fist. ❝big bro no need to put grass in your wind❞ this earned another gust of wind, this time with more grass and leaves. Jehyun had to constantly wipe his mouth. ❝geez I get it. gosh even if you're not here you still try to annoy me with your answers❞ a smile unknowingly crept onto his face. ❝but big Bro with everything going on do you think Seojun will break up with me? ❞

this earned another gust of wind. Jehyun wanted to snort at how his brother wanted to get him eat dirt with all the things that end up close to his mouth. ❝I'm asking because I have a bad feeling big bro. there's something telling me next month wouldn't be the best❞

again, a gust of wind came but this time didn't have any dirt. it was like it was caressing Jehyun who sighed. ❝I just hope this feeling would go away. me and Seojun haven't been that long but he promised to love me forever. he his present and future love❞

the wind suddenly blew, as if his brother snorted before blowing so hard that Jehyun had to close his eyes. ❝geez I get it! I shouldn't be thinking that way. gosh, it makes me wonder why you're taking his side than mine❞

if his brother was physically present then the older wouldn't hesitate to smack the shit out of him with his hands and words.

❝but what if that happens? ❞ with Jin and Junghoon telling him the sudden plan of seojun's company, he couldn't help but feel nervous. their relationship has recently been rocky. who knows what could happen next. ❝do you—❞

"Lee Jehyun! "

pausing, Jehyun squinted his eyes, catching the sight of his mom making her way here with her nightgown. she didn't have any staff which made him wonder. not only that but his mom doesn't wake up by this time.

❝mom what are you doing here? ❞ getting up and dusting his butt, Jehyun approached the woman who crouched and tried catching her breath. who said to make this shed this far anyway?, she thought.

❝I'm here to talk to you jehyun❞ his mom said after a good minute of deep breaths. ❝but first let's sit down❞ she then went under the tree and sat down where he previously sat. Jehyun could only tilt his head to the side before sitting beside her. she then took his hand with both of her own hands and squeeze it. ❝I'm sorry❞

❝huh? ❞ eyebrows meeting at the center, he eyed his mom who looked guilty. why is she saying sorry?, he asked himself. ❝why? ❞

seh sighed,❝this is all my fault Jehyun. why you're so conflicted why you're hurting, and why your brother died. don't put all the blame on your b-boyfriend❞ as much as she wanted to cringe at the endearment, she kept her guilty look. ❝ if only I was a better mother and payed attention to the both of you then this wouldn't have happened. if I only noticed it sooner then I would have helped your brother but I didn't. I chose to be ignorant to both of your feelings. I thought that he was messing around but no he was being bullied. Jehyun if there is someone to blame then it should be me. I'm the who—❞

❝mom❞ Jehyun took the hand his mom was squeezing took both of her hands into his and clamped them together tightly. ❝it's not entirely your fault. I too should have told you about it instead of keeping quiet. in fact, we can say we're both at fault❞ Jehyun then showed a reassuring smile. ❝and if big Bro was here, he would say the same. he would say it's his fault since he didn't tell us❞

and as if the dead could speak, a gush of wind blew. Jehyun was grateful there wasn't any dirt this time. ❝see, even big Bro agrees and he rarely agrees❞

hisother chuckled at what he said. ❝you're right. your brother rarely agrees❞ but she snapped at him. ❝ Jehyun sweetie, I never got to ask but what is this Kim Seojun like? ❞

what was Kim Seojun like? well he's the most perfect man out there. he can cook, clean, bake, sing, dance act, model, you name it he can do it. but the most important would be how patient he is. jehyun's suddenly chuckled. ❝he's the best boyfriend you could ask for❞

seeing her son smile with a blush, Mrs. Lee couldn't help but squeel like a hgih school girl. ❝oh my jehyunie is in love! ❞ she proceeded to squish his cheeks. ❝if jaehyung was here he would oppose to this, saying you're too young. oh my youngest son is growing up! ❞

jehyun could only chuckle and shook his head. ❝I'm still 17 mom❞

❝yes but a few years from now you're getting married! ❞ she then had a wicked look in her eyes. she leaned closer to her son. ❝tell me jehyunie, is he good in bed? ❞

❝mom! ❞

❝seojun❞ a man greeted behind the table. on the table was a name plate had CEO in big bold letters in gold. the man motioned him to sit in front of him.

Seojun who was suddenly called to the ceo's office gulped before doing as told. he doesn't know why the CEO suddenly called him, especially when he did nothing wrong. in fact he hasn't been able to do anything other than the occasional shoots here and there. he would spend his free time trying to reach Jehyun. this went on for a fews until now.

the man suddenly got up and got something from the drawer he readily opened. it was a few picture which he threw ontop of the table. he then gave a stern look at the celebrity. ❝explain❞

seojun's eyes widen at the pictures. it was him with Jehyun and their countless adventures. there were some that they were holding hands, back hugging or simply being clingy to each other. one that stood out was a photo that showed them kissing.

❝where did you get this? ❞ he didn't care of he was being rude. all that mattered now was K owing who took the photos, that way he can track them down.

❝why? so that you can beat them up or force them to kill themselves? ❞ the man faked a laugh before reaching out something else in his drawer. this time it was phone which he took and found a video. once he picked it, he threw ito ontop of the photos. he caught Seojun raising a brow at him. ❝watch it❞

taking the phone and playing the video, he almost dropped the device as he watched what the video contained. it was vivid but he knew that this was taken a few years ago. in fact, it was two years since this video was taken. he was sweating bullets by the time the video ended, he shot his head to look at the CEO who smirked at him. ❝w-where di you get this!? ❞

the man chuckled. ❝I've got my sources Seojun. and guess what, that person you bullied is dead now and do you know who he is? ❞

Seojun tried to figure out who the person who was beaten up was. there was only one person that came to mind but that couldn't be unless....

the Ceo's smirked widen as Seojun finally realized. ❝that was Lee jaehyung, older brother of your dear boyfriend Lee Jehyun or should I say Lee jaehyun❞