Chapter 23

It was rare for Aiden to come back to Australia. I can't even remember the last time he came here.

Alot of things has changed since he last visited and it's not like he stays here for a long time each time that happens. So after we finished eating, I offered to tour him around Melbourne. Whenever he had time, he would come to visit me so I even told him my passcode so he can enter my apartment anytime even when I'm outside or sleeping.

But he hasn't visited me since last year since he was at the peak of his career and I understand that we were both busy so there was no one to blame. But since he's finally here, we have to make the most out of it. Good thing I am currently free as well.

We both needed some unwinding, and I guess this is a perfect opportunity for us.

I was supposed to meet Noah and Piper today though, I told Noah I would treat him today and that I will bring Piper since I owe her as well but I guess we have to do that next time.

I messaged both of them to inform them we have to reschedule it as my brother suddenly visited and it's a rare event so I should accompany him.

"You can just bring him along, I haven't seen him in a while and it would be an honor to meet a celebrity" Freya joked, at the same time, Noah also said it's fine with him if I were to bring Aiden along, 'the more the merrier', he said so I tried to suggest it to my brother.

"Sure. It's really been a while and I have to thank them for taking care of you on my behalf"

"so it's decided then?" I confirmed, and he nodded.

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.

We decided to meet up at Royal Botanic Gardens.

"Addie, here!" Piper called out from a distance. She was already with Noah near the entrance and was waiting for us. We aren't late though, they just came early. Maybe they were as excited as us. Well, we were all tired, that's for sure.

"Long time no see," Aiden said to both Piper and Noah. He's familiar with Piper as she always visits our house back in Sydney. Also, since Noah and her parents often come to our house during gatherings, he casually knows him as well though they never interacted with each other since my brother is not interested in anything that has to do with our business.

He then reached out to hug Piper and nodded toward Noah. Seriously, if Piper didn't have a boyfriend, I would have preferred it if she ends up with Aiden, they look good together.

.

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We walked for a while and enjoyed the view of the lake area. The autumn will end soon, but the leaves haven't totally fallen off yet so the color around the lake looks majestic. The water is still and calm, while the reflections mirror a painting of nature itself. It was such a sight considering all of us had been busy lately. We all needed a break, and this place is exactly what we needed. Fresh air, no city noise, and just pure beauty.

I stared at the scenery around me and looked at the 3 closest people to me at this moment,

I can't help but smile.

I wish I can capture this memory, not in photographs but in something more meaningful.

But I can't capture the movements and the emotions it holds.

It's beautiful, yet all I can do is stare,

Hoping it'll be tattoed in my memory.

That it will stay forever.

I know it's not mine to hold on, once this day passes, we have to live our lives again.

I don't have the power to make this last,

Even so, I still hoped.

At that instance, I noticed the sudden change of emotion in Aiden's eyes. It looks complicated. Anger? Sadness? Grief? I am not sure what emotion is reflected in his eyes. I tried to follow his gaze and ended up seeing him,

Again.

Why is it always him? I've been seeing him a lot lately. And how does my brother know him? That's quite

.

.

Strange.

My brother didn't live here in Melbourne. He left Sydney for Seoul so it is impossible that he knows him. And I am familiar with my brother's acquaintances, he surely isn't one of them.

So what is their relationship?

Am I just imagining things again?

Looks like I know my brother less than I thought I do.