Chapter 14

"Hello? Edward?" August spoke on the phone as he anxiously paced around the lobby, his gaze on the clock.

"Sorry, the number you've dialed is currently busy. Please try again later," He didn't end the call and just let the voice repeat it a few times before automatically cutting the call.

"-9 pm," He called out softly as the clock struck 9. Edward was supposed to be here at 7:30. It had already been more than an hour.

He silently dialed the number again for the hundredth time. The call log showed that he had already tried it 27 times and it was his 28th attempt. The familiar ringtone ran for a while before the same voice replied, "The number you dialed is switched off. Please try again later."

"So you switched off your phone now, huh?" He asked, already knowing that he'll receive no answer. There was pin drop silence in the house, the only sound being his own breathing and the light sound of the clock ticking.

He was about to call Edward again when his own phone rang.

"Hello?" August's tone was flat and devoid of any emotion.

"It's fox, from white rose."

A dark look appeared in August's eyes as he nodded, "What did you find?"

His phone vibrated softly as someone messaged him. The girl on the other end continued in a business-like tone, "I've messaged you the photos. He was seen with a boy, about 20 years old at a hospital."

August murmured a hum of acknowledgement.

She asked, "Do you need anything else?"

August shook his head and refused, disconnecting the call. There was an indescribable guilt in his eyes as he stared at his locked phone in dilemma. He wanted to open it and see just who he was with, but knew it was wrong. He knew using his power like this to tail Edward or invade his privacy wasn't right.

This wasn't something people who truly love each other would ever do. But what can he do? He just loves him too much. He loves Edward so much that he'll do anything and everything to keep him by his side. He's the only one August has ever desired after all this time, the only one who can make him feel emotions he thought he already forgot a long time ago.

August clenched his fists and with a heavy heart, opened the photos. His eyes went wide with shock when he saw them.

There was Edward with that guy from the cafe. His name...

"-Ian Hall" August muttered, his fingers lightly caressing the screen. With helplessness evident in his voice, he asked, "Just....Just what do you have that I don't? Would he like me more if I'm like you? If I look like you?" His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he bit his lip.

"I'll change!" He screamed. Tears flowed out of eyes freely, sliding down his cheeks. "I-I'll be more like you so...So Edward will like me." He ran to the cabinet in a half crazed state, searching for scissors. August didn't even bother going in front of the mirror as he furiously chopped his hair, not caring about his bleeding fingers.

"How...How is he?" Edward asked, hope shining in his eyes. Ian sat beside him, leisurely twirling a pen in his hand.

The doctor shook his head in disappointment. "Mr. Edward..."

Edward's eyes widened in fear. With a doubtful voice, he asked, "He's alright, right? Huh?"

The doctor sighed and explained, "Look, Mr. Edward, I know we said that the situation was looking optimistic a while ago, but there haven't been too many positive occurrences recently. Although his condition isn't deteriorating, it's not looking like it's improving either."

Edward couldn't help but sigh in relief. "So...he's okay for now?"

"He's okay for now, but we don't know how long he can keep up. Please prepare yourself for the best or worst for the next few months."

Edward walked blankly, without any destination. His car was still parked at the hospital. After leaving the doctor's office, he couldn't even register his surroundings as he walked to wherever his legs would take him.

People walked past him hurriedly, each to their own destination, their own purpose. Only he walked emptily, without any goal. The whole world went on its day, not caring about anyone. This is the reality. Even if you die, the people around you will go on with their life. Sure, your loved ones may weep for a few days, but even they eventually forget you, moving on.

It's painful to realize that we, who think so highly of ourselves, are just mere passersby. Our death is something so insignificant that it would be forgotten by the world the next moment. Even your close friends would someday forget you and change your status to an 'old friend who died'.

So...Why can't he do the same? Why can't he move on from his brother? Ethan's chances of waking up are almost zero. Why...Why is Edward still chasing after someone well beyond his reach?

He even dedicated his life for a revenge he isn't even sure he's supposed to take. After all, he only has Ian's word and he isn't exactly what you would call 'reliable'. What if...What if he's been wrong all along? Would his brother want that? What if August is innocent? What if he destroys an innocent person's life?

Edward shook his head, trying to drive the unnecessary thoughts away, but his mind repeatedly wandered off to that single possibility, what if it isn't August?

To not think about it anymore, he tried to concentrate his mind on the phone. He blankly looked around the home screen for a few minutes before opening the messages. There were 4 new notifications, from August.

'Edward? You okay?'

'Where are you?'

'It's been an hour, Edward. Are you still coming?'

'I'll wait for you.'

The last message was timed at 9:47 pm. Edward was confused for a moment before recalling, "...It's the anniversary today."

It was already 11, and August would surely be asleep by now. A person faking a relationship had no obligation to go at this time, but Edward still found himself taking a cab to August's house, unsure of his own feelings.