Minjoon pulled out his car keys, about to unlock the door, when Taehyun suddenly snatched them away.
"Ya!" Minjoon snapped, turning sharply.
Taehyun twirled the keys around his finger, that smug grin plastered across his face.
"I'll drive," he announced, sliding into the driver's seat.
"Give them back. I can drive myself."
But Taehyun was already buckled up, one arm resting lazily out the window, eyes glinting with mischief.
"Settle down, little master. Passenger seat or back seat. your choice."
Clicking his tongue in irritation, Minjoon sighed sharply. Instead of arguing, he opened the back door and slid into the rear seat.
The ride was unbearable.
Taehyun kept throwing nonsense over his shoulder:
"What shampoo do you use?"
"None of your business," Minjoon replied flatly.
"Ohhh, my master seems tired. I only asked because you smell so sweet. Like a soft little baby."
"Shut up."
But Taehyun didn't. His voice filled the car, one ridiculous question after another, until Minjoon gave up and stuck his eyes to the passing scenery, expression unreadable.
Finally, the car stopped in front of Taehyun's house. Taehyun hopped out dramatically, strutted around to the back, and opened the door with exaggerated courtesy, bowing like a loyal chauffeur.
"My little master, please step out. We've arrived."
Minjoon stepped out, snatched the keys from his hand, and shoved him lightly with his shoulder before sliding into the driver's seat himself.
Before he could close the door, Taehyun's palm pressed firmly against it, holding it open.
"If you want,"
Taehyun leaned in, his face inches from Minjoon's, voice dropping low,
"you can come inside. I've got plenty of space."
Minjoon's brows furrowed.
"No thanks. Move."
But Taehyun only leaned further, half inside the car now, so close Minjoon could feel his breath.
"What are you doing? You're insane," Minjoon hissed, trying to shove him away.
Instead, Taehyun reached across, grabbed the seatbelt, and clicked it into place with a smirk.
"My little master, you forgot your belt. Can't let you get into an accident, can I?"
"Crazy bastard,"
Minjoon muttered, shoving him out before slamming the door and driving off.
In the side mirror, he caught sight of Taehyun still waving like a maniac, calling out:
"Bye! Bye, little master!"
until his figure disappeared from view.
Taehyun chuckled to himself as he stepped inside.
"You're way more interesting than I thought, My little master"
(Days passed in the same heavy silence)
Taewon and Jihyun continued their game of avoidance
crossing paths like strangers under the same roof.
On Sunday morning, a knock at Jihyun's door pulled him out of sleep. He stumbled to open it, hair a mess,
"What?" he muttered, eyes half-closed.
Taewon's calm voice answered,
"Your dad and mom are here. They want to see you."
Jihyun blinked, confused. "Dad? Wasn't he in Japan?"
"He came yesterday. Go, Get ready and come down."
Still dazed, Jihyun muttered
"Alright," and shut the door to change.
In the lounge, the atmosphere was tense. Taewon sat beside Minjoon while Hana served coffee. Across from them sat Mr. and Mrs. Han.
"Jihyun is coming," Minjoon said.
Taewon nodded. "Yes."
Minjoon leaned back.
"They'll be leaving in the evening. Mom will be admitted to the hospital tomorrow."
Taewon's eyes shifted to Mrs. Han. She looked frail
her skin pale, her frame fragile. Something in his chest tightened.
Mr. Han's voice was steady.
"Taewon, we trust you. While we're away, hold Jihyun steady."
Taewon nodded firmly.
"Don't worry. I'll do everything I can."
Mrs. Han smiled faintly, though her voice trembled.
"Taewon, Jihyun isn't as mature as he pretends. He's fragile, though he hides it well. Ever since Mina, his life has been a mess. But I trust you. Even if I don't make it back"
"Don't say that,auntie" Taewon cut her off gently. "You'll be fine."
Just then, Jihyun entered. His eyes immediately found Minjoon, glaring, before hurrying past him to his mother's side.
"Mom" His voice cracked. She looked worse than before
so pale, so weak it frightened him.
"You're still sick?"
She pulled him down to sit between herself and Mr. Han.
"I'm fine. Sit." She cupped his face, smiling weakly.
Mr. Han asked,
"How are you, Jihyun?"
"I'm good,"
He answered quickly, though his gaze stayed locked on his mother.
"Mom and Dad came to say goodbye," Minjoon cut in.
"Goodbye? What do you mean?"
Jihyun turned. His eyes darted between his mother and father. "Where are you going?"
Mrs. Han lowered her eyes.
"To Japan. With your father."
"What? Why?" Jihyun's voice rose.
"What's so important you both have to leave?"
Minjoon sighed.
"She needs treatment."
"Treatment?" Jihyun stammered, his chest tightening. He turned to his mother, voice breaking.
"Last time you said it was just a cold! Why are you worse now? What's happening?"
Taewon stepped in softly.
"It's just a liver problem. Nothing too serious. She can be treated."
"If it's not serious, then why does she have to go to Japan?!"
Jihyun snapped, tears welling. His lips trembled.
"Dad, tell me the truth!"
Mr. Han pulled him into a hug.
"Don't worry Jihyun, It's a small problem. But I want her treated under my care."
"No," Jihyun cried, shaking his head violently.
"You're selfish! What about me? Who will be left with me?!" He clung desperately to his mother's hand.
"Mom, don't go. I'll take care of you here. Please don't leave me."
Mrs. Han cupped his cheeks gently, her own eyes wet.
"Jihyun-ah You're my precious child. And mama love you so much. But I have to go. If I stay with your father, I'll get better. You have to be strong now. You're not a child anymore."
"Then take me with you!" Jihyun pleaded. "Taewon handle the company. I'm alone every day anyway!"
"Stop acting like a child. You're married now," Minjoon said coldly.
"Hyung!" Jihyun snapped, but Mr. Han's voice was firm.
"Jihyun. We'll be back in three months. I promise."
Jihyun sniffled hard, wiping at his tears. "Promise?"
"Yes," Mrs. Han whispered, hugging him tight.
"If you cry like this, how can I leave? Be strong."
He bit his lip, nodding. "I'll stop but you have to come back."
When it was time to leave, Jihyun hugged her again, whispering,
"I'm learning to cook, Mom. When you come back, I'll make you something."
"I'll be waiting," she smiled faintly.
Jihyun turned to his father and hugged him tightly for the first time after years.
"Take care of Mom. Dad If you hide anything about her condition, I won't forgive you."
Minjoon teased,
"Aren't you going to hug me too?"
"No," Jihyun spat, shoving him away.
As the door closed, the house grew unbearably quiet. Hana cleared the cups silently, while Jihyun stood frozen, eyes glassy, lips trembling, hands rubbing together nervously.
Taewon stepped closer. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around him.
"Everything will be alright, Jihyun. Your mom will be fine."
At those words, Jihyun finally broke. His fingers dug into Taewon's back as he buried his head against his chest, sobs wracking his body.
Taewon rubbed his hair gently, standing firm, letting Jihyun cry as much as he needed.