Days passed, each one heavier than the last.
Taewon tried everything calling, texting, even waiting outside the Han villa but Jihyun never answered, never came out.
It was as if Jihyun had erased him from his world.
(After few days)
By the time Taewon walked into Minjoon's office again, he was a shadow of himself. Dressed neatly in his usual suit, but his pale face, dark circles, and tired eyes betrayed how much he was withering inside.
Minjoon entered quietly, taking the seat across from him. For a long moment, they just stared at each other, both weighed down by unspoken guilt.
"Taewon" Minjoon finally said, voice low.
Taewon lifted his head, his throat dry.
"Did you talk to him? Will he meet me?
Just once, I want to explain myself."
Minjoon's eyes softened, guilt pulling his features down.
"Taewon, I" He let out a shaky breath.
"I can't even look you in the eyes. You've helped me so much, and I know you weren't involved in this mess.
But I can't do anything for my own brother."
His voice cracked.
"The one I always protected the one I cared for most he won't listen to me anymore. Mom's death, this betrayal, all of it
it crushed him. From the very beginning he felt abandoned. Mina called him disgusting. Dad forced him into marriage. And then your dad called him disgusting making him even more insecure that now he thinks no one loves him. That everyone only uses him and abounded him"
Taewon's head dropped, his voice a whisper.
"So, he doesn't want to see me."
Minjoon closed his eyes.
"He said he feels disgusting even being around people. He wants a divorce. And...Dad accepted it. After the divorce he's being sent abroad."
Taewon froze. His whole body went still, his face paling further. The strongest Alpha of Kang Group looked nothing like himself pitiful, fragile, broken.
"He's going abroad?" His voice was hollow.
Minjoon nodded.
Slowly, Taewon rose to his feet.
He looked as though he might collapse at any moment.
"Then I'll take my leave."
"Taewon," Minjoon called, standing quickly, "come to court on Saturday. You know what it is."
Taewon gulped hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. His voice was faint.
"I will. If it's what he wants I'll be there."
And then he walked out.
Minjoon sank back into his chair, gripping his head with both hands. His chest ached unbearably.
"Why am I like this?"
His whisper broke into the empty room.
"I can't do anything. I couldn't save my mom. I can't protect my brother. I can't even repay Taewon. Why… why am I so useless?"
The door opened. Minjoon didn't notice.
Taehyun had just arrived.
He caught sight of Taewon leaving but didn't call out.
Instead, he stepped inside Minjoon's office, only to stop short when he saw the Minjoon sitting with his back turned, shoulders trembling.
"Minjoon" Taehyun's voice was soft.
Minjoon turned suddenly, his face pale, eyes red. He froze when he saw Taehyun.
"It's me," Taehyun said quickly, raising his hands.
Minjoon only nodded weakly, saying nothing.
"I came to see you. I wanted to give my condolences. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your mother's funeral."
"It's okay," Minjoon muttered.
"Sit down."
Taehyun studied him carefully.
Something was off.
His usual strong and composed figure was nowhere to be seen.
When Minjoon picked up his phone with trembling fingers to call for coffee,
Taehyun noticed the slow trail of tears running down his cheek.
"Minjoon" He stood abruptly, rushing to his side. "What's wrong?"
Minjoon quickly wiped his face, turning away. "Nothing. Something just got in my eyes."
"Don't lie." Taehyun gripped his shoulders. "Look at me."
"I said I'm fine!"
Minjoon snapped, shoving him back and standing. His voice broke, louder this time.
Taehyun said "please, tell me,what "
Minjoon voice broke, louder this time.
"I'm not fine, alright?! I lost my mother! I'm losing my brother! And I can't control anything. I can't do anything!"
His hands shook as he glared at Taehyun. "So what can you do, huh?
You can't fix this. So just give your condolences and leave!"
Taehyun froze, stunned by the outburst.
But instead of leaving, he stepped forward. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around Minjoon, holding him tightly as minjoon shook against him.
"It's okay," Taehyun whispered, rubbing his back. "It's okay. I understand."
"You don't," Minjoon whispered harshly, trying to push him away.
"I do," Taehyun murmured firmly.
"I lost my father. I know what it feels like to lose a parent. To lose your whole world. Maybe I don't fully understand your pain, but I can feel it."
He sat Minjoon down, pressing a glass of water into his hand. His touch was gentle, his voice steady.
"Even if you hate me, even if I annoy you for now, you can lean on me. Think of me as a friend. Someone you can trust."
Minjoon lowered his head, staring at the floor. His hands tightened around the glass, silent.
Taehyun stayed by his side, watching him with quiet resolve.
Meanwhile, outside that office, Taewon was already gone walking further into the dark, with only Jihyun's silence echoing in his heart.