BHB 40

In fact, Yeowon had opposed Taegang coming to the same school. He seemed to subtly hope that Taegang would return to his rightful place. Sometimes he even foolishly thought that this was for Taegang’s own good. Even if unintended, these actions that seemed to push Taegang away would occasionally make his blood boil. While he was doing everything to be by that stupid Yeowon’s side, the fact that Yeowon himself was thinking of pushing him away…

“You look like you’re about to dash out of here.”

It was Taejoo who interjected, as if he had been waiting for the call to end. Standing tall beside Taegang, Taejoo casually spoke while looking towards the gathered guests.

“Since you’re here, stay put until it’s over.”

His brother Taejoo had never been the type to speak affectionately to his younger sibling, nor was he one to give advice or nag. Their relationship lacked any communication or interaction. Words from someone who showed not a shred of familial affection couldn’t possibly sound pleasant. Taegang eyed Taejoo with displeasure, letting out a hollow laugh at his uncharacteristic attempt at advice.

“Why? Did those people ask you to keep an eye on me so I can’t leave?”

“This gathering isn’t just for their business.”

“So now I have to worry about your business too?”

“Look at how you’re talking.”

“Then why bother talking to me unnecessarily?”

Just as Taegang was about to turn away, twisting his face in disgust as if he’d stepped in something unpleasant, Taejoo spoke again.

“The kid next door?”

The question caught Taegang’s nerve, halting his steps.

“The phone call just now.”

As Taejoo added, Taegang’s unease turned to certainty, and a murderous glint appeared in his eyes. Reading his gaze, Taejoo clicked his tongue briefly and shifted his attention back to the bustling crowd.

“Han Yeowon… was it? Seems quite well-off. I hear his self-made father’s business is doing well, with high stock prices and good reputation. It’s often mentioned at gatherings.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“Why the interest? Act like usual. Like we don’t exist to each other.”

“You should have done that from the beginning.”

At the thinly veiled threat disguised as advice, Taegang made no attempt to hide his menacing aura, looking ready to flip the table at any moment. In contrast, Taejoo maintained his polite demeanor as he continued speaking. His tone remained casual and calm, as if merely making small talk.

“It’s an age when you’re fond of friends.”

“……”

“Of course, you’ve never shown the slightest interest in people since you were young.”

“Stop beating around the bush and speak plainly.”

“Rebellion with a reason tends to be troublesome.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

Taegang spat out a derisive laugh, as if to say Taejoo had missed the point entirely.

“Acting all smart while engaging in pointless activities.”

“Why are you wasting time playing at being friends?”

“……”

“Rejecting the path your parents have paved for you.”

His pupils gleamed with a sharp light, asserting his point clearly. As if seeing through to the very essence, like driving in a harpoon.

“What are you trying to say?”

Taegang gritted his teeth, his fists trembling as if ready to grab Taejoo’s collar at any moment.

“When there’s noise in the family, it eventually leaks outside.”

“……”

“I won’t tell you to live quietly, but…”

“……”

“At least hide it properly.”

“……”

“Don’t show it all over your face like an idiot.”

Taejoo accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter with a smile. They could feel the gaze of their parents watching the brothers from afar, and consequently, the guests also showed interest in their two handsome sons. As they stood together longer, more and more persistent gazes began to stick. Taejoo confidently accepted these looks, smiling as if used to it, but his advice to Taegang came through clearly.

“What will you do if those people find out too?”

“……”

“You stupid bastard.”

It wasn’t clear if it was advice, a warning, or both. But he wasn’t wrong. If those people, capable of anything, discovered what Yeowon’s existence meant to Taegang, who knows what might happen. They might think it’s just Taegang’s childish rebellion now, but they might catch on later. If Taejoo, who was quite perceptive, had noticed so quickly, it might only be a matter of time before those people knew too.

Taejoo calmly sipped his champagne as if he had never spoken. His prominent Adam’s apple moved smoothly up and down. The gazes of those targeting Taejoo were palpable. Naturally, attention also focused on Taegang standing beside him. As eyes concentrated on the talented brothers, their mother, watching from nearby, raised the corners of her mouth in satisfaction. Her well-raised children displaying their high value was precisely what elevated her own worth and honor.

Feeling the covert gazes and attention focused on them, Taegang ultimately couldn’t retort and stood rooted to the spot. Taejoo finally moved, beginning to engage in light conversation with guests who approached to greet him. Taegang rubbed his face, feeling weary of his mother’s unwavering gaze and his father’s watchful eyes, wary of any rash behavior. He had to admit, feeling his feet grow heavy when he had been ready to storm out at any moment.

Amusingly, his unpalatable older brother’s advice was spot on.

**

Stepping out of the taxi in a disheveled state, Han Yeowon only realized he was in front of his house when the cold wind hit him. Perhaps due to being distracted throughout the drinking session, he got drunk more easily than usual, and he had drunk more precisely because he couldn’t focus on the gathering. Though he had stayed put, his mind kept wandering elsewhere. Worried about Taegang who had gone to an unwanted event, he had been fiddling with his phone constantly.

“My head hurts like hell.”

Prone to severe hangovers, Yeowon held his forehead and leaned against the nearest wall for support. He unconsciously glanced at the tall-walled house next door. Judging by the quiet stillness, it seemed the polished gathering had ended. His gaze naturally drifted to Taegang’s dark room. He was curious if everything had gone well, but strangely, there wasn’t a single message. He had expected a call as soon as it ended… Yeowon turned on his phone screen with a disgruntled face. Though his vision was momentarily blurred from the alcohol, he hadn’t misread the lack of messages.

“Tsk. He should report immediately when it’s over…”

Yeowon mumbled, pressing a speed dial number. There was only one person assigned to speed dial. As soon as the dial tone started, a loud vibration echoed in the silent night street. And it was coming from very close by…

“Oh my god!”

Yeowon stumbled backward, startled by a dark figure sitting on the stone steps next to the wall he was leaning on.

“What the… You scared me.”

Sitting there looking exhausted was none other than Taegang, quietly looking up at Yeowon. There was something different about his usual demeanor, but the intoxicated Yeowon didn’t notice, just blinking and asking:

“How long have you been here?”

Yeowon staggered and plopped down next to Taegang. Finding it convenient as he was already having trouble keeping his balance, he leaned comfortably against Taegang as usual.

“Did you do well today? You should have contacted me as soon as it ended.”

“What about you?”

“What?”

“…Was it fun?”

“What… Oh, today?”

“……”

“Same as always. Just drinking and chatting… Nothing particularly fun.”

Of course, it had been more tiring than usual due to being with unfamiliar, uncomfortable people. Certainly, being older women, their attitude towards young men was different from girls their age. They were bolder, more skilled, and had a more overt side. He had exchanged numbers with one noona who took particular interest in him, but that was partly due to being swept up in the alcohol.

“I think it went well between Kim Myungjoo and that noona? He was so eager… If I were that noona, I would’ve been really annoyed… Well, although Myungjoo is a bit short, his face isn’t that bad.”

Yeowon rambled on. It was his habit when he drank too much.

“Oh, and I got another noona’s number too…”

“……”

“Should I send a text asking if she got home safely?”

Yeowon mumbled, furrowing his brow as if pondering.

“Are you going to date her?”

Taegang, who had been quiet, asked abruptly.

“Well… if things go well after we talk…”

“……”

“Why, want me to set you up too?”

“……”

“They were asking why I didn’t bring you, by the way…. Come to think of it, why don’t you date? You’re so popular.”

“…Why, is it weird?”

“What?”

“I’m asking if it’s weird not to date women.”

“…Rather than weird… just… is it strange?”

Yeowon muttered, scratching his nose bridge, not even knowing what he was saying.

“It is a bit odd, isn’t it? A decent-looking guy like you…”

“……”

“Why, want your hyung to help out a bit?”

Come to think of it, Yeowon had dated more times than Taegang. As Yeowon wasn’t unpopular either, he had dated a few girls he liked. Though none lasted long, Yeowon was the only one who had experienced something like real dating.