Past, Present & Future, Chapter 17
~ Previous Chapters ~
Chapter 17: Brothers
There’s a sound of running water in the bathroom and then someone pulled on his blanket.
“Rise and shine! Get up you lazy bum! And help me to clean up the house and do some shopping!”
“Hmmm… another half an hour…”
“No can do. You promised last night that you’ll wake up early. It’s already a quarter past 8.”
He sat on the bed and watched his girlfriend tying up her hair. “You’re not working today?”
“I told you that it’s my day off, Yunho Oppa and Moonbin are coming for lunch. No, Min, you can’t leave.” Jihye glared dagger at him before he even had the chance to open his mouth. “No running away this time. Whatever it is your reason you have to stop avoiding your brother! It’s been 3 years for god’s sake!”
“I haven’t said anything…” He gave her his innocent look.
“No you haven’t but please realize something, that look doesn’t work on me. I told you about lunch last week and this time we’re going to sit and talk with your brother. He’s also confused as to why his only brother just left and disappeared.”
Changmin stared at her and she sighed, walking closer the bed.
Jihye hugged him, “Look, whatever it is, get it done and over with. It hurts me to see Yunho Oppa missing you so badly and kept asking me about you.” She pulled off. “You can laze around for another hour. No more. After that you’re going to do some shopping and helped me with lunch. Okay?” She gave him a peck and walked out of the bedroom.
He was left alone once again. Too lazy to get up but too bored to just stare at the ceiling. He didn’t feel like returning to his own home at the countryside… Not on his mother’s death anniversary. He didn’t want to wallow in grief by himself and yet too proud to admit that every now and then memories of his childhood with his mother were rushing back on his head. Especially since he started living in the house left by his father.
He had started from zero. Cleaned the place by himself on his first week occupying the house; hired some locals to fix some little things and spending more than a month going around the little town to get familiar with the area and the people. He had a lot of money from his inheritance but he didn’t know what to do with it.
Until one day he accidentally met some tourists who were looking for a cheap and decent place to stay. At that time, he was walking back to his place after groceries shopping. His place was about 5 kms from the town centre, he chose to get off a little further from the last bus stop and walked home just to let enjoy the scenery. The two Americans were a bit flustered since they couldn’t find anyone who can speak English. He offered them to stay one night at his place.
The house that his father gave him was actually a log house. Made of wood inside out with a modern touch through the state of the art stoves and minimalistic interior. He was quite surprised when he first got in, he didn’t think that his father could have something that nice, and he never even heard about it before the reading of the will. There were 5 rooms in total all over the house with 1 master bedroom and its own private bath that he used. The Americans really liked his place and gave him an idea of turning it into a bed and breakfast for tourist with limited budget.
He thought it wasn’t a bad idea. With the help of the some locals he found built 2 other cabins on the land, called a local tourism college and asked them to recommend fresh graduates to work for him. As for the cooks, a small restaurant nearby was too happy when he approached them to cooperate for the breakfast and lunch for the guests. Dinner provided by request only since most of them preferred to go out and explore the bars at nights. Many times the head of the village also offered his guests a visit at the fish market to enjoy fresh sashimi cut from fishes that just arrived at the port.
He never acted like the boss, instead he wanted to create a place where people can feel like home for his guests and employers. For some of the single workers he gave up 2 guest rooms for their lodging, one of them handled the accounting. So even when he’s not around the log was ran by his appointed in house manager. Thus, every once in awhile he would leave and sleepover at Jihye’s. Or more precisely his brother’s ex-house and mini market. Jihye finished her medical school and now working in a local hospital. They went steady a year ago.
She put up with his snarky personality and she always seemed to know the right button to push whenever she wanted him to do something for her. And today, she wanted her to meet his brother again after 3 long years of avoiding any contacts but few telephone calls with his nephew. He knew that Moonbin’s back living with Yunho at the mansion and he couldn’t be happier for both of them. His plan worked. He thought he was the most evil brother when he told Jaejoong to do what he did back then, but he knew his family better. Given time both father and son would come into an understanding, they loved each other too much to keep being angry at each other.
Though it wasn’t exactly how he planned it, he also heard from Jihye that his brother had gone to see Kim Jaejoong who was sick. Time heals all wounds they say, and maybe it’s right.
His one hour’s running out… it wouldn’t be long before Jihye would come again to wake him up. He’d rather not piss her off and pushed himself up. Better be prepared and anticipate what kind of questions good old big brother was going to ask.
* * * * *
His brother looked… mature? No, he’s always been mature. Happy? He should be, he has Jihye now. Content? Yeah, must be that. Like he’d finally found his place to belong. And maybe he didn’t make a wrong decision to leave.
Yunho wanted to hug him and tell him how much he missed his little brother. But Changmin didn’t seem to show the same sentiment. He acted around him as if he was always around the past 3 years. He conversed mostly with Moonbin. And he wondered if things would stay the same until lunch’s over and they head home?
“Min-ahjussi, I saw pictures of your hotel.”
“It’s not a hotel, Moonbin-an.” He chuckled, “It’s just some kind of a guest house.”
“Oh, but it looks wonderful! Cabins on land of greens, surrounded by the sea… Ahhh, I want to go visit! Can I?”
“Sure you can. Maybe you can come with Jihye too.” Moonbin stared at him. “Hm? I said yeah, you can come over.”
“Just with Ji-noona? You’re not inviting Appa?”
Min forced a laugh, “Of course he’s invited. I just assumed that he’s coming along when you are.” Moonbin rolled his eyes and Jihye snorted.
“I think we can spend next weekend over there. What do you think, Bin?” He asked his son who looked amused at his effort for a decent conversation.
“Sure Appa, that will be great. Do you mind if I ask Halmeoni to come too?”
Yunho was sure that this was also Moonbin’s trick to interrogate him as to why he hasn’t made any effort to contact Jaejoong after that one visit to his place.
“Halmeoni?” Changmin raised his eyebrow questioningly.
“Jae-ahjussi’s Mom. She’s very nice… she’s been lonely, Jae-ahjussi never took her out. I want her to feel refreshed.” Bin chimed in.
“Oh. I see. Sure, I don’t mind… I’ll ask my staff to empty 2 rooms at the log then. Guests can be placed at the other cabins. You’re coming too, Ji?” He asked his girlfriend.
“Nope, sorry. Night shift. You guys go and have fun.”
“Awww, I want you to get to know her too so you can exchange recipe, Noona…” Moonbin pouted.
“Next time, okay… you’re so spoiled.”
“Speaking of Jaejoong-ssi’s mother, are you going to ask Jaejoong to come along to, Hyung?” Yunho swore that he could see a smirk at Changmin’s face when he asked.
“Now that you asked, did you call him at all Appa? Since we visited?”
“… No, I didn’t. I’m sure that he’s fine by now, he didn’t look so sick anymore when we were there.”
Moonbin sighed infrustration and set aside his empty plates. “I’m done. Noona, shall we go to buy some stuff for my visit to Min-ahjussi’s place? I think I need some new shorts.”
Jihye smiled, getting the hidden meaning behind the request, “Good idea, I need a breather after working night shifts 3 days in a row… maybe we can get some ice cream too.”
“I’ll drive.” Changmin told them.
Moonbin retorted, “Ah, no need. Appa and I came with a driver, we’ll go with him. Appa, you have a rest here, okay. You’ve been working late, Noona and I won’t be long.” He stood up and hugged his father before he dumped the dirty dishes in the sink and dragged Jihye outside.
“Min, please clean up for me. Thanks!” Both men could hear Jihye’s shout from the mini market. And they both sighed in defeat. They started cleaning up without a word and soon after seated themselves at the living room. Yunho saw his brother turning on the TV and clicked on the channels randomly. “What do you wanna see while waiting for the brat, Hyung?”
“Nothing in particular. How have you been?” His brother seemed a little surprised at his sudden question.
“Like you’ve heard and seen, I’m doing fine. The guest house hardly has empty space, and I didn’t have to do much work around, my staffs are pretty much capable of doing everything themselves. I’m satisfied.”
“Hmm…” He nodded. Another silence stretched between them. Yunho didn’t think that it’s the perfect time to ask his brother what he wanted to ask since a long time, but the opportunity to talk to him eye to eye was rare. So maybe he needed to do it anyway.
“Min, have you ever thought of returning and work for the firm again?” He saw Changmin’s eye twitched.
“No, I don’t. Never. I’m happy with my life now.”
“Is that so… You- just left three years ago. You didn’t tell me any reason why you couldn’t stay.”
“… Hyung, I thought Appa’s will was clear enough. I knew I had the option to stay, but I also understood when I wasn’t wanted. He made the will fully understand of my circumstances.”
“He just wanted to be fair with you. You- you’ve done- I meant-“ He’s lost for words, afraid that they might not come out right. “Min Sook told me everything… why you stayed… and I-“ his words stuck in his throat and suddenly he felt very emotional.
“It was my choice, Hyung. I wanted it, I didn’t do it for you or for Appa. You didn’t owe me anything.”
“I missed you.” Changmin casted a glance at him. “I… always thought that you’d do it with me, you’d help me learn everything from the scratch-“
“You had Min Sook-ahjussi. And I saw that you’ve done well.”
“But he’s not my brother!” There, he said it.
“…” Changmin looked overwhelmed. “Oh…I-“
“You’re the only brother that I had… No one can ever replace you. Did you leave because you hate me?”
“What!!??! No!! Geesh, how did you ever feel that way!”
“You left! And you didn’t want to see me at all for the past 3 years! I’m happy that you decided to date Jihye, at least I could find out about you from her! But, I couldn’t find any other reason why you left just like that! You never said anything…” He sighed. “I was torn… you’re the only one that I have left in this family besides my son. When he left too, I began to wonder if I had made the right decision to return and follow Appa’s will. I mended my relationship with Moonbin soon after, but you… I felt that I’ve lost a little part of me, my family, the one I confided in… “
“I’m sorry…” Changmin was twisting his fingers. “I thought it was the best for us.”
“Now you know it wasn’t… “ He turned to looked at his brother’s eyes. “Tell me the truth, why did you leave?”
“The will.” Changmin felt that it’s time to tell his brother the truth. “I felt that I wasn’t wanted. Hyung, at that time you were nobody. You didn’t even finish high school, you had a son and you had been living a life of a commoner. No experience at what you were supposed to start living with. The will said it clearly that I had a choice to stay or to leave. And I chose to leave not only because it’s what I wanted but-“ It’s hard for him to continue what he’d been keeping inside for the past 3 years.
“But?”
“If I stayed… it would be harder for you to gain trust from the shareholders and the Boards. I was more experienced, though I was young. It was also the truth that I wasn’t wanted in the position if not because Appa didn’t have a choice, unless he passed down the position to a non family member. I-“ He didn’t know why tears just fell down from his eyes, “I couldn’t stay and hurt you when I know that you didn’t have another a choice but to stay. I had a choice… and I chose to leave.”
Yunho never thought that far… He didn’t know that his brother was hurt more by leaving.
“Oh brother…” He moved closer and hugged his brother by the shoulder. “I- I didn’t know… I thought that you’re always the stronger one. And yet again you’ve made another sacrifice for me. I’m sorry, Min.”
Changmin cried on his brother’s shoulder for the first time since their first meeting that long time ago. It’s been hard for him keeping them all inside … he never even told Jihye about how he actually felt. “I’m not sacrificing anything for you, Hyung. You deserved it… you gave me life first when everyone even wished me to die… you were the one who made me feel wanted, you were the one who made me feel that I have a family.”
“Because you are… you are my family… you are my father’s son… you’re my brother…” Gone was his anger and disappointment towards his brother. Changmin always acted like he didn’t anyone in his life, but he should’ve knows better after the reading of the will. How hurt he must have felt, but still he had the heart to consider his position as the real Jung and the legal heir of the company.
“I should’ve been a good brother and chased you down… instead I chose to get by with the will, going to school, mending my relationship with my son, but I never made a real effort to find you. It’s me who should apologize…” He squeezed his brother’s shoulder. He felt like he’s holding the same fragile 3 year old Changmin who missed his mother. “I’m sorry… my dear little brother.”
Finally… both men felt like they just found their family once again. And this time, no one kept anything from each other. They’ve become real brothers.
* * * * *
Jaejoong was staring in the papers in front of him, twirling a pen between his fingers. He hadn’t get anything done today. In fact, he hadn’t done a good job at all for the past week. He felt miserable.
He was startled when another stack of papers was placed in front of him. When he lifted his face, he was met Yoochun’s concerned face. “You’re spacing out again.”
He shook his head and started reading the papers in his hand, “I’m not.”
“You are… you’re holding the same paper that you were reading 2 hours ago when I came to deliver your lunch.” And he raised his eyebrow at the tray at the coffee table. “And you didn’t even touch your lunch, I see.”
“I told you I wasn’t hungry.”
“Jae, you still need to eat! You just recovered less than a month ago, do you want to get sick again?”
“I’m doing fine, thank you! Can’t you stop your lecture and help me with the documents please? I’ve had enough lectures from my mother at home.”
Yoochun sighed, “I’d like to help you, but really, you need to eat. I’ll just order a new dish then I’ll help you once you’ve finished with it.” He called Jae’s secretary to order a new food for him though Jae protested heavily.
“You’re persistent!”
“And you’re so stubborn! Do you want to get sick again so Jung Yunho will come and visit you again?”
He snapped at him, “You- how could you-“
Yoochun raised both of his palms, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. But come one, tell me Jae… what’s been bothering you?”
Jaejoong bit his lower lip in his effort to no spilling his mind, but it’s getting harder under his assistant/best friend’s stare. “He-“ he swallowed a slump in his throat. “He didn’t call me or contact me at all after his visit.”
“He didn’t- Oh… Oh!” Yoochun smiled. “So you were expecting him to call you or come to see you again after you recovered?”
“I’d rather he didn’t come and see me if he’s going to leave again.” He yelled in frustration.
Jaejoong had to admit that Yunho’s visit to his house shocked him. He thought after all that he had done the man wouldn’t want to have anything to do with him anymore. And then they almost kissed. Almost!
He thought that Yunho had forgiven him… that he might had another chance with him. But almost a month had gone by, Moonbin kept in touch with his mother regularly but not a single news about his father. Not even something simple like asking him how he had been or if he had recovered. His hope was crushed though when he didn’t hear anything again from the man. Maybe Yunho came just because of Moonbin and not because he really cared.
“I feel like I’ve been dumped.”
Yoochun chuckled. “He didn’t even ask you to date…”
He glared at him. “I was just saying!”
“I know, I know, sorry!” He laughed at him. “So you’re sulking? Because he didn’t call you?”
He sighed dejectedly. “Maybe.”
“Look Jae… give him sometime… Did you get the chance to apologize to him at all?”
“… No. I mean, come on Chun, it was already a big shock for me to see him at my house! And I was sick!”
“Jae, I’m sure that he’s really concerned about you. But maybe he’s not sure about his feeling too… give him some time… you should give yourself some time to think it over too. I think you should apologize to him first before anything else.”
“You think… “ He asked him hesistantly. “You think I should be the one to call him first?”
Yoochun smiled at him. “I doubt that he came just because of Moonbin. You said yourself that he helped you to bed and you almost kissed. He’s as confuse as you are… make the next move Jae. Win him again. But this time… use your heart and not your emotion. You’ve hurt him bad, you know.”
“I know… that’s why I’m afraid Yun. I’m so afraid if he refuses to forgive me.”
Yoochun reached out and squeezed his hand reassuringly, “You won’t find out until you try. You spend so many years trying to win him back in the wrong way. It’s time to fix it… and you better do it right. Think carefully of what you want to do.”
“Thanks…” He didn’t feel better at all, but he knew that he has to do it right this time. If he fail Yunho once again, he might never had another chance.
“Now, shall I help you with those?” Yoochun pointed at the documents.
“Yes please.” He handed over one stack to Yoochun who quickly brought it to another table to check them out.
Jaejoong thought for a few seconds before he reached out for the phone on his desk.
“Eomoni, it’s me. Will let you me know when you plan to meet Moonbin again? Yes… yes… thank you. I’ll be home late tonight. Yes, thank you.”
He can see a smile on Yoochun’s face after he hung up. Wait for me Jung Yunho… this time I’ll do it right. I’ll win you back.
* * * * *
Chapter 18
Chapter 17: Brothers
There’s a sound of running water in the bathroom and then someone pulled on his blanket.
“Rise and shine! Get up you lazy bum! And help me to clean up the house and do some shopping!”
“Hmmm… another half an hour…”
“No can do. You promised last night that you’ll wake up early. It’s already a quarter past 8.”
He sat on the bed and watched his girlfriend tying up her hair. “You’re not working today?”
“I told you that it’s my day off, Yunho Oppa and Moonbin are coming for lunch. No, Min, you can’t leave.” Jihye glared dagger at him before he even had the chance to open his mouth. “No running away this time. Whatever it is your reason you have to stop avoiding your brother! It’s been 3 years for god’s sake!”
“I haven’t said anything…” He gave her his innocent look.
“No you haven’t but please realize something, that look doesn’t work on me. I told you about lunch last week and this time we’re going to sit and talk with your brother. He’s also confused as to why his only brother just left and disappeared.”
Changmin stared at her and she sighed, walking closer the bed.
Jihye hugged him, “Look, whatever it is, get it done and over with. It hurts me to see Yunho Oppa missing you so badly and kept asking me about you.” She pulled off. “You can laze around for another hour. No more. After that you’re going to do some shopping and helped me with lunch. Okay?” She gave him a peck and walked out of the bedroom.
He was left alone once again. Too lazy to get up but too bored to just stare at the ceiling. He didn’t feel like returning to his own home at the countryside… Not on his mother’s death anniversary. He didn’t want to wallow in grief by himself and yet too proud to admit that every now and then memories of his childhood with his mother were rushing back on his head. Especially since he started living in the house left by his father.
He had started from zero. Cleaned the place by himself on his first week occupying the house; hired some locals to fix some little things and spending more than a month going around the little town to get familiar with the area and the people. He had a lot of money from his inheritance but he didn’t know what to do with it.
Until one day he accidentally met some tourists who were looking for a cheap and decent place to stay. At that time, he was walking back to his place after groceries shopping. His place was about 5 kms from the town centre, he chose to get off a little further from the last bus stop and walked home just to let enjoy the scenery. The two Americans were a bit flustered since they couldn’t find anyone who can speak English. He offered them to stay one night at his place.
The house that his father gave him was actually a log house. Made of wood inside out with a modern touch through the state of the art stoves and minimalistic interior. He was quite surprised when he first got in, he didn’t think that his father could have something that nice, and he never even heard about it before the reading of the will. There were 5 rooms in total all over the house with 1 master bedroom and its own private bath that he used. The Americans really liked his place and gave him an idea of turning it into a bed and breakfast for tourist with limited budget.
He thought it wasn’t a bad idea. With the help of the some locals he found built 2 other cabins on the land, called a local tourism college and asked them to recommend fresh graduates to work for him. As for the cooks, a small restaurant nearby was too happy when he approached them to cooperate for the breakfast and lunch for the guests. Dinner provided by request only since most of them preferred to go out and explore the bars at nights. Many times the head of the village also offered his guests a visit at the fish market to enjoy fresh sashimi cut from fishes that just arrived at the port.
He never acted like the boss, instead he wanted to create a place where people can feel like home for his guests and employers. For some of the single workers he gave up 2 guest rooms for their lodging, one of them handled the accounting. So even when he’s not around the log was ran by his appointed in house manager. Thus, every once in awhile he would leave and sleepover at Jihye’s. Or more precisely his brother’s ex-house and mini market. Jihye finished her medical school and now working in a local hospital. They went steady a year ago.
She put up with his snarky personality and she always seemed to know the right button to push whenever she wanted him to do something for her. And today, she wanted her to meet his brother again after 3 long years of avoiding any contacts but few telephone calls with his nephew. He knew that Moonbin’s back living with Yunho at the mansion and he couldn’t be happier for both of them. His plan worked. He thought he was the most evil brother when he told Jaejoong to do what he did back then, but he knew his family better. Given time both father and son would come into an understanding, they loved each other too much to keep being angry at each other.
Though it wasn’t exactly how he planned it, he also heard from Jihye that his brother had gone to see Kim Jaejoong who was sick. Time heals all wounds they say, and maybe it’s right.
His one hour’s running out… it wouldn’t be long before Jihye would come again to wake him up. He’d rather not piss her off and pushed himself up. Better be prepared and anticipate what kind of questions good old big brother was going to ask.
* * * * *
His brother looked… mature? No, he’s always been mature. Happy? He should be, he has Jihye now. Content? Yeah, must be that. Like he’d finally found his place to belong. And maybe he didn’t make a wrong decision to leave.
Yunho wanted to hug him and tell him how much he missed his little brother. But Changmin didn’t seem to show the same sentiment. He acted around him as if he was always around the past 3 years. He conversed mostly with Moonbin. And he wondered if things would stay the same until lunch’s over and they head home?
“Min-ahjussi, I saw pictures of your hotel.”
“It’s not a hotel, Moonbin-an.” He chuckled, “It’s just some kind of a guest house.”
“Oh, but it looks wonderful! Cabins on land of greens, surrounded by the sea… Ahhh, I want to go visit! Can I?”
“Sure you can. Maybe you can come with Jihye too.” Moonbin stared at him. “Hm? I said yeah, you can come over.”
“Just with Ji-noona? You’re not inviting Appa?”
Min forced a laugh, “Of course he’s invited. I just assumed that he’s coming along when you are.” Moonbin rolled his eyes and Jihye snorted.
“I think we can spend next weekend over there. What do you think, Bin?” He asked his son who looked amused at his effort for a decent conversation.
“Sure Appa, that will be great. Do you mind if I ask Halmeoni to come too?”
Yunho was sure that this was also Moonbin’s trick to interrogate him as to why he hasn’t made any effort to contact Jaejoong after that one visit to his place.
“Halmeoni?” Changmin raised his eyebrow questioningly.
“Jae-ahjussi’s Mom. She’s very nice… she’s been lonely, Jae-ahjussi never took her out. I want her to feel refreshed.” Bin chimed in.
“Oh. I see. Sure, I don’t mind… I’ll ask my staff to empty 2 rooms at the log then. Guests can be placed at the other cabins. You’re coming too, Ji?” He asked his girlfriend.
“Nope, sorry. Night shift. You guys go and have fun.”
“Awww, I want you to get to know her too so you can exchange recipe, Noona…” Moonbin pouted.
“Next time, okay… you’re so spoiled.”
“Speaking of Jaejoong-ssi’s mother, are you going to ask Jaejoong to come along to, Hyung?” Yunho swore that he could see a smirk at Changmin’s face when he asked.
“Now that you asked, did you call him at all Appa? Since we visited?”
“… No, I didn’t. I’m sure that he’s fine by now, he didn’t look so sick anymore when we were there.”
Moonbin sighed infrustration and set aside his empty plates. “I’m done. Noona, shall we go to buy some stuff for my visit to Min-ahjussi’s place? I think I need some new shorts.”
Jihye smiled, getting the hidden meaning behind the request, “Good idea, I need a breather after working night shifts 3 days in a row… maybe we can get some ice cream too.”
“I’ll drive.” Changmin told them.
Moonbin retorted, “Ah, no need. Appa and I came with a driver, we’ll go with him. Appa, you have a rest here, okay. You’ve been working late, Noona and I won’t be long.” He stood up and hugged his father before he dumped the dirty dishes in the sink and dragged Jihye outside.
“Min, please clean up for me. Thanks!” Both men could hear Jihye’s shout from the mini market. And they both sighed in defeat. They started cleaning up without a word and soon after seated themselves at the living room. Yunho saw his brother turning on the TV and clicked on the channels randomly. “What do you wanna see while waiting for the brat, Hyung?”
“Nothing in particular. How have you been?” His brother seemed a little surprised at his sudden question.
“Like you’ve heard and seen, I’m doing fine. The guest house hardly has empty space, and I didn’t have to do much work around, my staffs are pretty much capable of doing everything themselves. I’m satisfied.”
“Hmm…” He nodded. Another silence stretched between them. Yunho didn’t think that it’s the perfect time to ask his brother what he wanted to ask since a long time, but the opportunity to talk to him eye to eye was rare. So maybe he needed to do it anyway.
“Min, have you ever thought of returning and work for the firm again?” He saw Changmin’s eye twitched.
“No, I don’t. Never. I’m happy with my life now.”
“Is that so… You- just left three years ago. You didn’t tell me any reason why you couldn’t stay.”
“… Hyung, I thought Appa’s will was clear enough. I knew I had the option to stay, but I also understood when I wasn’t wanted. He made the will fully understand of my circumstances.”
“He just wanted to be fair with you. You- you’ve done- I meant-“ He’s lost for words, afraid that they might not come out right. “Min Sook told me everything… why you stayed… and I-“ his words stuck in his throat and suddenly he felt very emotional.
“It was my choice, Hyung. I wanted it, I didn’t do it for you or for Appa. You didn’t owe me anything.”
“I missed you.” Changmin casted a glance at him. “I… always thought that you’d do it with me, you’d help me learn everything from the scratch-“
“You had Min Sook-ahjussi. And I saw that you’ve done well.”
“But he’s not my brother!” There, he said it.
“…” Changmin looked overwhelmed. “Oh…I-“
“You’re the only brother that I had… No one can ever replace you. Did you leave because you hate me?”
“What!!??! No!! Geesh, how did you ever feel that way!”
“You left! And you didn’t want to see me at all for the past 3 years! I’m happy that you decided to date Jihye, at least I could find out about you from her! But, I couldn’t find any other reason why you left just like that! You never said anything…” He sighed. “I was torn… you’re the only one that I have left in this family besides my son. When he left too, I began to wonder if I had made the right decision to return and follow Appa’s will. I mended my relationship with Moonbin soon after, but you… I felt that I’ve lost a little part of me, my family, the one I confided in… “
“I’m sorry…” Changmin was twisting his fingers. “I thought it was the best for us.”
“Now you know it wasn’t… “ He turned to looked at his brother’s eyes. “Tell me the truth, why did you leave?”
“The will.” Changmin felt that it’s time to tell his brother the truth. “I felt that I wasn’t wanted. Hyung, at that time you were nobody. You didn’t even finish high school, you had a son and you had been living a life of a commoner. No experience at what you were supposed to start living with. The will said it clearly that I had a choice to stay or to leave. And I chose to leave not only because it’s what I wanted but-“ It’s hard for him to continue what he’d been keeping inside for the past 3 years.
“But?”
“If I stayed… it would be harder for you to gain trust from the shareholders and the Boards. I was more experienced, though I was young. It was also the truth that I wasn’t wanted in the position if not because Appa didn’t have a choice, unless he passed down the position to a non family member. I-“ He didn’t know why tears just fell down from his eyes, “I couldn’t stay and hurt you when I know that you didn’t have another a choice but to stay. I had a choice… and I chose to leave.”
Yunho never thought that far… He didn’t know that his brother was hurt more by leaving.
“Oh brother…” He moved closer and hugged his brother by the shoulder. “I- I didn’t know… I thought that you’re always the stronger one. And yet again you’ve made another sacrifice for me. I’m sorry, Min.”
Changmin cried on his brother’s shoulder for the first time since their first meeting that long time ago. It’s been hard for him keeping them all inside … he never even told Jihye about how he actually felt. “I’m not sacrificing anything for you, Hyung. You deserved it… you gave me life first when everyone even wished me to die… you were the one who made me feel wanted, you were the one who made me feel that I have a family.”
“Because you are… you are my family… you are my father’s son… you’re my brother…” Gone was his anger and disappointment towards his brother. Changmin always acted like he didn’t anyone in his life, but he should’ve knows better after the reading of the will. How hurt he must have felt, but still he had the heart to consider his position as the real Jung and the legal heir of the company.
“I should’ve been a good brother and chased you down… instead I chose to get by with the will, going to school, mending my relationship with my son, but I never made a real effort to find you. It’s me who should apologize…” He squeezed his brother’s shoulder. He felt like he’s holding the same fragile 3 year old Changmin who missed his mother. “I’m sorry… my dear little brother.”
Finally… both men felt like they just found their family once again. And this time, no one kept anything from each other. They’ve become real brothers.
* * * * *
Jaejoong was staring in the papers in front of him, twirling a pen between his fingers. He hadn’t get anything done today. In fact, he hadn’t done a good job at all for the past week. He felt miserable.
He was startled when another stack of papers was placed in front of him. When he lifted his face, he was met Yoochun’s concerned face. “You’re spacing out again.”
He shook his head and started reading the papers in his hand, “I’m not.”
“You are… you’re holding the same paper that you were reading 2 hours ago when I came to deliver your lunch.” And he raised his eyebrow at the tray at the coffee table. “And you didn’t even touch your lunch, I see.”
“I told you I wasn’t hungry.”
“Jae, you still need to eat! You just recovered less than a month ago, do you want to get sick again?”
“I’m doing fine, thank you! Can’t you stop your lecture and help me with the documents please? I’ve had enough lectures from my mother at home.”
Yoochun sighed, “I’d like to help you, but really, you need to eat. I’ll just order a new dish then I’ll help you once you’ve finished with it.” He called Jae’s secretary to order a new food for him though Jae protested heavily.
“You’re persistent!”
“And you’re so stubborn! Do you want to get sick again so Jung Yunho will come and visit you again?”
He snapped at him, “You- how could you-“
Yoochun raised both of his palms, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. But come one, tell me Jae… what’s been bothering you?”
Jaejoong bit his lower lip in his effort to no spilling his mind, but it’s getting harder under his assistant/best friend’s stare. “He-“ he swallowed a slump in his throat. “He didn’t call me or contact me at all after his visit.”
“He didn’t- Oh… Oh!” Yoochun smiled. “So you were expecting him to call you or come to see you again after you recovered?”
“I’d rather he didn’t come and see me if he’s going to leave again.” He yelled in frustration.
Jaejoong had to admit that Yunho’s visit to his house shocked him. He thought after all that he had done the man wouldn’t want to have anything to do with him anymore. And then they almost kissed. Almost!
He thought that Yunho had forgiven him… that he might had another chance with him. But almost a month had gone by, Moonbin kept in touch with his mother regularly but not a single news about his father. Not even something simple like asking him how he had been or if he had recovered. His hope was crushed though when he didn’t hear anything again from the man. Maybe Yunho came just because of Moonbin and not because he really cared.
“I feel like I’ve been dumped.”
Yoochun chuckled. “He didn’t even ask you to date…”
He glared at him. “I was just saying!”
“I know, I know, sorry!” He laughed at him. “So you’re sulking? Because he didn’t call you?”
He sighed dejectedly. “Maybe.”
“Look Jae… give him sometime… Did you get the chance to apologize to him at all?”
“… No. I mean, come on Chun, it was already a big shock for me to see him at my house! And I was sick!”
“Jae, I’m sure that he’s really concerned about you. But maybe he’s not sure about his feeling too… give him some time… you should give yourself some time to think it over too. I think you should apologize to him first before anything else.”
“You think… “ He asked him hesistantly. “You think I should be the one to call him first?”
Yoochun smiled at him. “I doubt that he came just because of Moonbin. You said yourself that he helped you to bed and you almost kissed. He’s as confuse as you are… make the next move Jae. Win him again. But this time… use your heart and not your emotion. You’ve hurt him bad, you know.”
“I know… that’s why I’m afraid Yun. I’m so afraid if he refuses to forgive me.”
Yoochun reached out and squeezed his hand reassuringly, “You won’t find out until you try. You spend so many years trying to win him back in the wrong way. It’s time to fix it… and you better do it right. Think carefully of what you want to do.”
“Thanks…” He didn’t feel better at all, but he knew that he has to do it right this time. If he fail Yunho once again, he might never had another chance.
“Now, shall I help you with those?” Yoochun pointed at the documents.
“Yes please.” He handed over one stack to Yoochun who quickly brought it to another table to check them out.
Jaejoong thought for a few seconds before he reached out for the phone on his desk.
“Eomoni, it’s me. Will let you me know when you plan to meet Moonbin again? Yes… yes… thank you. I’ll be home late tonight. Yes, thank you.”
He can see a smile on Yoochun’s face after he hung up. Wait for me Jung Yunho… this time I’ll do it right. I’ll win you back.
* * * * *
Chapter 18