“Wha-what?” Sunggyu blinked hard and stuttered, he was too shocked with his information.

Woohyun climbed off the bed and walked to where his bag was. After searching inside and taking a few things out of it, he finally found what he wanted and came back to show them.

“I found this in-” Woohyun stopped because he couldn’t say the word that he once said so endearingly without wanting to cry his heart out all over again. “In Myungsoo’s room.” He fully showed the picture and the two brothers got their heads close to see a half-torn picture with a couple in it. “This is my mom and this is my...” He stopped his words and didn’t add anything this time.

Sungyeol noticed that despite being angry and disappointed, Woohyun couldn’t bring himself to call this guy by the word he called Myungsoo until now, even if they looked like each other. He considered this as something in Myungsoo’s favor.

Sunggyu looked at the picture and even tried to change the angle, he could see Woohyun resembled the guy but not the girl. He wanted to ask a question that he knew it could hurt his friend but also… if Woohyun was wrong then they would be able to solve this. In the end, Sunggyu decided to ask. “Are you sure this noona isn’t Myungsoo hyung friend?”

“No, she isn’t his friend, she is my mom!” Woohyun hissed then started to pace. “Hyung, haven’t you been listening to me? He lied to me! He said I looked like my mom but I don’t. He also said he didn’t have her pictures but  I found an entire photo book with a lot of her pictures. There is a bunch of pictures with her belly this big,” He made a gesture in front of his own belly. “There is a picture of her with Soohyunnie and I...” He stopped for a bit as his eyes grew big and he looked at Sungyeol with some hope. “Maybe he lied to me and mom is still alive.” He said with hope and both Sungyeol and Sunggyu were surprised. The boy ran to Sungyeol and begged. “Hyung, you have to help me find her, I want to meet her, I want to be with her.”

“I don’t think Myungsoo lied about that Woohyun, your mom isn’t…” Sungyeol tried to explain softly although he wasn’t able to finish that sentence. He ended up patting the young boy back. “You often go visit hers and your sister's resting place so you know he isn’t lying about that.”

Woohyun held upset tears and Sungyeol knew that one chance of Woohyun forgiving Myungsoo was just destroyed. But it was inevitable, Woohyun mother wasn’t alive anymore, he even read about that in both his and Myungsoo’s moms’ letters.

“Maybe you took after her in your personality. Mom often said I looked like dad but we were alike when it came to personalities.”  Sunggyu ended up saying awkwardly, being right even though he didn’t know, but it wasn’t enough for Woohyun to believe it or even get that much distracted.

“I don’t know.” He mumbled sadly as he looked down to the ground. “But if I don’t look like her, I’d have to look like someone right?” He turned to Sungyeol for confirmation and Sungyeol nodded tensely. There was no way for Woohyun to know how genetics worked but the boy was still right. “I don’t look like her but I don’t look like him. “ Sungyeol and Sunggyu shared a concerned look once the boy made a pause. “ I also don’t look like anyone else from our family and... wait-” Woohyun continued but suddenly stopped to think more and then made a really sad expression, all the crying earlier was because of Myungsoo alone but now he realized the others weren’t related to him. “They... aren’t... my... family…” He said slowly as the realization hit him and he couldn’t hold tears anymore.

“Woohyunnie, does that matter? Your grandparents are not my grandparents but they let me call them like that, uncle Moonsoo too. It feels like we’re family.” Sunggyu offered as he thought that this could make his friend think positively, but it also didn’t work.

“That’s not the same.” Woohyun said brokenly and frustrated as he stomped one foot on the ground.

“Come here.” Sungyeol pulled the boy by the hand so he fell on the bed Sungyeol was sitting and the elder prepared to give him a hug. “I know this is too much to take but…”

Now, Woohyun might have let Sungyeol pull him to sit on the bed but he wasn’t a dumb kid. The elder reaction wasn’t like Sunggyu, he was not surprised, so the boy dodged and asked brokenly.

“Did you know?” He asked as tears of disappointment fell and Sungyeol stayed in silence as he thought about what he should do while Sunggyu pointed an accusing finger at him.

“Hyung, you knew?” He asked flabbergasted.

Sungyeol sighed deeply but nodded in confirmation. “I knew.”

“And you didn’t tell us?” Sunggyu asked with another gasp as if he should have been informed of everything regarding his friend.

“Then-then you lied to me too? Why did he tell you and kept lying to me?” Woohyun felt like someone pushed him into an abyss that had no end and no one to rescue him, so he would keep free falling forever.

“No Woohyun, it was not like that.” Sungyeol said softly while trying to get the boy's hand but Woohyun crawled backward on the bed to dodge him more. “He didn’t tell me.” He said and for the first time, he willingly lied to Woohyun. “I discovered on my own.”

Woohyun didn’t know if he should believe the elder, but he was pretty much at a loss. “Ho-how?” He stuttered a question.

Sungyeol struggled to continue because he knew it was like he was about to twist a knife in the boy chest. But, if he didn’t manage to calm the boy enough to want to talk to his family he wouldn’t know what to do, he couldn’t keep him, and he couldn’t let the boy go with them without wanting, Woohyun would hate him forever.  He need Woohyun trust, everyone needed that Woohyun trusted him a little bit.

“Just as you said, you don’t look like each other….” Sungyeol explained with a reluctant expression. “I’m a genius Woohyun, I noticed that, I just never said out loud to anyone.”

“Why~?” Woohyun dragged the question as he felt his heart hurt more.

“Because I never had this kind of relationship with anyone and at some point I envied what you have with Myungsoo, I didn’t want to break something that is beautiful.” He sighed before he continued. “I would never forgive myself if I hurt you two by talking about that because it is something that I can’t fix, I can’t change, I can’t do anything about it.” He looked at the boy while trying to show all his sincerity. “I hope you can forgive me for this.”

Woohyun pursued his lips together for a bit as he tried to control his emotions.“This… this isn’t fair.” He ended up saying as he covered his face with his hands in order to hide the tears that didn’t seem to want to stop anytime soon. “This isn’t fair.” He repeated as Sunggyu climbed down to the bed below to hug him. Woohyun didn’t offer resistance nor avoided him so Sungyeol also scooted close on the bed to do the same.

“I agree with you, it isn’t.” He said then let out a long sigh. “But life isn’t fair Woohyun.” He tried to explain softly as he tried to pat the boy for comfort. “If it was, you wouldn’t be crying over this, Myungsoo wouldn’t have so many problems, maybe my parents would be alive… maybe not married because now I wouldn’t trade having Sunggyu around for anything…”

Sungyeol could only hear Woohyun sobs because Sunggyu was silent but he felt a small hand on one of his arms squeezing it a bit. It was Sunggyu and, with that squeeze, Sungyeol thought he probably wanted to show he understood what the elder was talking about. Instead, Sunggyu was grateful that Sungyeol now liked him enough to show love by saying things like this but at the same time he didn’t want to bring attention to their relationship when Woohyun was a mess. Sungyeol seemed to think the same because he gave Sunggyu a squeeze back and continued.

“You don’t deserve this.”  He then sighed tiredly. "I know you are angry and disappointed, and you have all the right to be, but you and Myungsoo still have to face this and you both should talk because I don’t think he had any intention to hurt you.”

“How-how can you say-say that?” Woohyun stuttered in the middle of his sobs. “He li-lied to me.”

“Because he loves you from the bottom of his heart.” Sungyeol explained softly then repeated. “And he didn’t mean to hurt you.” The boy snorted, he clearly didn’t believe that. “You both are close, don’t you think he didn’t know this would make your heart break?” Woohyun avoided the elder eyes while he continued. “Remember when we sang your favorite song to him?”

“What that has to do…”

“Remember that back then I told you that, despite growing up, he had fears and insecurities?” Sungyeol asked but didn’t let the younger reply. “I’m sure Myungsoo knows how this is serious and how devastating hearing the truth would be for you, maybe he was afraid to tell you the truth up till now because he didn’t want to see you like this: hurting. And maybe this is why he was doubting his parenting skills back then.” Sungyeol thought it was better to avoid telling Woohyun about the conversation Myungsoo had with his own father back then, - maybe that would at least protect the boy perception on Bumsoo - but making Woohyun remember past situations when Myungsoo showed some insecurity would help him argue they both should talk.

Woohyun didn’t say anything bit his lips so he continued. “I know he made a promise to always tell you things but how can he do that when he knows you’ll react badly? The other day he told you he wanted to date and you also didn’t take it well. Have you ever stopped to think about it how lonely he feels after your mother died and how long he wanted to tell you that he wanted to date someone else but was afraid of your reaction?”

“Why are you on his side?” Woohyun inquired as he head snapped back at Sungyeol.

“I’m not on his side Woohyun, he lied and you found out so it’s his fault he broke the promise you two had.” Sunggyu nodded at that. “What am I trying to say is that he loves you so he might have done that in order to protect your heart from breaking.”

“I don’t think so…” The boy said as he avoided Sungyeol gaze again. “... maybe everything was a lie.”

“How can you say that Woohyun? He might have lied about your origins but nothing he feels about you is a lie, he loves you.” The elder insisted with a scolding tone that might or might not have made Woohyun a tiny bit guilty.

“ He hurt me.” Woohyun mumbled sadly.

“I know, both my parents hurt me because of their lies too, so I know how you feel.” Sungyeol patted the boy as Sunggyu threw a questioning look at his brother.

“Really?” Woohyun squinted his eyes at Sungyeol.

“Yeah, they made me believe that their marriage was good for the longest time so when they divorced I was really angry.” He confessed a bit sad. “My father had fault in a lot of things but didn’t tell me so I used to get angry at mom only…” He stopped to gulp. “At the end, my dad died before I got the chance to confront him and I spent more time than I should being angry at my mom until she died before I had the chance to fully forgive her.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Woohyun hesitantly said.

“Hyung, she…” Sunggyu felt like he needed to comfort his brother but Sungyeol smiled softly at him.

“It’s ok Sunggyu, mom thought of an amazing way so I could make up to her.”

“How?” The small-eyed boy asked.

“Taking care of you.” Sungyeol said with a smile as he reached past Woohyun to pat Sunggyu a bit. “At first we were both annoyed but now I think she couldn’t have thought of something better. Taking care of you ended up being a gift and now that we get along we are growing a lot.”

Sunggyu pursed his lips and made a constrained expression, he was beyond happy to be hearing that but didn’t want to look that happy in front of his suffering friend. Woohyun felt jealous of the pair of brothers and it was showing in his expression so Sungyeol turned to him. “Maybe Myungsoo taking care of you was a gift from your mother to both of you and if you hold onto your anger too much and you don’t talk to him, you will regret that later like I do now.”

“But he made a mistake.”

“He did, I’m not saying he didn’t. Parents don’t always know what to do, they learn a few things as they go, like I did with Sunggyu, but Myungsoo... all he ever wants to do is to love you and protect you as his son.”

“I don’t know.” Wooohyun disagreed. “How can he love me when he did that?”

“Don’t say that.” Sunggyu whispered, he had previously been angry at Myungsoo but at this point he already pity the other adult just like he was pitying Woohyun, it was clear that both were crazy for each other so seeing them like that squeezed his heart.

“Sunggyu is right, don’t say that. I saw Myungsoo fighting other kids parents when you lost a tooth because he loves you and didn’t he fought the other kids parents when tried to protect you from your bad grandmother because he knew she was a bad person?”

Woohyun made a face but didn’t want to reply. “Let’s not talk about the dragon.”

“He did.” Sunggyu quickly said as if the answer was directed at him. “I saw it too.”

“And despite a lot happening between your father and I, isn’t right that he didn’t take that long to allow you to play with Sunggyu because he knew you were upset that you couldn’t?”

“It was long.” Woohyun disagreed even though his eyes watered.

“He did.” Sunggyu pointed as he elbowed his friend a bit as if scolding him. “He let us play after a few days.”

“Who was beside you every time you were sick?” Sungyeol asked, glad for the help Sunggyu was giving.

Woohyun seemed to want to say something even though he looked down but the taller noticed the moment where everything the boy wanted to say slid back down into his throat. “Even when he was angry at you or grounded you, has he ever treated you in a way that made you feel like you’re not his son? Has he ever treated you in a way that made you feel like he wasn’t your father? Was he ever called you names, acted mean, hit you?” Sungyeol insisted more emphatically. “Come on, answer me.”

“NO! No! Okay? He didn’t.” Woohyun ended up saying in frustration as he let his tears fall again.

“Then how this is not loving you?” Sungyeol asked, this time more softly as he tried to wipe the boy tears. Woohyun also didn’t reply to that question but he hid his teary face on his little hands.

“But I’m so angry.” He mumbled and Sungyeol patted his shoulder again.

“I said before, it's ok to feel like that, this is why you’re sleeping here to cool down a bit so you two can talk tomorrow.” The elder explained.

“I don’t-I don’t want to.” The boy whined.

“But you need.” Sungyeol tried to coax and Sunggyu involuntarily nodded to agree.

“I don’t need to…” Woohyun was read to complain when Sungyeol interrupted.

“Woohyun, you need.” The taller insisted and decided to throw more analogies because he remembered Myungsoo telling him that Woohyun understood analogies well. “Look, my relationship with Myungsoo changing is something that you knew it was true right? But that is only the tip of the iceberg since at first, you didn’t know things like I’ve become his teacher or my feelings to him… What I’m trying to say is you know the truth now but maybe there is more to the story. You found a picture and that is proof that you can use to confront him and ask for the complete truth.”

“So he can lie to me again?” The boy ended up asking.

“If he were to lie now you’ll be even angrier at him, he probably doesn’t want that so he will tell you the truth.”

Aside from some soft sobs, Woohyun was really quiet so when Sunggyu pulled him to a comforting hand he let himself be engulfed by his friend slightly bigger arms. Sungyeol also joined the hug and they stayed a couple of minutes until the younger boy calmed down a bit more and finally pushed them away.

“Can't I just stay with you forever from here on?" Woohyun looked into Sungyeol eyes and begged rather seriously and it was clear that he didn’t exactly reflect, he only wanted to avoid any conversation with Myungsoo.

Sungyeol felt extremely uncomfortable, he loved Woohyun and the boy would always be welcomed in his apartment but he knew the boy wasn't talking about visits with that question. Meanwhile, Sunggyu furrowed his brows in surprise, he loved Woohyun and could even share his room but what about Myungsoo?

"Woohyun, as much as I would love to take care of you like that, I can't." Sungyeol hesitated but said with an apologetic tone.

"Please." The boy begged.

“No, I can’t.” Sungyeol said really apologetic. “You might not like this and you might not have the same blood but Myungsoo is your father, he has all the rights to come here and take you out if he wants.”

“No~~~” The boy whined. “I don’t want to see him drag you out like this, it would be bad for him and for you and everyone else.” Woohyun started sobbing again and this time he laid in Sunggyu bed. “If you’re still angry after you talk to him you should ask to spend some time with your grandparents then”

“What is the use?” The boy asked. “They are not my family either.”

“Well, you wouldn’t have to see him if you don’t want to, and it would easy his hear that you’re safe with his parents since he probably won’t trust me much after you ran away from home under my nose...” Sungyeol stopped to softly glare at the boy in a scolding manner, that made the boy feel a bit guilty, before he continued. “And that way I probably can convince your grandparents to visit you.”

“And we can visit you everyday, right hyung?” Sunggyu asked when he noticed Woohyun was having some internal debate and Sungyeol nodded, his job and the all-nighters he would pull after. “We love you, we are on your side.” Sunggyu said as he laid beside Woohyun and pulled him for another hug.

Woohyun took a few breaths to gather some strength. “O-ok.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sungyeol was a light sleeper and, given that he forgot to close Sunggyu door last night, he could hear the knocks on his front door clearly. He sat alarmed but relaxed when he heard his doorbell rang once. He thanked the gods those knocks didn’t belong to a nightmare and rubbed his eyes a bit, but before he could get up to go to the door, there was a noise of keys turning and the door was opened. He quickly got up and left Sunggyu bedroom only to breathe relieved to see his brother entering his place.

He paused to close Sunggyu door, since the boys were still sleeping, but once he turned around there was Sungjong, Moonsoo, Woohyun’s grandparents and Myungsoo (that looked a mess and entered hesitantly) inside his apartment.

“Can you guys explain why did I have to come back?” Moonsoo asked, this poor teenager was always clueless. Meanwhile Sungjong yawned, reached for the couch and let himself fall there.

“Where is him?” Myungsoo promptly asked to Sungyeol, ignoring his brother.

“Woohyun discovered the truth and ran away from home.” Bumsoo tried to whisper for his maknae, only for the boy to gasp in shock.

“Sorry, we will need all the help we can.” Sonmi added.

“Hum?” Sungjong perked up and sat on the couch only to look inquiringly to his boyfriend.

“Sleeping.” Sungyeol replied to Myungsoo question then gave a pointed look to everyone. “I’d appreciate if you could let him sleep a bit more.” He saw both elders shifted in their places, while Myungsoo clenched his hands nervously. “You can stay and wait if you want to.” He offered.

“Thank you, Sungyeol.” Bumsoo said and moved with his wife to the couch so Sungjong made space for then before looking at his brother for explanation.

“Hyung?” He asked and Sungyeol moved back his eyes to Myungsoo, asking if he could share yesterday happenings with his brother, in the end he kept that promise till the end, no one knew this through him.

Myungsoo gulped hard and nodded as he looked to the ground so Bumsoo decided to be the one explaining.

“It’s a long story but it is not like you won’t know eventually.” Bumsoo said gravely then dropped the bomb. “Woohyun isn’t really Myungsoo son, biologically speaking.” Sungjong gasped. “ Woohyun discovered yesterday, before Myungsoo had the chance to talk to him, so he ran away from home.” Sungjong let out a second gasp.

“But he didn’t go far, he stayed in the stairs until we found him, which was a relief.” Sonmi added and Sungjong turned to his brother with jaw hung low. Aside from surprise, Sungyeol could read in his face a question: ‘when were you going to tell me that?’.

“Don’t make that face, I’m not you, I can keep a secret.” Sungyeol shot a reproving look at his brother.

“How is he?” Moonsoo asked worriedly. “Our mandu must be so heart broken.”

“You can bet he is.” Sungyeol confirmed. “He is very upset too.”

“He hates me, doesn’t he?” Myungsoo asked brokenly and Sungyeol threw an apologetic look at him, he didn’t want to repeat what Woohyun said the day before, this would kill Myungsoo. “I knew it. I knew it.” The neighbor said while he ruffled his hair in distress.

“It took me a lot of time to calm him down. And I can’t guarantee his forgiveness right now, but I managed to make him agree to talk to you.” He tried to somehow assure and calm Myungsoo but when the younger looked at him with hopeful eyes Sungyeol was guilty because that wasn’t 100% guaranteed.  “Eventually.”

“Eventually?” Bumsoo asked flabbergasted as Myungsoo’s shoulders deflated. “But we need to talk to him pronto.”

Sungyeol threw an apologetic look at his ex-lover/student before he spoke to his family. “Good luck with that, Woohyun said he would talk to Myungsoo, he didn’t say anything about you guys.”

“What? Does that mean he doesn't want to see us too?” Sonmi gasped.

Sungyeol shrugged. “He is aware that not being related to Myungsoo makes him not related to you all. He was sad when he realized that but I don’t know what are his thoughts about the rest of the family.”

“What are we gonna do?” Moonsoo looked despaired from his brother to his parents while wondering if they had a strategy set. Myungsoo didn’t reply, he only looked at the ground, so the younger sat on the coffee table to talk to his parents while Sungjong still tried to process what he had just discovered.

Sungyeol gave everyone an overall look and decided to let them discuss while he made a cup of coffee, whatever was coming he needed to be awake for it. He walked pass Myungsoo and moved directly to his coffee machine only to be startled. He thought Myungsoo would have no more words for him but he heard the younger voice.

“Can we talk for a second?” The younger asked tentatively and Sungyeol felt nervous. Sad vibe aside, he had the impression Myungsoo was afraid of something else and had to gather some courage to come to talk to him in private. In normal days Sungyeol would have been at least curious about that but he was also afraid of a conversation with the young dad now when Woohyun disappeared from his watch the day before, he thought he would be more scolded.

“I’m listening.” Sungyeol said as he put the capsule on the machine, he did his best so he voice came out even and not defensive.

“About yesterday...” The younger hesitated and Sungyeol stopped what he was doing because he got tense.

“You’re angry at me, right?” Sungyeol asked with a strain in his tone, he knew Myungsoo had a point to be angry at him but he would be lying if he said he wasn’t afraid of Myungsoo kicking his out of his life at this moment because he had been only trying to help until now and he couldn’t exactly predict the happenings of the day before.

“I’m sorry for the way I behaved.” Myungsoo said sincerely at the same time so Sungyeol turned to look at him with surprise, although the younger didn’t dare to meet his eyes. “I’m very, very, very sorry if I scared you, I was not in my right mind and…”

“Wait a second, you’re apologizing?” Sungyeol asked incredulously, no scolding would come his way?” For what exactly?

“For-for the way I grabbed your collar, I thought I might have made you remember unpleasant things…” Myungsoo said as if ashamed of himself.

Sungyeol stopped a second to think. Myungsoo was right, that could have scared him and made him remember the worst time in his life, but at the same time, he thought it was plausible of Myungsoo to forget reason when Woohyun disappeared from under his nose (not that he wanted a beating). But, Sungyeol also thought the situation with the young boy was so important that he didn’t properly register that, he didn’t even fear Myungsoo the minute the younger grabbed his collar because he knew the Myungsoo was not that kind of person. Maybe this was why he didn’t have any nightmare last night. He was somehow relieved but didn’t release the breath he was holding.

“I thought you’d be angry at me.” He confessed.

“I was for a moment.” Myungsoo admitted but sighed. “But I’m the one who hid his origins and I know I have more fault in it because I was the one that gave him a key right? If I hadn’t given him a key he would not be able to go back to my apartment and discover things I left there because I was careless. Besides at the beginning, we both encouraged them to go back and forth, and we both trusted them…” He halted his words and for a moment they made silence. “Yesterday all I could think of when you told me he disappeared was ‘what if something happens to him?’”

“Me too, this is why I dragged Sunggyu to look for him everywhere.” Sungyeol confessed. Myungsoo slightly nodded in acknowledgment and they were silent for a few seconds, Myungsoo seemed to be trying a thousand combinations of words in his head to tell Sungyeol and trying to gather some courage so Sungyeol decided to be the one talking. “I’m sorry, but even if I could predict he would do this, there wasn’t any way to predict when… still, I’m sorry, Woohyun was in a risky situation because of me.” Sungyeol couldn’t help but make a guilty expression.

Myungsoo stretched his lips for a second. “You don’t need to apologize about this again, I know you’re guilty already, but this is my fault only.”

“I know but I want you to know that will never happen again.” Sungyeol swore not only Myungsoo but himself. “He will never leave my sight ever again.” Myungsoo knew that he was serious but he didn’t think they would ever come across a situation like that anymore. Things were in the open now, right?

“I know it won’t.” Myungsoo stretched his lips sadly and the taller interpreted that as if the boy wouldn’t ever step on his apartment once he left it.

“You’re not trusting him to me again, right?” Sungyeol deflated although he could understand if that was the case and Myungsoo would only want to allow Sunggyu to come over in the future. “If you were to trust him to me again maybe I could try to crack Woohyun completely but if that’s your final decision…” Sungyeol said in a resigned tone but he was already missing the troubled boy.

“It will probably take Woohyun some time to come back here again but that’s not what I meant.” Myungsoo assured, which surprised the taller.

“You changed a lot, hyung, and this was inevitable.” Myungsoo said and this time he was able to stretch a sad smile. “I still trust you with him, this is why I let you have him over tonight, I knew I would be able to reason with him when I couldn’t .” Sungyeol breathed in relief as the younger continued after a heavy sigh. “I just don’t know how things will go after we talk…” The young dad said defeatedly as he looked down. “If he does forgive me, which I think it is gonna take a while to happen, maybe we will need to reconnect and rebuild his trust on me so he might not drop by.”

“I understand.” Sungyeol nodded and since he got so many advice from Myungsoo on how to deal with Sunggyu, he saw the opportunity to pay back the favor and advise the younger about Woohyun. “He is gonna say a lot of things he doesn’t really mean, but don’t let that get to you, try to talk to him calmly.” Myungsoo nodded and didn’t say anything but Sungyeol felt curious, he had to ask. “What are you going to tell him? Are you… are you finally explaining everything?”

Myungsoo shrugged. “What else there is to do now? Everything is in the open, there is no point hiding now.”

“Not everything.” Sungyeol blurted before he could properly think. If Myungsoo were to tell Woohyun about them he would lose all the trust/influence he had with the boy and that could be bad for everyone later. Still, he closed his eyes in regret a second later, he didn’t want to bring light to things between them or force Myungsoo to admit things to Woohyun when the boy was so devastated.

Myungsoo gulped hard and he spoke slowly as if the words were forced out of his mouth by force. “I’m sorry but I can’t…”

“I’m not asking you to tell him about us.” Sungyeol interrupted to clarify. “He can only get angrier and that is not good for you so it would be better if you didn’t talk about us.”

“Then what you do you mean?”

Sungyeol pointed a hand to him. “When you told me your secret you said you wanted to have a child but couldn’t because biology doesn’t help people like us in that aspect, so will you tell him about yourself? ”

Myungsoo mulled over the situation all night but stopped to think about that for a second because he had not been thinking about that at all. Woohyun hadn’t a problem with gay people, he was all in for love, but giving what Woohyun believed in Myungsoo’s marriage with his mother, he wasn’t sure if knowing that would help or worsen the situation.

The young dad ended sighing helplessly. “ I… maybe, I don’t know… I don’t want to worsen the situation, he already hates me.” Sungyeol avoided the younger gaze as he tried to think what to say but Myungsoo beat him to it with a mumble. “What if he asks me how do I feel about you?”

Sungyeol looked at the younger again just to see him looking at the ground. Would talking about his feelings really be a problem? Well, the elder was dying to know if he would ever have another chance with Myungsoo, but at this point, he didn’t think Myungsoo should be worrying over that.

“I don’t think Woohyun is in the state of mind to focus on something else but you can say the truth for a change.” He said and Myungsoo made a surprised expression so Sungyeol felt the need to explain in a resigned tone. “You don’t know yet.” The younger avoided the taller eyes’ again. “You don’t have to look away, we agreed that I would wait so you shouldn’t worry over giving me any kind of answer now.” Myungsoo nodded to show he understood and Sungyeol continued. “I just thought it would be liberating for you to be able to tell him about this part of you, because if end up with or without me, at least you be able to be truthful to your needs and desired. But if you don’t think it will help, or you don’t feel comfortable telling him about your uality right now, you don’t need to say anything.”

“When you put that way…” Myungsoo dragged his words but Sungyeol didn’t let him finish his sentence.

“Myungsoo, Woohyun first right? Your relationship with the most important person in your life is at risk, it is your priority right now.”

“Yeah… maybe I should…” Myungsoo hesitantly pointed back at his parents that we're talking to (or pretending to talk to) the teenage couple in the living room.

“You definitely need all advise you can, it will take some time for him to listen, then to understand things.” Sungyeol nodded.

Myungsoo pointed behind himself again to indicate he was going then he turned his body a bit and stopped before he completely turned and walked back near his parents. Meanwhile, Sungyeol watched the younger hesitance, maybe fear too, then his back until he saw Sonmi lean back on the couch. He thought she was gonna say something to Myungsoo because he was approaching, instead, she discreetly winked his way. He was a bit surprised, did she had anything to do with the fact Myungsoo came to talk to him? Is so he couldn’t be more thankful that she helped things not become completely sour between them. He could only nod and smile discreetly at her.

Once Myungsoo sat beside his family Sungjong promptly got up and that made Sungyeol lose his interest in whatever happened next, so he turned to get his long-forgotten cup of coffee. At this point, the liquid was already cold so he threw it in the sink and started preparing another cup as Sungjong strode his way.

"Hyung!"The younger practically gasped.

"What?" Sungyeol asked as he waited for the coffee to get ready, there was no way he would make another cut and let it get cold again.

"Hyung!" The younger complained a second time and Sungyeol waited for the last drops of the dark liquid fall on his cup to grab and finally turned around.

"I asked 'what'." He said and finally tasted it, so warm so nice.

"You really knew about Woohyun all of this time?"

Sungyeol sighed deeply as he thought how to word this, he knew Sungjong was upset he didn't share. "Yeah. I knew what I was getting into, he told me the day we talked about ourselves in Incheon." He said then took a long sip on his coffee

"Asgehekeih!" The younger made an unintelligible sound then quickly checked the family behind him and proceeded using normal words in a whisper. "That far? And you didn't tell me?"

"Should I report everything now?" Sungyeol frowned and Sungjong sent him a look that practically said 'you know that's not what I meant' so he sighed. "He asked me to keep a secret so I kept my word, no one knows this because of me…. This is why I didn’t share the letters that hinted this, sorry for that."

"Forget about the letters because I didn’t even have the time to read everything you shared with me. Also, I'm not questioning your capacity to keep a secret because I know it is way better than mine, it's just... this such a big… how do I word my thoughts without being a douche?”

“If you say that I should have backed away when I could then you’ll be a douche. Not only that, it will be totally weird because you’re the one that started shipping me with him so…” Sungyeol was defensive and about to lecture his brother more but the younger raised a hand in his face for him to stop and interrupted.

“Don’t say anything, I’ve seen your relationship with him from the beginning to the end and I know that he was the boyfriend that treat you the best, I know how much you love him and how you sacrificed your relationship so you could help him, but I have to make you draw a limit”

Sungyeol seemed at a loss for a second. “What exactly is wrong?”

“Helping him!” Sungjong said as if it was obvious.

“Why helping him is wrong?” Sungyeol was back into defensive mode. “I only help people I love, I love him a lot and he is worth so do the math.”

Sungjong said shaking his head then pointed a finger to his brother. “Helping is not bad per se, but you're you.”

The elder raised a brow then snorted. “What does that even mean?”

“That you’re not only trying to help, but you’re also taking his problems on your own hands and solving them yourself.” Sungjong accused. “I saw your chess plan as a way of solving a mutual problem but I know you and Hoya hyung did something and suddenly Myungsoo hyung got an offer…"

Sungyeol didn't even bother to pretend Sungjong was mistaken. “Ahshhdjajsh! Shhhhh.”He hissed and immediately tried to get over the kitchen island to shut Sungjong mouth and look past him to see if Myungsoo (or his family) were paying attention to their conversation.

Much for his relief, they were trying to discuss things between themselves so he relaxed and Sungjong took the chance to push the taller hand away. "See? You got out of your way to solve something that it doesn't even concern you nad you might already be thinking of ways of doing that again." The younger scolded and added glare for more effect.

"In my defense he doesn't get a job right away he will probably move back to Incheon, do you know how devastated Sunggyu would be if Woohyun is an hour away? The boy will probably have to change schools. And he asked me for help with this." Sungyeol tried to defend himself as he pointed his chin to the format so the younger knew he was referring to what was happening with Woohyun.

"Yeah, let's pretend you don't have any interest in it too." Sungjong snorted with heavy sarcasm then asked. "He asked or did you offer?" Sungyeol starred in his brother's eyes for about three seconds and sighed guiltily.

Instead of showing a triumphant smile, Sungjong leaned over the kitchen island and grabbed one of Sungyeol hands in his. “I know your intentions are pure, but I’m worried about you.”

“Why? I…” Sungyeol was ready to retort when Sungjong let his hand go and raised two fingers in the air.

“First and foremost, you’re being naive because you seem to unconsciously think that Myungsoo hyung will see all of your help as a good thing and chose to come back to you.” The younger grabbed one of his fingers and then changed to the second. “You may think you’re helping but you can be ing him instead.” Sungyeol became livid so he decided to explain a little more. “In the first case, Myungsoo hyung shouldn’t feel pressured to take that decision or do it because he thinks he owes you, and face it, you wouldn’t like if he were to do that.”

Sungyeol briefly nodded to agree and Sungjong continued. “Besides, Myungsoo hyung is insecure, he can see everything as if you’re telling him  he can’t solve his own problems, or get mad at you for being controlling or for taking his chance to face his fears and grow, don’t you think that would do more damage in the long run?"

As Sungjong said this, he remembered the conversation he had with Myungsoo the day he was feverish. If what Myungsoo told him back then was any clue, he was sure how the younger was going to feel. That hurt him deep down but both Myungsoo and Sungjong were right.

"Then don't tell him I had a hand in his offer please. It was not like anyone would appear if he was not good in the first place." Sungyeol pleaded.

"I can pretend I never knew about it." Sungjong offered his hand to seal the deal through a handshake. "In exchange, promise you will not  try to solve anything alone unless one of them asks and that you'll be patient" Sungjong pointed back with his head so the elder knew he was referring to the Kims." Come on, we can be on their side but this is a family matter, they have to come with a solution by themselves like we do."

Sungyeol fidgeted in his place as he looked at his brother's hand. He sighed and was about to shake it when the door of Sunggyu's room made the characteristic sound that preceded it's opening. Everybody stopped whatever they were doing and looked at the door only to see Sunggyu open his mouth and make use of his lungs.

“Breakfeaa-”Sunggyu halted his demanding words when he opened the door of his room and saw that everyone was there and looking at him like they were expecting something. He felt like closing the door it all over again and retreating back to the bed where his friend was.

Sunggyu felt awkward under their eyes but knew they were probably here for his friend. He looked back to see Woohyun already awaken and hugging his Nemo plushie, Sunggyu gave it to him last night because he thought his friend was needing it, but as Sungyeol said last night, he also needed to talk to his family.

“Woohyunnie?” Sunggyu hesitated a bit but softly called him.

“Hm?” Woohyun asked from the bed and, as Sunggyu turned his head to the front again, the younger boy followed his friend line of vision only to see everyone looking his way while holding their breaths. He promptly laid down again and covered his face with the orangish plush toy.

Woohyun stayed a few seconds like that and for everybody the time seemed to stop, or at least drag itself. Sunggyu didn't know if he should proceed walking out or come back, but thankfully Sungyeol made that choice for him.

“Sunggyu, let’s prepare something for Woohyun to eat, hm?” He encouraged the boy to come out but Sunggyu looked back to Woohyun that whined.

“I don’t want to eat.” It came out muffled because of the plushie but Sunggyu could hear, so he looked worriedly at his brother direction and slightly shook his head to be able to pass Woohyun wishes along.

“Come on, Sunggyu.” Sungyeol encouraged again as he gave the boy a warning look to start walking. “Come on, Woohyun will be fine and Sungjong came to see you.”

“Hi, Sunggyu.” Sungjong forced a smile and waved.

Sunggyu hesitated but dumbly gave some steps ahead and it didn’t take time for Myungsoo, and the rest of his family, to brush past him to enter his room and close the door.

Sunggyu looked worriedly to the door then at his brothers. “They will make up, won’t they?”

“I hope so.” Sungjong said as he made an apologizing expression, he couldn’t guarantee anything.

“Yeah, I really hope so.” Sungyeol sighed.

________________________________

AN: Guys sorry for delaying but here it is. Ive been a bit uninspired also a reader pointed something that made me realize the ending (that is ready for an year) wouldnt match the direction of this fic so I had to think a few things all over again. Not only that, there a series of serious conversations that should happen and the right words were needed but I've been stuck. It is not like I stayed a month lazing around, there are a few things happening with me (thankfully everything is sorting out) and I have more 17k words written. Don't expect me to update again within a few days because those words are disconnected scenes.

Ps to my friends: thank you for the help even if it was just plain dumb conversations.