Being told of being someone who he can’t even remember was a challenge for Taekwoon.

Jung Leo.

That’s the name in which Hakyeon told him of who he really is but despite being told everything about his past, Taekwoon still had difficulty trying to recall anything. He started to have doubts whether he really was Leo or not. Maybe he isn’t and that he’s someone else? Just a look-alike. But then, who is he?

All Taekwoon knew is that he was unable to refuse Hakyeon when the boy pleaded him to return to Brampton to see his own biological father.

Taekwoon was standing there and staring up at the tall walls that had blockaded the entire city and looked again at an even bigger gate that swarmed above his head. His jaws couldn’t help but drop. This was his hometown, where he was born apparently…

‘Let’s go,’ Hakyeon said to Taekwoon.

As Taekwoon followed Hakyeon into the large city, he noticed the structures to be much taller and the streets were narrow. The architecture was so different from Pinewoods that it started to make Taekwoon nervous.

He also noticed that people were not as friendly to strangers as they did back in Pinewoods. People didn’t really talk to one another nor did they greet the visitors that walked through the gates from the outside. Everyone minded their own business and people could care less of what Taekwoon’s business was returning home. Of course, people didn’t recognize them.

Hakyeon wanted to be cautious of Taekwoon’s return in secret. Though the investigations were nearly there and they had all evidences that were needed in order to clear Leo’s name, the news have yet to be made public. So, if the city knew that Leo was still alive, there would definitely be uproar. At this moment, any sort of chaos had to be prevented. The main focus was to make sure that Hakyeon would bring Taekwoon to his home and visit the minister for the first and final time.

‘Open up, it’s me. Cha Hakyeon.’ He said to the guard standing by the gates.

Where is this? Taekwoon was practically silent the whole way through while walking in the large city. This was supposed to be his hometown yet he still felt like an outsider.

‘Hakyeon-ah, where are we?’ Taekwoon pulled on Hakyeon’s sleeves like a lost-child.

Hakyeon looked at Taekwoon.

‘You, really don’t remember… This is your house. Ken and Ravi is waiting inside for us.’

‘Ken… you said he’s my cousin right?’

Hakyeon nodded.

‘He’s also your friend and comrade. Leo was always the timid type of person who didn’t open his heart to strangers aside from Ken and Amelia. So, he’s the probably the closest friend you have. Ravi was someone who you trusted a lot during your time in the war. At least, that’s what Ken told me. Anyways, let’s not keep them waiting.’

‘Okay…’ Taekwoon could only follow obediently behind.

Hakyeon knocked on the living room doors.

‘Come in,’ Ken said. ‘Who is i-‘

Ken nearly got too shocked and almost tripped from his spot. He knew that Leo was alive from what Hakyeon told him but to actually see his cousin in person… he couldn’t hold back his tears.

‘Leo-ah!!’ Ken cried out. He rushed to Taekwoon limping with his one leg and gave the man a hug. He was so shocked, so sad, so relieved to see his cousin alive again. Ken have always felt guilty that if only he was a bit faster to save Leo during the war, than the other would not have ‘died.’ But Leo was back, even if the name has changed.

Hakyeon and Ravi saw how sad Ken was. Ken must have been holding back his sadness and depression this entire time, alone. He was afraid that the people around him would be burdened and he was trying so hard to fight in the investigations in order to clear his dear cousin’s name and reputation.

Taekwoon still wasn’t used to the name though. The name ‘Leo’ just felt so foreign to him.

After Ken had finally calmed down, he told Hakyeon and Taekwoon that they have finally found all the proof there was in order to clear Leo’s name. They are now arranging with the media to publish the news and also catch the true culprit. After that, Taekwoon can finally come back into the public as himself and be known as a true war hero. Hakyeon was obviously relieved to hear such good news but as for Taekwoon, he still didn’t know how to react. Was he supposed to be relieved? Happy? It was as if this wasn’t any of his business.

But of course, good news was followed by the bad.

‘How’s the minister’s condition?’ Hakyeon asked.

‘Not so good. His heart can fail him at anytime to be honest. The doctors have been giving him as much treatment as they can to keep him alive and hope for a miracle but… we can’t have our hopes too high. The once brave and bold minister who defended our city… to see him so fragile and weak breaks my heart. The doctors told us to be ready at any time.’ Ken said sadly.

‘Can we see him?’ Hakyeon asked.

‘Not now. He just took some medications earlier and went to rest. I will tell him of your return once he wakes up. As for now, why don’t you two go get some rest as well? It must have been a long trip coming back here.’ Ken suggested.

‘Come Le- I mean Taekwoon-ah. I’ll show you your room.’ Hakyeon stuttered.

He forgot. Leo isn’t Leo anymore. It is now Taekwoon and he can tell that Taekwoon was obviously not used to the other name yet. But by being back in Brampton again, Hakyeon couldn’t help but say Taekwoon’s real name.

Hakyeon showed Taekwoon his room and helped the latter settle down his belongings.

‘You should rest well for tonight. I’m going back home to see mom. I’ll talk to you again in the morning.’

‘Wai-‘

Before Taekwoon could hold Hakyeon back, Hakyeon had already walked out of the room in a hurry. Without even looking back at him.

Taekwoon flopped onto his big bed and sighed. His head hurts as so much was going on at the same time. There were so many things to remember yet he couldn’t remember anything at all.

His head just felt empty with nothing to recall and was filled with painful throbs. What if he wasn’t Jung Leo? He couldn’t help but doubt.

Aside from his constant headaches, he could feel his heart hurting just as much.

Hakyeon has been rather cold to him ever since the boy told him the truth.

Even during their journey from Pinewoods to Brampton, Hakyeon didn’t talk much to Taekwoon unless it was about ‘Leo.’ Whenever Hakyeon talked about ‘Leo,’ he would look so happy and bright but then he would also stutter or hesitate on parts of his stories.

There was definitely something Hakyeon wasn’t telling to Taekwoon.

But no matter how many times Taekwoon tries to figure out what it was, the answer was nowhere to be found.

Even after seeing his cousin, Ken or childhood friend, Amelia, Taekwoon recalled nothing. It was as if something was missing and the pieces were not connecting for his memories to fully return. But does he really want to remember?

‘I’m tired,’ Taekwoon yawned and fell asleep.

*   *   *   *   *   *

‘Mom! I’m back!’ Hakyeon shouted and looked for his mom as soon as he got back home.

‘Hakyeonie? Hakyeon-ah!’ His energetic mom was still the same. She rushed towards him and hugged him tightly. ‘I miss you so much! How are you? Let me take a good look at you. Are you eating well? You seem thinner.’

Hakyeon chuckled a bit and relieved to see his worrywart mother. He hugged her.

‘I’m fine mom. Thanks for worrying about me.’

‘I’m your mom. Of course I’d be worried!’

Hakyeon’s mom made a feast in order to celebrate her precious son’s safe return. Though it has only been about half a year since Hakyeon left the city, it felt like ages for her. After all, her boy has never left her side since birth. She was worried at first about letting Hakyeon venture out alone into the world but Hakyeon is an adult now and she knew that she shouldn’t be holding him back.

‘Auntie! I heard Hakyeonie is back?!’ Minhyuk rushed into the shop as the two was just about to eat their supper. ‘Hakyeon-ah!!’

Minhyuk flew in to give Hakyeon a hug seeing his best friend doing so well.

‘Minhyuk-ah… you’re squishing me. I can’t breathe!’ Hakyeon tried to push the clingy Minhyuk away to grasp for air.

‘I heard Hakyeon-hyung is back… hyung!’

As if they just kept coming in one after another from hearing the news of Hakyeon’s return, Hyuk also came in. Hyuk was so happy to see Hakyeon after so long and really wanted to hug Hakyeon but it was obvious that Minhyuk got to it first.

Hakyeon could see that Hyuk was holding back. It was adorable.

‘Come here Hyogi-ah,’ Hakyeon opened his arms to invite Hyuk for a hug and rejoice the three of them finally reuniting.

The three of them didn’t let go of one another in their group hug and Hakyeon’s mom watched the three boys adoringly. Minhyuk and Hyuk ended up staying for supper and Hakyeon told them everything during his journey as well as Taekwoon’s return.

‘I’m still surprised though. The fact that you actually found him…’ Minhyuk said.

‘Yeah. Like what are the chances? It’s like some sort of fate.’ Hyuk added.

‘Right?’ Minhyuk nodded in agreement.

Hakyeon had to admit though. Even he could not believe it. He often thinks back at how strange it was for him to find Leo despite the latter not being able to remember anything. Leo could have been stranded elsewhere or even lost or captured in enemy territories. Yet, not only was he alive and well but he ended up being exactly where both Amelia and Hakyeon was.

Hakyeon has to admit that something called ‘fate’ was playing its part.

After their long conversations and reunion, Minhyuk and Hyuk finally left back home for the night. But just as Hakyeon turned around, someone knocked on the door behind him. Did one of them forget something?

As Hakyeon opened the door, he was surprised to see who it was.

It was Taekwoon.

‘Wh-why are you here?’ Hakyeon was shocked.

‘I couldn’t really sleep… that place just feels too big and unfamiliar to me so I called Ken to ask where you lived. Sorry…’ Taekwoon suddenly realized that he could have intruded to Hakyeon’s home uninvited. ‘I’ll… go home.’

‘Huh? Wait wait!’ Hakyeon pulled Taekwoon inside. He obviously could not just send such a dejected boy home after coming all this way. ‘I’ll get you a room ready and you can stay there for as long as you want.’

‘But…’

‘It’s fine. I can understand that you’re not used to it. You still can’t remember anything and I suddenly pulled you here to this city that you’re not even familiar with. I should be the one saying sorry.’ Hakyeon apologized.

‘No no! I-‘ Taekwoon stuttered. He didn’t mean to make Hakyeon feel bad.

Hakyeon couldn’t help but smile at Taekwoon’s lost and flustered expression.

‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh. It’s just, I didn’t think you can look so embarrassed or lost at the same time.’ Hakyeon tried to hold back at his amusement.

Hakyeon’s smile seemed to have erased all of Taekwoon’s worries though and Taekwoon appreciates it.

‘Thanks.’ Taekwoon said.

‘Hmm? For what?’ Hakyeon asked while trying to focus again.

‘For everything that you’re doing. Although my memories as Leo hasn’t returned yet, I can tell how much you’re doing for me. Even though we’re just high school friends.’

Ah, that’s right…

Hakyeon suddenly remembered the small lie that he told Taekwoon. Well, it wasn’t exactly a lie but not the entire truth either. Sure they were friends but Hakyeon still haven’t told Taekwoon that Leo was in love with Hakyeon and even confessed to him.

*   *   *   *   *   *

After a night’s rest, Taekwoon woke up rejuvenated again. The small bed at Hakyeon’s house was a lot more welcoming and comfortable than the big bed he had back at the mansion.

Taekwoon stretched and looked out the window. Right, I’m not in Pinewoods anymore…

He got dressed and went downstairs to the kitchen to find Hakyeon’s mother there preparing breakfast for them.

‘Good morning.’ Taekwoon said politely.

Hakyeon’s mother turned around and was a little bit surprised but calmed herself knowing that Leo has returned. She smiled.

‘Good morning. It’s Taekwoon right?’ She asked.

Taekwoon nodded.

‘Come and have some breakfast. Hakyeon just went out to buy me something and will be back soon.’

‘Thank you.’ Taekwoon sat at the table quietly and ate his breakfast.

‘I hope you had a good night’s rest last night. Sorry if our place is bit small.’ She apologized.

‘No, it was perfect. Thank you for letting me stay so suddenly.’

‘That’s not a problem. You’re Hakyeon’s friend after all.’

Taekwoon was feeling a bit shy and happy by Hakyeon’s mother’s smile. She was just as warm as Hakyeon is. They really are related after all.

‘Um, can I ask what kind of person I was? As Leo?’ Taekwoon asked.

‘Hmm? Let’s see, you’re not very talkative and quite shy at first but very polite and well-mannered. You used to come and help us out here at the shop even when you were busy with your exams. You and my son was very close and I’m glad the two of you got along so well.’ She told him.

‘I see. That’s a relief.’ Taekwoon was happy to know that Leo wasn’t a bad person. And in fact, didn’t sound much different from who Taekwoon already is.

‘Mom! I’m back!’ Hakyeon returned.

After Hakyeon had returned and breakfast was finished, Hakyeon and Taekwoon set off to visit the minister’s mansion once again.

‘Are you nervous?’ Hakyeon asked as the two were sitting on the carriage and making their way to their destination.

‘A bit…’ Taekwoon replied.

His heart was actually beating rapidly and restless to see the man who was supposed to be his father. Yet, Taekwoon’s memories as Leo was still missing. He really wants to remember and felt horrible for not remembering anything about his own father. But what can he do? His head and heart hurts every time he tries to recall.

‘We’re here.’ Hakyeon said.

Back here again… Taekwoon sighed. He still felt foreign just looking at the mansion. This place was too big and extravagant for his taste. He’s so used to the small and familiar Pinewoods already that this mansion was just too much for him to handle all at once.

The two of them met Ken back at the living room and Ken told Taekwoon to meet his father right away.

*   *   *   *   *   *

While Taekwoon left to find his father, Ken and Hakyeon sat by at the living room to talk.

‘Taekwoon called me last night about where you live. I guess he stayed over at your place? Does he remember?’ Ken asked Hakyeon.

Hakyeon shook his head.

‘I don’t know whether to call you kind or stupid for not telling him everything. Even I still can’t get used to calling him Taekwoon yet. I wish he can just remember already…’ Ken scratched his head.

‘Ken.’

‘Hmm?’

‘Do you still get nightmares?’

‘Sometimes. Why?’ Ken was rather taken back from Hakyeon’s sudden question.

‘If Taekwoon remembers everything, do you think he will have the same nightmares as you?’

Ken gulped.

‘I don’t doubt that. But the Jung Leo I know is a lot stronger than anyone else. Hakyeon-ah, is that the reason why you don’t want him to remember? Are you afraid that by remembering you, that it will also trigger his traumatic experiences during the war?’

Hakyeon nodded.

‘You’re really silly. Cha Hakyeon, let me ask you a question.’

‘What is it?’

‘Do you love my cousin? Do you love Jung Leo?’

‘I do. I’ve always loved him. Even before he confessed to me.’ Hakyeon said.

‘Then, that’s all that should matter right?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I mean, if he does remember and if he does recall those horrid memories, you will be there by his side and comfort him won’t you?’

‘Ken…’ Hakyeon looked at Ken’s face of assurance. It was as if all the doubts in Hakyeon’s mind was finally gone and he finally found the answers.

‘Well?’

‘I will. I’ll be there for him whether he is Jung Leo or Taekwoon. I don’t want to lose him anymore and I’ll support or be by his side for as long as he wants me to. Because I love him.’

‘Then that’s all that should matter.’ Ken smiled.

*   *   *   *   *   * A/N *   *   *   *   *   *

I hope you guys don't mind the frequent updates :D I'm trying to finish this story soon so I can focus on < Dream.scape >

Also, there was actually a reason why I had Taekwoon, Jaehwan and Wonshik using their stage names as Leo, Ken and Ravi in this fanfic aside from the whole 'amnesia' stuff. It's because they're from a different district or upper class of the society compared to Hakyeon, Hongbin and Hyuk. Therefore, they got the fancier stage names ~ it was just a simple reason but honestly, after Taekwoon's amnesia happened, I had such confusion whenever I write using Taekwoon or Leo between passages. Had to always go back and double check LOL