Mini Series: Half Brothers: Competitor

 

        Seungcheol dropped Jeonghan in front of their school and threatened him again before they parted ways.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya, study well. I don’t like being scolded again. Is that clear?

I will fetch you later.

 

Jeonghan:

It’s okay. I can go home by myself.

Don’t worry I won’t tell attorney.

 

Seungcheol:

He has a spy. He’d know everything.

(He sighed)

 

Jeonghan:

Really?

Amazing!

Then, I will report that you are very nice person.

(He teased his brother.)

Don’t forget to smile, so they won’t suspect us.

(He giggled)

 

Seungcheol:

Shut up!

I’ll enroll Hansol in a day care in the subdivision. I need you to fill this up, since you are his legal guardian.

(Handed an envelope to him.)

 

Jeonghan:

Now?

 

Seungcheol:

Nope. You can give it to me later.

By the way, did you already resign in your part time?

 

Jeonghan:

Not yet.

 

Seungcheol:

(With an angry voice)

I told you to resign!

 

Jeonghan:

I will give him a call later.

 

Seungcheol:

Good!

Start working at my company this weekend.

You’ll be working as a receptionist in my hotel.

 

Jeonghan:

Okay. Take care.

 

        Seungcheol left with no words, as usual.

 

While on his way to his office, he got a pleasant morning call from his fiancé.

 

DaEun:

Hi Cheolie~ Good morning!

 

Seungcheol:

(He smiled)

Good morning!

(With a cold, insensitive voice.)

 

DaEun:

Ya, didn’t you miss me?

(She giggled sweetly)

 

        Seungcheol remained quiet.

 

DaEun:

Actually, I decided to go home early because I miss you.

But it seems that you did not miss me at all.

(Sulking over the phone.)

 

Seungcheol:

What will you do then?

 

DaEun:

I might cancel my flight to Korea.

(She threatened sweetly.)

 

Seungcheol:

(He laughed gently.)

Of course, I miss you.

 

Da Eun:

It couldn’t be help. See you, hopefully, next month.

I’ll update you.

Bye sweetie~ take care.

 

Seungcheol:

Take care. I’ll hang up.

 

DaEun:

I think you miss something.

(She giggled)

 

Seungcheol:

What?

 

DaEun:

Saranghae~

 

Seungcheol:

(Tried to hide his smile; even though, he’s with nobody.)

Alright…

Saranghae~

By the way, I have something to tell you when you get home.

 

        Seungcheol went to their office with a smile. Sung Hoon was estranged to his friend as he went to his chair merrily.

 

Sung Hoon:

What happened to you, friend?

Did you drop Jeonghan at his school?

 

Seungcheol:

Yes. I have no choice.

(With a straight, fake pissed face.)

 

Sung Hoon:

Why are you happy, Cheol?

Are you sick?

 

Seungcheol:

Do I look like someone who’s sick?

 

Sung Hoon:

Yes.

(He confirmed)

You are sick when you smile.

 

Seungcheol:

Tsk!

Ah… Sung Hoon ah…

Can you contact our wedding planner?

 

Sung Hoon:

Da Eun is coming?

 

Seungcheol:

Is there anything wrong with that?

 

Sung Hoon:

(With a surprised face.)

N-nothing.

How about Jeonghan and Hansol?

Will you tell her?

 

Seungcheol:

Of course!

 

Sung Hoon:

How about your adoption?

 

Seungcheol:

That’s included.

 

Sung Hoon:

Do you think, she’ll agree on that?

(He seemed to have doubts about it and it made him worry.)

 

Seungcheol:

Why?

 

Sung Hoon:

(Stayed quiet and began thinking deeply because he didn’t like Da Eun for him; however, he had no choice but to support his friend.)

Nothing.

 

Seungcheol:

Sung Hoon-ah, will you look after Jeonghan after I get married?

 

Sung Hoon:

I’ll adopt him.

(He smiled)

 

Seungcheol:

Don’t you like him?

 

Sung Hoon:

(Bent his eyebrows, resulting for them to meet at the middle.)

That’s why I told you that I will adopt him.

 

Seungcheol:

Adopting is not enough.

I don’t want him to be with any other people except you.

 

Sung Hoon:

What do you mean?

How about your father?

 

Seungcheol:

I don’t trust him with Jeonghan.

 

Sung Hoon:

Then, what do you want me to do?

 

Seungcheol:

Just don’t give him to someone.

(He sighed while looking at the papers he was about to sign.)

Can’t you just marry him? I’ll arrange your marriage in America.

 

Sung Hoon:

(He was surprised on what Seungcheol had said.)

Ya! You want me to marry your brother?!

(Confused if he was serious or not.)

 

        Well, he couldn’t blame Seungcheol because it seemed that he was the only one he trust in the whole wide world, since his mother had left him.

 

Seungcheol:

I have left with no other choice.

 

Sung Hoon:

You really like him, don’t you?

(Stood with confidence)

Okay! I’ll make sure I’ll take care of him.

(He teased Cheol because he was serious.)

 

Seungcheol:

Ya, don’t touch him, alright?

 

Sung Hoon:

(He was surprised, but he more.)

How can I not touch him when he’s my… oh, how do I say it?… my husb- no, no, no…

(Shook his head in confusion.)

I prefer wife.

Wife!

(He was astonished with his friend’s idea.)

 

Seungcheol:

(He became alerted and stood up and hit his table strongly.)

Ya! You plan to touch him?!

I’ll kill you!

(Got back to his seat.)

I guess, I have to keep him on my own.

(He sighed, carrying his head while his hand was leaning on the table.)

I can’t trust you anymore.

 

        Sung Hoon was very surprised on how Seungcheol cared for Jeonghan. He was overly protective of Jeonghan like he was his father already. Sung Hoon stared at him for the longest time wearing his crooked brows. Then, later on, he went close to his best friend.

 

Sung Hoon:

Don’t tell me you are serious with that?

You’re scaring me Cheol.

 

Seungcheol:

Do I look like I’m not serious?

I need to entrust him with somebody because I’m getting married soon.

(His excited face suddenly changed into a worried face.)

 

Sung Hoon:

If that’s the case… delay your marriage, so you have more time to spend with him. I’m sure DaEun will understand.

 

Seungcheol:

But I promised her t-

 

Sung Hoon:

If she really loves you, she’ll understand. And why hurry? You are both young.

(Seungcheol did not reply)

I’ll look after him. Don’t worry.

You are really worried?

Hmmmm?

 

Seungcheol:

Promise me.

 

Sung Hoon:

You’re not going to die, aren’t you?

(He suspected Seungcheol’s weird action and prepared his heart if ever he announced his remaining life span.)

 

Seungcheol:

No!

Are you insane?

 

Sung Hoon:

Look who’s talking?! Who planned to engage his brother to his best friend? A man best friend?! Huh!

(Sighed and crossed his arms)

You can still take good care of him if ever you get married, though.

 

Seungcheol:

It’s not enough. Of course my time will be divided already.

 

Sung Hoon:

It’s a simple problem dude.

You can solve that faster than our company’s problem.

 

Seungcheol:

This is harder.

 

Sung Hoon:

Ya! You’re weird. Why do you keep on ignoring him up until now?

Are you afraid that you might get closer to him?

 

Seungcheol:

I don’t know.

 

Sung Hoon:

Aigoo! How ironic!

You’re angry with your father because he was not able to show his love to you and now, you’re doing it with your brother. Tsk!

Like father, like son.

 

Seungcheol:

Stop that! I’m different from him.

 

Sung Hoon:

(Sighed)

You’re hopeless.

 

        While Jeonghan was at his school, it was unexpected that he had a call from Atty. Jung Ho. He wanted them to meet. He said that he will fetch him after his school, but Jeonghan said that he would be fetched by his hyung. Atty. was glad on hearing that, but he insisted that they had to meet because, his father wanted to see him. Suddenly, Jeonghan felt so nervous as he did not know what to do. Jung Ho assured Jeonghan that he’d call Seungcheol, so he knows it. On the other hand, Attorney Jung Ho gave Seungcheol a call to inform him about their meeting with Jeonghan. The young tycoon was alerted on that. He became angry and he didn’t know why. He told them that he’d join them with their dinner meeting because he needed to monitor everything and Attorney agreed.

 

        As expected, Attorney fetched Jeonghan instead of Seungcheol, because his hyung would be late due to his delayed meeting. Jeonghan was uneasy and he kept on playing with his cold, trembling hands. Attorney noticed it and tried to calm Jeonghan, but it won’t work.

 

Attorney Jung Ho:

Jeonghan, relax. It’s your father.

Don’t be afraid.
 

        Jeonghan did not say anything and focused his eyes on the view outside the car. Later on, he got his phone and texted Seungcheol.

 

Jeonghan:

Hyung, I’m nervous.

 

        Seungcheol replied as soon as he got the text. He replied even though he was on a meeting, which was unusual for him because he always turns off his phone during meeting that even Da Eun couldn’t contact him. On the other hand, Sung Hoon was glad that his friend really found the one that he considered as his real family.

 

Seungcheol:

Don’t be. I’ll be there.

Take everything he offers.

 

Jeonghan:

But…

 

Seungcheol:

No buts!

I’ll be quick.

 

        When they arrived at the restaurant, Jeonghan’s heart began beating fast. Faster than before. Attorney patted him gently and led him to his father. Jeonghan couldn’t move in a while because he wasn’t ready for their meeting yet. He wished that that day would never come, and that he’d stay on his hyung’s side forever. Slowly, he went closer and closer to the man wearing a navy blue pair of fine coat.

 

Attorney Jung Ho:

(Whispered gently)

Go on. Greet your father.

 

        As soon as he stood right in front of Mr. Il Kook, his biological father, Jeonghan trembled a bit and stepped backwards. Meanwhile Il Kook was stunned that it made his heart stopped beating for a while as he saw Jeonghan in front of him. Same with Jeonghan, Il Kook just froze on his chair.

 

        On the other hand, Attorney formally introduced them to each other. Jeonghan bowed his head to greet the man with respect.

 

Attorney Jung Ho:

I will leave you alone, then.

 

Il Kook:

Thank you.

(Looked at Jeonghan.)

Have a seat.

(He showed his bright smile to his long lost son.)

 

        Jeonghan thought that he was like his brother. They were cold outside but they were really caring and loving inside. He sat in front of his estranged father, and he tried to avoid his father’s longing eyes.

 

Jeonghan:

Nice to meet you, sir.

(With a shy and soft voice.)

 

Il Kook:

I am your father, Jeonghan.

(But Jeonghan did not reply.)

Order what you want. You must be very hungry.

 

Jeonghan:

I’m just fine, sir.

 

        Since Jeonghan was comfortable calling him sir, he just let him be. Il Kook tried so hard to start another conversation; moreover, he found it difficult to catch up with his son, since he did not grow up with them.

 

Il Kook:

Did your brother take good care of you?

Jeonghan:

Yes sir.

 

Il kook:

I’m glad to hear that.

(He took time to order.)

Jeonghan, what do you want?

 

Jeonghan:

Anything is fine, sir.

 

        Il Kook was the one who ordered for their meal and once again, there was an awkward air between them. Il Kook took another brave initiation to talk.

 

Il Kook:

I’m sorry, I didn’t found you earlier.

(Took his time to browse every detail of his beautiful face.)

You look like her.

(He smiled as he reminisced his beloved Ha Jin.)

 

Jeonghan:

I’m not like her.

 

        Il Kook felt sad of what had happened to Ha Jin. He knew it was his fault because he was a coward man who always do everything his father wanted him to do.

 

Il Kook:

I heard what happened. I’m terribly sorry.

 

Jeonghan:

It’s okay.

 

        The two talked little by little until their food was served.

 

Il Kook:

Son, do you enjoy Seungcheol’s company?

 

Jeonghan:

Yes, sir. He’s kind and loving.

 

Il Kook:

(He laughed)

Really?

I never thought he’s sweet. I thought that he was just like me.

 

        Then, everybody were surprised when they heard someone talking from the background.

 

Seungcheol:

I’m nothing like you, old man.

(He sat beside Jeonghan.)

 

-Flashback-

 

        Seungcheol was unsettled on his seat during the meeting. Sung Hoon noticed it because the table kept on moving as Cheol continuously stomping his feet.

 

Sung Hoon:

Boss, you should stop that.

(He whispered)

 

Seungcheol:

(He was unconscious of the chaos he’s creating.)

The what?

 

Sung Hoon:

Your feet.

(With a straight face.)

I’m distracted.

Why? Is there any problem?

 

Seungcheol:

Jeonghan texted me that the old man will be having a dinner with him.

 

Sung Hoon:

What’s the matter with that?

He’s your father and not a bad guy, Cheol. Relax.

 

Seungcheol:

He’s scared.

 

Sung Hoon:

(Couldn’t help but to smile as Cheol really was concerned of his little or baby brother, based on how he treated him.)

Then go. I will take care of this.

 

-End of the Flashback-

 

        Back to the restaurant with Seungcheol, Jeonghan, and Il Kook. Seungcheol asked the waiter for a menu so he could order too. He looked upon Jeonghan’s dish and told him that it’s not that good because it was his father’s favorite meal.

 

Seungcheol:

Change that. It’s not good.

 

Jeonghan:

Hyung, we should not waste the food.

(He whispered.)

 

Seungcheol:

Then, order another meal if you’re not satisfied.

 

Il Kook:

Feel free to order what you like, Jeonghan.

(He smiled)

 

        Seungcheol became awkward when he saw his father smile. It was like a storm to him. He ignored it and showed his father that Jeonghan should be with him because he knows him better. Upon observing them, Il Kook couldn’t erase his pleased face seeing that they have a good relationship.

 

Il Kook:

Seungcheol, you did a great job taking care of him.

I will get Jeonghan from you now and I am sorry I was a little late.
 

        Seungcheol wore a serious face when he heard that his father would take him away from him.

 

Seungcheol:

Where will you bring him?

In that big haunted house of yours?

 

        Jeonghan remained silent while listening to the father and son’s burning-like-fire conversation.

 

Il Kook:

He’ll stay there first. I will look for a better place f-

 

Seungcheol:

He’ll stay with me until you get a good place for him.

 

Il Kook:

I thought you don’t like him to b-
 

Seungcheol:

I said I’ll keep him until you found a good place.

(He firmly rebuked his father’s words.)

 

Il Kook:

I see.

I’ll try to find a good place for him to stay in.

 

Seungcheol:

Good!

 

        Later on, Il Kook handed Jeonghan a credit and debit card.

 

Il Kook:

From now on, use that.

(Looked at Jeonghan)

 

Jeonghan:

I cannot t-

 

        Seungcheol grabbed the cards and placed it beside Jeonghan.

 

Seungcheol:

Buy everything you want. He’ll pay.

Make sure you buy the expensive ones.

 

        Jeonghan looked puzzled on how his hyung acted in front of his father. He realized that Seungcheol’s anger to his father was deep. The pretty boy knew what happened when Cheol was still a child from Mrs. Park’s story, but he didn’t know that the wound was so deep that Cheol won’t accept him as his father anymore.

 

Il Kook:

How much do I owe you, Cheol?

 

Seungcheol:

One company.

 

Il Kook:

(He smirked)

Alright.

Enjoy eating.

 

Seungcheol:

We’re not.

 

        Il Kook knew that Seungcheol was just like him.

 

Seungcheol:

You owe Jeonghan 3 companies.

 

Jeonghan:

(He was startled)

Hyung!

(He whispered)

 

Il Kook:

I see.
I’m planning to build up a hospital for him.

 

Jeonghan:

N-no need, sir!

(He shook his head)

 

        Seungcheol was surprised on his father’s decision, but he didn’t care at all.

 

Il Kook:

Jeonghan, from now on, call me dad.

 

Seungcheol:

Don’t force him if he doesn’t want to.

(With a cold voice)

 

Il Kook:

I see.

 

        Later on, a familiar voice was resounding all over the place and they could hear that it was coming close. The voice was very frustrated and it seemed that he was complaining something about arrange marriage. As the sound kept coming close, Seungcheol could recognize the face of a young man approaching their direction with Attorney who was trying to stop him. It was Yook SungJae, their youngest brother. The reason why he did not take his father’s surname was because his grandfather did not allow it, since he was the second wife’s son. Same goes for Jeonghan. As long as their grandfather lives, they couldn’t change their surnames.

 

SungJae:

Dad! I won’t do the arrange marriage!

(He was furiously complained while taking huge strides closer to his father.)

Just let me be!

I cann-

 

        He paused as he noticed that he was talking with someone beside his hyung. He stopped opening his loud mouth when he saw a very pretty person who was joining them at the table. He was astonished of Jeonghan’s beauty as his eyes and jaw opened widely in awe. Jeonghan looked pretty for him and thought that he was his ideal type. He has an angelic face that he couldn’t resist to stare at.

 

        Seungcheol frowned his brows more as he noticed that SungJae was staring at his one and only ‘accepted-at-the-moment’ little brother because he never consider him as a family since he was born.

 

Seungcheol:

(Stopped chewing his food.)

Ya! What are you looking at, boy?

 

        However, SungJae’s eyes were fixed at Jeonghan’s beautiful visual, so Cheol called him again.

Seungcheol:

Ya!

       

        Finally, the temporary muted young man spoke.

 

SungJae:

D-Dad, is she my fiancé?

(Pointed at the beautiful Jeonghan.)

 

        Everybody was shocked on his conclusion.

 

Seungcheol:

(He cared to stand just to hit SungJae)

Ya! Wake up!

 

SungJae:

(He was surprised of that hit because it was the first time Cheol interacted with him; though, it was a bit painful.)

Hyung…

Dad… is she my fiancé?

(He ignored Seungcheol and asked his father one more time.)

 

Seungcheol:

Yaaisssh!

(He almost cursed)
 

Il Kook:

No.

 

        SungJae became sad as soon as he learned that Jeonghan was not his fiancé.

 

Sung Jae:

Then, is it hyung’s?

 

Seungcheol:

Don’t call me hyung!

 

Il Kook:

No.

Son… h-

 

SungJae:

(He interrupted.)

I am willing to love her forever, dad. I know I can do better than hyung. Please give her to me. I promise that I will be a good husband to her.

(He pleaded)

 

Seungcheol:

Yaaaaaa!

(He finally burst in anger)

Listen carefully.

He’s my brother and he’s mine.

Understood?!

 

SungJae:

I’m your brother too.

…

Brother?!

That person?!

(He pointed out at Jeonghan with a big and shocked eyes)

You’re lying!

(He refused the reality.)

 

        Jeonghan who was also surprised with SungJae’s presence, couldn’t keep his laughter any longer. He giggled sweetly because he found SungJae adorable. Though he thought that SungJae and Cheol didn’t have a good bond and he knew very well why. He wasn’t expecting to meet his other brother that way. At the same time, he was worried because he mistook him as a lady, and he didn’t seem to accept that he was a guy; in addition, he was also his brother.

 

        On the other hand, SungJae presented a cute smile and introduced himself vigorously to Jeonghan.

 

SungJae:

Hi! I am SungJae!

Nice to meet you.

(He reached his hand for a handshake.)

 

        The alerted Jeonghan stood up and introduced himself too.

 

Jeonghan:

I am Jeonghan, nice t-

 

        Seungcheol prevented Jeonghan’s hand from having a direct contact with SungJae.

 

Seungcheol:

Don’t touch him.

 

        Seungcheol acted like he’s a virus that no one should touch.

 

SungJae:

Dad! Will sh-he live with us?

(His eyes glittered because he was expecting it.)

 

Seungcheol:

No! Never!

Get lost!

 

SungJae:

That means I am his brother too?

(He finally got a better reception of what was happening.)

 

Seungcheol:

Are you that idiot?!

SungJae:

(Ignored Seungcheol again)

If I’m not his brother, can I marry him?

He’s beautiful.

 

Seungcheol:

He’s not a toy!

 

        Seungcheol was very pissed, while Jeonghan was entertained. Seungcheol gave Jeonghan a fierce gaze as he knew that he was giggling from his side. The sweet angel stopped laughing as soon as he sensed that his hyung was ready to kill him with his sharp gazes.

 

Jeonghan:

He’s an interesting and adorable guy.

(He murmured, which Seungcheol heard clearly)

 

Seungcheol
You’re dead when we go home.

 

Jeonghan:

Uh-oh!

(He gulped and never said a word after.)

 

        It was a chaotic meeting between the family and Seungcheol feel pressured because Jeonghan was interested to know SungJae more. In addition, he thought that his father planned to bribe Jeonghan to go with him. He kept on thinking of another plan.