—

[Jungsoo's Pov] 

Weeks have passed and everything went well. My niece had improved a lot and Heechul too. Three of us were so close to each other and of course me and Heechul know our boundaries. We have an agreement to follow. Though I found him so interesting, I wouldn't never see him more than friends. He's a good listener, a friend and a nanny to my niece. His existence is such a blessing for me and Nini.

“Uncle, you forgot your lunch.” Nini said while running towards me. I was already outside and ready to leave when I saw her running out.

“What's this?” I asked and grabbed it from her.

“We prepared that for you. Uncle Heechul helped me~” She happily said and asked me to leaned down. When I did, she gave me a peck on my cheek.

“Drive safely and see you later.” She added as she ran back to our house. She seems so different from the day I've seen her. She improved a lot and I could see it from the very beginning.

When I snapped back into reality, a smile crept into my lips as I went inside my car.

I hope this won't end; I love the new version of my niece and I hope everything goes well for the three of us.

—

“Do you already know about this?” Ryeowook said as he walked inside the office. He caught my attention and stared at him.

“What's the problem?” I asked.

“Heechul texted me last night and I don't know if I should let you see this but I will do it anyway. I'm kind of concerned about him.” Ryeowook replied and sat in front of me. He handed me his phone and saw a message from Heechul.

From: Heechul

      Wook, I'm feeling a bit unwell. I don't know but these days I feel so tired and drained though everything around me is doing well and fine but except for me. I thought I was already fine.... Wook, why? Why can't I be happy? I'm still stuck and struggling to find any reason to be alive. Anyway, I miss you so much. Hope to see you soon and let's hang out!

After reading his message, I was so speechless. Why was he so good at hiding his pain? I really thought he was completely fine but it seems like I failed to feel it.

Everytime we are together, he smiles and laughs a lot. I thought he was genuinely happy but it was the other way around. He helped Nini and I but we failed to do the same thing.

“I'll check on him once I get back home.” I answered, very short response but enough to be said. I don't want to bother Ryeowook; he trusted me so I would do anything for his friend.

“Please do it. It seems he's struggling again. When it comes like this, I'm always by his side and listen to his endless stories. Give him a hug for me, okay? Give me a one tight hug.” He said and requested while looking at my eyes. 

“I will.” I shortly replied and smiled. He really loves his friend and Heechul is so lucky to have Ryeowook in his life.

But..

On the side of that, I'm still curious about Heechul. All I know is he got abandoned at a very young age and that's it. I wanna know what really happened to his life and how he overcome everything he had been through.

“Wook...”

“What?”

“Can I ask you something? I'm a good keeper so I won't say anything.”

“Go on.”

“I already know what happened to Heechul's family... but I also wanted to know the real story behind it. I want to help him so please let me know something about him and I won't tell anything to him.” I said. He avoided my eyes and he was seriously thinking about what I said.

What I said was true. I want to help Heechul but If I really want to, I need to know him better and I should know my place and boundaries. I don't want to hurt him; he's been in pain for a long time and I don't want him to experience the same pain.

When he remained quiet and looked unwilling to share anything with me, I had lost my hope and was to drop off the topic but—

“Heechul's father killed his mother. His father found out that his mom was having an affair with someone... After killing his wife, he killed himself afterwards. Everything happened while his younger brother was there. He witnessed every single of it. They were left alone and Heechul had to work extra hard because they had no one. After a weeks, his little brother got into a car accident. Heechul blame himself up until now.” Ryeowook began. I saw him holding back his tears as he shared the story of his friend with me.

“Car accident?” I repeated and he only nodded his head.

“Yes. A married couple hit his little brother and those persons who accidentally hit Hae, died too.” He added.

So that's his story? What a tragic story. Now I know why he loves Nini so much and willing to do everything for my niece whatever it takes. I finally understand him...

—

[Heechul's Pov] 

“Where's Nini?” Jungsoo asked