-39-

Dongwoo and Hyerin arrived at the location where the relay race was going to start, and they could feel the tension between Hoya and Woohyun.  Hyerin placed a hand on her head and sighed deeply,  she was debating weather of not to put an end to the little competition. She did not want them to fight.

"Let them be..." Dongwoo sighed as he looked at Hyerin. He knew the look on Hyerin's face.  She always had that face when she wanted to fix a problem that she think she caused.  

"But..."

"But nothing." Dongwoo said as he grabbed her face, making Hyerin look at him.  "It is their fight, you should not get involved with it."

"Dongwoo...I..." Hyerin bit her lip and looked at the two step-brothers.  She knew their fight was about her, and Hyerin felt like she needed to get involved.  She needed to tell those idiots that she is not worth being fought over.   That they should focus their attention on someone who would not break their heart.

"It is their problem, and they need to work it out with each other.  Hyerin if you get involved it might make things worse, can't you see that you are factoring into their fight.   They both have strong feelings for you, and being step-brothers, it is not easy for them to give into one other.  It seems like one has had it easier than the other since they became brothers."

"I know I should not get involved, but I do not want anyone to fight over me. I am not..." Hyerin could not even finish her sentence.  She felt Dongwoo's warm hand cover .

"If you say you're are worthless, I am..."

Hyerin placed a hand on Dongwoo's wrist, pulling it away from . "What are you going to do if I say I am worthless?"

"I am going to tell you that you are wrong.  Song Hyerin, you are not worthless in my eyes and that is what should matter.  You should not be worrying what others think about you.   If people misunderstand you and dislike you for those misunderstandings that is their lost, not yours.  Those type of people who make you feel like you are worthless are not worth your time or energy."

"Dongwoo..."

"Rinnie...please just don't get involved in their fight.  I do not want to see you hurting anymore. It breaks my heart."

"Dongwoo...I'm..." Hyerin was having difficulty getting her words out.  She did not know what to say to Dongwoo anymore. 

"Don't tell me your sorry, I already know you are. I can see it in your eyes, charming eyes." Dongwoo said as he hugged Hyerin.  "Now let's get ready for the relay race."

"Do we have tooo..." Hyerin asked in a whiny voice.

"Since when do you act like a five year old?"  Dongwoo asked as he released Hyerin from a hug, pinching her cheek.

"Because, you let me?" Hyerin smile at Dongwoo. 

Dongwoo started to laugh.  "Fine, I will let it go this time." Dongwoo smiled brightly.  "We will catch up later.  How about we go out for some pizza and beer."

"Why do I think that is a terrible idea.  Last time you drank, it was not a pretty sight."  Hyerin sighed.

"I should be saying the same thing to you." Dongwoo smiled.

"Don't remind me Dongwoo.  How about we just go to your parents octopus restaurant instead.  I have not had your mothers delicious cooking in awhile."   Hyerin smiled brightly.

"I like that idea, and my umma has been wanting to see you."

"I've been wanting to see her as well." Hyerin said as she watched Dongwoo hurry off.  She placed her hands in her jackets pocket and walked over to the tree she was sleeping

---

"There you are!" Myungsoo said as he sat down next to Sungjong, under a tree. "I was wondering where you disappeared to?"

"I was busy..."  Sungjong sighed deeply. Busy trying to kill Nam Woohyun, "And I should be asking you the same question.  You are the one who ditched me."

"Busy doing what?" Myungsoo asked as he looked at his best friend.  He did not like how Sungjong was acting. "I'm sorry I left you so suddenly, but a gamily matter came up that I needed to deal with."

"I was just busy..." Sungjong crossed his arms, "Why do you care?"

"I care because you are my best friend." Myungsoo sighed deeply as he put an arm around Sungjong's shoulder.

"I guess you're right." Sungjong sighed and looked at Myungsoo, "How's your brother?"

"He is dealing with a lot right now.  I'm worried about his well-being.  He got better as we talked, but I think he is pretending to be alright not to worry me.  He thinks he is protecting me, but he is not."

"Like what?"

"I cannot discuss that with you." Myungsoo sighed.  "It may put others in danger."

"Because of your father, right?"

Myungsoo nodded and noticed that the relay races was going to start soon, and noticed that his hyung was nowhere to be seen.  He knew it was just an act.   Myungsoo knew his brother was not one to play sports, but would force himself to get their father out of his face.

"Is it really that bad hyung?" Sungjong asked and Myungsoo nodded again."Have you ever told anyone about the abuse your father put