It’s a phrase they’ve all heard once they’re brought before him to Uncle, set to kneel down on the ground, young men and boys of different ages who wait for this man who speaks as if he’s conducting them a high honor.

And after they’re named, they’re stripped off their pasts and start anew. And Uncle always reminds them after:

”I give you all a name. Your identities belong to me.”

Their fates were now decided.

-

The teen Yesung was sent outside without food, and he crossed his arms as he slept against the tree. Even after Uncle left, he remained reluctant to return inside.

And as the hours passed, he heard approaching footsteps and glanced up, Sungmin appeared from the fields and looked his way. Sungmin wordlessly greeted him and Yesung barely extended one back.

The more Sungmin grew up to a young adult, the more he became like his brother, private and a little too prince-like, all qualities he found vexing.

Yesung then turned when he heard Sungmin approach him, and saw a blanket of food placed beside him.

“I don’t need you to feed me, I can survive a night or two without eating.”

Sungmin left it be. The younger boy was usually silent now to Yesung’s chagrin. “Haven’t you heard? With Jisung gone, I’m First Brother now… are you still not going to speak?” He asked and was given no reply, he crossed his arms and ignored the helping. “I’m sure those patrons could care less whether we’re skin and bones, it’s dark in the room anyhow.”

“You will be if this continues.”

Yesung casted a dark look paired with a half-hearted smirk, “So you can speak.”

Sungmin continued monotonously, “Uncle’s furious since you let that girl escape.”

“It’s not the first girl we’ve lost anyhow, why won’t Uncle see we’re merely cursed?” Yesung sneered, as if this escape was another victory against Uncle. “She’s not cut out for this life.”

Sungmin turned to leave.

“Fifth,” Yesung called out, Sungmin paused as Yesung crossed his arms. “At least she realized that.“ He turned his head and looked his way, “Why haven’t you?”

Sungmin made no comment and soon walked inside, Yesung glimpsed at the food and then picked one up. He thinned his lips and said a reluctant “Thank you,” before biting into the food.

He didn’t bother to check if Sungmin heard him, and ate as he wished.

-