After the scandalous revelation and Junjin’s horrendous experience with a crazy fan, he decided to go on hiatus. He didn’t specify how long it’ll be or last, but in his mind he thought that if Andy ever came back to him, he would get back on stage. Eric called Junjin a dreamer. But part of him knew that Junjin felt it deep inside of him that Andy would come back to him.

“So, what are you going to do on your hiatus?” Minwoo asked.

“Well,” Junjin pouted. “I don’t know. Do things I usually don’t do.”

“Avoid fans?” Minwoo chuckled. “Too soon?”

Junjin laughed and shook his head. “I just want to put things behind me. And when I’m ready, I’ll get back on stage.” he claimed.

“Eric said differently,” Minwoo spoke monotonously. “He said you’d go on stage, if Andy comes back.”

“Don’t you start now too,” Junjin whined. “You may think I am dumb or foolish or both,” he commented. “But I know I am meant to be with him.” he placed his hands onto his chest. “I feel it in here.”

Minwoo smiled. He if someone understood Junjin. What he felt toward Dongwan couldn’t be put into words. If he had been in Junjin shoes, he would have felt the same way. There was no denying that Junjin was in love with Andy and Andy had been with him. Maybe partially, Andy that he loved the thrill when he was with Junjin and not him. But if he did love Junjin, he’d come back. And Minwoo had a hunch that the man could return – he wouldn’t say it to Junjin, so he wouldn’t give him false hope. And Eric had told him not to encourage him.

“I kind of just…” Junjin began. “…want to take it easy.”

“Okay,” Minwoo nodded. “I get it.”

“Do you?” Junjin asked. “Or are you just making me feel better?”

“Nah,” Minwoo shoved his hand. “I think you’ve always worked super hard,” he tapped the man’s arm. “You have earned this. You are allowed to take a break, you know.” Minwoo crossed his arms onto his chest and smiled at the tall man. “Besides, I won’t go anywhere. When you want to come back, I will be there.”

“Thanks, hyung,” Junjin grinned. “Oh, and remember to enjoy your vacation,” he warned. “Dongwan hyung would kill me if you didn’t,”

Minwoo scoffed. “When we’re on our honeymoon, I can relax.” he laughed.

Junjin sighed. “I’ll call you when I’ve landed,” he said. “Bye, hyung,”

“Bye, Jinnie,” Minwoo hugged the man. “And remember to have fun. Okay?”

Junjin nodded. Not sure he could have fun, when his heart was broken. Gradually, he had started to laugh again, but nights when he was alone, were the toughest. Being without Andy. The worst thing about it was that he barely even had Andy. He had lost him as fast as he had gotten him. It annoyed Junjin, but part of him understood the reasoning behind what Andy had done. He couldn’t really fully forgive himself what he had done to his big brother.

“Oh, you’re leaving?” Eric almost collided with Junjin at the door. “I thought I had time to say bye?”

“Oh, you do,” Junjin smiled. “I’ll leave for the airport in few minutes,” he explained.

“So, where are you going?” Eric questioned.

“Japan,” Junjin replied. “Or China. Or…America,” he looked pensive. “I haven’t decided yet.”

Eric looked at him. Seeing Junjin crying had softened the man. His brother had not just seduced his boyfriend for the heck of it. He loved Andy. And Eric felt like Junjin loved Andy more than he had loved Andy. But Junjin was a complex man.

“Oh,” Junjin realised. “So, how did Hyesung react?”

Eric blushed. “I…I didn’t tell him…yet” he answered quickly. “He had to take a raincheck.” Hyesung was a celebrity – very talented and famous celebrity. But part of Eric felt like Hyesung had done it on purpose – not sure why, but he felt that way. “But I invited him to my place tonight…” Eric cleared his throat to hide the blush on his cheeks.

“Oh,” Junjin was surprised. “Good…then…text me and tell me how it went.”

Forgiving Junjin had not been easy but falling for Hyesung had been very easy. And through that, Eric found the way to forgiving his brother. Their relationship was much better. It was closer. Junjin appreciated every second of it. The older man was always there for him. And Eric had told Junjin about his suddenly awaken feelings toward Hyesung.

Eric lied in his bed and stared at the ceiling. Junjin had dropped an album after his scandal and the horrible traumatic experience with Chilhyun and it had been even more successful than before. It was difficult to look at Junjin and see the brother in him that he was supposed to be. But Eric also wondered if he had truly dodged a bullet by losing Andy the way he did.

It was thundering. The dark room lit up occasionally, but Eric didn’t even startle. Then his doorbell was rung. It was late – late enough to be in bed but not late enough to sleep. The man climbed out of the bed and went to his door. “Hyesung,” he frowned. “What are you doing here? You’re wet. Come inside to warm up.”

Hyesung shook his head. “I like you,” he blurted out. “No, I love you,” he shook his head as he confessed his feelings. “I know you know, and realised it earlier, but…I needed to say it to your face. I have thought this through, and I feel like I need to finally say it. I’ve loved you for so long that it’s sickening really.” he chuckled awkwardly. “And the fact that you haven’t noticed has made me think that maybe I’m stupid?” Eric was serious, but Hyesung continued, “You have never noticed me, so why would you love me?” He snorted. “I just needed to say it so I can get it out of my chest.” He panted. “Thank you for listening, good night,” he almost ran away.

Eric stared at the emptiness in front of him and couldn’t process what he had just heard. Hyesung had spoken quickly. He had stuttered and stumbled over his words, but Eric understood every single word that escaped those lips.

“Call me when you land,” Eric asked the younger man.

“Yeah,” Junjin smiled “Bye, hyung,”

Sadness oozed from Junjin