Mini Series: Half Brothers: Torn

           

            Jeonghan has been spacing out for days already, and his family was quite anxious about it, especially his grandpa and dad because they knew that his bad memories came back to him after he got sick.

 

Il Kook:

Jeonghan-ah, what’s wrong?

 

Jeonghan:

Um…

(He was startled)

Um… I’m just remembering some of my lessons.

 

Grandpa:

Stop that nonsense, Jeonghan!

I think you need to see a psychologist.

 

Jeonghan:

For what, grandpa?

(It was the first time he said that.)

I’m not crazy?

        Choi grandpa was pleased. It was very visible on his fake angry face while grunting. On the other hand, Il Kook felt envious about his dad.

 

Il Kook:

You never called me ‘dad’ before.

(He was like a dad with a 1 year old kid waiting for the word ‘dad’ to come out from his lips.)

 

        Jeonghan, on the other hand, was not conscious of everything he just said, and came to his senses when Il Kook asked for it.

 

Jeonghan:

(He blushed)

Ummm… I-I wasn’t in my right mind sir. Sorry.

 

        Choi grandpa became pissed when he took it back, and he was not in the right mood all day that Jeonghan needed to please him with all the massage and cooking skill he’s got. He thought that he’d be doing it for the rest of the day, and it made him troubled.

 

 He was confused of what made Choi’s grandpa grumpy the whole day when he showed a bright smile in the morning. Of course, the naïve Jeonghan didn’t know how precious his words were for his grandfather and father.

Meanwhile, Il Kook stayed bitter in his office all day and sulked like a kid, which made Jung Ho wanted to punch him to wake up.

 

Jung Ho:

What’s wrong President?

 

Il Kook:

Jeonghan called dad ‘grandpa’.

(He cried inside)

 

Jung Ho:

(He agreed that it was a serious problem for a father, but what he didn’t like was his childish act.)

I understand, but you need to gather yourself together! Read and sign the contracts now!

 

        Later on, someone knocked on the door, and they were surprised who visited them. Il Kook panicked and stood up as soon as he can.

 

Jeonghan:

Excuse me. Sorry for the intrusion.

(He smiled)

 

SungJae:

Dad! We came here because we thought that you should have hyung’s dumplings again. And it’s getting better!

 

Hansol:

Dad! Eat please.

Lemme have some too!

(He ran enthusiastically and gave Il Kook a tight embrace.)

 

        Il Kook was so delighted that he wanted to go to heaven at once. He felt like he was floating in the midair.

 

Il Kook:

Come in. Please join me.

 

Jeonghan:

I brought some for uncle too.

(He smiled)

 

Il Kook:

How nice of you, Jeonghan-ah.

(Proud of their angel.)

 

Jeonghan:

But we will not stay here because we have to deliver some to Cheol hyung.

 

Il Kook:

(Felt sad)

Is that so?

I see.

 

Jeonghan:

(Looked at how disappointed his dad was and smiled)

See you later at home, dad!

(He was shy, so he made their exit quick.)

Hansol, say bye bye now, we will see Cheol hyung.

 

        Il Kook froze to death.

 

Hansol:

But I wanna eat, Hanhan-ah.

(He scowled as he sat on the floor.)

 

Jeonghan:

I packed some for you. Let’s hurry.

Would you like Cheol hyung to be hungry?

 

Hansol:

No.

o-okay.

(He pouted his lips)

 

Jeonghan:

Don’t cry now. You have your own. C’mon.

 

Hansol:

(He bid goodbye with a heavy heart)

Bye bye dad.

(Waved his little hands)

Saranghae~

 

Il Kook:

Saranghae Hansol-ah, Jeonghan-ah, Sung Jae-ah, and tell Cheol that I love him too.

 

Jeonghan:

Call or text him. Tell him personally.

 

Il Kook:

(He was in a really good mood)

He’ll think I’m dying.

Just relay my message to him.

(He smiled)

I’ll go home early tonight.

 

        Hansol came near Il Kook and attorney to give them sweet kisses on their cheeks.

 

Atty. Jung Ho:

He’s a good boy.
(He smiled)

I miss my son when he was at that age.

 

Jeonghan:

(He giggled)

Yes, he’s my angel.

 

Il Kook:

Take care.

 

SungJae:

Thanks dad! You too.

I love you!

(He quickly went out of the door because he was too shy.)

 

        Everyone was happy that day, including the grumpy old man. He was pampered by Jeonghan before they go, giving all what he needed. Jeonghan did not leave the mansion immediately -not until Choi grandpa was in a good mood again.

 

-Seungcheol’s Office-

 

        Jeonghan and SungJae went there together with their cute Hansolie to deliver their food for late lunch. Yu Jin directed them straight to his office and there they saw Cheol, Sung Hoon, and Da Eun.

 

        The boys greeted them, while Hansol ran and embraced Cheol tightly.

 

Jeonghan and SungJae:

Good day, hyung!

 

Seungcheol:

What brings you here?

 

Jeonghan:

We just want to give you dumplings SungJae, Hansol and I prepared.

We have nothing to do at home because we don’t have class, so we just went to the market and buy something to make food for all of us.

 

Seungcheol:

Really? That’s great!

 

Sung Hoon:

Aigoo!

(Sung Hoon started teasing and intimidating the couple as he began his acting.)

Such a sweet child!

If you sure is a lady, you’ll become a good wife to your husband.

(He came and embraced Jeonghan in front of Cheol boldly.)

 

Jeonghan:

(Whispered)

What are you doing hyung?

 

Sung Hoon:

Just ride with me.

(He whispered)

 

Jeonghan:

Are you crazy?

 

Sung Hoon:

(Continued his intimidation.)

Can I eat now?

 

        He opened the lunch box and was dazed of how beautifully packed their lunch was.

 

Sung Hoon:

Wow! Pretty!

(He took a big bite of the dumpling)

This tastes good, Jeonghan-ah!

Did you really make this?

(He was so amazed)

 

Jeonghan:

All three of us worked hard for it.

Please enjoy yourselves.

 

SungJae:

We only help with packing. He actually did everything.

 

Sung Hoon:

Ya, Jeonghan-ah! How can you be so perfect!

So pretty, so talented, so smart, a great cook, good at handling kids!

I will marry you right away!

 

Jeonghan:

Stop teasing me like that, hyung!

(With his sweet cute pissed face, which melted Sung Hoon, Seungcheol and Sung Jae’s heart.)

 

        Sung Hoon winked at him as he’s done his aegyo perfectly. He thought that their first plan succeeded. Seungcheol was so proud of him and Da Eun was intimidated; though, they might want to tone down their plan because she’s carrying an innocent child.

 

-Flashback-

 

        Sung Hoon texted Jeonghan.

 

Sung Hoon:

Can you visit us?

 

Jeonghan:

Why?

 

Sung Hoon:

Da Eun is here.

It’s uncomfortable.

 

Jeonghan:

But I have no reason to go there.

 

Sung Hoon:

Missing him is enough. C’mon, just go here.

Let’s do our plan.

(With a grinning face.)

 

Jeonghan:

What plan?

 

Sung Hoon:

Leave it to me.

Just act cute!

 

-End of Flashback-

 

        Their plan was a huge success if you observed how jealous Da Eun was, while she was being fed by his husband-to-be with a smiling and proud hyung face.

 

Seungcheol:

It’s good, try it!

(He smiled)

 

Da Eun:

(Tried to defend herself with a forced - as pretty and as realistic as always- smile)

Want me to cook at home?

 

Seungcheol:

()

Really?

When did you start cooking?

 

Da Eun:

Ya, don’t you trust me?

But before that, I’ll have to learn first.

I’ll enroll if you want.

(She giggled)

 

Sung Hoon:

(Doesn’t want himself to be defeated)

Just learn from Jeonghan.

Seungcheol loves his recipe, I tell you.

(He chuckled)

He always brag it to me. Tsk!

(Act as normal and comfortable as he could.)

From then on, I always borrowed him to cook whenever he’s free.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya!

 

Sung Hoon:

Now, I can have more time with him since you have Da Eun.

 

Seungcheol:

Didn’t you understand my threat, Hoon-ah?!

 

Sung Hoon:

What threat?

(He teased)

 

Seungcheol:

You’ll see it later. I’ll slice your throat slowly.

 

SungJae:

Hyung, how about me?

 

Sung Hoon:

We will have more time, SungJae-ah. Let’s play soccer!

(He winked)

 

SungJae:

Alright!

 

Jeonghan:

Ya, will you stop that?

(With his frowning brows)

Grandpa will steal most of my time.

(He giggled)

 

Seungcheol:

(He was surprised when he called his grandpa ‘grandpa’ and not sir. He got jealous over it because he thought, he could slowly fit in to his family, but of course, he’s happy with that too. He’s just having a mixed feelings.)

You call him grandpa now?

 

Jeonghan:

I have no choice. He kept sulking all day and he’s been torturing me with all the things he wanted me to do for him.

(He smiled)

He’s like you, really!

Tsk!

(Sulked)

 

SungJae:

And, he called dad, dad too!

 

Seungcheol:

What?

Really?

 

Jeonghan:

Attorney texted me in the morning. I have to do that too!

(He was pretending that he was being forced.)

 

        Jeonghan started to tell them what really happened.

 

-Flashback-

 

Atty. Jung Ho:

Jeonghan ah, what has gotten to your old man?

 

Jeonghan:

Good morning Atty.! I don’t know. Why?

 

Atty. Jung Ho:

He’s been sulking since he arrived here.

Something happened?

 

Jeonghan:

I don’t know, sir.

I am cooking right now. I will go there to bring lunch for the both of you. I cooked plenty!

I’m about to deliver some to Cheol hyung too.

 

Atty. Jung Ho:

Okay. See you.

Thank you.

 

Jeonghan:

Welcome!

See you later attorney!

 

Atty. Jung Ho:

Take care!

 

-End of Flashback-

 

 

Seungcheol:

I see.

 

Jeonghan:

Ah, hyung, I’ll visit sometimes. Can I?

 

Seungcheol:

Of course! No one’s preventing you from coming to our house. You can sleep there anytime too.

 

Jeonghan:

Thank you.

 

        Da Eun’s expression was not very good, and Jeonghan thought that it may not be good for the baby, so he stopped.

 

Jeonghan:

We will go now hyung.

Enjoy!

 

Seungcheol:

Wait. Let’s talk.

 

Jeonghan:

(He got scared)

Maybe next time?

Da Eun Noona will need you.

(He stated)

 

Seungcheol:

It’s about Hansol.

 

Jeonghan:

Oh.

Ummm… its okay, I understand, now that you ar-

 

Seungcheol:

Let’s go to another room, Han-ah.

Let’s talk privately.

 

        He excused himself with Jeonghan.

 

-Inside the Conference Room-

 

        Seungcheol made him sit beside him.

 

Seungcheol:

Jeonghan-ah, about Hansol….

 

Jeonghan:

Hyung, I already accepted it.

 

Seungcheol:

Jeonghan, I am willing. I just want to convince Da Eun a little more.

(He smiled)

Don’t worry.

 

Jeonghan:

But you are having a child soon.

I don’t think you both can handle it given your schedule at work.

 

Seungcheol:

(He smiled and tapped Jeonghan’s soft cheeks and got straight to the point.)

Ya… what’s the problem, tell me?

I’ve been observing you since we had dinner… are you trying to hide something from me?

I know you. You’re not being yourself. Grandpa called scolding me last time. He wanted me to talk to you because he said that you became unusual after the dinner.

 

Jeonghan:

(Wore a blank expression and thought…)

That silly man tryin’ to push me to personally tell hyung what he wanted to say to him.

(He sighed and acted anyway, since the opportunity was already given. It’s a perfect timing for their plan too.)

Hyung…

(Started acting cute and soft.)

I-

(He was hesitant at first but it was his only chance. If he’d delay it, it would take another long time to have another opportunity like that.)

Hyung,

(Put out a cute sad face with his big eyes and pouting lips)

 

Seungcheol:

(Easily gave in)

Wae?

(Asked with a soft voice)

 

Jeonghan:

Can you just delay your wedding a little?

 

        Okay, Seungcheol’s soul flew seeing how cute his little brother could be. He totally melted like a candle with an excessive big fire, making the wax melt right away. Cheol went near him and became so soft. He embraced his little brother tightly.

 

Seungcheol:

(Smiled)

Aigoo ya, why are you acting like this, Jeonghan?

You’re making it hard for me.

I’m still your hyung.

I thought you are a big boy now. Why act like a sweet little girl?

(He teased Jeonghan softly)

 

        Then, Jeonghan’s fatal attack comes. He tightened his embrace to his hyung and buried his face on Cheol’s chest as he shyly stated what he felt.

 

Jeonghan:

Because I will miss you so bad.

(Even it’s inaudible, Cheol understood very well.)

 

Seungcheol:

Aigoo!

(Kissed his brother’s head)

Jeonghan-ah… you want to torture me, don’t you?

How can I be comfortable when you are acting like that?

 

Jeonghan:

Time is so fast.

You come and go so fast, hyung.

(He told him what his heart wanted to say)

 

        That time, Seungcheol did became really really soft.

 

Seungcheol:

(Held Jeonghan’s fluffy cheeks and squeezed it a little)

Ya, I will not go far.

I will still see you. Every day, if you want.

Call me whenever you need someone to talk to.

 

Jeonghan:

(He muttered, but he made sure that Cheol would hear it loud and clear.)

Who am I to get your time when you are having your wife and baby soon?

(He sighed as he was hopeless)

You really love her.

I understand.

(Added some drama)

I’m just someone who appeared not just long ago.

I wish you all the best, hyung.

(He didn’t know if it would effect, but found it too cheesy and he felt his cheeks burning.)

 

        Seungcheol was totally knocked down and now he was torn with his adorable brother and with the love of his life.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya, don’t ever think that you are not important to me. I’ll just get married but I’m still here.

 

Jeonghan:

(In his thought)

Chebaaaaaal! I don’t wanna act like this anymore. I wanna run. I’m sorry, hyung!

(He cried inside, but he’s still up for acting.)

You don’t have to console me, hyung.

I understand very well where I should stand.

 

Seungcheol:

Stop thinking like that.

Aren’t you happy for me?

 

Jeonghan:

I am…

(Tried reversed psychology)

That’s why I will stay beside you.

…

Enough of this. I’m really not like this…

(He smiled)

I’m happy for you hyung. I hope you’ll have a great family soon.

 

        Jeonghan went outside first.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya! We’re not done talking yet! Come here, imma!

(He shouted all over the place)

 

        However Jeonghan didn’t look back. He knew that their conversation would never end if he’d return back to him. It would be troublesome if that happens. Besides he’s so shy and guilty as he couldn’t look straight to Seungcheol anymore.

 

 He dragged SungJae with Hansol and escaped the room.

 

Sung Jae and Jeonghan:

Bye. We will go now.

 

        Upon stepping out of their office, he saw a tanned skin handsome, model-like figure he recognized immediately.

 

Jeonghan:

Mingyu?

 

Hansol:

Hyung!

(He ran to him)

 

Mingyu:

Jeonghan.

(With his large eyes)

 

Jeonghan:

What are you doing here?

 

        He had no clue of what Seungcheol and Mingyu talked about the last time they met.

 

Mingyu:

I’m doing a part time here.

(He smiled)

What’s the matter? Are you sad?

(As fast as a lighting, he discovered that Jeonghan was troubled)

 

SungJae:

Who is he, hyung?

 

Jeonghan:

This is my other brother, Sung Jae.

He’s my best friend, Mingyu.

 

        The two greeted each other. But a voice called Jeonghan from a far, and it startled him. It was his hyung’s voice trying to convince him to have another talk. He didn’t want it, so he had no choice but to escape as of the moment.

 

Jeonghan:

Mingyu ya. Can we talk later?

I’m in a hurry, sorry.

 

Mingyu:

Sure.

 

Jeonghan:

Are you still working on that café?

 

Mingyu:

Yeah.

 

Jeonghan:

See you later.

 

        Then, he ran fast together with his two cute brothers to escape their monster hyung.

 

        Meanwhile, they left Seungcheol thinking of what had Jeonghan said. He was staring blankly in the air. His friend and his fiancé noticed that he was somehow blank.

 

Da Eun:

Honey, what’s wrong?

 

Seungcheol:

Nothing.

(He smiled)

 

        Then, after their office, he drove Da Eun home safely and went to Sung Hoon’s place asking for advice. He told Sung Hoon that he was torn between them. Sung Hoon was smirking at the back of his mind thinking that he was never wrong. That Seungcheol would eventually fall for Jeonghan’s charms. Their plan worked! Nevertheless, he served his friend a drink and talked about it.