Mini Series: Half Brothers: I’ve Waited for Someone Like You

        Jeonghan was still up. He couldn’t sleep that night because he was so worried about his little brother, and he couldn’t wait any longer to see him again. It was already 5:00 in the morning and he began his duties to his kind-hearted hyungs; even though, he was so excited to get Hansol back. He prepared their breakfast before he left.

        He left a note on the table saying “Boss, I left early because I need to see HanSol. Thank you and enjoy eating.”

        Sung Hoon came from the other room, which he usually sleep on whenever they have a project to finish. He found Seungcheol eating alone at the dining room and joined him.

Sung Hoon:

Where’s your brother?

Seungcheol:

He left to get Hansol.

Sung Hoon:

And you’re not going to follow him?

Seungcheol:

He can handle it by himself.

Sung Hoon:

Tsk! You’re not thinking again. What if it’s a trap?!

What if they threatened him again and give him to some bad guys out there? You knew that they would do anything just to get money from him.

Seungcheol:

You’re more worried than I am.

Sung Hoon:

Because…

Because he’s a good kid and don’t you think he suffered too much? He needs a family to protect him, Cheol! And there you are giving him another misery. Tsk!

(Wagged his head from side to side while scolding him.)

Seungcheol:

Why are you so talkative early in the morning?

Shut up and eat. His cooking is delicious.

(Continued eating the food that Jeonghan cooked for them.)

Sung Hoon:

(He smirked)

I think you start loving him, aren’t you?

Seungcheol:

(Ignored what his best friend said.)

Buy him a phone. I’ll fetch him as soon as I finish eating.

Sung Hoon:

You don’t have any sense of urgency, have you?

What kind of phone?

(Testing his love for his younger brother.)

Seungcheol:

The same thing I have.

        Sung Hoon knew that he fell immediately for his younger brother’s charm because he longed for someone like him since the day his mother left him.

Sung Hoon:

It seemed that Jeonghan got you straight from your heart.

Seungcheol:

No. It’s his reward for being such a good brother to Hansol.

(Chewing his food while his eyes were fixated in the air.)

He’s not his brother anymore. He’s more of a parent.

I commend him for that. He did a great job.

Sung Hoon:

Yeah. I agree.

(He took a bite from his food and smiled.)

Woah! This is so good!

Now I know why you go back home early.

Seungcheol:

Those are my favorite.

Sung Hoon:

(Examined the table)

 What? Pajeon? Bibimbap? The side dishes?

There are plenty of dishes here, buddy.

Which one?

Seungcheol:

(He smiled)

Everything.

SungHoon:

Then, I’ll have to try everything. I’ll visit sometimes.

Seungcheol:

Pay him.

SungHoon:

Then, I will just invite him at my house.

Seungcheol:

You’re not allowed to take him out.

SungHoon:

Why? You’re selfish. I’m his friend too! His hyung!

You’re odd, Cheol-ah…Yesterday you hate him, now you’re over protective. You know, if I knew that you’re just giving him a hard time, I should have adopt him.

Seungcheol:

You can’t.

        The two had a never ending fight during their breakfast, but as soon as they finished eating, they prepared themselves to fetch Jeonghan and Hansol in the corner of that filthy street. As soon as they rode the car and buckled their seat belt, Seungcheol immediately asked Sung Hoon.

Seungcheol:

Will I drop you in a mall?

Sung Hoon:

You know that it’s too early to go to a mall.

Really? 6:00 in the morning?

Why don’t you go together for him to choose?

Seungcheol:

No time for that.

Sung Hoon:

Let me take care of that after we fetched the boys.

-In Slum’s Area.-

        Jeonghan met his mother to have Hansol back.

Jeonghan:

(With his angry expression.)

Where is he?

Ha Jin:

Oh! Here’s my lucky pot. How was your first night, dear?

Jeonghan:

Where is Hansol?!

(With his angry tone.)

Ha Jin:

Take it easy. He’s sleeping.

        Jeonghan hopped inside his mother’s filthy room seeing another man sleeping on her bed. He felt disgusted, and he did not want to think that he came from that dirty woman.

Jeonghan:

You disgust me!

(He threw the words straight to his mother’s face out of anger.)

Ha Jin:

Make yourself available next time if ever you don’t have any cash. I’ll make money out of you. You’re unexpectedly a best seller.

Jeonghan:

I will never allow that to happen again!

        Jeonghan went straight to a very tiny and dark room, which became his room when he was a child, and got the poor sleeping little boy. He remembered bad memories whenever he sees it and he couldn’t afford that his little brother would return to that prison again. That very room was his nightmare. Every day he had to suffer so much with the abuse and unpleasant sound every time night strikes. On the other hand, Hansol was so tired of crying and waiting for Jeonghan, that he fell asleep on his own without even having a meal not even a milk.

        Jeonghan embraced him tightly but gently, and kissed him on his forehead. Upon touching his skin, he found out that he had another fever and he blamed himself for what had happened.

Jeonghan:

I’m sorry Hansol-ah.

I should have done better.

I will not allow this anymore. I promise

(He pitied the little man who was also staying strong for him.)

        Later on, Hansol recognized the smell. He knew it was his brother’s scent; though he’s weak, he tried to open his eyes and smile.

Hansol:

Hanhan.

Jeonghan:

Hansol-ah, I’m really sorry that I came late.

Hansol:

I waited quietly, Hanhan. Mama told me that you’ll be back if I stay quiet.

The innocent angel tried to explain everything to Jeonghan and make him proud because he became brave, and now, he was with Jeonghan again. Hansol held him tightly because he missed him so much.

Hansol:

( I) Miss you.

Jeonghan:

Great job Hansol-ah… great job.

(Cried quietly on Hansol’s little shoulder.)

I miss you too.

Don’t call her mama. She’s not your mama.

I’ll make sure we’ll not see them anymore. I promise.

(He angrily clenched his teeth while touching his brother gently.)

Hansol:

We’ll be together?

Jeonghan:

Yes, my Hansol-ah.

HanSol:

Yay!

(Cheered innocently.)

        A black car was parked on the corner of the street. Seungcheol carefully watched them so that he could call them.

Seungcheol:

Jeonghan-ah!

(He shouted.)

Get in to the car.

Jeonghan:

(He looked to the pale man in his car.)

Hy- Boss? What are you doing here?

Seung Cheol:

Nothing. I just run to you.

        The brothers hopped into his car comfortably.

Sung Hoon:

Why so cold?

(He translated Seungcheol’s cold words to warm one.)

He said he missed you and don’t be careless next time.

He’s worried.

Seungcheol:

I did not say that.

(With cold expression.)

Jeonghan:

Thank you so much.

Can I ask for more? I promise I will pay for it but-

(His words were halted.)

Seungcheol:

We’re headed to the hospital. I have a check-up so maybe you can have yours and Hansol too.

(His obvious concern was in his words.)

Sung Hoon:

(Was chuckling beside him and over re-acted.)

Oh my! Our president doesn’t feel well.

Why did you not tell me earlier?

Seungcheol:

(Wore a pissed expression.)

You too! Have some check-up. I think your mind has a problem.

(Said with sarcasm.)

Sung Hoon:

I guess so too. I’m seeing unusual Seungcheol these days. Maybe I have to consult a doctor.

Jeonghan:

Thank you so much. I – I

Seungcheol:

Don’t cry early in the morning.

Sung Hoon:

(Kept translating Seungcheol’s words.)

He said, just count on us.

Seungcheol:

Hey stop that! I didn’t say anything like that.

Sung Hoon:

C’mon, man!

Jeonghan:

I think you’re my guardian angel.

HanSol:

(Widen his eyes.)

Guardian angel? Them, Hanhan?

Jeonghan:

(Was surprised that he’s still awake.)

Hansol-ah, you’re still up?

Seungcheol:

Don’t feed him with-

(His words were halted by Sung Hoon.)

Sung Hoon:

Not us. It’s your brother. He’s your guardian angel.

HanSol:

Hanhan?

(He looked confused.)

Sung Hoon:

(Smiled gently at the innocent boy.)

Yes. Your Hanhan is an angel.

Seungcheol:

It seems that you’ve fallen for him.

Sung Hoon:

Probably. I wish I have someone like him.

Hansol:

How ‘bout Hanhan’s angel?

Seungcheol:

You are, little man.

Hansol:

Me?

(He’s more confused.)

        The adults just laughed at his reaction because he was so confused. Later on, the little boy had a difficulty in breathing. Jeonghan checked him and his fever got up in an instant. Fortunately, they arrived at the hospital and rushed him in the emergency room. The doctor let them fill a form while explaining his condition.

The little Hansol had a pneumonia and he needed to be confined. Jeonghan’s hands were trembling because he knew that his baby brother is in pain.

Sung Hoon:

(Reached out food to him.)

Eat. You need to be strong for him. He’ll be fine.

        Seungcheol was staring on a paper, particularly on Jeonghan’s paper that he filled up, not so far from him. He saw October 04, 1996 (*I changed the year because of his age in the story.) on his birth date. He was surprised that the death anniversary of his mother was the day he was born. He then thought that it’s their destiny to meet. He assumed that Jeonghan could be a gift from his mother who left him when he was still young. He spaced out for a second when Jeonghan’s knees fell. Good that Sung Hoon was there to catch him.

Sung Hoon:

Trust the doctors, Jeonghan. He’ll be fine.

Eat your food, first. You need to be healthy for him too.

(Carrying Jeonghan back to his seat.)

Seungcheol:

I need to go somewhere.

Sung Hoon:

(Surprised with his abrupt decision.)

At this situation?

Bro, they need you.

Seungcheol:

I need to work on something in the office.

Jeonghan:

Okay. But I don’t think I’ll be back by 7, sir.

Seungcheol:

You’re excused.

(Left him money)

That’s your pay for this month.

Jeonghan:

Thank you.

Seungcheol:

Don’t mind the bills. The company will pay for it since you’re one of my employees. Your medical card hasn’t arrived yet so I’ll be talking to them (Health insurance) later.

Jeonghan:

Health card?

Seungcheol:

All my employees have that. It’s just so happen that yours is delayed.

Jeonghan:

Thank you.

(He just thanked him sincerely like an innocent one; although, he knew that he was lying.)

Sung Hoon:

(Saw Seungcheol walking far from them.)

Yah! Where’s your heart?

        SungHoon knew that he was bluffing and found a reason to excuse himself from helping the both of them.

        On the other hand, Jeonghan also knew that he was lying in a form of his gestures. Although, they were just together for several weeks, he noticed that every time he lies, he’s putting his tongue on his upper lips.

-Flashback-

Dinner: 7:00pm

        Jeonghan cooked a Mandu and a Kalguksu.

Jeonghan:

How was it?

Seungcheol:

(He looked straight at him with no emotions and began playing his upper lip with his tongue, playing to be cool.)

So-so.

        However, Jeonghan noticed that he was eating continuously that he even asked for more until nothing was left on the pan.

Massage: Before Going to Bed

        Jeonghan was gently and carefully massaging his hip.

Jeonghan:

Are you feeling better?

Seungcheol:

No.

(Jeonghan could see his lying gestures on the mirror which located on Seungcheol’s headboard.)

        Then he fell asleep immediately. Then, during their breakfast, he asked to massage his hip again when he comes home.

-End of the Flashback-

        Seungcheol went straight not in his office but at his mother’s tomb. While Sung Hoon excused himself for a while to do what Cheol ordered him to do early in the morning, and he came back as soon as he finished buying the phone together with their food.

-At the Memorial Park-

        While seated in front of his mother’s tomb, the tough guy ‘Seungcheol’ broke into tears. He must admit that he still missed his mom every single day. Most especially, her sweet voice, soft touches, comforting smile and her warm love. They parted at his very young age but her memories still lingered on his mind as if it was just yesterday.

Seungcheol:

I’m missing you, mom.

Missing you badly.

(Talking all by himself.)

But you know?

(He smiled in spite the tears flowing down his cheeks.)

I found my little brother.

I’m so happy because I get to argue and be happy at the same time. He’s a good kid. I feel guilty because I’m acting hard on him. I didn’t know that he’s carrying something heavier than I feel…

… And know what? He was born the day you went to heaven.

It’s funny.

(He chuckled)

I think I’m responsible for him now. I will take good care of him. I promise. Please help me because I don’t know how. For the longest time, I failed to show my love to someone.

I hope he likes me too.

(Sighed.)

If he was your son, I think you’ll be proud of him. He’s kind, a good cook, smart, but sometimes a naughty one…. He’s very dedicated and hard working. I envy him…

(Sighed again.)

Actually, I envy Hansol for having him.