The saying rang true; it took one’s absence to realize the significant impact the person had on others. Rika’s gallivanting departure took along her idyll hospitality that reached out to anyone in need of a good cheer. To forgo their heartache, they limited means of communication through exchanged epistles, delivered once a week. Three knocks on the door signaled the mailman’s arrival. This time, however, no mailman greeted at the door.   “I need to see Mr. Nam,” Sungjong said, curtly displaying a white envelope in his hand.   Jineul, the girl who eagerly answered the door in anticipation of Rika’s letter, crossed her arm, unimpressed. She neglected his request and stared him down with a scowl. “I see you have become your brother’s lackey. Suits you well.”   The neutral expression on Sungjong’s face faltered, overtaken by a sinister glare. “Shut it, harlot. My brother imperatively forced me to comply to his demands.”   “I have experienced far worse than your woeful grunts. Do you expect me to spare you some sympathy, damned zounderkite?” The corner of her lips tilted into a malign smirk, ready to verbally assault him.   “Shut your vile mouth! You don’t know my story.”   “Neither do I care to hear it.”   Sungjong gritted his teeth, wondering what trespass he had committed to deserve Jineul unwelcoming greeting. To think he had reserved the slightest bit of concern to her was absurd.   “My brother despises me,” he continued anyway. “I must earn his approval regardless of the situation and consequences. He can hurt me.”   This made her scoff louder, a direct mockery at his face. “Have you forgotten that I—a girl much smaller than your brother—managed to gift him a pain he won’t forget? I hope he is hurting terribly.”   Sungjong snorted in the most impolite manner, and had he been at home, someone would’ve reprimanded him for producing such a crude noise. “It was quite an amusing spectacle to behold,” he admitted.   “Perhaps you’d like an encore performance. I would be more than willing to lunge my fists on his face again.” Despite the sneer, her offer had actually been genuine. It was not her love for violence, but she truly detested the man.   “I have no willpower to reject you. However, I do need to deliver this letter to Mr. Nam,” Sungjong reminded, raising the epistle to her attention.   “You have perfectly functioning limbs to perform the task yourself. Do not bother me, dratted boy.” With that, she unfolded her arms and left the young man alone by the door as she disappeared into the living room.   Sungjong’s mouth hung agape, completely offended by her hostile behavior. He entered the house himself, cautious not to touch their germs induced items which could strip him off the luxurious lifestyle. He may not adore his brother, but his early years raised him with those words of wisdom.   “Mr. Sungjong, pleasure to see you here!” A sudden female voice greeted, much friendlier than Jineul’s, but possessing its own tinge of cunningness. Her statement was an eerie resemblance to Woohyun’s usual remarks in terms of cadence, prose, and word choices. Being in each other’s company for too long tend to liken them.   “Where is Mr. Woohyun? I need to deliver this letter to him,” Sungjong repeated, no longer raising the epistle as evidence.   Hyunmi’s smile remained, but her eyes scrutinized on the small envelope. “Did your brother send it?”   The young man did not miss the beat of resentment in her crystal clear voice, nearly disguised as one of curiosity. But he recognized that familiar tune, his brother tend to address him with it too. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to personally deliver this to him.”   Right that instant, the man in question strode toward them. “Jineul informed me of your presence. It took me a while to decipher whom she meant by ‘damned idiot,’ however, I soon realized you were the only person reserved for her affectionate name calling,” Woohyun sang.   “You have a twisted perception regarding affection,” Sungjong said, glaring at the man who chuckled at his misery. He handed the letter, deciding to summarize the contents to its recipient. “They demand to see you this evening at the usual spot.”   “So I read.” Woohyun’s eyes still skimmed over the words. Then he tugged the letter into the inner pocket of his blazer and turned to the wall clock. “Well, I better assemble myself for this meeting.”   Without saying a word to Hyunmi, he marched off upstairs. A part of her grew anxious, hoping those evildoers would not punish him for any act she was responsible for. What if they had known about Jineul?   “I must thank you for upholding your end of our promise,” Sungjong suddenly said, remembering the manner with which Hyunmi had beguiled Sungyeol with. “However, to save myself from the wrath of Mr. Woohyun, I kindly ask you to cease all endeavors.”   A small smile slipped from her face. Hyunmi may not have accomplished a peace treaty between the two brothers, but obtained a horrifying fact instead. Sungyeol claimed Sungjong was not his family. She tried to bend the topic and slowly questioned him regarding the issue.   “The brooch you are wearing is an exquisite piece of art,” Hyunmi’s interest was piqued by the reappearance of the golden brooch he always embellished his vests with. The bright color reminded her of the rich golden rays of the sunrise she had watched with Woohyun at dawn. The memories heated her face with a sudden yearning.   “Do not seduce me. I am different from Mr. Woohyun and won’t succumb to your wicked ways in the manner he did,” Sungjong said, immediately on guard.   “It it a requirement for the rich to possess arrogance? I have no interest in seducing you; do not mistake my kindness for interest,” she spoke, slightly cocking her head sideways with disapproval. If every wealthy man was made with arrogance, there was bliss to being poverty struck, after all.   “Your kindness does not come without a cost. What do you wish to exchange for it?” He asked her with scrutinizing eyes.   “The way you regard things with cautiousness is a good asset, Mr. Sungjong. However, do not always assume people’s benevolence for the worse, you’d only be stripping yourself off of God’s blessing.”   Sungjong did not know whether he detested Woohyun or Hyunmi more; both lectured him with wisdom beyond Sungyeol’s capabilities. He felt disgusted to crave their advices, but knew the act of correcting someone was an affectionate gesture. Perhaps, it was not wisdom itself he sought after, but the need for acknowledgement.   “It’s a family emblem,” he then continued to answer Hyunmi’s initial curiosity. Instead of beaming with pride, clouds and mist curtained his face. “It is designed for the Lee family. It can neither be bought nor be found in any market. This emblem represents our prestigious status.”   Hyunmi parted her lips to emit an acknowledging sound, nodding along to him. It would explain the exact same brooch being worn by Sungyeol. She could not fathom why Sungjong looked so depressed, as if the family name had been deplorable, and the prestigious status was a mere curse.   When footsteps resounded from the stairs, Hyunmi inwardly cursed herself for being enthralled by the brooch. Now she had no clue what to expect from the meeting or from Sungyeol’s claim.   “Shall we take our leave?” Woohyun hopped off the stairs, fashioning a long brown coat that extended to his knees. A long white scarf dangled on either side of his frame.   As Woohyun sank into his shoes, Hyunmi suddenly placed herself closely before him. The smell of lavender invaded his senses, igniting the rhythmical thudding in his heart. He obediently held still as she ran her fingers along the collar, downward along the trim, and carefully buttoned up the loose studs. She was oblivious to Woohyun’s nervousness when her arms reached out around his neck, looping the scarf to cover his exposed skin. The sight was so affectionate even Sungjong winced.   “The weather has gotten colder. I do not wish for you to get sick,” she said indifferently, avoiding the spark in his eyes and the stretch of his smile.   “You are worried about me,” he hummed, completely ecstatic, restraining himself from wanting to take her hand and press small kisses between her knuckles. The small caress of her fingers created a large upheaval in his heart. “Your concern lights up a fire within me that keeps me warm against the cold season.”   There was great effort for Hyunmi to restrain herself from smiling at his words. “A fire that does not fend the physical cold away. You can get sick.”   “Surely the lovely Miss Hyunmi will care for me then. You tempt me to roam around wearing nothing but Summer’s attire,” Woohyun teased with a dazzling grin.   She glared at him, tying an extra knot in his scarf to make him flinch uncomfortably. “You juxtapose my intention. I won’t nurse you if you fail to be responsible for your own health.”   “Truly? Why, I predict you shall be the first person at my side if calamity were to befall me.” Woohyun smiled, watching the contemplation settle on her face as she weighed his words. He leaned closer, drawing a faint blush from her. “Your benevolent way of caring for others has captured my heart, but your concern is better placed elsewhere. I assure you of my safety.”   Hyunmi let him her cheek as he whispered those words. The warmth of his breath made her forget the chilling weather outside, conjuring improper thoughts of the warmth her body would reciprocate if his lips trailed over hers instead. Realizing her thoughts, she quickly released herself from him and bid the two men a safe travel.   Sungjong rolled his eyes, wondering why the two tortured each other when they clearly cherished one another dearly. They may mask it through their denial, but everyone read the hard pressed desire between them. Now he, along with everyone else, would become victim to their coquettish exchanges.   ***   On their journey towards the Iris Pub, Sungjong decided not to question Woohyun regarding his relationship with the residents of the orphanage. His association with them had been showcased from time to time, and Sungjong supposed Woohyun’s heart had shifted his allegiance.   Then again, staring at Woohyun’s empty expression now, devoid of any emotion, Sungjong hesitated forming any reckless opinions.   Sunggyu and Sungyeol were already inside, occupying the round table reserved for them. In fact, the deserted bar gave the impression that the entire area had been closed off under private reservation. Considering their wealth, that may have been the case.   Woohyun slipped a smile to his lips, greeting his partners as if the news of Sunggyu’s shady enterprises hadn’t reached him, as if Sungyeol and he never engaged in a fight for his effacing remark. He sat down at the table, ordering a drink for himself.   “What issues do we seek to discuss during today’s meeting?” Woohyun asked, leaning backwards to rest his arm behind Sungjong’s chair.   “I am certain you are aware of the consequences of your actions?” Sunggyu asked, his eyes hardened. “Mr. Sungyeol has informed me of your deeds. You lacked self control and assaulted him.”   Woohyun laughed, thanking the waiter for bringing him a glass of vodka. He swirled the glass in his hand, hearing the ice cubes collide against one another. “Allow me to question you instead. When a female has been mocked by a man of despicable nature, would she find more solace through a man who defends her using any means necessary, or a man who stands in negligence?”   Seeing the two men's silence, it was Sungjong who answered. “The former.”   “There you have it,” Woohyun concluded, lifting his glass to acknowledge their defeat. “I do apologize for ruining your face, M