Some truths were better kept hidden in order to maintain order. Over the years, Sungyoon learned to refrain the exigency of relaying unreliable rumors to avoid unnecessary mayhem. His silence allowed him to divulge the truth and see what no other men saw with their eyes.   He was the first to notice Youngtaek’s unrequited feeling towards Hyunmi, one which reflected an admiration rather than infatuation. However, for the gusto of entertainment, he chose to keep the knowledge to himself.   Sungyoon noticed Joochan’s fingers tapping against solid surfaces at random intervals—a hankering which he suspected to be anxiety driven, but after careful studying, turned out to be a rendition of playing piano chords. The behavioral pattern conjured itself ever since their visit to the Kim mansion.   This ability allowed Sungyoon to envision the blooming chemistry between Woohyun and Hyunmi when everyone would consider the idea to be ironic. However, their eyes never failed to shimmer at the presence of the other, like butterflies attracted to a flower’s sweet nectar.   In such ways, Sungyoon pertained knowledge of various subjects. His need for harmony prevented odious speculations from being passed around. Today, that had not been the case.   “Rumors have been circulating regarding Rika,” he had relaid to Hyunmi, Woohyun, and Dongwoo. Glancing around, he ensured Jangjun’s absence before resuming. “People have reason to believe she is having an affair with Mr. Kim and aims to become his mistress.”   “That is ridiculous! Rika has Jangjun who lavishes her with more affection than a married man ever could,” Hyunmi censured, using the same argument Sungyoon had tried convincing himself with before realizing its fault.   “Alas, Jangjun is a mere friend to her,” Sungyoon said, seeing Hyunmi’s eyes widen with realization.   “Myungsoo is considered to be exceptionally handsome for a man, and I observed the adoring way Rika had regarded him upon our arrival,” Woohyun added, exhaling a long sigh. He gently squeezed Hyunmi’s hand in his, the touch becoming a pattern far too natural for them both. “I reckon this is an issue worth looking into.”   “I made arrangements and sent a letter to Rika announcing our arrival on the morrow,” Sungyoon said. “To maintain the detente, we must not relay this to Jangjun.”   “Too late,” a sudden voice resonated from behind. They had been too immersed in their thoughts to miss Jangjun creaking the door open. Based on the furious and restive look in his eyes, they knew he would not consent to any of their proposals to stay. Anger seeped through the forming wrinkles on his forehead. “I shall come along and I shall not accept a rejection. Any matter involving Rika shall involve me as well.”   Before Hyunmi could part her lips to reason with him, Woohyun gave an approving nod. “You may come with us.”   Jangjun nodded his head, uttering a small word of gratitude before excusing himself—the remnants of his thoughts reserved for his own solitude.   “Woohyun, why’d you grant him permission? If he sights an unfavorable event, his heart will be torn to pieces,” Hyunmi lamented, her tone a pitch higher to express her concern.   It took a lot of restraint for Woohyun not to smile at the manner she elicited his name, a beautiful melody from the tip of her tongue. It may have taken the form of a chide, but it was musical to him nonetheless.   “Because no person should learn to coexist with doubt. It could consume and deplete his mental state into depression, which we must prevent at all cost,” Woohyun reasoned. He returned to her side, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her against his chest—their close proximity allowed him to capture the heightened sound of her staggering breath. “My love, if I had to live in anguish of not knowing whether your heart belonged to me or another man, I would live miserably for the rest of my life.”   Hyunmi did not know whether his words or touch prompted the tumultuous beating of her heart, drumming like little raindrops pattering against the window. She poorly hid her smile, and opted to look away from his fervent gaze. In the company of Sungyoon and her brother, she was more cautious with her words.   “Fortunately, you have no need for such misery,” she said bashfully, tracing imaginary circles against his hand. What a traverse idea it was. She who did not want to marry indirectly admitted to giving him full custody of her heart.   Her implications were well received by Woohyun who grinned, pressing his forehead against hers. “Indeed, no other man precedes my ability to draw that beautiful smile on your pensive face.”   This made her chuckle, as he always managed to. She always found more joy whenever she was with him. “I presume the five of us shall leave tomorrow morning?”   “You may exempt me from the journey,” Sungyoon said, a small grin hovering over his lips. “Instead I ask for Joochan to take my place.”   “Joochan?” Dongwoo tilted his head sideways.   “He would want to play the piano once more considering he isn’t entitled to such privilege over here,” Sungyoon said, subtly hinting at the wisdom he had been granted with without revealing the full depth of his discoveries.   “That is a splendid idea! I shall go inform him,” Woohyun said, having taken on the fatherly role at the house. He nearly released his beloved’s hand, felt dubious about their forthcoming parting, and furtively chose to elongate the hold instead.   “I believe you have somewhere else to be,” Hyunmi reminded with a ludic smile.   “You make it quite impossible for me to leave, but I am not the man who shirks his duty. Adieu, my love.” He exaggerated a formal bow, then tipped off the imaginary hat on his head, and walked away.   As Hyunmi continued laughing, Dongwoo observed his sister. Whereas Sungyoon noticed the possibilities of tomorrow, Dongwoo saw the changes compared to yesterday. Undeniably, his sister had never shown such elation prior to her meeting with Woohyun.   ***   The next morning, no one was surprised to see Jangjun already seated inside the coach. His fingers remained pressed together in an ascetic manner, a clear effort to stop himself from fidgeting with his blouse. The reunion with Rika had the possibility of drawing a different reaction depending on the truth—a notion he came to hate and anticipate at the same time.   Donghyun missed the solemness in his friend’s expression and waved his arms in excitement. Upon sighting Joochan in his usual calm demeanor—deprived from any emotion—the smile grew wider. “You must impress them with your musical talent, Joochan! Perhaps they’ll request your stay this time.”   The words curved Joochan’s lips into a sheepish shape, neither smiling nor frowning. The wealthy couple only desired Rika’s talent whereas his musical ability was considered a defect by the judgmental society. Being the obedient young man, he had the tendency to please elders. Thus, he complied to their request despite having no conviction in his own ability.   To Donghyun, he gave a curt nod. The he entered the coach and seated himself between Jangjun and Dongwoo. How would he face Rika who had been granted the opportunity he was rejected from?   Hyunmi waved her arms out of the coach and muttered tearful goodbyes until their house took on the size of tiny speckles. She positioned herself facing Jangjun who had been exceptionally quiet. It did not take her another second to understand his troubling dilemma. “Rumors aren’t called truth for a reason.”   Jangjun spared her a single glance, scoffing at her words. “They aren’t called lies for a reason either.”   The very fact Jangjun had chosen to talk back and deny Hyunmi’s wisdom by spreading his own beliefs showed the depth of which his faith had sunk. They knew he cherished Rika, but none realized how much her rejection would affect his character to change over time.   Instead of trying to inspirit him—which may end up being deflected—they chose to let him pummel in silence until the truth was confirmed.   ***   Once the carriage arrived at the mansion, they were met by the sight of Rika opening the front porch. How unusual. This task was usually given to the head maid, not to a pupil.   “I have missed all of you tremendously!” Rika raised her voice, nearly toppling the small framed Hyunmi of her balance. She proceeded to hug Dongwoo and Joochan, then firmly shook Woohyun’s hand with a suggestive smile. When it was her turn to greet Jangjun, he never reciprocated her open arms and maintained the perilous look on his face.   “I haven’t seen you for weeks and you can’t spare me a single greeting? Would you prefer a formal handshake?” Rika asked, completely oblivious to his sullen demeanor. Apparently, his feelings for her wasn’t the only notion that went unnoticed.   “It hadn’t been long since your departure, and already you have forgotten me,” Jangjun spoke, the snarkiness imminent in his tone. His way of coping with anxiety was through retaliation.   Rika blinked, hung open in an awkward curve. “I haven’t had a clue what those words meant. You are Jangjun, my best friend.”   What she interpreted as words of comfort became proverbial knives protruding the poor boy’s aching heart. Once again, his relentless pursuit of her affection was reciprocated through their friendship.   Hyunmi noticed the strange atmosphere and quickly shifted to a distraction. “Where are Mr. And Mrs. Kim?”   “They have gone for a short trip and should return here shortly. But worry not, I have obtained their permission to welcome you in their stead,” Rika said, urging them to enter the mansion. Clearly they had been mistaken; she did not take on the role of a servant, but that of an owner.   “They must truly fancy you considering they entrusted the entire mansion in your care,” Woohyun remarked.   “Certainly, Mr. Nam. They adore me—well, perhaps Mr. Kim more so than Mrs. Kim. She does not seem quite fond of me at times.”   “But Mr. Kim does?” Jangjun couldn’t help but ask. His chagrin tone did not miss a beat.   “Oh, most certainly! I have never met a man who possesses a gentleman’s vice in the manner he does. He treats me with benign kindness and genuinely shows interest in my past. He even hired a world class painter to tutor me. My skills have certainly improved during my stay here. Would you