The slamming of the door pulled me away from holding Dong Hae. Yoon Sung stormed inside the room. His face was stained with anger. Hae shot a look at him when he jabbed his cheek.

“Yoon Sung, stop!” I screamed as I stood up and pushed him off. I could hear Dong Hae whimper in pain and roll on the floor.

“Don’t stop me, Hyuk. You have no right over this.”

“Your brother needs you now! Can’t you see that?”

His eyes widened. “He needs me?” He punched me as hard as he did on Hae. I fell on the floor beside him.

“You have something to do with this. Do you think I didn’t see your video over the net? You stupid brat! I know everything.”

Suddenly, Hae spoke up. “Hyung, stop this! I know it’s my fault. I’m sorry.”

“Hae...” I said, but my words held themselves back inside my mouth. Why was he doing this? Wasn’t he going to fight for us? I love him so much. It would be such a waste if he leaves me hanging.

Yoon Sung grabbed the collar of his borther’s shirt and yanked him. “Is this what you’re telling me after all the troubles, huh? You know about our father. And you’re turning out to be like him?! Wake up!”

Hae was helpless. He stared at him like he was a monument. In his state of mind, I knew he couldn’t speak straight anymore. His tears broke out again, bringing him into another round of endless crying.

“If you think of getting back all you’ve lost, that wouldn’t include me. Because right now, I’m disowning you.” he said and let him go. He left the room and bolted the door dead shut.

He kept on muttering apologies. I brought him closer to my arms and comforted him. “It’s okay. It’s okay.”

We sat on the couch after he cried for some time.  I made a cup of coffee for him so he could loosen up, and maybe accept the fact that what we’ve been trying to hide was already known to the public. He slowly sipped the liquid, and somehow, I saw the ease it brought to his face.

“I’m sorry.” he muttered again.

I put my hand above his after he put the cup down.

“You know I love you, Hae. I told you that’s the only thing that matters, right?” I leaned him in and rested his head on my shoulder. All I could feel now for him was sympathy. He tried so hard to conceal our relationship. When it leaked over the country in a wrong timing, he struggled to gather all the pieces that were about to fall apart. The effect it brought to him was far beyond I could think of. He was more famous than me. Everything that people saw on him, he built every single inch of it through hard work. I hope this challenge won’t be the reason for him to lose his sanity.

“What are we going to do now?”

“Let’s deny this. Let’s just say the video was edited, and they put our faces there.” I suggested.

Dong Hae’s face was a mix of expressions. I could see confusion, bewilderment and a tiny flicker of hope in his eyes. It was as if his life depended on it.

“How? It’s too obvious...” he said

“Don’t worry, I’ll do the same thing.” I assured him.

He sighed. “I hope this one works out.”

“It will...” I murmured to myself, not even sure of what would happen in the days to come.

Dong Hae broke his silence a week after the video came out. He guested on television shows and was interviewed by several columnists. Like I told him, he vehemently denied all the accusations against him. I also did the same thing when it was my turn to face the people.

Eun Bi arrived at Hae’s apartment with Min Yeong. As the door swung open, we saw her rushing to our direction. She immediately hugged him and her tears rolled on her cheeks.

“Hae... I’m sorry I wasn’t here to protect you.” she said.

“Hey, I’m alright. You don’t have to worry about me.” Dong Hae replied, hugging her tightly.

After she cried for some time, she pulled out from their hug and threw her arms around me.

“Hyuk... I’m sorry.” I know it was the same reason. I told her it was okay, and soon, she pulled herself out of my body.

“Min Yeong, I’m sorry. I know it must be hard for you to accept me now, but I’m thankful for the genuine friendship that we shared.”

He smiled and patted his shoulder.

“Hae, you’re most welcome. I accept you for who you are and I promise, I’ll find out who did this to you.”

With the calmest tone that he could ever put up, Dong Hae thanked Min Yeong sincerely. I left the three of them to talk about it. I said I’ll be coming back later.

I headed to my car and pressed the remote. My car made a short sound of response and when I was about to get inside, a sharp blow hit me on the head, putting me into unconsciousness.