L. Joe:

The both of us decided to spend the night in the hotel but I was still deep in thought and my brother left me alone. My brain was running in every direction and I couldn't tell what are the lies among the truths anymore. I couldn't fathom what my father was thinking or was it somebody else. I really wish I could remember everything and then maybe I'll be free from this guilt that I feel deep in my heart. I don't even know what I'm supposed to be sorry for. Is it too late to atone for whatever I've done?

“Byun, don't think too hard. It might be more than what we think.” Hyung said suddenly.

“I know. I'm trying to see if anybody has power over me other than father. Do you know anyone?” I asked.

“Now that you've mentioned it, you used to be wary of dad's secretary. I remember we had a short holiday so I came home and had dinner. You were really glaring at him, then you disappeared off to meet your friends.” He said seriously. “Do you think it's him? You wrote that Dad left you guys alone.”

“Oh, I'm not sure. No harm in being cautious.” I groaned.

“It's really confusing but we can try to talk to Mom now. Dad went on a business trip so she's home alone.” Hyung said excitedly.

“Really? Why didn't you say so before? Let's call her now.” I followed.

Hyung took out his phone; dialed her number and put it on speaker. It rang three times then she answered. Hyung signaled me to be quiet, I looked at him confused but I followed along.

“Hello, mom it's me.” Hyung said.

“Oh my baby, how have you been? Did you meet your brother?” She rushed.

“I'm fine and he's fine too. I met him the other day.” Brother replied.

“Oh good, why the sudden call late at night?” Mom asked.

“Mom I met Krystal recently and I made an amazing discovery to which I hoped you could shed some light on.” Hyung started.

Mom kept quiet so hyung continued.

“She told me that Dad didn't want Byun to get close to Yunho’s sister Sohee. Why is that? Mom, you better tell me or I'll go ask Byun instead.” Hyung threatened.

“Ah… that… the thing is, you see. I knew your dad shouldn't have gotten involved again. He should have let it be from the very beginning.” Mom sighed.

“What do you mean?” Hyung asked confused.

“ Your Dad was against your brother dating Sohee, not because she was not well off but her family had a long line of getting into trouble. Her dad was the only exception, he didn't want her family members harming Byunie but he couldn't say it out loud. He was just worried then what he feared for came true and it was a nightmare.” Mom  choked on her words. “ We almost lost him.”

“Mom, are you talking about Byun’s accident?” Hyung said softly.

“That came later. It was a threatening letter, demanding for money. We talked it out with her parents and they went to them. It was all sorted out but your dad was not convinced so he sent some of our own bodyguards to scare your brother and Sohee. Then a third party got involved and poor girl took a bullet for him.” She sobbed more loudly this time.

“A third party? Who was it? Were they her family?” Hyung asked.

“I don't know, your Dad never mentioned it. He hired someone to investigate the case and I think he knows who it is but he never shared it with me. I remember asking him, he just told me that it was better left unsaid. He told me that it was best for the kids and us. I don't know more.” Mom said sniffling.

“Will Dad be angry if I ask him? Will the kids be in trouble since they are meeting each other again?” Hyung asked suddenly.

“What? How come?” Mom asked confused.

“They are classmates again. The person behind the incident is still at large.” He stated.

“Oh God, I knew we should have never sent him back but your Dad seems happy to let your brother go; so I just kept quiet. I didn't even think about this. Now I can't help but think your brother will be in trouble again. Tae-ah, keep a close eye on your brother. I need to have a talk with your father. I'll call you later.” She hung up without any goodbyes.

“That didn't give us much but at least we know that Dad might not be the one behind it all.” Hyung sighed.

“Yeah…” I replied trying to work out all the information that we know.

“So where does all these things lead to? How many enemies did you make? I feel like you are mobster or something to make them want to take extreme actions.” Hyung said, getting a beer from the fridge.

“It might not be mine. I really need to speak with Dad as soon as possible. I'm feeling like something is going to happen and I'm not liking this feeling one bit.” I stated.

Hyung was surprised and said “Let's talk to Dad tomorrow. I think you'll have to take a break for a week or two to investigate the situation by ourselves before we come to any conclusions and have a talk with Dad.” Hyung suggested.

“Hyung call the school, if you want me to miss school. I'm too tired to do anything right now. I'm borrowing the bed.” I said and rushed to the bed. I could hear him grumbling but I didn't care, I was just too tired. I really need my sleep.

When I woke up it was already morning. I checked my phone and saw I had lots of missed calls from the guys so I texted them that I'll be busy with my brother and may miss classes and not to worry. I got out of bed and my stomach grumbled out of hunger, I did miss out on dinner last night. I wonder if Hyung ordered breakfast for me too. I entered the living room and saw him lounging on the sofa with his laptop and coffee on the side.

“Morning.” I groaned out.

“Oh you're awake? By the way, you're being summoned back home along with me. You'll be missing a week or two. Dad already