Tiffany looked on as she gently caressed her boyfriend’s cheeks with the back of her hand. She watched as her weary and devastated boyfriend slept soundly in her arms. He has not been sleeping for the last 48 hours; preparing for the funeral.

It was crazy. It caught them by surprise. But Tiffany stayed strong for his sake. She placed Mason in Jessica’s care and Taeyeon flew back with Soo Young upon hearing the news. So now Jessica and Taeyeon were taking care of Mason and Krystal stood by Seohyun’s side. The boys took over and helped with the funeral. Yoong and Soo Young wanted to help as much as they could.

Tiffany heard the door creaked open. Yoong was popping his head in to check on Yul but he was relieved to find the man was sleeping.

“Is he asleep, Noona?”

He whispered softly. Tiffany nodded.

“Good, I was getting worried for him.”

“Is everything going fine?”

“Don’t worry; we’re taking care of everything.”

“I’m sorry; I had to trouble you and Soo Young. Yul hasn’t slept for the past 48 hours.”

“I understand. Is Mason okay?”

“He’s with Jessica.”

“Okay good, I’ll see them in a while. You just take good care of hyung. Soo Young hyung is handling the guests outside.”

“Thanks Yoong.”

“Don’t mention it. I’ll check on Jessica and Mason now.”

Yoong left Tiffany alone with Yul. She gave a gentle gaze on Yul’s peaceful sleeping face. Her heart ached so much when she witnessed Yul breaking down when he heard of the death of his loved one. It wasn’t easy for Tiffany to calm him down. Suddenly her step brother appeared next to her.

“Noona.”

“Suho, I’m sorry. I didn’t get to entertain you.”

“It’s okay. I was busy gathering information from the police officers.”

“Did you find out something?”

Suho nodded his head solemnly. Then he turned his attention to Yul. He felt sorry for him.

“I’ll tell you later. You should just focus on Yul hyung first.”

“Sure, I’ll do that. Suho ah, I think I’ve bothered Jessica with Mason. Can you babysit him tonight?”

Suho broke into a wide smile and nodded.

“Of course! I’ll pick him up from Jessica noona later.”

Suho looked up; his sister was paying attention on Yul; his hair gently. He patted on her shoulder.

“Stay strong, Noona. Hyung needs you now.”

“I understand. But will you be alright in the office?”

“I think it should be okay. If something needs your immediate attention, I’ll forward you in the emails. And I’ll drop the files at your house. You can work from home since Mason’s with you now.”

“Suho, does Nichkun know Mason’s here?”

“He doesn’t know. He only knows about the funeral.”

“Is he here?”

Suho shook his head. He then handed out an envelope to Tiffany.

“He asked me to pass this to you and Yul hyung. He’s not free to come.”

“I see. What is it?”

“I have no idea. Noona, do you want him to know about Mason?”

Tiffany looked on; she was unsure what she should do. It was almost madness. She was not ready to face Nichkun; not yet. Her boyfriend’s fragile and vulnerable right now.

“Not now, let me look after Yul first.”

“Okay, I’ll pick Mason from Jessica noona now.”

Tiffany nodded and Suho left her alone with Yul. Her heart ached when she saw tear streaks at the corner of his eyes. He was really having a bad time.

“Yul, hang in there, baby. I love you.”

She kissed his forehead.

-

Soo Young was attending to the guests who came to pay their last respects for the dead. He was helping Yul when the man collapsed after long hours of no rest. Taeyeon stood beside him; giving him a glass of water. She was worried for him.

“Are you okay?”

He nodded and pulled Taeyeon for a quick hug and a soft kiss on her forehead. The lady smiled widely.

“I’m fine, baby. There aren’t many guests left.”

“Jessica’s with Krystal who’s taking care of Yul’s little sister, Seohyun.”

“She must be shocked.”

“Krystal’s equally stunned as well.”

“Are they okay?”

“Jessica’s a psychiatrist. She’ll know what to do.”

“Then Tiffany’s little boy?”

“Tiffany’s brother, Suho took him back. He’s staying with his uncle for tonight.”

“Okay, I didn’t expect this.”

“How can one be so evil to do this?”

“Yul’s devastated. He’s really close with him.”

The couple could only sigh. They thought they could return with huge smiles and introduce to their friends as a couple but circumstances didn’t allow it. But the other couples already knew. Even Yul was teasing them awhile ago despite being so heartbroken.

“They took it easy.”

Soo Young suddenly spoke up. Taeyeon was confused.

“Huh?”

“Jessica took it easy with me when we returned hand in hand.”

“Well, what did you expect her to do?”

“I thought she might want to hack me into pieces or something.”

Taeyeon playfully punched him and Soo Young faked a painful look. They are a loving couple now; Jessica was watching them. She smiled before approaching them.

“Who said I took it easy?”

She suddenly appeared; shocked the out of Soo Young. He turned quickly to find Jessica glaring at him. He hid behind Taeyeon.

“What?”

“Huh?”

“Why are you hiding behind Taeyeon?”

“I’m still scared of you.”

“Seriously?”

Taeyeon was amused.

“Sica, you promise you won’t scare him.”

“How can he be your boyfriend when he’s afraid of your best friend?”

“You’re not a best friend; you’re a witch.”

Soo Young quipped in and Jessica rolled her eyes. But nevertheless she stood closer to Soo Young and put her arm around Taeyeon’s shoulder.

“Are the girls okay?”

“Krystal’s fine but Seohyun’s still shaken with fear. But I have already asked Krystal to stay by her side.”

“Have you spoken with Tiffany yet?”

“She’s with Yul. Suho just took Mason home.”

“Did Seohyun mention anything?”

Soo Young suddenly interrupted the conversation between Jessica and his girlfriend, Taeyeon. Jessica shook her head.

“She’s too shaken and visibly upset. She was shocked to see her father on the ground and her step brother dead.”

“Is she going to be alright?”

“I hope she is. But I heard Yul is even more affected.”

Soo Young sighed.

“Yul cares about his brother. In fact, he cares for everyone who’s close to him. He was devastated now. His brother’s dead and his father’s in a critical condition in the hospital. And now, his step mother is missing as well. Someone is out to get his family.”

“But Tiffany said his step brother’s the one who’s eager to take the family fortune away.”

“Maybe something happened. But according to the doctor, Uncle Kwon’s heart was at the weakest stage; and they deduced that he was having heart attack for more than 10 minutes. And according the officers, the living room was in a mess. They’re suspecting a third party who shot Jiyoung hyung.”

“Are you serious?”

“So it’s a possibility Uncle Kwon knows the truth, right?”

Taeyeon was doing her own calculations and interpretations. Jessica was surprised at the sudden revelation.

“Seohyun and Krystal might be in danger if they were just few hours earlier.”

Jessica was suddenly terrified at the thought of her baby sister got injured.

“Thankfully, they didn’t but Seohyun’s affected. Now her mother’s missing.”

Soo Young was concerned.  Just then, Yoong appeared after checking on Tiffany and Yul. He was busy with the preparation as well. Jessica could see how tired her boyfriend was so she quickly pulled him in for a hug.  Yoong welcomed it openly.

“You must be tired.”

“Yes, but Yul hyung’s dying. Tiffany’s with him.”

“How is he now?”

“He has finally fallen asleep.”

The group sighed in relief. They saw Yul turned like a maniac; demanded for answers and was screaming at the officers for not doing their jobs right. Tiffany had a hard time to calm him down and Yoong had to step in to subdue him when he turned against the officers.

“Poor Yul. Is Tiffany doing alright?”

“She’s a lot calmer now. You girls might want to look out for her as well.”

“We will. You just take care of the funeral, okay?”

Yoong nodded. Soo Young then saw a group of guys coming through the door. He saw Taeyang among the crowd. He approached his business partner.

“Taeyang, you’re here.”

“Hey Soo Young, is everything alright here?”

“You’re here to visit the late GD?”

“Yeah, he’s a friend of mine after all.”

Soo Young watched the group who came with Taeyang. They all were in black suits and ties. Taeyang appeared the odd one.

“What are you doing with them? Are they your bodyguards or something?”

“They were sent by GD’s uncle.”

“GD’s uncle?”

“Yeah, Kwon Sang Woo. I think he’s Yul’s uncle too.”

“Where is the man?”

“He’s not in Seoul apparently so he sent me to represent him.”

“Wait, isn’t he part of the Kwons?”

Taeyang shrugged his shoulders.

“I think he has never welcomed GD as part of the Kwons.”

Soo Young looked on; surprised with Taeyang’s revelation. Soo Young knew who Kwon Sang Woo is. He’s a ruthless businessman who has caused many businesses to collapse. But Uncle Kwon has never allow him to take over his business – apparently, Uncle Kwon has two heirs who could take over from him directly – Kwon Jiyoung and Kwon Yul.

“Soo Young, I want to pay my respects. Where should I go?”

“Oh, follow me. His casket is inside.”

Taeyang nodded and followed Soo Young. The men in black suddenly followed Taeyang from behind but Soo Young stopped them.

“You cannot go in together.”

“We have to protect Taeyang-shi.”

“He’s fine inside there. I’ll protect him.”

Taeyang looked on and then asked the guys to leave him alone.

“I’ll be fine with Soo Young. He’s my buddy. You can wait here.”

The men in black finally relented. Taeyang went inside with Soo Young.  Yoong saw the commotion and went behind Soo Young. Taeyang paid his respects before joining the two guys. They were sitting next to the coffin.

“Do you know how he died?”

Taeyang asked.

“He was shot in the head.”

Taeyang cringed.

“The gun was his?”

“Yes, and the coroner said he couldn’t have shot himself. The direction of the bullet was too impossible. It was clear evident that someone else shot him.”

“Who found them?”

“His step sister.”

“Seohyun?”

“Yeah, you know her?”

Taeyang nodded.

“You might think GD is a bad guy but he cares about his siblings. He might have problems with his step father but he would never hurt his sister and his brother.”

Yoong listened on and Soo Young was trying to piece things together.

“Wait. You know about his visit, isn’t it?”

“I know he’s on the way here. He was pissed with me and Nichkun. He said he wanted to do something. He wanted to scare his step father but he has never had the intention to kill the old man.”

“What?”

“I thought he was joking when he showed me the gun. He said he was going to use it to scare the old man. He wanted me to come along with him but I rejected him.”

“Are you telling us the truth?”

Yoong suddenly spoke up. Taeyang nodded.

“If I know he was going to scare that old man for real, I would stop him. He was drunk when he told me this.”

“Where’s Nichkun?”

Soo Young suddenly asked.

“He’s in New York. He will be flying in tonight.”

“Can you help us with something?”

“What is it?”

“Can you tell the police officer the same thing you’ve told us?”

“Will it help?”

“GD was murdered. And now his step mother is missing too.”

“She’s connected to this murder?”

“We have no idea yet. But the police are tracking down her mother’s whereabouts.”

Taeyang gave a thought.

“Sure, how do I do that?”

“I’ll get Inspector Jeong here.”

Yoong got up and walked away. The police inspectors were around; just to ensure the safety of the remaining Kwons. Taeyang and Soo Young continued talking until the inspector came over. They talked for a bit before Taeyang made his move. Soo Young looked on.

“I hope my statement can help you in your findings.”

“It has helped us a lot. Thanks.”

“Soo Young, I hope Yul will find the murderer.”

“Taeyang, I hope so.”

With that, Taeyang left with his bodyguards. Soo Young watched as their cars disappeared from view. Yoong appeared out of nowhere and stood beside him. They were watching as one by one left the funeral parlour.

“Do you think Taeyang’s involved?”

Yoong suddenly asked.

“I’ve no idea. I heard he wanted to help GD to bring Yul down. I wondered why they backed out at the last minute.”

“They?”

“Nichkun and Taeyang. Someone must have asked them to leave.”

“What are you thinking of, hyung?”

“I just have this strong feeling that Yul’s uncle is involved.”

“Yul’s uncle?”

“Do you remember the outcast member of the Kwons?”

“Kwon Sang Woo?”

Soo Young nodded.

“Are you sure?”

“He was furious when he found out Jiyoung hyung got to be the CEO instead of him. He had been plotting to get rid of Jiyoung hyung but maybe now he has changed his target.”

“Uncle Kwon transferred his company to Yul hyung?”

“Yes, I think my theory is right. Yoong, we have to protect Yul from now own.”

“Not only that, we have to protect Tiffany and Mason. And even Seohyun.”

Suddenly Yoong’s eyes grew larger. He soon realized the complexity of this case now. Everyone was connected in one way or another and that includes his beloved girlfriend.

“Hyung, I think our girlfriends are going to be involved too. Krystal is connected to Seohyun and Krystal is Jessica’s sister. Taeyeon is Tiffany’s best friend. You know Kwon Sang Woo would do anything.”

Soo Young suddenly took off.

“Hyung, where are you going?”

“I’m going to find Suho and Mason. If we’re going to suspect Kwon Sang Woo, we have to be wary of Nichkun and Taeyang too. I’m going to bring Mason back.”

Soo Young drove off after telling Yoong what he wanted to do.

-

Yul’s head spun like crazy. His life turned upside down when he received a call from Seohyun.

Yul’s phone rang non-stop. Yul put it outside in the living room so it was slowly getting annoying when the phone kept ringing. He quickly got out from bed after placing Tiffany carefully on her side of the bed. He grudgingly got out from the room and grabbed the phone from the coffee table. His guffaw voice was low and huskier than it was originally.

“Hello?”

“Oppa!”

Yul’s eyes grew larger instantly when he recognized that panic voice behind his phone.

“Seohyun? What’s wrong?”

“Oppa, help me..”

“Seohyun, what’s wrong? Where are you now?”

Yul didn’t wait for Seohyun’s reply. He quickly went back into Tiffany’s room and put on his jeans. Tiffany was already waking up when she heard muffling noises. She was surprised to find her boyfriend was nervously getting dressed while his ears listened carefully to the caller on the phone. Tiffany was curious.

“What happened, Seohyun? Tell me!”

His voice got louder and Tiffany was shocked even more. She quickly sat up and looked at him worriedly.

“Mr Kwon, this is Inspector Jeong here.”

“Inspector Jeong? Are you a police officer?”

“Yes Mr Kwon. I’m sorry for disturbing you at this late hour. But I’m afraid we need you at your hosue right now.”

“Why? What’s wrong? Is Seohyun’s alright?”

“Miss Kwon is fine. But we found something else.”

Yul started to worry. His father was at home.

“Is my father okay?!”

“Mr Kwon, we have sent your father to the hospital. But I’m sorry for your loss.”

“What? No! My father’s not dead yet!”

“No, Mr Kwon. It’s not your father. Your brother has been murdered. Someone shot him in the head.”

Yul rushed to his house with Tiffany. She left Mason in Jessica’s care and quickly followed Yul. She was in utter shock when she saw Kwon Jiyoung’s dead body at the corner of the house. The forensic officers have moved him to the side and they were about to close the zipper of the body bag when Yul stormed right through in. He saw his brother. Yul was devastated.

“HYUNG!”

Tears were quick to fall. Yul was close to his brother and Tiffany had to pull him back to stop him from hurting the body. He was beating his brother up; hoping Kwon Jiyoung would open his eyes.

“HYUNG!”

“Yul, calm down!”

“Hyung, don’t leave me!”

“Yul..”

Tiffany’s heart was aching when he saw Yul hugging his dead brother in his arms tightly. She was aware of his love for his step brother but Tiffany has never thought that Kwon Jiyoung was shot dead. Who wanted him dead?

Suddenly a lady screamed across the room.

“OPPA!”

Yul turned quickly and saw Seohyun running towards them. She lunged at him and hugged her brother’s back tightly. She saw Jiyoung’s cold body but she didn’t dare to look at him. Tiffany was surprised to find Krystal as well.

“Krystal?”

“Tiffany unnie!”

“What are you doing here?”

“I was with Seohyun when we stumbled upon this.”

Tiffany turned to look at the two siblings; hugging each other. Yul wouldn’t let his dead brother go. He held on so tightly that the paramedics and officers had to pry him away from the body. Tiffany quickly pulled him closer and hugged him tightly. Krystal hugged Seohyun instead. The Kwon siblings broke down.

Yul woke up from the bad dream. He sat up immediately and was breathing hard. Tiffany was beside him. She quickly cuddled him.

“Yul, it’s okay, baby.”

“I dreamt of hyung.”

“Yul, your brother is in a good place. Don’t be like this.”

“Tiffany, I’ve lost my brother.”

“I know, Yul. I know. But you cannot give up on yourself yet. Your father is still in the hospital. He needs you. Seohyun’s shaken so badly. She needs you. And your step mother is missing. So you cannot break down now baby. I’m right here with you.”

Yul looked on. As much as he hated the truth but Tiffany was right. His little sister needs him. His father is in a critical condition. He’s going to need Yul for support. And he has to find his step mother. The murderer might have got her too.

“Tiffany, I’m sorry.”

“No, baby; please don’t say sorry. I know you’re stunned by the tragic events but you have to be strong. And when you need someone to lean on, I’m going to be here with you.”

Yul nodded and closed his eyes. He then leaned on Tiffany’s shoulders for comfort. The lady was his hair gently; whispering her love confession in his ears. Tiffany’s touch calmed him down immediately. He squeezed his eyes tight; tears were falling from the sides. He quickly wiped them away and then pulled Tiffany away from him.

“I want to visit hyung.”

“Yul, you barely sleep.”

“I need to tell him something. I won’t do anything stupid.”

“Do you want me to follow you?”

“No, I want to be alone with him.”

Tiffany nodded but nevertheless helped him up. She forced him to change into cleaner shirt before taking him to where GD was resting. Jessica and Taeyeon joined Tiffany and they looked on as Yul made his way quietly to GD.

“Is Yul okay?”

Taeyeon asked without taking her eyes off the poor guy.

“He wanted to have some time alone with GD. I thought I should let him.”

“He’s going to be fine.”

Jessica assured Tiffany and Taeyeon hugged her. The three best friends were consoling and comforting each other.

“Let’s sit over here so we can keep an eye on Yul.”

Jessica suggested. Tiffany took a last glance at her boyfriend. Her heart ached tremendously but she knew Yul wouldn’t do anything stupid. So she joined Jessica and Taeyeon while keeping an eye on him.

Yul was oblivious with his surroundings. He could only see his brother and a fresh round of tears came when he came face to face with GD’s serene sleeping posture. Yul took a good look at his brother; his lips quivered but he tried hard not to break down.

He glared solemnly before clenching his fingers into a fist. He then spoke softly.

“Hyung, I’ll find your murderer. I’ll make sure he pays for this.”

Yul whispered.

“I’m going to avenge your death. Hyung, I’m sorry we fought so much lately. Honestly I miss you. I really miss hanging out with you, hyung. I know you died while protecting father. Seohyun told me. She saw Appa in your arms; she said it seemed like you were trying to protect him. Someone shot you, right? A scum bag took advantage and shot you, right?”

Yul held his tears back.

“I’m going to find that scumbag and make him pay for everything.”

Yul was determined.

-

Mason was sitting in Suho’s living room. The man cooked something in the kitchen while his nephew was playing in the middle of the room. Suddenly someone barged in and Mason screamed. Suho quickly ran out as he tried to grab Mason but he was hit on the back of the head instead. That someone took Mason by force and the boy was crying.

“Uncle Suho! Uncle Suho!”

But the boy’s cries went unheard. Suho was unconscious; bleeding from the back of his head.

“UNCLE SUHO!”

The boy gave a last shout but to no avail. Nobody was going to save him. Nobody heard him.

-

Krystal was sitting next to Seohyun. Her heart was bleeding when she saw how quiet Seohyun became. Krystal wasn’t too sure what she should do. She just reached out for Seohyun’s hand and squeezed it tightly.

Seohyun felt it and looked up. She saw Krystal’s sincere and concerned eyes. But Seohyun just couldn’t smile for her. She just couldn’t do it anymore.

But Krystal was not going to give up. She then pulled Seohyun closer to her; put her arms around her waist as Krystal Seohyun’s hair gently. Seohyun’s tense body became relaxed when Krystal hummed softly in Seohyun’s ears. She didn’t cry.

“I love you.”

Krystal suddenly confessed softly.  Seohyun looked at her. She wasn’t shocked neither was she stunned. She just nodded her head.

“I love you so much, Kwon Seohyun. Let me be there for you. Let me take you in my arms and hug you; protecting you.”

Krystal whispered in one breath. Seohyun didn’t say anything; she just merely nodded.

“I promise I’ll never leave your side.”

Seohyun finally broke down. She was hurting so much.

“Krystal, please don’t go. Stay with me. I need you.”

“I’m not leaving anywhere.”

“I love you too, Krystal.”

“I’ll stay with you, unnie.”

The two girls were united in such despair moments. Krystal knew she had to tell Seohyun the truth of her heart. Watching Seohyun crumbling was not a choice and Krystal knew she had to do something for her sake.

She didn’t think much when she confessed. She has never thought of the consequences; she just wanted to let Seohyun know the truth.

But now the truth has come undone. Seohyun felt the same way and she wanted Krystal to stay.

And Krystal has no intentions to leave anymore.

She’s staying with Seohyun for the rest of her life.

-

Soo Young was approaching Suho’s house when he saw someone carrying Mason in his arms. The boy was struggling and screaming. But the man was unfazed. Soo Young couldn’t see his face; the man was wearing a mask.

His theory was right. Someone was out to destroy Kwon Yul and his family; and getting everyone implicated. But he could never imagine that Mason would be the next target. The masked man shoved Mason into the car; Soo Young was worried he might harm the little boy. But Soo Young knew he couldn’t do anything drastic. He might risk losing Mason as well.

He made a call to Inspector Jeong and told him what happened. He then told Yoong to come over to Suho’s place. Soo Young decided to follow the masked man.

“Hyung!”

“Yoong, go to Suho’s place. I think he might be hurt. I’ve already told Inspector Jeong. I’m keeping in touch with him.”

“Hyung, be careful! I’m going off now.”

“Does Yul suspect anything?”

“No, I told Jessica I have to attend something urgent.”

“Good, don’t let the girls know yet especially Tiffany. I’ll try to follow the masked man closely.”

“Okay! Call me hyung. Don’t do anything rash!”

“Okay.”

Soo Young hung up immediately. He then called his older brother.

“Hyung, this is Soo Young.”

“What’s up, dongsaeng?”

“I need your help.”

“What is it?”

“Get Minho as well. I’m following a dangerous man.”

“What?”

“I might be injured before anything else. Can you turn on your GPS while driving and locate my car?”

“I’m doing it right now. “

“Follow the GPS and save me.”

“YA, don’t do anything stupid until I reach there.”

“Okay, hyung. Just hurry.”

Soo Young has gotten his backup in case something happen.  He wasn’t too sure if he was doing the right thing. But he needed to stay alive.

“Taeyeon, wait for me, baby. I’ll come back to you.”

Soo Young closed his gap on the masked man’s car.

-