TRACK 01 : HAPPINESS, in yeop.

09

AFTER IN yeop and I left the dining area, I guided him outside. Almost sprinting with the humiliation from dinner. I only stopped when we reached the only place I tolerate in this household — the garden by the fountain where the night lights were lit.

As I panted with the distance, I saw In yeop, looking in awe with the surrounding. His eyes reflecting the illuminations. I smiled whilst I followed his gaze. He didn't seem like his usual irritable self. His face was relaxed and his lips were slightly agape.

"Like it?"

I regretted speaking up when he snapped from his trance and faced me with a deadpan expression. "Hm, your house is fine. Why won't you just stay here?"

"What? And rot?"

"Dig up your own grave, I won't care. That apartment is mine", he pointed at himself like an entitled brat he so hate.

I sent him a cheeky grin. "Not according to your father."

"Everything my father says is against me."

"That makes us two."

When I saw his nose flare, I let my tongue out and angered him more. It didn't go as planned. Instead of In yeop getting mad, his lips rose up a little. Like he gained all the confidence in the world.

He stepped forward which made me go back.

"If you want to run away from your family that badly. Might as well live with me."

"What?", I let out a laugh, trying to ease the tension.

I did not expect that at all. More so, when he spoke again. Quieter now but the loudest in my ear.

"I'd rather take care of you than tolerate my shit show of a family."

I couldn't even think of a comeback. Hell, even process the other words that slipped from his mouth. I only stood there like a frozen deer in headlights and watched how a strong woman like me wither with mere affection.

"I BOUGHT dinner!"

I opened the door to Killian's room, my other hand preoccupied with the paper bag that had the food I got from the delivery earlier. Ever since my mother told Killian to pretend he isn't existing while the Hwangs are still here, he hasn't left his room. It also meant he hasn't had his dinner yet.

Surprisingly, no sign of him was there when I entered. It's been a while since I scanned his room and it had a few changes. What caught my eye the most was his sketches of clothes that were scattered her and there, some even pasted on his walls.

I was about to take a closer look at one piece but was stopped when someone opened the door.

"The fuck are you doing here?"

It's Killian, his brows furrowed.

"Oh. There you are!", I raised both of my brows, stepping back from his room a little, before pointing the bag that I laid on his nightstand. "I brought you food. You know, from Enchanté? You used to like it when you were fifteen."

"When I was fifteen", he entered his room, purposely hitting his shoulder with mine.

I exhaled heavily, holding my anger in. "You know, your sketches are nice.."

"Okay? I don't remember asking for your opinion."

I continued to ignore his remarks. "Why not enroll in a fashion school instead? I know a good university."

"We have the same father remember?"

I chuckled.

Right. We're enrolled at a business school by our parents. I am currently taking my Master's in hopes that I inherit and lead our company. Well, not in hopes. My parents engraved it on my head the moment my mother pushed me out of her ass.

"Actually, even if I don't enroll you into one I can contact designers for private classes or seminars", I paused. "But only if you'd consent to it."

It's important for me to pursue what Killian liked in whole genuinity. Maybe even one person in our family can achieve their dream.

And I know how Killian liked the idea as much as I did. I swore that I saw how his eyes lit up for a split second.

"No thanks."

However, there seems to be something that's stopping him.

My shoulders lowered. "I really want to help you, Killian."

"And I don't need your help", he raised his tone a little. "If it matters so much to you, you're just being a nuisance to me."

"What can I do, then?", I spoke back, frustrated. "Tell me anything. I swear."

"Right now? Start by leaving me alone."

I promptly fulfilled his request, departing with a mere sigh.

I've been trying for Killian and I to at least be neutral if we're not going to be in good terms—year after year with no progress. I'd get fed up a few times but tired? Never.

Somehow one day, I know, we'll be okay. And until then, I'll keep on trying.

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