All of My Days

BONUS Chapter: Finale

2007

Jeong Hyeok closed his eyes, letting his fingers do their thing, letting his ear express what he couldn't say out loud. His fingertips flew over the piano keys like birds swiftly hopping from one branch of a low tree to another, sometimes lingering on some, sometimes jolting up and swishing around in a joyful crescendo.

It was his only escape, the only way he could express the feelings burning deep inside. Feelings of longing, fear, comfort, dread, and hopelessness, interchanging with joy and excitement in a back and forth motion, a never-ending whirlpool of emotions flowing from one day to the next, from dull mornings to exhilarating evenings in front of the computer screen.

He heard the cautious footsteps behind, and he knew his brother must have joined him in the room. Hyung can wait. He had to get this off his chest, he had to let it out, otherwise he'd burst or do something even more reckless.

Eventually, the song died down, and he exhaled loudly, feeling a bit better, like some of the weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

"That's a new one," the low voice behind him uttered, and he turned on his piano bench to face Mu Hyeok. "What's it called?"

He shrugged.

"Doesn't have a name. I didn't even write it down yet, it just kind of came to me now."

"Uh-oh," Mu Hyeok chuckled. "Who is she?"

Jeong Hyeok scratched his head, avoiding the older brother's eyes.

"Someone."

"From your class?"

"I wish."

"Bummer. From another school? Someone you met at the recital?"

A pause.

"I wish."

Jeong Hyeok got up and paced around the room, biting his lip, thinking, and kind of wishing he could be alone right now, but his brother watched him carefully, absorbing every motion.

"Damn. I smell trouble."

He stopped his pacing and looked at Mu Hyeok. That's an understatement.

"Hyung. This is trouble. I am in so much trouble. You can't even imagine."

He pulled the hair on his head and groaned, bending down to sit on his hutches, then jolted up and started pacing again, agitated. The peace his music brought has now completely dissipated.

Sitting on the narrow bed, Mu Hyeok watched the younger man pass back and forth in front of him, a bewildered smile on his handsome face.

"Wow, dongsaeng. How long has this been going on?"

"Long... and not long enough. Shoot, what do I do?"

"Um... you knew very well what to do with Seo Min Ji. What's the problem?"

Jeong Hyeok stopped again and looked up at the ceiling, sighing. Right. He had to share, he couldn't keep it in anymore, it was driving him insane.

"Hyung, I need to tell you something. Please promise me you won't freak out and won't tell on me..."

...

"You realize she's gonna bolt the second she finds out where you're from? They are brainwashed to think we are dangerous and want to lure them onto our side."

Now Mu Hyeok was pacing around the room, with his younger brother sitting on his bed, eyes round with terror.

What if it's true, he pondered. Would she be scared of him if she found out?