Thirty-One Days

Day 4 - Secret

I've always dreamed of having a 'kuya'. So for today's CLOYtober entry, I came up with an untold story about Ri Mu Hyeok, Capt. Ri's big brother. What kind of a brother was he to Little Hyeoky? What secrets did the share? 👬 Please enjoy. 😊

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SECRET

"Hyung, I want to become a famous pianist when I grow up!"

With a wide grin on his bedimpled face, eight-year old Ri Jeong Hyeok proudly told his dream to Ri Mu Hyeok, his most favorite person in the whole wide world.

It has been the two brothers' habit to exchange stories and secrets about anything and everything once the lights went out. They would tuck themselves to bed at exactly 8 o' clock, trained military style by their father.

Every night, little Jeong Hyeoky has so many stories to tell that sometimes, his big brother no longer gets the chance to share his own.

But Mu Hyeok would lend all ears even when his own sleepy eyes are defeating him. The little boy talks really well.

He loves to listen about his long list of crushes. Jeong Hyeok likes girls with a cute small face, long straight hair, porcelain skin and can sing. He also narrates about his day at school like how he flunked a language test but aced physical education and music.

And finally, when it's his turn to share, his dongsaeng is already yawning and then soft snores could be heard in no time. So Mu Hyeok would just walk towards his brother's bed, lightly shuffle his hair, and bend over to kiss him in the forehead.

"Tomorrow, hyung will teach you how to draw yourself playing the piano, hmm? Good night, little brother. Saranghae."

Night after night the brothers were like that, living in their own bubble inside their shared room. It was their favorite part of the house. Cute stories and secrets progressed to their first heartbreak, to campus fist fights, to personal struggles and at times, arguments. But one story remained constant: Ri Jeong Hyeok's dream of becoming a pianist.

Until it was time for Mu Hyeok to leave.

For the sake of his younger brother, who dreams of pursuing his passion of music, he selflessly agreed to serve the military even though his heart was not in it.

"My dream? Well... I would like to teach. Maybe someday, I can be a professor in a foreign country."

Yes, this was Mu Hyeok's secret dream that never came to be.

But in Jeong Hyeok's heart of hearts, his beloved brother's dream should not be given up. That should he decide to touch those piano keys again, his hyung's sacrifice shall not go in vain. That years later, with the help of divine providence, he shall become a renowned music professor in a top university in Switzerland.

That through him, Ri Mu Hyeok's secret dream shall likewise be fulfilled.

-Ends-