Autumn Secrets ✓

T w e n t y

~ L e v i ~

We left our respective buttons on her grave. Then how was this one left, and why at this cliff out of all the places?

I had arrived at a quick logical conclusion, but firstly, I needed to confirm it.

For once, I would analyze the situation, keeping my anger issues aside.

My heart beat erratically in my chest while I forced my legs towards Seth's room.

I stopped in front of his room, being too hesitant to knock.

Deep down, I just assumed that I wouldn't be happy with the truth because pleasant answers will not be present on the other side of the wooden door.

Holding onto my last shred of defensive statement for him, I knocked on the door.

His face came into my view, and I didn't know if I recognized this stranger anymore.

Seth was confused at first to see my strange visit with a strange expression, but it didn't take him long before the realisation hit him... he didn't need to keep up with the façade anymore.

Unusually enough, I did not look angry, not even close. Instead, I looked sad, deeply disappointed, and defeated.

I wished that Seth was smart enough to realise that today, there was no room for lying.

It would only make him seem worse than he already seemed.

"Say something, . . please," I pleaded through teary eyes, and that was a first.

Seth took a deep breath and nodded as slow tears flowed down his cheeks, "I-I didn't mean it, Levi."

I shook my head, "That doesn't mean anything. Not anymore." I took a step forward, "Now go on."

Seth nodded weakly, "I was in love with Hannah since the day she wiped away my tears in the orphanage."

I forcibly shut my eyes and covered my face as if it would erase what I had just heard.

Seth loved Hananah.

Now I wished that he should've just lied instead.

He should've come up with the lamest excuse, and I should've forgotten this incident for the good.

Seth went on explaining how he had followed Hannah and ended up where she had planned to meet Nathan.

"I was heartbroken when my assumption was proved right that Hannah was indeed in love with someone who had not been me. I didn't want to force my love on her, but I couldn't help but feel deeply hurt."

After hearing his words, I felt like I would throw up.

Seth continued, "I approached Hannah just after Nathan had left, and she was shocked to see me there. She was even more shocked when I confessed my feelings for her. She asked me if I was crazy.

Why would I be crazy? Is being in love a crime? She wasn't even my own sister. I don't have a blood related family, none of us have, Levi.

I had never seen Hannah like that before. She looked really pale and helpless.

Her boyfriend had just broken up with her, and I confessed at that moment. I agree it was a bad timing.

She looked like she was having a panic attack, so I took a few steps forward to hug and calm her down, but she got scared for some reason and backed away with unnecessary force and... that's how she fell.

Ever since that day, I've never slept peacefully. She would appear in my dreams and cry. The guilt ate me slowly, and I was scared to sleep.

But, after Elsa had come to our life, my state became better."

Hearing her name in the midst of this conversation made me panic.

"Don't worry, Levi. I'm not capable of loving someone else. I've lost my happiness to death, and I'll have to live the rest of my life along with this burning guilt. So, don't worry, you can have Elsa all to yourself.

Then again, isn't it only natural that I fell for Hannah, who was the sweetest human being? Why am I the bad guy all of a sudden?

All I ever wanted was her love.

Why was it too much to ask for?"

Seth broke down in heavy sobs, and no matter what, I couldn't see my brother in this state.

I wanted to tell him that Hannah did love him, but it wasn't the kind of love he wanted. Her sisterly affection wasn't enough for him.

Still against my better judgment, I listened to my heart and embraced Seth in a comforting hug just like he had hugged me when he had disclosed that Hannah was gone.

But something in me told that...

It would be our last one.