You Smell Like Hope

28. Back To The Old House

I would rather not go
Back to the old house
There's too many bad memories
Too many memories there

The backyard is filled with dead flowers we once planted together.

Jisung's pov.

As planned, the next day Minho drove us to his house. our house. Looking at it from outside as Minho parked his car in the small parking lot. I did not recognize the house. What I remember being huge, bright and full of life. is now dark and way dirtier.

''Did you move houses?'' I asked Minnie with confusion. ''No, it just that the neighbor's aren't rich anymore and father never took time to clean.''

''Did you stay here?'' my eyes wondered around searching for the flowers I remember planting with mother. ''No. I have my own apartment. I took mother with me when she started feeling unwell. He stayed here alone the couple few months.''

He took the keys out of his pocket to unlock the door. It took effort to do so as the lock seemed to be broken. Walking in I couldn't not cough at the amount of dust filling the place. There was no trace of a human living here. My heart ached.

The shadow of the memory however, it was crystal clear. No dust can ever hide it. Every corner craved into my brain with memories I never escaped.

''Come in. We can clean it later and rebuild everything.'' He smiles at me and it is saying that he is not talking about the house. we will rebuild our memories. ''I am sorry for the mess Hyung. Please excuse us.'' His words were directed to Minho this time.

''Do not worry about. I understand.'' He batted oh his shoulder gently before turning to look at me. ''I have to go now, Jisung. are you going to be okay? I can stay if you want me to.''

''No, it is okay. I will be fine. And please tell Hyunjin to prepare my outfit for the next event.'' I said confidently. He gave me a questioning look but I nodded in confirmation. everybody deserve a second chance. ''You do not have to perform this time darling. Don't push yourself.''

''I am not. besides Minnie can come, right?'' I smiled wide at the thought. He will see me perform. ''of course he can.'' Minho smiled back before excusing himself and leaving. Not before his usual ''Call me if you need anything.'' though.

''He cares about you a lot.'' Seungmin said proudly. ''He does. I am so thankful for him.'' I followed him to the living room. I kept looking around the house. Scared to touch it or it will fade away. I am still not sure if I want it to fade.

Seeing the look on my face, Seungmin smiles gently at me. He took my hand, holding it tightly to steady my shaking. His eyes catching the attention of mine. I saw them shine with comfort and broken happiness. ''It is okay.'' He whispered.

He sat down without letting go of my hand so I followed while taking a deep breath. Nothing faded. Nothing changed. The screaming in my brain stopped. ''okay?'' He asked. I nodded moving closer to hug him side way. He wrapped his arm around me instantly. ''We are okay.'' I said slowly. I closed my eyes at the quietness in my brain. Enjoying the calmness of the messy house that was once filled with my screams and laughter.''

It took us sometime to finally break the silence. Each of us lost in his own thought while holding the other. I wanted to stay like this forever and I know he wanted that too, but we cannot. There is a world outside knocking rudely on the door interrupting our peace. I got proven right when Seungmin talked.

''Sungie,'' The nickname sent shivers all over my body. ''I know now is not a good time, but I cannot let these men that hurt you go freely for more. I am a lawyer, please. Let me help with this.'' The topic did shock me. ''What about the kids there?''

''I will make sure they do not get involved and find a safe place for them to stay after these men get captured.'' He thought everything through. Maybe even started working on the case from how mad he was. He just wants my permission to take serious steps. I could tell from how confident he spoke.

''You are a lawyer?'' I said instead smiling. ''Yes, I took the degree here then travelled to work in the US but came back to take care of mum.'' he explained. My smile dropped. His widened. ''Do not worry Sungie, I will search for a job here and stay with you.''

I looked up at him with tears filling my eyes. ''But your life there.'' he shook his head. ''You are more important. Also at least here I won't get racist comment everywhere.'' The soft smile never left his face. He has been through too much and still he chose to take care of me instead. It is my turn to do the same with him. ''Okay. You can take the case.'' I told him with a confident tone matching his. ''But under one condition.'' I pouted jokingly. ''You have to come to my performance tomorrow.

''As if I will miss a chance to watch my younger brother achieve his dream.''

I cried.