A shoulder to lean on ( Joongdunk)

Part:02

"Oi, P'Earth... let me drink, na... I swear I'll be good... please, p... please let me go..." Dunk's persistent pleas only made Earth sigh deeply as he continued guiding Dunk to his bedroom.

After placing Dunk gently on the bed, Earth now sat in the drawing room, his thoughts clouded with sorrow for his brother's situation.

Earth and Dunk might have different fathers, but Dunk's father always treated Earth as his own. Earth’s mom married Dunk's father when Earth was just eight. Two years into their marriage, Dunk was born, and from that moment on, Earth adored his younger brother immensely. With both their parents working long hours, Earth became the protective guardian, nurturing Dunk like a mother bird. To the outside world, they were inseparable brothers, their bond unbreakable.

Tragedy struck when Earth was only twenty and Dunk ten; they lost both their parents. Earth, stepping into the shoes of his late father, took over the family business while ensuring Dunk had a stable and happy upbringing. Now, Dunk was twenty-three, recently returned from Canada after completing his degree.

Sitting alone, Earth reminisced about their childhood. Dunk had always been a cheerful soul, but since returning from Canada, the pain of unrequited love had cast a dark shadow over his spirit. Dunk had tried to mask his pain, but tonight, he broke down. Earth felt a deep sense of pity and helplessness, unsure how to ease his brother's suffering.

"Ai, Tan! What are you doing here at this hour? Go to your husband. It's your fault, and I can't help you," Joong snapped, his voice edged with irritation. Tan, his manager and closest friend in the racing circuit, looked hurt. "Hey, why are you being so heartless, huh? A best friend should offer advice, not insults!" Tan shot back.

"Oh really? You were drinking like there was no tomorrow yesterday. That's why you were late getting home. Now you're blaming me? Didn't I remind you that Boom hates it when you come home drunk? Go manage your sulking husband. I have nothing more to say. Leave now."

"Ai sat Joong, I know it's my fault, but you should support your best friend, na na na..." Tan's constant whining made Joong sigh. "I really appreciate Boom's patience. How does he put up with an idiot like you... Now tell me what you need from me. Hurry up, I'm already sleepy."

"Ah, there's my best friend Joong Archen! Thank you, buddy. You should let me stay here tonight. Boom kicked me out," Tan admitted sheepishly.

"Huh! You’re something else, Tan. You've been blabbering for the past hour, and now you say this? Fine, go sleep in my guest room... but only for tonight. If you can't patch things up by tomorrow, you'll be sleeping on the streets, not in my house," Joong said in disbelief, heading to his bedroom.