Serendipity

38

"Good morning Appa." Hoseok smiled at his father who was looking at him sadly and in surprise. Silent tears were falling out of his eyes which made Hoseok tear up from the inside. He plastered a smile and wiped the tears from his father's eyes. "It's okay appa. You will be fine. I missed you." Hoseok hugged his father. After all, he was the only one who understood him. Hwan was trying to say something but he was unable to. Hoseok cleaned his father and fed him breakfast. How could he tell his mom especially when his father is in such a situation? Somewhere in his heart he was happy he was able to help his mom. And he knew right now his mother is so concerned about his father that she won't ask him anything.

He tried to clear his mind from the scene last night. He felt crushed. All his fears, insecurities came back haunting him. the image of his husband kissing his brother who was his boyfriend and fiancée at one point. It crushed him. tears began to fall from his eyes. He wiped it and took a deep breath. He continued with his daily chores of helping out his mother. He would focus on his work and his parents. That's the only priority for him right now. His thoughts were interrupted when someone knocked at the door.

"Aah. Hyung. What are you doing here?" Hoseok's voice was tinged with surprise as he looked up to see Jin standing in the doorway of his father's room.

"Good morning, Hobi. How's Appa?" Jin's voice was calm, yet there was an undertone of concern that Hoseok couldn't quite place.

"He is fine...right, Appa?" Hoseok turned to his father, forcing a smile in an attempt to mask his worry. Hwan, lay in the bed, looking pale and frail. His eyes, however, were sharp as they moved between his sons, a mix of helplessness and frustration clear in his gaze.

Hwan's eyes settled on Jin, who responded with a smirk before his expression shifted back to a neutral mask. Hoseok, catching the tail end of their silent exchange, felt a pang of unease.

"Appa, look who's here to visit you," Jin said, stepping aside to reveal Dr. Song, who had been standing quietly behind him. The doctor gave a courteous nod to both Hoseok and Hwan as he entered the room.

"Good morning, Hoseok. Mr. Jung," Dr. Song greeted, his professional demeanor in place as he moved to check on Hwan.

"Doctor, you can take a look at Appa. I need to talk to Hobi," Jin interjected smoothly. Before Hoseok could protest or ask what was happening, Jin had already taken hold of his hand, gently but firmly, and led him out of the room. The two stepped onto the small, secluded balcony attached to the bedroom, the cool morning air a stark contrast to the tension inside.

Hoseok pulled his hand free, a frown forming on his face. "Hyung, what's going on? Why did you—"

Jin held up a hand to stop him, his eyes serious now. "Hobi, there's something we need to discuss. It's important."

Hoseok's mind raced with possibilities. He glanced back through the door at his father, now in the capable hands of Dr. Song. "Is it about Appa's condition? Is something wrong?"

Jin shook his head slightly, his expression unreadable. Jin stood staring at Hoseok. "Hobi, you know you need to come back. Why are you doing this? You know what happened was a mistake. Joon is miserable without you." Jin's voice was a mix of frustration and pleading.

Hoseok sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "It's okay, hyung. I'm not mad at you or Joon. It's just that Appa needs me right now. And honestly, I need a break from everything."

"But Hobi..." Jin's voice trailed off, his concern evident in his eyes.

Hoseok stopped walking and turned to face his older brother. "Please, hyung... I need you to take care of Joon and Jimin. I will come home soon, but right now, Appa needs me." His tone was firm, yet there was a softness in his eyes that showed he understood Jin's worry. Hoseok forced a reassuring smile, trying to ease the tension between them.