Fortnight

Chapter - 3

Theo sits in the meeting room, ostensibly listening to Kyle explain the agenda for the day. However, his mind is elsewhere, his thoughts swirling in confusion and disbelief. His eyes remain fixed on the new arrival, who bears an uncanny resemblance to someone he knows all too well.

Every feature, every contour of his face, is strikingly familiar: the same deep-set eyes, the same sharp nose, the same disarming smile. But there's something really different about him. Kwang has always been like this intense, roaring fire, while this guy is totally the opposite. He gives off a chill vibe, with a gentle nature that feels super calming, kind of like the peaceful surface of a quiet ocean.

Kwang's eyes are like a whirlwind of feelings—intense and deep, making anyone who stares into them feel like they're getting drawn into a dark void. But the guy sitting across from him right now has gentle, welcoming eyes. They give off a warmth that feels comforting instead of challenge. It is bewildering. How can two people look so similar yet project such different auras?

His thoughts flash back to what he knows about Kwang. He was an orphan; as far as Theo knows, he had no siblings. Then how can this be? Could there really be seven people on earth with the same face? The thought seems absurd, but here is the evidence, sitting right in front of him.

Kyle's voice drones on, but Theo barely registers it. All he can think about is the man sitting a few seats away, whose presence is causing his reality to tilt. His thoughts are so consumed that he barely notices when the meeting ends, only coming back to the present when he feels a nudge from the colleague sitting next to him.

Theo looks around the room, his eyes searching for the man who has occupied his thoughts throughout the meeting. To his dismay, the seat is empty. How long has he been lost in his own mind? He can't even recall the man introducing himself or stating his position. His gaze drifts back to Kyle, who is now approaching him with a concerned expression.

"Theo, are you okay? You've been zoning out for the whole meeting," Kyle asks, his voice laced with curiosity and worry.

Theo shakes his head slightly, trying to dispel the fog. "No, I'm fine," he replies, though the words feel hollow even to his own ears.

Kyle presses on, "Do you perhaps know Mr. Park from before?" 

"Who?" Theo's confusion is evident in his tone.

Kyle's brow furrows. "Mr. Park Jaehyun, our new CEO. You've been staring at him the whole meeting a little weirdly."

Theo's eyes widen in shock. "He's the new CEO?"

Kyle nods, still puzzled by Theo's behavior. "Yes. You didn't hear that?"

Theo gulps, trying to process the information. Jaehyun. He forces a nod and clears his throat. "Where will he be now? I want to meet him to apologize for my behavior. I was just not feeling well, must have made him uncomfortable."

Kyle nods understandingly. "He went to his cabin after the meeting. You can find him there if he hasn't left for home yet."

Theo gives another nod and quickly tells Kyle goodbye before heading over to Jaehyun's cabin. His feet feel like they're dragging, every step filled with doubt and a need to hurry. Once he gets to the door, he knocks, his heart racing in his chest.

"Come on in," calls out a voice from inside. Hearing it makes Theo feel a rush of emotions. He clutches the doorknob hard, trying to calm his nerves. You've got this, he reminds himself, and after giving a little nod of confidence, he swings the door open and walks in.

The first thing he sees is a baby sitting on the desk, clapping his hands with a bright smile. The child's innocent joy is infectious, and Theo can't help but smile in return. His eyes then follow the sight to Jaehyun, who is seated behind the desk, a toy in his hand as he entertains the baby.