Fortnight

Chapter - 25

As Jaehyun and Ethan approach the house, Jaehyun feels a knot tightening in his stomach. He doesn't know how to face Theo and tell him the truth—that his own father wanted to harm him because he felt threatened by his son. Taking a deep breath, he unlocks the door and steps inside.

Immediately, the sound of laughter fills the air. Theo is trying to act like he's running, a playful grin on his face as he chases little Taemin, who is laughing heartily and darting around the living room. They are playing a game of chase, and the sight overwhelms Jaehyun with a mixture of joy and sorrow.

Theo looks up and spots Jaehyun, his face lighting up with a wide smile. "Jaehyun, you're back!" he exclaims, pausing in his chase.

Taemin takes the opportunity to escape behind the couch, giggling. Jaehyun forces a smile, trying to push down the heavy burden of what he needs to say. "Hey, Theo," he says, his voice tinged with both affection and a hint of sadness.

Ethan stands by, giving Jaehyun a supportive nod before moving to check on Taemin, giving the two some privacy.

Theo walks over, sensing something is off. "What happened? Did you find out anything?" he asks, concern creeping into his voice.

Jaehyun hesitates, looking into Theo's trusting eyes. "Yeah, we did," he says, his voice low. "But it's... it's complicated."

Theo's brow furrows. "What do you mean? Tell me, Jaehyun."

Jaehyun takes a deep breath, steeling himself. "Theo, your father... he was the one who outed, us two. He must have felt threatened by you. I don't know what he wanted to achieve by it....I am sorry"

Theo's eyes widen, his face paling. "What? My own father? But... why?"

Jaehyun reaches out, taking Theo's hand. "He might have saw you as a threat to his power, to his plans. It's hard to believe, I know. I wish it wasn't true."

Tears well up in Theo's eyes, and he shakes his head. "I can't believe it. My own father..."

Jaehyun pulls Theo into a tight embrace. "I'm so sorry, Theo. I know this is a lot to take in. But we have to stay strong. We have to make sure he can't hurt anyone else."

Theo clings to Jaehyun, trying to process the revelation. "I don't know what to say. I thought he had atleast some good in him... How could he do this?"

Jaehyun strokes Theo's hair, comforting him. "We'll get through this together. You're not alone. You have me, Ethan, and Taemin. We'll figure this out, I promise."

Jaehyun hugs Theo tightly, trying to soothe his pain. Theo clings to him, seeking solace in the embrace. After some time, Theo breaks the hug, wiping his tears. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself. If his father truly has no care for him, then he won't hold back now. He looks at Jaehyun with newfound determination.

"So, what are we gonna do now?" Theo asks, his voice steady.

Jaehyun studies him for a moment. "Are you sure you're okay? Ethan and I can handle this."

Theo nods firmly. "Yes, I'm sure. We need to bring him down as soon as possible."

Jaehyun sighs, glancing at Ethan, who has just re-entered the room with Taemin in his arms. "We do have a plan," Jaehyun begins. "But it's risky."

Ethan sets Taemin down and joins them. "We've been discussing how to approach this. We need to gather more concrete evidence linking your father to the explosion and his other illicit activities. The recording we have isn't enough on its own."

Theo frowns. "So, what do we do?"

Few minutes ago,

Sam says, "We need time to find evidence of the blast, and if he even gets an idea he's being investigated, then he'll go into hiding."