Fortnight

Epilogue

Theo sits in a stark room divided by a glass wall, his posture rigid as he waits for the arrival of the person on the other side. A guard stands on each side, their presence a stark reminder of the severity of the situation. Theo's eyes are hard, his expression unreadable as he waits.

The door on the other side of the room finally opens, and a figure shuffles in with slumped shoulders and tired, baggy eyes. James looks up, surprised to see Theo. For a moment, there's a flicker of hope in his eyes, but it quickly fades under Theo's stern gaze. Theo presses the intercom button.

"Hello, Dad."

James steps inside and sits across from Theo, pressing the intercom on his side. "I...you came," he stammers, his voice filled with a mix of relief and dread.

Theo's expression remains cold. "I just want to know something, and please, this time be honest with me."

James stays silent for a moment, then nods. "Ask me anything."

Theo takes a deep breath, his voice shaking slightly with emotion. "Did you really not care for me? Why did you tell them about me and Jaehyun? What did you want to achieve, huh? Killing your own son?"

James shakes his head vigorously, his eyes pleading. "Trust me, I didn't want that. I just...I don't know, I panicked and could only think of stopping you."

Theo looks away, huffing in disbelief. "You panicked? That's your excuse?"

"I know you won't trust me," James continues, his voice desperate. "But I really didn't think they would kill you. I just thought they would scare you off and you would back away. I am so sorry, Theo."

"It's too late for that now," Theo snaps, his voice hardening. He stands up, his decision final. "I won't be visiting you anymore. This is the last time we are meeting so tell your lawyer to stop pestering to meet you,"

Theo turns to leave, his steps determined. But as he reaches the door, James calls out, "Happy birthday, son."

Theo stops, his back to his father. He closes his eyes, fighting back the tears that threaten to spill. After a long moment, he opens the door and leaves without looking back, his heart heavy.

Outside, Theo walks briskly to his car, his emotions a tumultuous storm inside him. He gets inside and sits for a moment, gripping the steering wheel tightly. The weight of the conversation and the memories of his father's betrayal press down on him.

As he sits there, Theo takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The sound of his father's voice, the words "Happy birthday," echo in his mind, bringing an ache to his chest. He looks out the window, the world outside feeling distant and surreal.

After a few moments, Theo pulls out his phone and dials Jaehyun's number. Jaehyun picks up almost immediately.

"Hey, Theo. How did it go?" Jaehyun's voice is soft, filled with concern.

Theo takes a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly. "It's over, Jae. I don't think I can do this again,"

Jaehyun is silent for a moment. "Come home, Theo. Taemin and I are waiting for you,"

A small smile tugs at Theo's lips. "I'm on my way."

He starts the car, the engine's hum a comforting sound. As he drives away, Theo allows himself to feel the pain, but also the relief of moving forward. He knows he has a family waiting for him, and with them, he can find the strength to heal.

Theo parks the car outside Jaehyun's house, still feeling the emotional weight of his conversation with his father. As he walks up to the front door, he takes a deep breath, preparing himself to face Jaehyun and Taemin. But the moment he opens the door, he's taken aback.