In-love With My Bully Stepbrother (JayWon FanFiction)

Chapter 3: Forgotten Memories

The days at Cheonghyeon Academy slowly began to blend together as Jungwon settled into his new routine. Despite the occasional hostile encounter with Jay and his friends, Jungwon managed to find solace in his studies and a small circle of friends who accepted him for who he was. One of those friends was Jake, his childhood best friend, who had been a constant source of support since Jungwon's arrival.

One crisp autumn afternoon, Jungwon and Jake sat under a large oak tree in the school courtyard, their textbooks spread out around them. They were supposed to be studying for an upcoming history exam, but Jungwon found his mind drifting back to a memory that had been nagging at him since his first day at Cheonghyeon.

"Jake," Jungwon began hesitantly, "do you remember that summer camp we went to when we were kids?"

Jake looked up from his notes, a puzzled expression on his face. "Yeah, I remember. We were about eight or nine, right? Why do you ask?"

Jungwon stared off into the distance, his thoughts swirling. "I keep having this memory... There was a boy there. He was kind to me when I got lost in the woods. He helped me find my way back to the campsite."

Jake nodded slowly, trying to recall the details. "I think I remember that. You were pretty shaken up. Why are you thinking about it now?"

Jungwon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I can't help but feel like that boy was Jay. He was so different back then—kind, caring. It's hard to believe he's the same person who's been making my life hell."

Jake's eyes widened in realization. "You might be right. Jay did go to that camp the same year we did. But people change, Jungwon. Maybe something happened to him that made him the way he is now."

Jungwon nodded, his mind racing. "I just wish I could understand what happened. Maybe then I could figure out how to reach him."

The bell rang, signaling the end of their lunch break. Jungwon gathered his books, still lost in thought. As he walked to his next class, he couldn't shake the memory of the kind boy who had helped him all those years ago. Was that boy still somewhere inside the cold and distant Jay?

Later that evening, Jungwon found himself in the library, searching through old photo albums and camp records. He was determined to find some evidence that would confirm his suspicion. As he flipped through the pages, he finally found what he was looking for—a group photo from that summer camp. There, standing next to a much younger version of himself, was Jay, smiling and carefree.

Jungwon's heart ached at the sight. What had happened to turn that kind boy into someone so filled with anger and resentment? He knew he needed to find a way to reach out to Jay, to remind him of who he used to be.

The next morning, Jungwon approached Jay in the hallway before class. He was nervous, but he knew he had to try.

"Jay, can we talk for a minute?" Jungwon asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Jay looked up, his expression guarded. "What do you want, Jungwon?"

"I found something yesterday," Jungwon said, pulling out the photo from the summer camp. "Do you remember this?"

Jay's eyes narrowed as he took the photo, his face a mix of confusion and recognition. "Where did you get this?"

"I was looking through some old records," Jungwon explained. "I remember that summer. You helped me when I got lost in the woods. You were kind to me."

Jay's expression softened for a moment, then hardened again. "That was a long time ago. People change."

"I know," Jungwon said quietly. "But I believe that the boy who helped me is still inside you somewhere. I just want to understand what happened."

Jay stared at the photo for a long moment, then handed it back to Jungwon. "It's not that simple," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "A lot has happened since then."

Jungwon could see the pain in Jay's eyes and knew that this was just the beginning of uncovering the truth. He resolved to be patient and give Jay the time he needed to open up.

Over the next few weeks, Jungwon made a conscious effort to engage with Jay whenever he could. He tried to show kindness and understanding, hoping that it would help break down the walls Jay had built around himself.

One afternoon, as they were walking home from school, Jungwon decided to broach the subject again. "Jay, I know you said a lot has happened since that summer, but maybe talking about it could help."

Jay sighed, looking up at the sky. "You wouldn't understand, Jungwon. Losing my mom... it changed everything. My dad remarried so quickly, and I felt like he was trying to erase her from our lives. It made me angry, and I took it out on you and your mom."

Jungwon's heart ached for Jay. "I'm really sorry about your mom, Jay. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you. But taking it out on us won't bring her back. Maybe we can find a way to move forward together."

Jay was silent for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Maybe you're right. It's just... hard to let go of all that anger."

"I understand," Jungwon said gently. "But I'm here for you, Jay. We don't have to do this alone."

As the days passed, Jay and Jungwon's tentative truce began to grow into something more substantial. They still had their disagreements, but there were also moments of genuine connection and understanding. Jungwon could see glimpses of the kind boy he had once known, and it gave him hope.

One evening, as they were sitting in the garden, Jay opened up about his mother. "She was everything to me, Jungwon. She used to read to me every night and taught me how to cook. When she died, it felt like a part of me died with her."

Jungwon listened intently, his heart aching for Jay. "I'm really sorry, Jay. She sounds like she was a wonderful person."

"She was," Jay said, his voice filled with emotion. "And I miss her every day. But maybe you're right. Maybe it's time to let go of the anger and start healing."

From that moment on, Jay began to change. He started to let Jungwon into his life, sharing more about his past and his dreams for the future. They spent more time together, studying, talking, and even cooking—something Jay had inherited from his mother.

As their bond grew stronger, Jungwon began to see the true Jay, the one who had been buried beneath years of pain and anger. He realized that the boy he had once known was still there, and with time and patience, he could help Jay heal.

One rainy afternoon, as they were sitting in the library, Jay turned to Jungwon with a serious expression. "Thank you, Jungwon. For not giving up on me."

Jungwon smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. "We're family, Jay. And family doesn't give up on each other."

Jay nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. "You're right. And maybe, just maybe, we can build something new together."

As the rain pattered against the windows, Jungwon felt a sense of hope and possibility. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Jay by his side, he knew they could face whatever challenges came their way. Together, they could create a new beginning, one filled with love, understanding, and the promise of a brighter future.