Golden Slumber 📚 ATEEZ [▶]

17

Mingi sat in his seat, struggling to hold back tears as all the students in front of him gave concerned looks. He also noticed that Jongho kept his gaze fixed on him, while Yunho had already lowered his head and was beginning to sob.

"I know I was wrong. I think I’m just realizing it now. But the fact that I still often imagine my younger brothers sitting on the bed and jumping with joy just for a piece of candy makes me realize that I haven’t completely lost control. I just... haven't been able to accept that it's been over ten years since all that happened. My younger brothers were still very young when they found out our mother left. The plan was, when they grew up, I would explain why our mother left," Mingi said.

"So, have you told them?" Jaemin asked.

Mingi shook his head. "There’s been no communication between us. They are grown up now and they understand. But I still isolate myself and never tell them." His emotions began to overflow as he remembered how he had neglected his younger brothers when they were still in kindergarten. "If there's a chance... I hope I can tell them."

Jongho, on the other side, began to tear up after trying hard to hold back. Seeing the sad face of his eldest brother made him regret not being a good sibling and not helping Mingi realize things sooner. He had been focused on fixing himself to get as far away as possible, not realizing that Mingi was the only one who cared about him and Yunho after their parents were gone.

"I want to say that I’m sorry. I am at fault." Mingi's sobs grew louder, making the faint lines on his face more prominent. "I’ve been a terrible brother, and I should have apologized this much. You have every right to be angry, but at least hear your brother’s regret."

Yunho clenched his pants tightly, allowing more tears to flow.

"Hyung is sorry to both of you. Hyung loves you both. Please forgive hyung." Mingi’s voice was hoarse, almost inaudible amidst his cries.

Yunho buried his face in Jongho's shoulder, crying harder than before. His friend beside him patted his shoulder gently, trying to comfort him. Jongho didn’t know how to react. He was happy, so happy, that Mingi had returned. His eldest brother, whom he admired the most, had recovered. Jongho gave a small, reassuring smile, conveying to Mingi that he forgave all his mistakes.