Beneath the Hierarchy | Hierarchy - Kim Rian

Chapter 14 - Outstanding Outsiders: The Kangs

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The tense atmosphere at Jaeyi's vacation house was thick with unspoken pain and heartbreak. Kangha, his face etched with anguish, stared at Jaeyi, his voice trembling as he revealed a truth that shattered the fragile peace between them.

"He was... my brother. The person you just said you killed... was my brother. And Jia's best friend."

A heavy silence fell over them. Kangha's revelation left Jaeyi in stunned disbelief. The weight of his words sank in slowly, as Jia's sobs became the only sound that punctuated the silence. Jaeyi's gaze was fixed on Kangha, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. She had suspected that Kangha was connected to Inhan in some way but never expected the connection to be so direct and devastating. Tears streamed down Jaeyi's face as she struggled to come to terms with the betrayal and the gravity of what she had done. The realization that the person she had hurt was so deeply connected to Kangha and Jia was unbearable.

Jaeyi's mind swirled with painful memories. She remembered Inhan, vulnerable and hiding from bullies in the library. Jaeyi, upset after a confrontation with her half-brother, had been frustrated and scared. Inhan had approached her, offering a lollipop with a kind smile, saying, "When you're having a bad day, candy makes it easier." That small act of kindness had been a beacon of warmth in her darkest moments. Their friendship had blossomed from that day on. They spent time together in the library, watched movies, and shared laughter, with Inhan continuing to bring her candy. Their happiness was cut short when Rian, Woojin, and Yunseok discovered them, sparking further trouble.

These memories were abruptly interrupted by the reality of the present. Jaeyi's tears flowed freely as she faced Kangha, her heart aching with betrayal and regret. The realization that she had unknowingly become entwined in the death of Kangha's brother, Inhan, was overwhelming.

"You... lied about who you were," Jaeyi said shakily, her voice barely a whisper as she struggled to come to terms with the revelation.

"Because I had to find out what exactly happened here. What my brother endured at Jooshin High. Why they covered it up. Why the school was so obsessed with keeping it so quiet," Kangha replied, his voice laced with anger. His eyes, however, softened as he looked at Jaeyi. "Jaeyi, my brother wasn't killed in a simple hit and run. There's got to be a reason. Inhan was in the street that night. He was targeted, not just an accident."

Jaeyi took a step back, her face pale with the weight of Kangha's words. "So that's what you really wanted. More information," she said, her voice filled with hurt and betrayal.

"That's right. At first, I did want information," Kangha admitted, his voice growing softer. "But not anymore. When I first came here with Jia, we were desperate to find out who was responsible for my brother's death. But as I spent time with you, I got to know the real Jaeyi. When I said I wanted to make you smile and be by your side, I meant every word. But don't forget... he was my family."

Kangha took a step forward and gently embraced Jaeyi, kissing her head. Jaeyi struggled with her own tumultuous emotions but allowed the embrace for a moment, seeking solace in Kangha's presence. Eventually, she pushed him away gently and walked into the house, leaving Kangha to follow her, calling out her name.

As the rain began to pour outside, Kangha grasped Jaeyi's hand, stopping her from leaving. Jaeyi turned to him, her eyes filled with tears. Their gazes locked in a painful exchange of unspoken emotions. Jia, having collected herself, wiped her red, puffy eyes, her gaze shifting between her best friend and Kangha.