Invisible Affection | Taejin

15. Words of a Brother

"What happened to you?" Namjoon's quick anxiety when he saw his brother wearing a cast was clear. "What happened to your hand?" He questioned as he approached Taehyung, his gaze shifting from his hand to his eyes.

"It's only a fractured wrist; I fell, but everything will be alright. It's healing well." Taehyung explained and then asked, "How was your trip here?" "Are you hungry?" As he attempted to shift the subject of conversation.

Namjoon couldn't tear his eyes away from his brother, his face filled with concern. "Why didn't you tell me about your wrist?"

"Also, do you actually live here?" Curiously, he inquired about the surroundings of the lobby they were in. The interior was adorned with elegant decorations, boasting high ceilings and bright light fixtures that illuminated the area. The presence of beautiful plants and flower streams at the front desk gave the impression of a luxurious hotel rather than an ordinary apartment building.

"I didn't want to worry you, and yes, this is where I now live. Remember when I told you I got an offer and shared an apartment with someone?" Taehyung refused to discuss his and Seokjin's relationship with Namjoon in the building's lobby because he felt it wasn't the right place. "Let me get you upstairs. I can help you with this," Taehyung muttered as he grabbed one of Namjoon's bags.

Namjoon quickly smacked his hand away, "Leave it! I got it. I can't believe you broke your wrist but didn't tell me. How have you taken care of yourself?"

"I told you I have been fine. It's not that bad. Come on, let's go upstairs."

"That sounds very much like you. Everything is always fine, even if the world is collapsing. I am sure you would say it's fine. This is why Momma was always worried about you and you being away from home."

Taehyung sighed as he gave his brother an apologetic look. "I am sorry I didn't tell you. I didn't say anything because I didn't want you to worry, and I also didn't want you to say anything to Dad about it. Also, there are some people upstairs you are going to meet; please don't say anything about Momma's passing. I haven't talked about it with anyone, and I don't-"

"That isn't surprising. You have not changed at all throughout your time at university. I assumed moving to a larger province would have changed you. Don't worry. I won't say anything you don't want me to say. I don't enjoy discussing Momma's death with outsiders, either. It's already difficult living in the same home where she died and waking up every day without seeing her or smelling the food she'd cook.

 I've been working extra hours to keep my mind occupied and spending as much time as possible with Dad so he doesn't become ill from thinking about her. I believe he will benefit from his time with our uncle over the next three weeks." Namjoon's eyes were wet, but he immediately wiped them away.

Taehyung reached out and hugged his brother, comforting him as he understood how difficult it was. The loss of his mother had left him with an indescribable pain, a constant emptiness that seemed impossible to heal.

The two took their time downstairs, talking some more before Taehyung guided Namjoon to the elevator. He then proceeded to explain the security arrangements and provide him with the necessary passcodes for his stay. He also took the time to tell him more about the plans for the weekend and the trip they would take, which brought a lot of curious questions from Namjoon.

*****

Namjoon's eyes widened as he took in the sights of the house he had just entered. He didn't think of it as just an apartment; it was much bigger than he had ever imagined. Even though he hadn't seen any of the bedrooms or knew how many there were, he was astounded by the enormity of the halls and the evident expensive wall art and décors that caught his eye as he followed Taehyung. As they stepped into what seemed to be the living room, he couldn't help but be amazed. The sofas in the center of the room were of the highest caliber, and the flat-screen television mounted above the fireplace was impressively large. However, it was the breathtaking view from the wall windows that truly caught his attention. He turned to Taehyung in disbelief and asked, "Is this really where you live?"