Whispers Before Dawn

Chapter 13

Chang In and Ilay left the Asia branch together that Friday evening, the fading sun casting long shadows on the streets as they reached the Hong Kong coast. From a distance, they spotted Tae-ui sitting casually by the water's edge, eating an apple. The soft breeze tousled his hair, and he seemed at peace, lost in his own world.

Chang In noticed a subtle shift in Ilay's posture the moment he saw Tae-ui. Without a word, Rick quickened his pace, his long strides carrying him ahead of Chang In. For a brief moment, it looked like Ilay was going to pull Tae-ui into an embrace, but at the last second, he held back, simply ruffling Tae-ui's hair instead. Tae-ui glanced up at him, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

By the time Chang In reached them, Tae-ui was already engaged in his usual antics with Ilay. He offered his apple to Ilay, teasing him with it, but every time Ilay leaned in to take a bite, Tae-ui would pull it back with a mischievous grin. They both laughed quietly, the camaraderie between them evident in the ease of their gestures.

Finally, Ilay caught on to the game, and with a quick move, he grabbed Tae-ui's hand and took a bite from the apple, his expression one of playful triumph. Tae-ui's smile widened as he watched Ilay chew, the moment warm and lighthearted.

"Uncle" Tae-ui greeted Chang In, who merely nodded in acknowledgment, his sharp eyes observing the exchange between the two.

Without another word, the three of them headed toward the car. Tae-ui took the passenger seat in front, while Chang In and Ilay settled into the back.

"Has Jae-ui arrived yet?" Chang In asked, his voice steady as always, though his gaze briefly flicked toward Tae-ui's reflection in the rearview mirror.

"Yeah, Hyung got here this morning" Tae-ui replied, looking straight ahead.

"Good." Chang In's response was short, but the weight of his approval was palpable.

Tae-ui, relaxed, turned to gaze out the window, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. He began to whistle softly, the tune a low, comforting sound against the hum of the car.

"You look relaxed..." Ilay remarked, his tone casual but curious.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Tae-ui responded with a small shrug, his eyes still focused on the passing scenery.

The car ride continued in comfortable silence, punctuated only by the soft melody of Tae-ui's whistling. Before long, they arrived at their destination. The driver pulled up outside a hotel, and the three stepped out.

Inside the lobby, standing near the reception, was Jeong Jae-ui

Jae-ui approached and greeted them with his usual calm demeanor.

"Do you guys mind if we have an early dinner?" Jae-ui asked, glancing at each of them in turn. Tae-ui nodded without hesitation, while Ilay gave a casual shrug.

"Do you have other plans?" Chang In's brow furrowed slightly, sensing something beneath the surface.

"I'm leaving tonight after our dinner" Jae-ui informed them, his tone even but firm.

"What? That's soon" Chang In remarked, a hint of surprise lacing his words.

"Security reasons" Jae-ui explained, his gaze lingering on Tae-ui, whose lips curled into a sly smile. It was the kind of smile that said more than words ever could.

Ilay and Chang In noticed the brief exchange, but neither commented, though Chang In's eyes narrowed slightly.

Without missing a beat, Tae-ui slipped an arm around Jae-ui's shoulders, pulling him into a side hug. He leaned in, whispering something close to his brother's ear—too low for anyone else to catch.