"You want me to stay?" Ilay asked, his tone calm but curious.
"Yeah..." Tae-ui replied quietly.
They were sitting in the study, and Tae-ui was preparing to call Jae-ui. There was a noticeable tension in the air.
"Although, I don't think you'll side with me on this... but I need you here" Tae-ui said, locking eyes with Ilay.
Ilay smiled slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "It's not good etiquette to interfere between brothers" he teased.
Tae-ui frowned but continued dialing. After a moment, someone picked up the call.
"Hyung..." Tae-ui's voice was hesitant.
"Did you have fun, Tae-ui?" came Jae-ui's sharp voice on the other end.
"Uh..." Tae-ui faltered, unable to respond.
"You've ignored me nicely these past few days..." Jae-ui continued, his tone edged with frustration.
Tae-ui remained silent, the weight of his brother's words pressing down on him.
"Did you think I would be happy knowing you'd be kept alive somewhere, like a corpse, tortured for life?" Jae-ui's voice grew colder.
A flicker of pain crossed Tae-ui's face. Ilay, noticing it, gently took Tae-ui's left hand and caressed it, offering silent comfort.
"Did you think I'd feel proud that my younger brother would be so strong he wouldn't die from torture?" Jae-ui's words hit harder.
Ilay's grip on Tae-ui's hand tightened.
"Hyung..." Tae-ui's voice cracked, tears welling in his eyes.
"Why, Tae-ui? I thought we were on the same side. I'm hurt this time. Really hurt. I dread what comes next, but... I thought things had changed, especially after you decided to move in with Rick..." Jae-ui's voice trembled.
"Mr. Jeong Tae-ui, this is Rahman. Jae-ui will need a moment" Rahman interjected gently.
"It's okay. Thanks for taking care of Hyung" Tae-ui replied, his voice shaky but sincere.
"I'm fine" Jae-ui said, regaining control.
"I'm sorry, Hyung. I was really scared. I'm truly sorry." Tae-ui pleaded.
Silence lingered for a beat.
"We're on the same side, Hyung. I won't ever do it again" Tae-ui promised, his voice soft yet firm.
"Hmmm... I'll hold you to it. I just hope it never comes to that again" Jae-ui responded, his tone finally softening.
"Shall we discuss the next steps?" Tae-ui asked, his voice calm but purposeful.
"I'll send you a private jet" Jae-ui responded.
"Location of the crash?" Tae-ui inquired, already mentally preparing.
"Somewhere in Saudi Arabia" Jae-ui replied.
"Thank you, Rahman. I owe you a great deal" Tae-ui said, a sincere weight in his voice.
"That reminds me" Ilay interjected. "Hello Rahman, Reigrow here. Thanks for arranging air clearance from Saudi Arabia the other day."
"Ah, Mr. Reigrow" Rahman's voice carried through the speaker, calm and assured. "It was no problem at all. I wanted to help Jeong Tae-ui wherever I could, especially after missing him when he visited Seringe."
"More like Trespassing" Tae-ui muttered under his breath, earning a quick glance from Ilay.
"But Tae-ui" Ilay shifted the conversation, his tone sharpening, "I'm not letting you do this one. Why in the air?"
YOU ARE READING
Whispers Before Dawn
FanfictionExcerpt: Each time Tae-ui reached his hand out toward Ilay, as soon as Ilay moved to grab it, Tae-ui pulled back, laughing softly. "I expected better from you" Tae-ui teased, his grin growing wider. Ilay remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly...
