Whispers Before Dawn

Chapter 30

News Flash: "A private jet has crashed en route from Munich, Germany to New York, United States. Authorities are still in the process of identifying the victims."

Two days later, in Seoul, South Korea, a memorial service for Jeong Tae-ui was held. The traditional jesa ritual was being observed, a solemn Korean ceremony conducted to honor the dead. At the family altar, Jeong Jae-ui and Jeong Chang In sat quietly, surrounded by offerings of food, incense, and candles in front of a portrait of Tae-ui. The atmosphere was heavy with grief.

Ilay Reigrow and Kyle Reigrow were also present, seated respectfully among the mourners, quietly observing the rites. Occasionally, soft sobs could be heard as family members and attendees paid their respects. Jeong Jae-ui and Jeong Chang In held themselves stoically, but the emotion in their eyes was unmistakable. Ilay's face remained calm, but he was often seen gripping the edge of his chair, his fingers tense.

Throughout the ceremony, whispers floated among the mourners, as they discreetly exchanged glances, noticing the rare appearance of Ilay. Family members were seen shedding tears, their sorrow palpable, and from time to time, Ilay was spotted glancing at the altar, his expression unreadable, though his eyes occasionally flickered with suppressed emotion.

When the ritual concluded, Jeong Jae-ui, Jeong Chang In, and Ilay left the ceremonial hall and headed to the Jeong family home on the outskirts of Seoul. The house, an old estate surrounded by quiet gardens, felt cold and empty.

Inside, Chang In approached Ilay. "Rick, would you like to see something interesting?" he asked, leading him to the room shared by the twin brothers during their youth.

Ilay stepped inside, where Jae-ui was already seated, sifting through old belongings. The room, untouched by time, was a snapshot of the brothers' childhood, filled with memories—faded toys, books, and photographs scattered around.

Jae-ui handed Ilay a photo album. As he flipped through the pages, Ilay saw a collection of photos of Tae-ui and Jae-ui, from their earliest years to their teenage days. Images of them smiling, playing by the sea, or simply sitting side by side in their school uniforms filled the album. The weight of the memories seemed to settle on Ilay's shoulders, his grip tightening on the album.

"I'm taking these with me" Chang In said, holding up two photos in his hands—one of Tae-ui and Jae-ui as toddlers, and another of the brothers as young men. Jae-ui nodded quietly in agreement.

After a pause, Jae-ui spoke, his voice low. "We're still being monitored, aren't we?"

Ilay and Chang In both nodded in silent acknowledgment.

With that, Chang In excused himself and left the room, leaving Ilay alone with Jae-ui

Ilay was silently flipping through the pages of the photo album when Jae-ui leaned in, pointing to a particular picture. "This one was always a favorite" Jae-ui remarked, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Tae-ui was about seven years old here. He used to mimic everyone's way of smiling back then. You'll find copies of this photo all over the place."

Ilay glanced at the picture and smiled wistfully, running his fingers over the page.

After a moment, Ilay's expression turned thoughtful. "Jae, why doesn't Tae-ui like the rain?" he asked.

"You never asked him?" Jae-ui responded, glancing over.

Ilay shook his head, his gaze distant. "As much as I want to know, I never got the courage to ask him. If he had gotten over the pain that he carries with him, I would have asked but making him go through it for my curiosity, I can never do that."

Jae-ui paused, his expression puzzled. "I thought he had gotten over it. Isn't he?"

Ilay's brow furrowed in confusion at Jae-ui's words.