𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF

Chapter 21: Mother and Brother

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21: Mother And Brother.
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The crisp autumn air wrapped around Heeseung, Aerum, and Mina as they walked home from school, their footsteps crunching against the pavement. The late afternoon sun bathed the neighborhood in a warm golden glow, casting long shadows behind them. Laughter echoed between the houses as the three siblings shared stories and playful banter. 

"Hey, did you see the look on Mr. Lee's face when I answered that question wrong in P.E.?" Heeseung asked, chuckling as he shook his head at the memory. 

Aerum grinned mischievously. "Oh, he looked like he was about to explode! His face went so red I thought his head would pop." 

Mina rolled her eyes dramatically, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "You two are terrible," she teased. "At least I managed to get a few answers right. Clearly, I'm the genius of the group." 

Heeseung elbowed her lightly, his grin widening. "For once out of a trillion times, you got an answer right. I'll give it to you, genius." 

"Shut up!" Mina laughed, trying to shove him away. "I was just distracted by your annoying faces." 

Heeseung clutched his chest theatrically, gasping. "My face is beautiful, thank you very much." 

The playful exchange continued until Heeseung slowed his pace, his laughter fading. He glanced at Aerum, then at Mina, his expression softening. "You know," he said, his voice quieter now, "I'm really grateful for you guys. Even when you're annoying, I wouldn't trade you for anything." 

Aerum scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Stop being cringe, it's weird." But her teasing tone softened as she added, "But yeah, I feel the same. We bicker, but I love having you both around." 

Mina nodded thoughtfully, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "And even though I'm not your biological sister, I'm so thankful you treat me like one. It means a lot." 

A quiet pause fell over them as Mina glanced between her siblings, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "So... how did you both find out I'm not really your sister?" 

The question hung in the air like a heavy cloud. Heeseung and Aerum exchanged a look, their playful energy replaced by somberness. 

Heeseung sighed, his steps slowing further. "Do you remember that day after school when you and Aerum had that fight?" 

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FLASHBACK

Mina sprinted up the stairs, her heart pounding, tears streaking down her cheeks. Her argument with Aerum replayed in her mind, every sharp word cutting deeper. She slammed her bedroom door shut, muffling her sobs into her pillow. 

Downstairs, Aerum stood at the foot of the staircase, torn between going after Mina and responding to their mother's voice calling from the living room. 

"Mum, can I just—" Aerum began, but Hana's voice interrupted, sharper this time. 

"Aerum! Heeseung! Come to the living room. Now. I have something important to tell you." 

Heeseung appeared beside Aerum, confusion etched on his face. "What's going on?" 

"I don't know," Aerum said, her voice uncertain. "But it sounds serious." 

They exchanged a nervous glance before stepping into the living room, where their mother sat on the couch, her expression grave. 

"Sit," Hana instructed, her tone heavy. "There's something I need to tell you."