Beneath the Same Moon

2

The hill was a refuge, its silent watch over the world below offering a fleeting escape from the suffocating demands of their home. Daeho layed on his back, gazing at the stars that glittered like distant promises. Beside him, Sunghoon sat cross-legged, absently plucking blades of grass as his thoughts swirled like storm clouds.

"Do you think they're still talking about it?" Daeho's voice broke the silence, hesitant and small.

"Probably," Sunghoon replied, his tone light but edged with bitterness.

Daeho turned his head to look at his brother. "Why don't you just tell them no? Like, really no?"

Sunghoon smiled faintly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "It's not that simple, Daeho. They wouldn't understand."

Daeho frowned, his young face pinched with worry. "But you don't love her, right?"

Sunghoon let out a quiet sigh, leaning back on his hands. "No, I don't."

"Then it's stupid," Daeho declared, sitting up with a huff. "You shouldn't have to marry someone just because they said so."

Sunghoon ruffled his hair affectionately. "You're too smart for your own good, you know that?"

Daeho grinned, but the concern in his eyes lingered. "You're not going to leave, are you?"

The question caught Sunghoon off guard, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond. "What makes you say that?"

"You look... different. Like something's wrong," Daeho said, his voice softening.

Sunghoon's chest tightened. He pulled Daeho close, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "I'm not going anywhere," he said firmly, even as uncertainty gnawed at him.

The house was quiet when they returned, the dim glow of the hall lamps casting long shadows on the walls. Their parents were likely in the study, locked in another one of their strategy meetings.

"Go wash up and get some sleep," Sunghoon said, tousling Daeho's hair.

"What about you?"

"I'll be in my room soon," Sunghoon replied with a reassuring smile.

Daeho hesitated, then nodded and trudged up the stairs. Sunghoon waited until he disappeared around the corner before heading to his own room.

Inside, he closed the door behind him and locked it. The familiar scent of old paper and ink greeted him as he crossed to his desk. A leather-bound journal lay waiting, its edges worn from years of use.

Sunghoon sat down, pulling out a pen from the drawer. He flipped to the next blank page, his hand hovering over the paper for a moment before he began to write.

September 5, 1986

Daeho starts high school tomorrow. He's nervous, but he's trying not to show it. He always wants to act older than he is, like he's already grown up. But he's still a kid. My kid brother. My responsibility.

I don't know how much longer I can keep pretending I have everything under control. Every day feels heavier than the last, and I don't know if I'm strong enough to carry it all. If I don't marry Eunseo, I lose my place in the family. But if I do... I lose myself.

Daeho's the only thing keeping me grounded. When I look at him, I remember why I have to keep going. He's watching me, relying on me. I can't let him down.

But I'm so tired.

Sunghoon stared at the last sentence, the ink still wet, and felt a pang of shame. He closed the journal, running a hand through his hair. The weight in his chest didn't lighten, but he forced himself to push it aside.

After a quick shower, he crawled into bed, the night's silence broken only by the faint rustling of leaves outside his window.

—

The next morning, Sunghoon found Daeho pacing in the kitchen, his school uniform immaculate but his hands fidgeting nervously.

"Relax, you look fine," Sunghoon said, grabbing an apple from the counter.

"Do you think people will like me?" Daeho blurted, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Sunghoon leaned against the counter, taking a bite of the apple. "What's not to like? You're smart, funny, and you don't smell too bad."

Daeho scowled, crossing his arms. "I'm serious, Hoonie!"

"I am, too." Sunghoon set the apple down and stepped closer, placing a hand on Daeho's shoulder. "It's normal to be nervous, but you've got nothing to worry about. Just be yourself, and people will see how awesome you are."

Daeho looked up at him, his eyes searching for reassurance. "You really think so?"

Sunghoon smiled. "I know so."

The younger boy's shoulders relaxed, and he managed a small smile. "Thanks."

Sunghoon ruffled his hair. "Now hurry up and eat something. You don't want to pass out in front of everyone on your first day."

Daeho groaned but grabbed a piece of toast, munching on it as Sunghoon went to grab his car keys.

"I'll drive you today," Sunghoon said casually.

"Really? You never drive me to school!"

"Yeah, well, today's special," Sunghoon replied, tossing him a wink. "First day of high school. Gotta make sure you don't get lost."

Daeho grinned, his earlier nerves fading. "Thanks, Hoonie."

Sunghoon opened the door, motioning for Daeho to follow. "Come on, let's go."