Beneath the Same Moon

3

The school was buzzing with energy when they arrived. Groups of students milled about the front lawn, chattering excitedly or adjusting their uniforms. Sunghoon parked the car, turning to look at Daeho.

"Nervous?" he asked.

Daeho fidgeted with the strap of his bag but shook his head. "Not really. Just... a little."

Sunghoon smiled. "You'll be fine. You're stronger than you think, you know?"

Daeho gave him a small, grateful smile before unbuckling his seatbelt. "Thanks, Hoonie."

"Text me if you need anything, okay?"

"I will."

Sunghoon watched as his younger brother disappeared into the crowd, his posture stiff with nerves. A pang of worry tugged at him, but he pushed it aside. Daeho would be fine. He always found a way to adapt.

Just as Sunghoon was about to start the car, something—or rather, someone—caught his eye. A figure stood near the entrance, slightly apart from the rest of the crowd.

It was a teacher, judging by the faculty ID clipped to his lapel. But what struck Sunghoon was the teacher's appearance.

His hair was styled neatly but soft, framing a face so delicate it bordered on ethereal. His movements were fluid, almost graceful, as he adjusted a stack of papers in his hands. A simple cardigan hung loosely over his slim frame, adding to his air of quiet refinement.

Sunghoon felt his stomach twist uncomfortably. The teacher's demeanor—the way he carried himself—was unlike anything he was accustomed to. It wasn't just that he looked different; it was that he seemed entirely unbothered by it.

And that made Sunghoon feel strange.

He quickly turned his gaze away, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

The small corner store was exactly as Sunghoon remembered it. Faded paint clung to the walls, and the faint smell of lavender lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of baked goods.

The owner, Mrs. Han, stood behind the counter, her kind eyes lighting up when she saw him.

"Sunghoon!" she exclaimed, wiping her hands on her apron. "It's been too long, child. How are you?"

Sunghoon smiled, stepping inside. "I'm okay, Mrs. Han. How's business?"

"Same as always," she replied, gesturing to the shelves. "Not that you'd know, with how rarely you visit these days."

"Sorry," Sunghoon said sheepishly, leaning against the counter. "Things have been... busy."

Mrs. Han raised an eyebrow, her expression softening. "Busy or hard?"

He hesitated, looking down at the counter. "Both, I guess."

Mrs. Han let out a small sigh, walking around the counter to stand beside him. "Sit," she said, motioning to a small table by the window.

Sunghoon obeyed, sinking into the chair. Mrs. Han brought over two cups of tea, placing one in front of him before sitting down herself.

"You don't look like the happy little boy who used to run around my shop," she said gently.

Sunghoon chuckled, though the sound was hollow. "That was a long time ago."

"You're still that boy to me," she said, her voice warm. "And I can tell when something's weighing on you."

He stared into his tea, watching the faint ripples on the surface. "I don't know what to do, Mrs. Han. They want me to get married. To someone I barely know. Someone I'll never love."

Mrs. Han's expression turned somber. "And if you refuse?"

"They'll disown me," Sunghoon said quietly. "And Daeho... I don't know what would happen to him."

Mrs. Han reached across the table, placing a hand over his. "You're a good brother, Sunghoon. You've always looked out for him. But you can't pour from an empty cup. You have to take care of yourself, too."

He nodded, though the weight in his chest didn't lift.

"Does she make you happy? The girl they've chosen for you?"

"No," Sunghoon said firmly.

"Then you already know your answer," Mrs. Han said. "You just have to decide if you're brave enough to follow it."

Sunghoon returned home that afternoon, the conversation with Mrs. Han replaying in his mind. He went straight to his room, closing the door behind him.

The journal lay waiting on his desk. He picked it up, flipping to a fresh page.

September 6th, 1986

I saw someone interesting today. A teacher at Daeho's school. He looked... different. Delicate, almost. Like he didn't belong in this world. It made me feel things I don't want to feel. Things I've spent years trying to ignore.

Mrs. Han says I need to be brave. But how do I do that when the cost of bravery is losing everything I've ever known?

I don't want to disappoint my parents. I don't want to leave Daeho alone. But I can't keep living like this. It's suffocating.

I don't know how much longer I can hold on.

The next morning, Sunghoon was up early. He made breakfast for Daeho, watching as his younger brother scarfed down a bowl of rice and kimchi.

"You're gonna be late if you don't hurry," Sunghoon teased.

"I'm going!" Daeho replied, grabbing his bag. He paused by the door, looking back at his brother. "Thanks, Hoonie. For everything."

Sunghoon smiled, though his chest ached. "Have a good day, Daeho."

As the door closed behind him, the house fell silent. Sunghoon sat at the table, staring at the empty bowl Daeho had left behind.