Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 40

I needed sleep; I desperately craved both sleep and-well, let's just say I had other needs too. That's why, my mind set firmly, I was heading home, craving the sweet escape that would come later when I'd surprise Tae at his place. Just the thought of it made my heart race with excitement. I really needed this, a reward for all the well... hard work??

Chan and I made our way through the familiar streets on our way home. However, fatigue pressed down on my eyelids, and it took all my strength to resist the urge to drift off to sleep. I just wanted to close my eyes for a brief moment... Just for a moment.

"Shut up," I mumbled, letting my head fall against Chan's shoulder, hoping to steal a few seconds of comfort. I knew he'd probably tease me for it, but right now, I just needed a soft place to rest.

"I wasn't going to speak," he replied, and the slight offense in his tone made me smirk even with my eyes closed.

"I could feel your lips moving," I teased, relishing the rare moment of light-heartedness, even as I kept my gaze shielded beneath heavy lashes.

"I wasn't planning to discuss it. Why are you making such a fuss?" His voice had a sharpness to it that I wasn't accustomed to. Why was he angry? He was usually the one playfully nudging me, but now he seemed like a volcano on the verge of erupting.

I instinctively moved away, my curiosity getting the better of me. There it was: confusion etched on his face. His eyes were turbulent, as if something was brewing inside him. Why was he so upset? I felt a tightness in my chest.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked, concern lacing my voice, the laughter from earlier fading into the background.

"Nothing..." he said, running a frustrated hand through his hair. My heart sank. There was a heaviness in his tone that seemed to envelop us both. My brother, my support, was falling apart, and I felt helpless to keep him together.

"Pull over," Chan suddenly commanded the driver, his tone sharp and stern.

I was taken aback, but before I could object, Chan shouted it again, his voice filled with raw emotion. The car came to an abrupt stop, and without another word, he flung the door open with enough force to shake the frame. What was going on?

I hurried out after him, my bodyguard close behind. "Chan, what's happening? Why are you so upset?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice as I fought against the rising tide of fear.

His eyes were glassy and shimmering, as if he was on the verge of breaking down. "Don't you remember?" he choked out, each word revealing the truth we both desperately tried to avoid. My throat tightened; of course, I remembered. I didn't want to think about it, but I had no choice.

"I... I don't... don't think about it, Chan. Don't you dare," I cautioned, my voice trembling at the end, tears threatening to spill as the reality clawed its way to the surface.

Today marked the anniversary of our parents' deaths-the day they were both brought into this world and taken from us in a cruel twist of fate. And this road, this very stretch of pavement, was where it all went wrong. The memories tormented me.

I watched as Chan, who was usually the strong one-the steadfast support of our small family-began to fall apart. Seeing him on the verge of tears shattered my heart into countless jagged pieces. My brave brother, reduced to this fragile state... it felt so wrong, like a nightmare.

"I miss them, sister... I miss them so much," he sobbed, and without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around him. I held him tightly, wishing my embrace could heal all the broken pieces, wishing I could take away his pain.