(LeoN/NEO) The World of Us

Chapter XL - Brothers

(You guys don't realize how long I've been dying to use this image in one of my chapters. Finally! *fist pumps*)

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'Let's get out of here,' Ravi suggested.

Hongbin nodded.

Hongbin carried his unconscious hyung behind his back and made their way back to the cottage. Hakyeon haven't woken up at all for a long time and Hongbin couldn't help but worry. He didn't leave Hakyeon's side for even a minute. He felt unsettled and worried as if something worst could happen if he left Hakyeon's side.

He was frustrated at himself. Always being a minute too late.

'You need to get some rest,' Ravi told him.

'I'm fine. You should go back to look after Jaehwan. I'll be okay here.' Hongbin replied.

Ravi sighed, knowing very well that Hongbin was the unpersuasive type.

'I'm sorry hyung. If only I found you a bit earlier, this wouldn't have happened...'

Hongbin never once trusted anyone other than his parents. His mother died when he was young due to a plague that broke out in the Capital a decade ago and his father was always busy with work in the government. But despite the busy schedule, his father would always make time for Hongbin. His father was kind by nature and had a rather bright outgoing personality. His father was influential and had many connections but also many connections that were made because they could use him. Hongbin could often sense it when people were trying to trick his father into helping them or lending them money, and even though Hongbin tried to tell his father to be more wary of others, his father would not listen. He only tells Hongbin to 'trust and believe in people.'

But Hongbin could not believe those words. They were the only words in which he would not listen to his father's. Hongbin did try to live by his father's words and tried making friends in school many times, putting faith in people rather than suspecting them. However, in the end, each of those that approached him had ulterior motives. Eventually, Hongbin lost all trust in people. Especially when his father suddenly introduced him to a bodyguard.

'He's a sweet boy. The son of a good friend of mines. He lacks experience but I'm sure he will make a great friend for you.'

That's what his father had told him. Hongbin was skeptical. Another one trying to use his father's kindness for their own good was what Hongbin had in his mind.

He didn't trust Hakyeon at all. He thought the older was quite dim witted and incapable of anything at all. For the longest time while Hakyeon was by his side, he ignored Hakyeon or tried to push him away. He brought out every harsh word he knew and attitude towards the older, hoping that it would eventually chase him away. Back to wherever he came from.

But that didn't chase Hakyeon away at all. After what happened at one of his conferences, Hongbin's perspective of Hakyeon changed. Hakyeon was severely injured during his duty while trying to shield Hongbin from a blade. He never would have thought that the older would toss himself in front to protect him. What if he died? Is he crazy? Does he not value his own life?

Ever since then, Hongbin kept a close watch on Hakyeon's every action. He didn't say much and only talked to the older when he needed something but after much observation, he realized that the Hakyeon he was introduced to as the sweet and bright boy, had a story of his own.

Hakyeon would often smile at others, at him, as well as anyone who could see his every expression. He was polite and humble to everyone but when no one was watching, Hongbin saw that smile disappear. Hakyeon would often space out into a far distance, thinking about something that Hongbin had no idea of. Hongbin never asked what the older was thinking about nor did he think it was his business to do so but he couldn't help but wonder what it was that made the older constantly having a sad expression on him.