Belligerent

10 -part two / history

Everything went smoothly the following week. Jun was able to pinpoint the missing information we needed to finally close the investigation and we were able to lock in a few days off after the week long goose chase. It was the holidays after all. Although I didn't mind working during the holidays as I was never the type of person to celebrate or even have a time for myself but Jun and his family insisted I should join them.

"You are such a hardworking man, Sangwoo." Jun's Dad said, while walking beside me. "I'm sure your mother would be proud of how his son has grown up to be the wisest," he continued. I heaved a sigh and smiled at the sky. "I would say the same thing to you, Mr. Kim", I said while looking at Jun.

"Ah that's just his nature, but you, are far more different than him", he said letting out a small chuckle, "Although you two are similar in some ways". I looked at him in curiosity and he pointed at Taerin. "I always knew you liked my daughter."

I shyly looked away and felt the blood rush through my cheeks. He let out another chuckle and patted my shoulder before walking inside the house we all pitched in for our stay. I watched Jun's father walk in and looked back at the distance. The area of the house that was built in had a serene yet silent surrounding. The still, clear water from the lake almost shined as if it was a delicate glass, carefully put into place. It was too still that throwing a pebble would ruin the tranquillity of the lake. Another thing about the area was the gentle breeze. It wasn't too windy that it would force you to stay inside. Neither was it too hot that it tempted you to jump into the water. It was the perfect balance of each element, enough to make you feel relaxed.

I let out a sigh of relief and walked towards Jun and Taerin. "Nice to see you finally join in," Jun commented while starting what seemed to be a bonfire. "Couldn't help but take in the area," I replied, settling down on a small log set in place next to the rising bonfire. "We were lucky to book in a few days for this guesthouse. Worth every penny if you'd ask me." Jun replied in amusement. I smiled to myself over the thought and felt myself lock my eyes towards Taerin across from me. The way the light from the fire was softly reflecting against her face made her look stunningly beautiful underneath the moonlight. She sat there silently, leaning against Jun, wrapped around a small blanket with eyes closed.

When she opened her eyes, I quickly looked away and cleared my throat. "Taerin, I swear, if you're that sleepy, just go inside where it's warmer." Jun said, teasingly nudging his sister. "I'm too lazy to stand up", Taerin replied. Jun poked her side and Taerin immediately jerked up further away from Jun. I silently chuckled to myself and continued looking at the siblings bickering.

"Alright fine. S-stop!" Taerin said in defeat, stifling a laughter and clutched her sides. Jun was full on laughing at Taerin and let finally let her go. Taerin teasingly kicked his brother before grabbing her small blanket and took big strides to the guesthouse behind us.

"Sisters. Pretty annoying." Jun said jokingly. We both laughed at the thought and I noticed that I have never seen any of the two to be at peace. Whenever the two were together, it always seemed like they were non-stop bickering. It was pretty stressful at times since a few times it would escalate pretty quickly.

"Hey Sang," Jun paused, staring at the fire, "Would you take care of Taerin when I'm gone?", he continued. It caught me off guard for a second and looked at him. He was staring intently into the fire, refusing to gaze towards my direction. "Never say that unless I personally see you begging to pull the plug on your deathbed," I said. Jun continued to stay silent. I took the hint that he was serious about it judging on how he was fiddling with his fingers once or twice. Jun never looked at someone in the eye when he was serious. I didn't exactly know why but I've noticed him do the same thing over the course of knowing him till over the age of 10.

"You have my word, Jun."

Silence fell over between us. Neither of us spoke a word- the only sound you could hear was the gentle crackling of the fire in the background. I kept my gaze on the fire in front of us and let my eyes do their own thing, absorbing each visual created by the fire.

"I don't know how much longer I have," I heard Jun mumble under his breath, "My heart aches whenever I see Taerin, all these intrusive thoughts just keep rushing in", he continued with a slight crack on the tone of his voice.

"I went to the doctors after the case ended last week," I glanced over in his direction and saw sadness plastered all over his eyes, "They said I may or may not have half a year left before it spreads throughout my body", tears were now starting to form in his eyes and he tried to brush those tears away but it seemed to come back every time.

I, myself, was trying to hold my own tears back but I composed myself more than I could have. Jun silently sniffled in his seat while I felt my hand shaking in response to nervousness. It has been years ever since Jun decided to hide his disease from his own family beside me. At first, he meant to hide it completely from everyone until I found out from a close relative who was coincidentally working for Jun's medical needs. He didn't want anyone to find out he was sick as Jun never wanted pity from other people.

He wanted to be strong for his sister, even if it meant he couldn't be strong for himself.

"We'll get through this together, I promise," I said as I gently patted his shoulder. "I'll head in first, it's getting pretty late," I stood up from my spot and paused to look at Jun. "You should get some rest too," I continued and walked towards the door leading inside.

When I entered through the kitchen doors, Jun's parents were huddled over the living room, which I assumed were watching the news. Taerin was slouched over the other couch and I could hear the news as it goes:

"The investigation over xxx Corp has been re-opened for further investigation in demand of the own company's founding member, Nam Josouk. The xxx district police believe a new lead has been projected, therefore further investigation is required."

"The supposed perpetrators remain behind bars until proven innocent by the court. But jury believes the captured offenders are to be kept in bars as multiple pieces of evidence provided by district attorneys collide with the evidence of an apparent accomplice to the murder."

My heart dropped and I silently ran back to my room. My heart was pounding hard as my hands violently shook and slowly dropped on the back of the door. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

-----