Azalea [KookV]

37. Brother

The faint sound of vehicles in the distance are in line with the clatter of footsteps on the cobbled streets. This place, for some people, might be scary with its silence. But this silence is an antidote to the noise of Taehyung's mind.

He walked slowly with a bouquet of purple lilacs in his right hand, towards a mound of soil that hasn't even dried completely.

"Hi," Taehyung said. He crouched down while laying his flower bouquet among several others. His hand stroked the gravestone with the name 'Park Bogum' written there.

"I have a lot to say to you, but why can't those words come out of my mouth. Is it because I know that you won't be able to hear them? And to be honest, I'm so ashamed to see you. After what happened, I don't think I have the right to be here." His hands turned to touch the wet mound, while occasionally cleaning some of the gravel there. For a few moments, he stays silent.

"I have a first love, his name is Alan. He isn't human, and I have loved him for hundreds of thousands of years. We once promised to love each other forever, but I had to leave him and descend to earth. During my stay on earth I kept thinking about him and wanted to go back so I can see him again soon, but unfortunately what I got was news that he had made a sacred promise with someone who wasn't me. My heart was hurt so much, I have never been broken-hearted and it turned out to be so painful. But that didn't change the slightest bit of my love. It's just that I don't dare to come back. I was afraid to see him with the others. I was scared that if I saw him, my love for him would kill me slowly with all the sorrow I felt. And even after thousands of years passed, I still can't go back. What should I say if I meet him? What should I say if I meet his woman? All those questions and fears always fill my mind. Aren't I a coward? Despite all the suffering I experienced on earth, I prefer to endure it because I can't bear to see him. I'm such a loser"

Taehyung took a deep breath before continuing his story. "For these thousand, many men and women approached me. Said that they put their hearts on me. The same with the clan princes who approached me and even married me. But none of them could make my heart beat even a tenth of its beat for Alan. My love for Alan is just too big. Even after the thousands of deaths and rebirths I experienced, I still loved him very much. And one day I met someone, not a human. The way he treats me, the way he smiles at me, the way he behaves, and even the way he thinks, is remind me to Alan. I think I'm dreaming, I think I'm hallucinating, but it's not. He exists, and he is you, Bogum Hyung. I'm comfortable and so happy around you because you remind me so much of my unfinished love. At first, I love you because I feel like I have Alan for myself, I love you because you resemble him so much, I love you because I see Alan in you. But over time, my heart beats for you without Alan in it. The way you sincerely love me, understand me, is so comforting. You're a good man, very kind. After hundreds of thousands of years, I lived on earth, you were the first person who tried to protect me. I'm very grateful. And seeing you sacrifice your life to protect a guy like me makes me realize how blameworthy I am over all this chaos. Even now I feel disgusted with myself. I didn't deserve to be forgiven." Taehyung took a deep breath, trying to hold back his tears.

"But Hyung, For hundreds of thousands of years, I always gave up because it was impossible to win this fight. However this time, after what you have sacrificed, it wouldn't be right if I surrender without a fight, right? I swear by your life and your love for me, that I will win this fight. I will restore the earth to its peaceful state as before, and after that, I hope I can return to my place. I will ask Reyn to give me a harsh punishment for the crime I have done to you. Even though it's useless, once again, I'm sorry. And thank you very much for everything you have given, thank you for your sincere love for me. This time I will make sure that at least your sacrifice wouldn't be in vain."

Taehyung flinched when he suddenly heard the sound of footsteps behind him. Alertly, he stood and turned to see who was coming.

"What are you doing here?" Ask the man who is now standing in front of him.