Just Before The Dawn [DaeJae]

Forty Six

The next day, Daehyun and Youngjae were sitting on the latter's bed, playing a card game, when there was a knock on the door. Youngjae looked up at the person who entered the room and something in his eyes alarmed Daehyun. He looked at the visitor, it was a a boy, probably a few years older than Youngjae, and it was obvious they were related. They could have been twins. 

"Hey" the visitor said, he seemed a little insecure of what to say, as he slowly came closer to the bed. "I, uh..." he looked at the two of them, "I'm sorry if I'm not wanted here... I just wanted to see how you are doing, Youngjae... Mom and Dad didn't want to come... But I just couldn't..." He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I can leave if you want me to." 

Daehyun noticed how Youngjae glanced over at him and he took the younger's hand. 

"It's okay" the younger then said to the visitor. "Sit down." 

"Thank you." the latter cleared his throat. "i wanted to say how sorry I am, Youngjae. For not taking you serious. For treating you the way I did... I've been a horrible brother to you, I'm so sorry... I never wanted this to happen..." 

Youngjae looked down at the blanket. "Thank you for saying this" he said quietly. "It means a lot that you came." 

"I want to be better from now on. I want to be there for you like a brother should be. I feel so bad for everything I did to you in the past years, I don't know what was wrong with me. There's no apology for this, but... I'd be glad if you could forgive me one day... I can understand if you can't, though." 

"Thank you. I think I need some time, but maybe in a while..." 

His brother nodded. "I understand." He looked at Daehyun. "Is he your, uh... your boyfriend?" 

Daehyun could not help but chuckle at this question, while Youngjae looked a little shocked. "Um, no... We're just friends." The boy said, before clearing his throat. 

"I see." He smiled at Daehyun and got up. "I should go now. I have an appointment in a bit. Take care, you two." 

When he had left, Daehyun looked at his younger friend. "Well that was unexpected." 

"Yeah..." Youngjae mumbled, "But I'm glad he came. At least one of my family..." 

Daehyun nodded. "Seems like he woke up. Will you give him a second chance?" 

"I think so. He's my brother after all, we were having a pretty good connection when we were kids. I really miss these days." 

... 

The day Youngjae came back to school, he felt how everyone was looking at him, talking about him, even more than before. He was glad Daehyun was with him. 

After school, they walked home together. When they crossed the bridge, Daehyun noticed how Youngjae glanced at the barrier, looking a little sad. Daehyun stopped. 

"Jae, wait. I... There's something I need to tell you." 

"Huh?" Youngjae looked at the older. "What is it? Can't we go home first, it's a little cold..." 

"Actually, I'd like to tell you here. You will see why." Daehyun sighed. "Listen, I- I don't really know how to put this, but..." He lied his hand on the barrier, drawing Youngjae's attention onto the writings again. "It was me. The whole time. It was me writing back. In the beginning I didn't know it was you writing this, but one day I saw you... I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier." 

Youngjae was speechless. He looked at their writings, then back at Daehyun. He thought he would be embarrassed if he met the other writer, but the opposite was the case. He was happy it turned out to be Daehyun and he felt like somehow, he should have known it. 

A smile formed on his face and he wrapped his arms around the older. "Thank you." 

"You're not mad or anything?" 

"No. Dae, do you know how much these messages helped me? I'm so glad it was you all the time..."