The hospital room was quiet except for the steady beeping of machines.
Minjoon sat at Jihyun's side, gently holding his younger brother's hand.
Jihyun's lips parted weakly, his voice almost a whisper.
"Hyung where is Dad?"
Minjoon froze, his throat tightening. For a second. His grip on Jihyun's hand tightened before he forced a smile.
"He's in another room, Jihyun. He's doing fine. Don't think too much about it. Just tell me, do you need anything?"
Jihyun shook his head slowly, eyes heavy, movements frail.
Taehyun, who had been standing quietly nearby, leaned forward.
"Are you feeling better now?"
he asked gently.
Jihyun turned to look at him and gave the smallest nod.
"Yes" he whispered.
Just then, the doctor entered, carrying a tray. He gave Jihyun an injection, then turned to Minjoon.
"We'll be starting physical therapy soon.
His body needs movement, especially this week. It's important that you stay with him your presence will help him recover."
As the doctor was finishing, the door opened and Taesung stepped inside in his white coat. The doctor nodded to him, then left.
Taesung approached the bed, his expression warm but professional.
Jihyun's weak eyes flickered to him. For a moment, he mistook him for someone else.
"Taewon" he whispered.
Taesung smiled softly, shaking his head.
"No. I'm Dr. Kang Taesung. Nice to meet you, Jihyun."
He checked Jihyun's pulse, heartbeat, and temperature.
"Are you feeling okay?"
Jihyun nodded faintly.
"Pain anywhere?"
"My head" Jihyun admitted weakly.
"It's alright. You were given an injection, the pain will ease soon,"
Taesung assured him. Then his gaze shifted toward Taehyun.
"You're here too."
"Yes," Taehyun said.
"We came straight from court when we heard he woke up."
"And Taewon?"
Taesung asked.
"He went back to the office,"
Taehyun replied.
Taesung nodded.
"Alright. I'll be heading out then
I have other patients waiting. Don't worry, I'll be handling Jihyun's case personally. He'll get better. Trust me."
He patted Minjoon's shoulder as he spoke, earning a grateful nod.
Before leaving, he turned back to Jihyun with a small smile.
"Don't worry. You'll recover soon. And I forgot to introduce myself properly. I'm Kang Taesung."
Jihyun blinked, eyes widening.
"Kang Taesung?"
"Yes," Taesung said gently.
"Taewon's older brother."
Shock flickered across Jihyun's pale face. He nodded slowly as Taesung excused himself.
When the door closed,
Minjoon sat back down, holding Jihyun's hand again. He kept talking softly, trying to distract him, but inside he was torn apart. The guilt of hiding the truth about their father pressed on his chest, breaking him silently as he wondered how he would ever tell Jihyun the reality.
Meanwhile,
(At the Kang villa)
The atmosphere was calm.
"Jihan! Jihan!" Mrs. Kang called out.
"Yes, mother, I'm coming,"
Jihan answered, appearing quickly.
"Where is Dan?"
she asked.
"He's in his room with Yumi. Why?"
Mrs. Kang shook her head lightly.
"No reason I was just asking."
Then her eyes softened.
"I'm thinking of visiting Jihyun tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?"
"Jihyun?" Jihan repeated.
"Yes," Mrs. Kang said.
"Alright, mother. I'll go with you," he agreed quietly.
(At Kang Group)
Taewon sat in his office, drowning himself in work. His posture was steady, but his mind was restless. Every thought returned to Jihyun.
Should I go see him?
No I can't. I promised myself. If I break it, it'll feel like breaking my own pride this time by my own.
A knock broke his thoughts.
"Yes, come in."
Jisso entered, holding a folder.
"Sir, here's the file. Miss Harin said it's urgent."
Taewon took the pen, signed, but his gaze lingered blankly on the papers.
"Sir?" Jisso asked carefully when he didn't respond.
She moved closer. "Sir, the file."
He blinked, returning to himself, and handed it back. "Yes, sure. Take it."
As she turned to leave, he rubbed his temples, the fatigue deep in his expression.
"Miss Jisso, bring me a coffee."
"Yes, sir," she said softly, exiting the office.
Taewon leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, still trapped in his silent war between ego and longing.