- Hey Hoon-oppa, when did you come? We didn't see you. Don't tell me you were out the entire night?
Joohee, Joohoon's little sister came in his room for something and was surprised to see her brother sleeping there. It was more unexpected to see him actually in his room, than to see him not. She got the curtains wide open, letting the warm and bright sunshine come in. If Joohoon didn't even hear her words a second ago, he couldn't avoid the strong light that was overflowing the room. He put his arm over his eyes in attempt to cover it, but it didn't make much difference. He wasn't sleeping tight to begin with, even though he was exhausted enough to sleep for at least two whole days. His prickly thoughts couldn't leave him alone. What's worse, is that it brought along memories which Joohoon didn't want to remember.
A long sigh left his lungs, which caught his sister's attention right away. A second surprise, as Joohoon wasn't exactly the person to make long sighs and fall in thoughts, at least not in front of his sister. She tilted her head a little, approaching her brother and moved his arm away to look better at him. She nearly jumped in surprise. Joohoon didn't move an inch, his eyes looking farther in front of him, blank, like his mind wasn't there. He looked a bit too pale than normal and had some dark eyebags, that made you wonder if he had some hell of a fighting last night or had a terrible hangover. The first was less possible, so she went with the second.
- Brother, you look awful. How much did you drink? I told you to give up on drinking so much already. It's not healthy. Just look at you-
She stopped noticing something was wrong. She came closer sniffing him around like a trained Police dog with experience to find the smallest dose of drugs (in her case it was the alcohol smell). Strange. There was not even a faint trace that would tell he drank last night.
- Wait! I can't smell anything. You didn't drink! – said in awe Joohee, as she was honestly impressed by the fact – then why do you look like that? Oh! Don't tell me! Someone finally beat you to a pulp?!!
She hurriedly started to examine her brother like an emergency patient that was in critical state. However something wasn't right even then. He had no scars or other signs of fighting. Literally nothing.
- No, it's not that either, said she rather disappointed.
That was quite the challenge. She had no more ideas, as to why Joohoon was looking so bad then. And that long sigh. Suddenly a thought crossed her mind, which she immediately sounded.
- Oh! You're in love! – exclaimed Joohee with her eyes sparkling and a loud clap followed, like she just won the lottery. She was so sure of it, that attacked her brother with a tornado of questions, failing to notice his nearly choke and sudden flinch, like he just got hit right in the head with a massive stone.
- What- , finally replied Joohoon but was interrupted right away.
- Who is she? Do I know her? Is she beautiful? Of course she is. That's you we're talking about. She must be also older. And strong. Don't tell me, did she beat you?! Whoaaa let me meet her. I need to see her with my own eyes – said Joohee at such a great speed that even the pharmaceutics video ads couldn't match her.
Strangely the overexcited flow of questions didn't cause him headache or tired him, it was the opposite, it pulled him out of his dark thoughtful state and made him smile. A genuine happy, soft and so delicate - smile, that almost looked foreign on Joohoon. Of course, this kind of smile was only for his beloved sister.
- You! said Joohoon and pulled her closer in embrace, tickling her all over mercilessly. Now it was his turn to attack. Joohee burst in laugh, cascades of laughter encircling Joohoon, making him smile even wider in return.
Though Joohee was now in her last year of middle school, puberty making her a fine bright young woman already, she was merely a small kid in her brother's arms. As well as his behavior towards his little sister. Even a stranger could see from far away his sister-complex and how much he cherishes her. Maybe he was a little too overprotective, but he couldn't otherwise, since he had not been able to protect his family back then. It changed him entirely. He went through hell and farther, everything to get stronger enough to protect Joohee at all costs. Though there was his loving grandma and the kind uncle with his wife, who were taking good care of the siblings, his two childhood friends, which always were there for him, Joohee remains the closest and the essential presence in his life. Not other, not even himself mattered. With his sister he felt at home, and he didn't want to loose it ever again.
- Now you tell why are you up so early on Saturday?
- It's not early – 10 am, oppa and I have to do a project with my classmates today.
- Which ones? Female or-
- Female female, oppa you're impossible. Enough, I came in case you were at home. Come down and have your breakfast. Auntie is there cooking, so you'll get something good.
- Yeah, thanks.
Joohee was about to go, then turned and added, with a firm voice:
- and you have to show me this "noona", who makes you sigh, said Joohee throwing a small wink to her brother.
- You tease me too much, Joohee.
Unfortunately his false hurt tone wasn't enough to get through his sister, she just chuckled in reply and went away, murmuring a quite "I'll be waiting" back.
It's not that Joohoon could not make it clear to his sister that there was no "noona" and it's nothing like that to begin with, but he chose to let it be. Besides he was stung by past memories which he didn't want to bring back and make Joohee worry about him.
Joohoon went down and was warm welcomed by his aunt. Though her height didn't even reach his chest, she gave him a tender embrace, making him all stiff, but nether less he smiled back. Even if there were years since she's been doing it, for both siblings, Joohoon still couldn't get used to it. He saw his favorite dishes on the table and his stomach screamed in excitement; he didn't even realize how hungry he was. While stuffing himself with everything that was in front of him, his thoughts slipped to Jiwook.
"He must be hungry as well."
- Auntie, thank you. May I take something with me?
- But of course, said she kindly and then asked – is that for your friend?
The question made him hesitate a bit, but in the end his answer came firmly while bringing along a small warm smile.
- Yeah, my friend.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Joohoon came back to the basement room with a bag full with food and another one with freshly bought drinks. There was no one there, which he found strange. One thing he was sure, Jiwook must be afraid but not really in such good state to run away. It's not the first time the younger ran like that, he shouldn't even expect anything. His eyebrows knitted dangerously together making him look kind of pissed. He let another long sigh that day, while taking his phone and making a call. No answer. He tried one more time, but the younger's phone must be off. Another irritated sigh. At morning Jiwook couldn't even breath steadily, let alone move or ran. He went out and asked the staff from the door if they saw anyone.
- No and we didn't have any guests either. You're the first who came here actually.
"Strange. He couldn't slip away without being noticed."
Unconsciously anxiety and at the same time an equal degree of irritation began to reach Joohoon and that wasn't a good sign, as he was capable of everything in that state. He took his phone and this time called another number.
- Gather the boys.
His voice was too quite and calm making the one who received the call have goosebumps. An immediate answer was sounded and with that Joohoon ended the call.
"Foxy Han, foxy Han. You better be good and pay me all back for this. Wait till I find you" – thought Joohoon but no smile or smirk was seen on his face, which meant he was very serious. Even Joohoon didn't know if he was worried or extremely pissed and why to begin with, but nevertheless his was getting restless and his 6th sense was telling him that he needed to find him. And quickly!