"Ethan... Ethan?" Edward muttered, dazed. He... he couldn't believe it! His brother, Ethan, was sitting up! He, who had gotten used to seeing his lifeless and pale face, saw him sit like this after a long time.
Unknowingly, tears flowed out of Edward's eyes. "...It's really you, Ethan? Really?"
The boy smiled slightly before softly muttering, "Yes, Ed. It... really is me."
Before he could stop himself, Edward had already wrapped his arms around him, as if to not let him get away from him again. He sobbed, "I-I missed you, big brother. I really... really missed you."
Ethan weakly lifted his hands, rubbing Edward's head soothingly. "I know, I know..." He felt his shoulder getting wet and smiled sadly. "Why're you crying, huh?" he joked, "What are you, seven? Aren't you an adult? Still clinging to big brother?"
"No, I'm not an adult. I'm still a childish, immature brat who needs his big brother to guide him."
Ethan laughed, "Some things never really changed, do they? Okay, you're still a child for me. Happy?"
Edward didn't reply, so Ethan continued, "So, Edward... how's life been? The nurse told me it's been more than a year since..."
"Y-yes. You've been in a coma for a year."
Ethan shifted uncomfortably, careful not to let Edward know. Edward immediately noticed his movement and asked, "What, what happened? Oh! I've been on your shoulder for a while... you must be uncomfortable, right?" He immediately released him from the hug, sitting by his side. He questioned, "Is it painful? I... I'm sorry. I guess I got carried away."
Ethan waved his hand in denial. "No, no. You don't need to worry so much. It's okay." They both sat in silence for a while before Ethan remembered his original question. "Oh yeah, as I was asking, how've things been? Have you entered a university yet?"
Edward nodded. "Yes... same as you."
Ethan was pleasantly surprised. "The same as me? Good, good." He praised, "You must've studied hard for it, then. How's mom and dad? Did... did his cancer really get worse?"
Edward's smile diminished as he nodded. "Yes... he's abroad, receiving treatment. The situation... isn't good. Mom's with him."
"Oh." Ethan felt the atmosphere had become a little strange. In order to not let things get too depressing, he tried to change the topic. "Oh, wait! You went to my uni, right? Have you made any friends? How are your classes going? Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?" he jokingly said suggestively and lightly elbowed, "Or perhaps a crush?"
"N-no."
Ethan insisted, "Come on, tell big brother. I swear I won't tell anyone else."
Edward looked sideways and denied again. "No... there's no one."
"Oh, Edward. I've known you all my life. Your face basically screams you're not telling the truth. Don't you trust me? Tell me, I have the right to know the status of my favorite little brother's love life. Maybe I know whoever it is? I can help you, you know!"
Edward was adamant. "No, please. There's no such thing."
Seeing him refuse so stubbornly, Ethan didn't pursue the topic further. "Never mind then... what about friends? Surely, you must've made a friend or two, right?"
Edward was at a loss for words. Friends? Did he have any friends? All the people he ever made contacts with were connected to August, all his actions for his so-called revenge. Come to think of it, in all this time, did he ever genuinely interact with anyone without any ulterior motives, just as another university student?
He shifted in his seat, troubled. He knew he should deny, but in order to not worry his brother, he lied. "Yes, there are some people. Clarence, Kaitlyn—"
Ethan interrupted, "Clary? I know her. Good girl, isn't she? Always so considerate of everyone else. I still remember all those times I hung around the student council and how she was so nice to me. She's a nice person, a truly good friend... the second person, Kaitlyn, right?" Edward nodded. Ethan recalled, "We didn't really talk that much, so I don't know her well. Although, if you're friends with her, I'm sure she's an amazing person too. Anyone else?" he teased, "Or does my little brother only befriend girls?"
Edward didn't really know anyone else and said the first name that came to his mind. "There's Ian too..."
Ethan's eyes visibly darkened. His easygoing expression faded in an instant, becoming grave. He asked, coldly, "...Ian? The Ian we know?" He looked directly into Edward's eyes and asked firmly, "You're friends with him?"
Edward felt strange but nodded slowly. He further asked, "...Is there a problem?"
Ethan gripped his shoulder. "Look, Edward, I was really hoping we won't have to talk about this today." He sighed, "But since it has already come to this. Let me tell you the truth. The truth of what happened a year ago."