"...the truth? W-what's that?" Edward suddenly had a bad premonition. No... it can't be.
"Since you say you've been in touch with Ian, I'm sure he must have told you what happened, right? His version, his own twisted tale?" he continued firmly, leaving no room for arguments, "Whatever he said, it's not true. It's not what actually happened-"
"J-just what are you saying..." Edward couldn't think straight; his whole mind was a mess, a thousand thoughts flashing by. He stuttered, "Just... what else is there to know? You were forced to commit su-" he stuttered, "suicide by August Castellan, right? That's the truth." He clenched his hand and repeated, "Yes, that's the truth. Certainly. Of course, what else will be the truth? You even called his name when you fell."
"Edward-"
He didn't listen to Ethan and cut him off with his own rambling. "Yes, that's what happened..." he looked up, tears glistening in his eyes. He cried, "Right? That's what happened, right, brother?" his voice was unlike a sane person as he said, "Look, I've even got revenge for you! I... I did to him what he did to you! I took your revenge, brother-"
"What?" Ethan's voice was loud, shutting Edward up. He repeated, "Just... what? What revenge on August Castellan?"
"He... he was the one who forced you to jump by blackmailing you, right? That's what I did to him. I also... made him suffer in misery, like he did to you. He was the culprit, after all. Why else would you mutter his name?"
"...Edward, you... you're getting it wrong." Ethan gripped his forehead, feeling dizzy. All this information at once was too much for him. "Look, listen to me. The reason I jumped wasn't August. No, rather, he was the only hope keeping me alive before. It... it was Ian. He forced me and fed you all these lies." He cried, "It's Ian! He's a liar, Edward!"
He gripped Edward's shoulder, eyes wide and asked urgently. "What... what did you do?" he yelled, "Just what did you do, Edward?!"
All that he's believed until now came crashing around him. Edward didn't want to believe it. He knew it was selfish, but he couldn't help but wish that what Ian said was the truth. It was so because he didn't want to accept that in the end, there really were no obstacles, and the only one who was the start of all problems was him. He didn't want to believe... he was the one who ruined what they had, not the circumstances or destiny. He didn't want to think about the possibility of what had happened had he waited longer, had he held on for longer. He... didn't want to be the one who killed their relationship in the end. He'd rather believe them to be ill-fated than live in constant regret and guilt, forever wondering and thinking about 'what could have happened'.
His mind still wasn't willing to accept that he'd been wrong all along as he muttered. "No... no... it can't be..."
"Denying won't solve anything!" Ethan was also crying by now, and shook his hard by his shoulder. He begged, "Just... what did you do? Please tell me. You know how he is, right? He..." Ethan's eyes widened as he muttered, "...might do something... please, just what did you do?"
"I..." Edward uttered, horrified, "What did I do?"
"...Edward, please." Ethan tightened his grip, asking again, "Just tell me. Maybe... maybe there's still time. Please."
Edward's eyes were dazed as he answered, "I... broke him. I drove him into a corner, even said awful things to him. I..." he sobbed, "...what should I do, brother?" he sobbed, "What should I do?!"
"E-Edward... g-go. Please, go to him right now. Save him, please."
Edward took a moment to process his words before hurriedly getting up and racing out of the room. Ethan could only watch as he sat helplessly on the bed, putting all his hope on his brother.
"...Strange. Why isn't he answering?" Ava wondered. She pressed the doorbell again, only to be met with silence. She checked the time on her phone. "It's 4. His classes should be over by now."
She tried a few more times, only to be met with silence. She was sure he was in there because his car was still in the parking lot, and no recent transactions from his cards.
Left with no other option, she called Ivy. "Hey, sweetie? Where are you?"
Ivy replied, pleasantly surprised, "Mom?"
"Yes, it's me. I'm in the city and was thinking of, uh, " she hesitated a little, " visiting your brother."
"You... you would?" Ivy couldn't help but smile and confirm, "Really?"
Ava nodded. "Yes. But he isn't opening the door. Do you know his pin?"
Ivy shook her head. "No... but my fingerprint is registered in his lock. Come to think of it, I'm near his apartment right now. Be there in 15 minutes!"
True to her word, Ivy got there in about 15 minutes. She called, "Mom! I'm here!" The woman turned to face the girl walking down the hallways. She smiled, "Hey, sweetie. How're you?"
Ivy smiled back as she replied, "Fine, Mum. Let me."
The woman stepped sideways, allowing Ivy to press her finger in the lock. It opened with a click, revealing the deserted apartment.
"Woah..." Ivy muttered, "What happened here?"
"...Maybe he was searching for something?" Ava guessed.
Ivy shook her head and denied, "No. He especially loves cleanliness. It's the first time I've seen his place so trashed. And plus, what would he be searching in the lobby? It's unusual for him to do something like this."
Ivy yelled, "August! Where are you? I'm here!"
"..."
"Aug-"
Ava cut her off. "Maybe he's not here?"
"But he's usually home at this time," Ivy suggested, "let's search, at least? Did you try calling him?"
"Yes. Switched off."
They began going around the apartment, searching for August. They both went in different directions, calling his name.
Ivy took a quick glance before concluding. "He's not in the kitchen-"
"-AAHHH!!! AUGUST!" Ava's shrill shriek ran in the dead quiet apartment.