[ jaehyuk ]

jaehyuk:
jake, bad news
old man is here and he's calling us all for a dinner
i think he's mad about something
can you come here?
i'm scared.

+++++++++

back when jake was still a kid, he used to like hanging out with his family— especially with his brother, jaehyuk.

but as they grow up, he watched as his brother struggle to meet their family's expectations. later on, he realized that it wasn't easy being the oldest child. i was really thankful on being born the second.

his family doesn't have any problem, but if people would ask the sim brothers which family member they don't like— one thing is for sure; their answer would be the same.

the old man, their grandfather.

so when jake received a text from his brother— he didn't hesitate to cancel his suppose to be date with sunghoon.

my brother might be annoying, but i would help him in a heartbeat. and that's because jake knows that compared to him, jaehyuk can't handle things on his own. between the two of them, jake's more tough and composed.

although it was against his will, he left sunghoon and drove back to his parents' house to check on the problem that jaehyuk is talking about.

"oh, what a surprise! i didn't know you'll be home today, but this is great!" jake almost rolled his eyes when his mother opened the door for him while grinning.

"hi mom, where's hyung?" he paused when he saw his grandfather sitting on his favorite chair, his eyes fixed on jake.

jake cleared his throat. "good afternoon, grandpa." he went closer to greet the man.

"it's nice seeing you, jaeyun." his grandfather gave him a little smile.

he nodded while smiling back. "it's also great to see you grandpa, it's been a while."

he looked around just to see jaehyuk coming down the stairs, his face was trying to hide his nervousness.

jake shook his head and focused his attention to his father who just arrived. the guy walked towards jake with a grin.

"i'm finally seeing my youngest son again. it's been a long time since you visited this home, i'm glad you're here."

yeah, i went here a lot of times though but you were busy so you probably didn't notice.

"thanks dad, i'm happy that i'm home too."

+++++++++

"so, how's your studies?" his grandfather suddenly asked as they ate their dinner.

can i eat first? jake put down his chopsticks. "all's fine, i guess. there's no problem and i think i'm doing great."

jaehyuk was beside him, his mother and father sat across them while the old man was sitting in the middle.

"how's your grades? let me check on them later."

"sure, grandpa. my grades are the same anyways," he forced a smile and went back to eating. he really didn't care about his grades, and he already knew that his grandfather would check them. it's always been like that when he's around.

"jaeyun even stayed on his apartment during the summer break to study. it's a shame he wasn't here to attend our family gathering last time." his mother brought up the topic.

right, i wasn't really studying. i was with sunghoon. he almost cursed when he remembered that he ditched him for this boring dinner. a huge bad decision.

"how about you, jaehyuk? how's your law school?" jake couldn't help but notice how his brother seemed to freeze when the old man mentioned his name.

is he that scared this time? what happened?

"uh, i'm still adjusting to it, grandpa. but i'll manage." jaehyuk smiled.

he raised an eyebrow when he saw his grandfather scoff.

"really, huh? you're not having a hard time with the digests and cases?"

"t-the cases? not really, i'm trying my best every time grandpa."

even their parents stopped eating to observe and listen to their conversation.

the old man drank on his glass of wine before speaking again. "sim jaehyuk, i already know."

know what? jake was in confusion.

their mother chimed in. "is there something we should know about?"

jaehyuk was already struggling to find words. jake glance at him and held his hand to stop it from shaking.

"your son is not attending his law school, he's been faking it."

the table went silent from what their grandfather had just said.

jaehyuk...

"what do you mean Pa? he's attending in yonsei! he even has their uniform— what the hell are you saying?" their dad stood up, looking frustrated.

on the other hand, their mom remained calm. "and how did you know about this, dad?"

"i had a friend who's working at the faculty of law in yonsei. i asked him how jaehyuk was doing because i'm curious if he's doing well, but i got surprised instead when he told me that there's no law student with that name." the old man explained.

"i told him that maybe he just didn't knew. then he sent me the full list of first year law students, and it's true— jaehyuk isn't included on that list."

he gave jaehyuk a stern look before he continued speaking.

"i don't know what's going on inside that mind of yours, but you're not supposed to act like this young man."

the two brothers are sitting quietly, side by side. their father massaged his temple while groaning.

"can you explain the reason why you're not attending your law school, hyuk?" his mother asked softly.

jaehyuk let out a deep sigh. "i don't want it, mom."

"just say that you're a coward—"

"papa! stop saying that to your grandson!" their mother cut the old man's words.

"i am only speaking of the truth, jia. he gave up studying law because he's scared. he's the eldest, and yet he's like that."

even if it wasn't directed to him, jake felt hurt listening as his grandfather said those words.

"look at jaeyun, even his younger brother is more competent than him."

jake got startled when jaehyuk suddenly stood up, facing the old man.

"i told you, i don't want to study law." his voice was shaking.

"why don't you ever listen to me? i never wanted to go to law school, but you were pressuring me to! do you even understand how suffocating it feels to obey your orders? i wanted to pursue arts, but you never let me."

"and please, can you stop comparing me to jaeyun? i know he's the perfect son you all want to have, but what about me? am i not your son too?"

jake tried to hold his tears back when he saw his brother crying. i never wanted him to feel like this.

their parents went close to jaehyuk and tried to console him.

it's ironic because his brother thinks that way, when in fact— it was him who should be envious. my parents always prioritize him before me, but he never notices that between the two of us, he was their favorite child. not me.

"it's okay son, and we're sorry we didn't know..." his mother mumbled.

no matter how many mistakes jaehyuk makes, it won't be a problem to them.

me? i try to be as perfect as possible, so they won't find any problem with me. because i know that they won't be this kind and forgiving when it comes to me.

their grandfather cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention.

"i still won't let this slide. jaehyuk, you will come with me back to australia. you'll study there with my guidance."

his father tried to talk back. "papa, this isn't right. let them do what they want—"

"no, hyunsoo. i am not negotiating on this one. i want to discipline my grandson, so he's leaving with me."

i don't even know what's happening anymore. this is too much. he glanced at jaehyuk, and his brother is also looking at him with his eyes.

i know that look. he chuckled bitterly. that's the same exact look that he gives me when he needs my help.

"grandpa...." he breathe out before continuing.

"how about i come with you instead?"

"jaeyun you don't have to. no one's going to leave okay?" his father tried to assure him but he shook his head. i know my grandfather, he's not gonna change his mind.

"i'll come with you to australia and i'll also study law. in exhange for that, don't meddle with my brother's life."

the old man gave him an amused look.

"are you sure about that, jaeyun? it's your choice."

he paused as he remembers his friends, his studies, his life. sunghoon. fuck.

i'm really sorry, but i have to do this.

"i'm sure. i'll go with you, grandpa."

+++++++++

i felt so exhausted writing that ;-;

i think in one of the chapters before, i already hinted about jaehyuk not attending his law school but i don't think y'all remember that lmao

anyways, we're still on the 📉📉📉 on the next chapter :<