Chapter 20: Brother

After a long and complicated conversation, with the misunderstanding between them growing bigger, they finally ended their lunch and left the restaurant. Yohan no longer cared about clearing up the confusion, all he could think about now was Kian's promise to help him in the future. He walked with his head down, trying not to let his smile be seen while pretending to be heartbroken.

However, as they walked in silence, a thought suddenly occurred to Yohan, something that had been on his mind since their first meeting. He turned to Kian and asked tentatively.

"By the way, are you leaving already? You're only here temporarily, right?"

Kian nodded in response. "I'm here because of a big project I'm working on. It's not necessary for me to stay here, but due to some unforeseen circumstances regarding this project..."

He trailed off as he looked at the bags Yohan was carrying.

"What about you? Are you on vacation or something?"

Yohan shook his head. "No, I actually live in this city. Today, I just moved into my new apartment."

Kian remained silent for a moment as if contemplating something, before a black Benz car suddenly pulled up in front of them.

"Get in." Kian said as he took Yohan's bag from him and loaded it into the car. "I'll drop you off at your new place."

Grateful for the ride and relieved that he wouldn't have to hail a taxi with all his bags, Yohan climbed into the back seat of the luxurious car beside Kian. He directed the chauffeur towards his apartment, and for the duration of the ride, an eerie silence filled the air. This time, Yohan was grateful for the lack of conversation, as every word from Kian's mouth earlier had only served to frustrate him further. Meanwhile, Kian was engrossed in work on his tablet.

"Maybe I'll come back here soon." Kian suddenly broke the silence in his usual cold and detached tone.

Yohan couldn't help but be curious about Kian's unfinished business.

"Oh... Is your work not done yet?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

Kian replied indifferently, "It is... but if it becomes too overwhelming for me, my brother will take over."

Those words caused Yohan to feel a sudden rush of anxiety and fear. Brother... Does that mean the person he's referring to is...?

"Actually, he's also here these days, but he's staying with his friend." Kian continued calmly. "Do you mind if we pick him up first before taking you back to your apartment?"

Suddenly, Yohan's hand shot out and grabbed Kian's arm with a tight grip. He looked at Kian with a mix of anxiety and fear, his hands shaking uncontrollably.

"If... if you're going to pick up your brother, please drop me off here. I can take a taxi," Yohan pleaded urgently.

Kian was taken aback by Yohan's sudden reaction and wondered if he knew his brother. "You..." he began to say something, before being cut off by Yohan.

"Sorry..." Yohan forced a smile while making excuses as best he could. "I have to go back to my apartment because someone is waiting for me. If you pick up your brother now, it might take too long."

Kian looked at Yohan with a skeptical expression, but he decided to play along and act as if he believed Yohan's excuse. He instructed the chauffeur to take them straight to Yohan's apartment.

The silence between them was heavy, and Kian couldn't help but notice that Yohan's body was still trembling with emotion. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do or say in this situation.

But then something inside him stirred, an impulse to offer comfort and support; and before he knew it, his hand was reaching out towards the younger man. With a gentle touch, Kian placed his palm on Yohan's head, feeling the soft strands of hair beneath his fingers.

The simple act seemed to have an immediate effect on Yohan, he visibly relaxed under Kian's touch, and a wave of calm washed over him. If only Kian wasn't related to that person... perhaps there would be no need for Yohan to avoid him altogether. Despite everything, however, all he wanted right now was comfort from this cold but gentle man next to him. And so he leaned into Kian's touch like a kitten seeking affection.

Kian couldn't help but smile at the sight of Yohan looking so contented with him. Although curiosity nagged at him about what had caused such anxiety and fear in Yohan towards his brother, Kian knew better than to push too hard for answers given their short acquaintance.

Before either of them realized it though, the car had stopped in front of Yohan's apartment building. Kian removed his hand from Yohan's head with a tinge of disappointment in his heart.

"We've arrived." Kian said softly. "Take good care of yourself."

Yohan gathered all his bags and got out of the car, but not before flashing Kian a grateful smile.

"Thank you for taking me..." he began before adding with a hint of playfulness, "By the way, you always treat me like a minor but I'm actually an adult."

With that last comment ringing in Kian's ears and causing him to wonder even more about this enigmatic young man, Yohan closed the door with a laugh and made his way towards the entrance of his new apartment, leaving Kian sitting stunned once again.