Bitter Truth

After finding out that Kang Chin Mae was Moon Chin Hae's twin, and they know each other because they have some common friends was still confusing to Young Jae. Too many thoughts were running wild in his head. Like why a different surname? Why didn't they grow up together? Why he never heard of it? But he was trying his best to adapt well and stay calm. It was the only option he has now after acting out on the fear. Moon Young Jae did panic when he realised there was an issue with his vision. A couple of hours ago, he was indeed inconsolable.

"Why did you save me? It would be best if you had let me die. I am an abomination to the family. Because of me, my mother is suffering in that family. No matter how much I struggle and work hard, nothing happens in my favour. I shouldn't live. Just let me die…" Young Jae screamed at Moon Chin Hae to let him go. But the tight grip around him never loosened.

Chin Hae held him tighter without touching his injuries. It was difficult, but Kang Chin Mae helped by restraining Young Jae by holding down the lower part of the body when Chin Hae dealt with the body's upper part.

But the twins were getting frustrated at his attitude. Understanding the pain was one thing, but putting up with stubbornness would need a whole other level of patience... which was thinning in them...

"If you think your death would protect your mother, then you are nothing but stupid. They will have one more reason to taunt her and put down in the Moon Mansion." Gritting his teeth, Moon Chin Hae revealed the truth.

Young Jae stilled.

Living in a victim-blaming society was not easy.

"Even in my death, all I could do was harm her." Young Jae whispered, and tears gathered in his dazed eyes. He was hurting, and it was visible in his face.

Moon Chin Hae freed him from his hold and sat back on the bed.

"Remember, you can't protect your mother if you die. You can't get back at people who harmed you if you let them go just like that. My naïve cousin, you can't even protect yourself if you let others words get you. Never forget that." Chin Hae tried to talk sense to Young Jae with his horrible attempt, and it didn't reach entirely into Young Jae.

"Do you guys think I can ever protect my mother?" cynical question of Young Jae somehow elicited a chuckle from the twins. They ignored their similar reaction and focused on Young Jae.

"How do I know if you can protect her or anyone you love if you never attempt? But I know for sure, if you give up on her, she would suffer the most. I saw the desperation to protect you in your mother's eyes. She was helpless and inconsolable even after the medic arrived." Kang Chin Mae said nonchalantly.

All Moon Chin Hae wanted was to facepalm at his twin's words. They were not helpful but painful. 'Who wanted to hear about their mother crying and worried about them? Was this manipulative idiot trying to guilt-trip their cousin?' Chin Hae was not sure if it would be helpful or not. But he decided to deal with his cousin in the way he knew.

Put the fact on people's face. "I was kicked out of the Moon mansion after being framed. Did you remember that?" Moon Chin Hae asked and was patiently waiting for Young Jae's response.

He needed the undivided attention of Young Jae's to be successful.

Finally, Young Jae responded with a nod. "My step-sister framed me for molestation. In truth, she barged into my room. Ripped her clothes and accused me. I was defenceless when my father hit me brutally for having evil thoughts about his precious daughter. I know everyone knew the truth but just pretended like they don't know if they intervened because they won't protect themselves except for your mother and my sister. They stood up for me. That day I know I could never protect myself. But I know that I should protect my sister and aunt when they need it. I would give everything I have to protect them today." Chin Hae said patiently.

"Do you think I can protect them today?" When Chin Hae asked this question, Young Jae answered in a heartbeat. "You can. Don't doubt that."

"But I couldn't even protect myself back then. BB once told me if I never tried to become strong, I would never become strong. If I never tried to protect my loved ones, I would never know if I can protect them. If I never try, I would never know. I tried, and I know I can, at least to an extent." Chin Hae the words he received when he was in the most pathetic state.

No one said a word after that. Silence comforted the restless hearts and let all the three in their world.

Kang Chin Mae knew about Moon Chin Hae being kicked out of the house years ago. But he never knew the reason. No wonder this average kid pushed himself to be strong enough to become BB's, right-hand man. Accused of molestation… that was the most absurd thing he ever heard.

Moon Chin Hae has always respected every female around them. He was the one who gets bullied by their female friends, and he never lost patience with their antics. At least this Moon family should have made up a plausible reason.

Why would a guy who has a loving boyfriend even glance at women? For crying out loud, Moon Chin Hae was gay. Kang Chin Mae decided to pay more attention to the Moon family to avoid their advancement towards Chin Hae, Young Jae and the people these two cares about.

Moon Chin Hae shuddered at the memory. Nothing was horrifying than being vulnerable and at others mercy. The amount of hard work he put himself through was not a joke. But he had strong support from his friends, who always treated him like family just because of his… because of the women who gave birth to him. It has been almost ten years since he knew of her existence. She tried her best to be in the shadow to protect him and his sister. Somehow their elder brother became a lost cause to everyone. Money, power and greed ruled him over.

The thought of becoming strong enough to protect his mother, sister and cousin sister sounded appealing. 'If Chin Hae Hyung could do it, then why not me' thought entered Moon Young Jae's mind. He was sure Chin Hae Hyung's injury was worse than his if not similar. Maybe not the vision impairment from the beatings was much worse than his. He wanted to become stronger. But his vision…

"I will do everything you say Chin Hae Hyung, Mr Kang. I will pay you back for it later when I am capable of it. I want to protect my family. But my vision…" Young Jae didn't dare to finish the sentence.

"Let's discuss with the doctors first. We will do all the medical test they suggest and figure it out." Chin Hae was fast to reassure him. They can't decide on anything without knowing more information.

"Stop worrying about paying us back. Both of us have lots of money without any purpose now. My wife already ordered me to take proper care of you. And call me Hyung." Kang Chin Mae spoke after his twin.

Chin Hae couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Chin Mae for allowing Young Jae to call him brother.

"I will call you, Mr Kang. We might be relative, but you are still a stranger to me." Young Jae said in a small voice, fearing that he might get yelled at any minute.

Kang Chin Mae let a dissatisfied hum before turning away.

Chin Hae felt a little jealous towards his cousin for having the right to call his twin 'Hyung' when he was denied. He wanted to be in that place where he gets accepted as dongsaeng and call his twin Hyung without any hesitation.

But damn, the arrogant twin of his never accepted him as a brother. He should have kicked his hopeless twin properly when they were in the womb together. 'Grab the opportunities shamelessly if you need to succeed. Or else you would always regret.' BB's said this once to someone, and he remembered it all of a sudden.

"Hyung! Call the doctor in. We will discuss our cousin Young Jae's treatment." Chin Hae attempted to call his twin Hyung while trying giving the look of I-am-just-helping-you-to-become-his-Hyung.

Kang Chin Mae glared at his twin lightly but walked towards the intercom in the room to call the doctor.

"One step at a time…" Chin Hae told his cousin and himself comfortingly.