Chapter 11

Was I selfless? Or selfish? or both in different ways?

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Growing up,

I thought I always gave more than I received.

And it makes me both happy and sad.

A part of me still thinks that it was I who sacrificed a lot for our family.

But lately, I realized,

I'm mistaken. I realized it's not always about me.

I should also try to look at others' perspectives; I never tried to step back and look at it from the other side. I only chose what to see, and that was the sacrifices I made and the choices I made that I thought would be best for my family. But is that all there is to it?

Do I have the right to self-pity right now?

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It's about time to step up, right? To be brave for once and rectify the situation. To really be selfless this time.

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I think this will be for the best.

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After contemplating for too long, I then decided I would choose to clean my brother's name rather than continue my façade. I held on long enough, and maybe it's about time.

I can't hide forever, and maybe it's about time for me to be honest and face the truth I buried for so long. There would be, without a doubt, some consequences later, but I'd think about that after. I'll just cross the bridge when I get there.

For now, what is more important is to restore the career that my brother fought for for years. 

He even rescinded his relationship with our parents at a young age just so he could pursue his passion, so who am I to destroy it for him? He worked so hard for it, and because of me, he might lose it. I feel ashamed that even at this point I was still hesitant to help him; I really was too selfish. I got the comfort of our parent's resources while he's here fighting on his own, and it is just right that I share a little bit of his burden.

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The next day, I noticed that Aiden had gone out early. It's good then; I won't have to be cautious with my plan since he's outside.

After making sure he's really out, I called his manager over and asked him to record my official statement and release it on their page as soon as possible. I told him to find an excuse to go out for a second so he could help me carry out the plan. I am not familiar with their PR process, so I needed his help with regard to this matter. I've already met him a few times and am constantly in contact to get updates, so we're familiar with each other.

When he heard about my plan, he was initially hesitant to do it, but I told him this is the only way to clear his name; otherwise, it would be game over for him and his career, and I know he wouldn't want that.

He watched him grow all these years, starting when Aiden was still a trainee, and I know he's already attached to him like his own younger brother, so eventually, he agreed with me.

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Before recording, I tried to organize my thoughts so I could explain them in a way that would win Aiden's favor without making any mistakes. I paced back and forth in the room, trying to calm myself down. I have never done such a thing before, so, of course, it makes me totally nervous.

I settled down and stared at the camera in front of me. Throughout the recording, I tried to reveal as much as I could, which I knew could help the situation. I just envisioned it as if I were reporting in our class or doing a defense in front of a panel, so I wouldn't panic as much as I'm feeling now.

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"Hello everyone,

I know,

A lot of you might not be familiar with who I am, and you might be wondering why I am here, making a statement on this agency's page."

I took a long breath to steady my voice and continued.

"I am here today to clear up a few things.

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Firstly, there was trending news recently regarding the photo of Aiden Williams hugging some unknown girl at the airport who was also photographed going inside his apartment afterwards while carrying a suitcase,

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it was me.

He picked me up at the airport that night and went home together to his apartment so I can stay there for the time being.

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Since nobody here even knew who I was, it would have been better for me if I had just remained silent right? It shouldn't be my problem at all.

But I can't take it any longer. I don't wanna watch him get destroyed because of me. What is so wrong if he picked me up, hugged me, and brought me to his apartment?

Because I'm of the opposite sex? Are your idols forbidden to do so? What's so wrong about it?

Regardless, just because we did those things doesn't mean we're in a romantic relationship.

Wouldn't that be absurd?

Why would I even consider dating my own brother?

I mean, I don't even date anyone,

Moreso my brother right?

Anyway, we were too focused with our careers for that."

I suddenly felt relaxed that I just went on and rant about the madness this is all about.