Embracing Past

Raehyun exited the school and settled into the car.

"Take me to In Hyuk School," he instructed his driver.

"Yes," the driver replied, starting the car and driving towards In Hyuk School.

Raehyun alighted from the car upon reaching the school and leaned towards the car mirror, instructing, "Inform my brother's driver that we'll arrive on our own."

"Understood," the driver replied.

Raehyun patiently waited outside for In Hyuk, as it was still early. When the school bell finally rang, students poured out, and Raehyun observed In Hyuk emerging after an additional ten minutes.

In Hyuk, noticing Raehyun waiting, briefly paused before approaching. "Why is he here?" he pondered, then made his way towards him.

In Hyuk questioned, "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to talk to you, so I sent your driver back," Raehyun explained.

"But I had plans. You should have informed me beforehand," In Hyuk said.

Raehyun glanced around awkwardly, placing his hands on his hips, and apologized, "Ah, I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You can join me. It's crucial, so I can't miss it," In Hyuk said as he walked to a nearby cafe, dialling a number on his cell phone. Raehyun silently followed.

"Driver Uncle," In Hyuk said on the phone, "I need to go somewhere. Could you pick me up in front of the school?"

The recipient replied, "Yes, sure. I was told not to pick you up, so I didn't come. I will head out now."

"Alright," In Hyuk replied as he sat at a table in the cafe.

Raehyun felt a bit uneasy sitting alone across from In Hyuk. Placing his bag on the chair, he hesitated before settling down.

In Hyuk inquired, "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"Ah, that was..." he stammered, struggling to find the right words. Raehyun glanced at In Hyuk, his mind flashing back to the moment of slashing In Hyuk in the chest. Closing his eyes, he looked down, remaining silent for a while.

Finally, he asked, "Can't we find a quieter place?"

In Hyuk replied, "Sure, but I'm short on time. There's a display of historic objects in the Silla Annuals Museum. I need to attend that."

He suggested, "How about we talk after checking out the exhibit?"

Raehyun replied" Yes, sure "

Despite his discomfort at attending a display of historic objects, he agreed to accompany In Hyuk, driven by the desire to strengthen their connection.

As the car headed to its destination, he gazed out of the window from the back seat where he sat with In Hyuk.

Leaning his head against the mirror, memories of their past life flooded his mind.

"If only In Hyuk hadn't killed people, we could have lived happily in the Palace," he pondered.

Raehyun, accompanied by In Hyuk, stepped into the museum for the first time.

Unlike his usual disinterest in such places, he took a seat beside In Hyuk, facing the stage adorned with a table and a dais. An MC emerged to showcase rare and old historic artefacts.

While Raehyun found the presentation boring, In Hyuk was captivated by the entire display.

MC unveiled a stone, emphasizing, "Ladies and gentlemen, behold this remarkable piece. It's more than 1400 years old stone. It's adorned with a Chinese character carving, depicting a word family."

He rotated the stone, revealing the intricate characters, while the screen behind him zoomed in for a closer view.

Raehyun looked at the screen in shock; his emotions surged as he observed In Hyuk, who was looking at screen with a warm smile.

Raehyun stood up abruptly and rushed out of the presentation hall. Rather than heading towards the car, he moved to the other side, seeking to distance himself from everything.

He continued walking with swift steps until a hand grabbed his shoulder from behind. Turning back, he saw In Hyuk.

Raehyun retorted, "You deliberately took me there, didn't you?"

In Hyuk affirmed, "Right, I knew they would display that stone. It serve as a reminder of our brotherhood—a testament to the depth of our bond."

Jiho, bewildered, questioned, "What?"

In Hyuk said, "I don't resent the fact that I met my end by your hands. Despite that, we remain brothers, We've been through thick and thin together."

Raehyun exclaimed, "Then why are planning to harm others?"

In Hyuk questioned, "How do you know my intentions that I would harm someone?"

"Why gather cold case records if not for a sinister purpose?" Raehyun, eyeing In Hyuk, added, "I saw it in a book on your shelf."

In Hyuk's expression hardened. "Did you invade my privacy?"

Raehyun dismissed, "That's not important right now."

"What is?" In Hyuk advanced toward Raehyun. "You're a murderer too. You killed your own brother."

A shiver raced through Raehyun's body . He swiftly turned and fled, leaving In Hyuk gazing at his retreating figure. Instead of drawing them closer, this incident drove them further apart.

***o***

Raehyun submitted his form at the counselling office, placing it on the table as instructed by the teacher. Under the "Future Dream" column, he had written "Police."

Right, he decided to become a Police officer. To stop In Hyuk from further bloodshed, he needed authority.

In Hyuk began avoiding Jiho for the first time due to anger over the invasion of his privacy.

***o***

In 2016, In Hyuk provided the precise sword design to the smith, requesting an exact replica. Due to some errors, he requested a remake. After a month, he received the sword matching his previous life's design. Excitedly, he took the sword home. In the evening, In Hyuk entered Raehyun's room, holding the sword.

Raehyun emerged from the shower, drying his hair with a towel.

He glanced at In Hyuk curiously, whose eyes were brimming with excitement. In Hyuk approached as Raehyun lowered his towel-holding hand.

"In Hyuk raised the sword high before Raehyun, an evil sneer on his face. "Do you see this sword? I've finally got it. It's the sword with which I killed the tyrant." He declared.

Suddenly, his eyes saddened, and his voice became solemn, 'Unfortunately, it's also the sword with which you killed me.'"

Goosebumps coursed over Raehyun as his hands grew cold, clutching the towel tightly. Tears welled up in his eyes, reflecting a mix of emotions as he gazed upon the sword before him.

"But, Jiho, how could you kill your own brother?" In Hyuk questioned, shaking his head in disbelief. "I tried to understand you, but I still don't get it."

Raehyun replied with a trembling voice. "It was the only way to stop you,"

In Hyuk "To stop me?"

"Yeah, to halt the bloodshed. It was the final decision I could make," Jiho explained with a weak and somber tone.

In Hyuk took a step closer, expressing, "But what do we do now? I still feel like my head will explode at the sight of injustice against the weak."

"Then you can protect them," Raehyun suggested. "Become a police officer and defend the weak."

In Hyuk responded with a mocking smile, "Unfortunately, that's not the case, Jiho. Those so-called police officers are on the side of evil."

Jiho " Then you can just __

In Hyuk interrupted, "No. Being righteous is not the answer. Eradicating evil is the right path."

In Hyuk exited Raehyun's room, and the door shut with a loud thud. Raehyun stared at his trembling hands, recalling the moment he had slashed In Hyuk once again.