Unbrotherly Love

Takumi could not sleep that night. His bewildered mind swirled with thoughts of the happenings of the previous few days. Everything thus far has felt surreal: his breakup with Min-Jun, Mr. Kang approaching him, his success at the dancing competition, and the audition tomorrow. His head was filled with fresh experiences, both joyous and painful. When the first rays of sunlight penetrated the wide window, he stood up and started his morning routine. He took a bath and dressed in clothes that highlighted his long, lean legs and strong body. He groomed his hair to seem as handsome as possible and wore his favourite accessories to complete the look.

"Ladies and gentlemen", the anchor announced in an eager tone, "the moment we'd all been waiting for has arrived. After hours of fierce competition and stunning performances, I am pleased to present the winners of this year's dance competition. Each year, three contenders compete for first, second, and third place. Once the results are announced, the winners should appear on stage to accept their awards and conduct a brief interview so that our viewers can get to know them. Ready? Let's go! Third place goes to the wonderful Urban Pulse crew, who captivated us with their inventive choreography and sheer passion". The audience erupted in applause, praising their outstanding performance and triumph.

Takumi was astounded. He distanced himself from Hoon and Jae-Hyun, an acquaintance they made there, and grew closer to Mr Kang. The agent who scouted him a couple of days ago, was now standing in front of him, with a joyful smile captured on his face. He was accompanied by three men, all very polished and fashionable. They were in branded suits, each one of them embracing a different style approach. One of them seemed younger than the others, but no less dominating or wealthy. Mr. Kang spoke first.

Min-Jun sent him a message. His breath stopped. He reluctantly unlocked his phone, the message preview being a simple "Hey". Takumi's pulse beat faster than a racing horse at the prospect of what Min-Jun would tell him. Will he ask him to get back together, or will he curse him? He was unsure. His heart was in excruciating pain as he remembered Minjun's heartbreaking words: "We need to break up." The remembrance triggered a new wave of sickness in his body.

Once Takumi closed the door behind him with a heavy thud, he picked up his phone. Scrolling through his contacts, he landed on Hoon's name and hit the call button. They had been classmates and close friends since primary school.

Takumi felt like both the ceiling and the walls were closing in. His heart was broken, shattered into thousands of pieces, as many as the days Min-Jun had been in his life. Seven years. Seven years they had known each other. Seven years since Min-Jun had become his family. Three years as his lover. Three years! As the memories flooded Takumi's thoughts, his pulse raced and his body froze. If only Min-Jun could keep those words to himself.

Takumi’s heart was burning like wood in the fire. The sound of his own breathing was resembling the sound of the fireplace at the end of the huge, dark lit room. This was not the first time he had visited his lover’s house, yet everything seemed different today: the sofa they used to make out on, the chairs they would sit on and eat, the TV they would spend countless nights in front of. Every piece of furniture, even the walls, seemed cold. Distant. Just like his lover. Across the room, Min-Jun sat rigidly on his usual spot, a glass of his favourite brand of Scottish malt whiskey swirling in his hand. His cold demeanour and indifference were apparent in his stance towards Takumi. His jaw was clenched, eyes like chips of ice that refused to meet Takumi's gaze. "We should break up," Min-Jun finally spoke, his voice devoid of warmth. Cruel and enraged, Min-Jun broke his lover’s heart with just a few words.