Unbrotherly Love - Chapter 4

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.

The phone slid from his fingers and landed facedown on the bench. Takumi hid his face in his hands, overwhelmed by indecision. Minutes turned into an hour. Takumi took up the phone and continued staring at the now-black screen. What should he do? If this had happened a few days earlier, he would have immediately checked his phone, delighted to have received a massage from his beloved, and a love message no less. But suddenly Min-Jun's message appears out of place. Takumi's heart became cold as a result of his hurtful statements. It wasn't just the anguish of betrayal. It was the abandonment. The rejection. He wasn't loved as much as he imagined. Not by his father or brother, not by his sweetheart. The understanding and acceptance of the loneliness that our existence brings is awful. Takumi experienced loneliness for the first time in his life.

With a resigned groan, he brought the phone closer. But, before his thumb could unlock the screen, another notification appeared above Minjun's message. Takumi clicked on the news alert, which read, "See You on the Dance Floor! K-Move Dance Competition Reminder".

"The competition!" Takumi exclaimed. "I totally forgot about it!". Details about the impending dance competition flooded his view. It was the same competition they had intended to attend together, which they had discussed for months. When Takumi chose to participate in the competition, Min-Jun was overjoyed and supportive. What has changed in such a little time? A solitary tear streamed down Takumi's cheek. He locked his phone again and put it in his pocket. Tonight, the music would play, and laughter would flow, but he would be alone.

Takumi sensed a new emotion emerge from the ashes of his previous life. If no one else loved him, he would love himself more to compensate for their absence. He stubbornly tried to keep his mind focused on tonight's competition. It had slipped his mind after his separation with Min-Jun.  

"I do not have time for this. Min-Jun doesn't alter his mind after making a decision, therefore this isn't a get-together message. Hyung, I have other things to worry about. I can't let myself start thinking about us. You have betrayed me! What else is there to say between us?"

Takumi walked back to his friend's house, with a heavy heart. Hoon had only just awoken when he entered the room.

"Are you not coming to school today? ", Hoon asked while yawning.  

Takumi was hesitant to answer. He wasn’t sure of what was the right thing to do. "Hoon, I cannot afford to stay in school. What's the point of going? "

"You cannot condemn a situation without first attempting to understand it. Do not give up. Even if the school tells you to quit studying, you should still endeavour to graduate high school. There are 7 months remaining. I will help you collect the fees. Now, get dressed. We’re going to be late".

Takumi negotiated with him, saying, "Only if you attend the dance competition tonight."

"Will I miss you dancing? " his friend inquired, smirking and offering him one of his own school outfits. 

"What would I do without you, Hyung? "

"Finally, you've acknowledged my greatness! After all these years, I get to hear a confession concerning my involvement in your life! This is a day to celebrate!"

Takumi chuckled heartily at Hoon's teasing. Hoon had proven to be a devoted friend to Takumi. Despite their differences in status, Hoon had never looked down on Takumi. On the contrary, he admired Takumi's abilities and gentle demeanour.

Fortunately, no one at school, other from Hoon, was aware of his personal struggles, so it was a routine school day. Takumi's heart felt unusually light as he returned to normalcy. He saw the same familiar faces who treated him the same way, went to the same classes, and ate the same canteen meal.

Takumi spent the entire afternoon training. He diligently practiced each routine, focusing on his footwork, rhythm, and expressions. He practiced difficult sequences several times until he could execute them flawlessly. Takumi also improved his flexibility and strength by including different stretches and exercises into his practice. By the end of the afternoon, he was exhausted but satisfied with his progress.

His emotional state was not optimal, but he would give it his all. He had to. Despite feeling exhausted and burdened by stress and desolation, Takumi knew this competition was essential. He had a goal to fulfil, and nothing, not even his own mental state, would get in his way. He anticipated nothing less from himself than an outstanding performance full of depth and passion. 

What he did not expect was to meet him at the competition. 

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