Chapter Text
Sang-tae leaving so suddenly had been bittersweet. It had left him feeling torn. A part of him was happy for his brother and respected his decision. The other part of him felt the void his brother's absence had left them. He was someone Gang-tae's whole life had revolved around at some point. He had gone through thick and thin but no matter what happened, Sang-tae was always there. Inseparable.
He couldn't help it when he'd be driving at night. His eyes would travel to Mun-Young first, sleeping beside him, and then over to the rearview, where he used to see his brother dozing off, the place now vacant.
It had grown awfully quiet too.
They missed him.
It was left unsaid but deeply felt.
"Should we head home to him?" Mun-Young suggested handing him the coffee she brewed, he accepted and furrowed his brows at her. She sat in front of the fire with him before continuing.
"You could follow him around and I'll kidnap him at the right time." She suggested smiling.
Gang-tae paused, staring at her incredulously before chuckling. Her smile grew wide.
As silence settled between them once again, he spoke. "Hyung…" he trailed, eyes trained on the coffee cup, not used to speaking up when it came to his feelings. Mun-Young looked over. "Has always wanted to do things his own way. I respect his decision. I just…" He stopped again, trying to find the right word.
"Worry." She finished for him, looking straight into his eyes. "'Has he eaten yet? Did he get there yet? Does he need anything?' I can see those questions written on your face."
Gang-tae blinked and looked away, taking a sip of coffee. "Yeah." He acknowledged. "We've never been apart for more than a day and it has already been a week now."
Mun-Young took his hand in hers and rubbed her thumb over the back of his.
"Give my bestie a call." She said.
Gang-tae shook his head."He must be busy, I'll wait for his call."
Mun-Young huffed. "If you miss him just call. Why complicate things. Don't think too much." Gang-tae chuckled at the lines of frustration that formed over her face.
"Really, give me your phone. I'll call him for you since you're feeling so shy." She put forward her other hand.
Gang-tae relieved a bulk of air, smiling now. She placed the cup on the ground and Mun-Young smiled, glad he listened.
Until the warm touch of his palm rested atop her face. Before he could speak, however, his phone rang. His heart skipped a beat in anticipation.
"It's… Hyung." He looked over at her and she raised her brow, grinning. He could hear her say, 'told you so' without even voicing it.
"Hello, h-Hyung!" He stuttered out.
"D-did you-- did you eat, Moon Gang-tae?" Sang-tae's familiar voice penetrated the air.
At that moment, all worry dissipated from within the younger brother. Something about that question put his worries to rest. Being on the receiving end of this question, he realized how nice it felt.
"Mun-Young told me you want my hug." Sang-tae continued. Gang-tae looked over to her, baffled and she smiled innocently. "Hug. Hug my sister if you miss me. I'm far. I'm very far. I can't come to hug you."
A smile spread over his face, Mun-Young watched as the sparkle in his eyes returned, happy about this mini-reunion. She could see the tension in him break away. Mun-Young was now certain he'd be okay the rest of the trip.