He had already given everything he could for the team, even preparing to sacrifice himself to make them winners. He couldn’t show any weakness because if he faltered even slightly, people would question his abilities and wonder if he could still retain his position. When that happened, he couldn’t help but remember his younger self, the shadow of frustration, anxiety, and doubt. It was the old him that he wanted to bury and hide. Usually, he tried to brush it off because he believed in himself, but with his current situation, his old self kept reappearing in his mind, creating a chaotic mess inside his head.
Wandering alone in the middle of the night had become his way to ease his mind. The quiet atmosphere gave him space to breathe, allowing him to forget his burdens, even if just for a moment. With all the changes and influences affecting him, there were so many questions tormenting him. When he looked at the starry sky and saw the tiny sparks of light, he wondered if his own spark would slowly be extinguished, swallowed by the dark night sky.
Since he can't find the right answer to satisfy his question, he decided to ask the brightest star he ever known, Lee Sanghyeok. Holding his phone close to his ear, he tried to call him.
One ring... no answer.
Second ring... still no answer. He might still be asleep, considering it was past midnight. Lee Minhyeong couldn’t explain why he felt so desperate to get an answer right now. If Lee Sanghyeok didn’t answer on the third ring, Lee Minhyeong would stop trying.
But to his surprise, Lee Sanghyeok picked up, and Minhyeong felt flustered for disturbing him because of his impulsive action.
“Minhyeong? Why are you calling?” Lee Sanghyeok’s groggy voice came through the line.
Since he had already disturbed his rest, Minhyeong decided to ask his question.
“I’m sorry hyung, for disturbing you, but there’s something I really want to know…”
“…About what?”
“How does it feel to be the brightest star?”
“I don’t know… It’s hard to describe,” Lee Sanghyeok replied after a moment of silence.
“Why do you ask?”
“I’m just curious…” Lee Minhyeong answered truthfully.
There was no reply from the other end, making him wonder if Lee Sanghyeok had fallen back asleep. Just as Lee Minhyeong was about to end the call, Lee Sanghyeok spoke again.
“When will you come back to the dorm?” he quietly asked.
"Soon..." Lee Minhyeong replied as he glanced at his smartwatch. It was already dawn.
"Good. Be careful on your way back," Lee Sanghyeok commented before ending the call, closing their conversation.
He wasn’t sure when his older brother noticed his new habit, but he had a feeling he needed to return quickly, as his brother might be waiting for him, even if he didn’t say anything. And his hunch was right. When he arrived at the dorm, there was Lee Sanghyeok standing in the middle of the common room, sipping a glass of water. Upon noticing his presence, he let out a yawn and greeted him.
“Oh, you're here.”
“Yes, hyung...” he quickly replied. “Why are you still awake?” he asked.
“You think whose fault is that?” Lee Sanghyeok retorted matter-of-factly. Lee Minhyeong only smiled sheepishly and scratched his head in response.
Grabbing his coat, Lee Sanghyeok motioned for Lee Minhyeong to follow him. Although confused, Minhyeong obeyed and walked behind his older brother. The familiar building soon came into view. They entered, pressed the elevator button, and rode in silence. Upon arriving at the rooftop, Lee Sanghyeok took a few steps forward. The strong wind quickly swept past them, making both of them shiver slightly.
“Hyung, aren’t you cold? Why are we here?” Lee Minhyeong asked curiously.
A low hum came from Lee Sanghyeok, seemingly agreeing with his question, but his next words startled him a little.
“I thought this would be a good place to talk about your question,” he said slowly.
“My answer didn’t satisfy you, right?” he continued, glancing at Lee Minhyeong from the side.
Lee Minhyeong simply hummed in response.
“There is definitely some burden and expectation when you’re put in the spotlight, but it’s actually shaped me into a better person, aligning with my personal goals to become a great example for others,” he explained, his gaze fixed on the tall buildings ahead of them.
“I think Minhyeongie has changed into a better person, too,” he added softly.
Looking back, Lee Minhyeong realized he had grown up, leaving behind his immature and reckless tendencies. He had become more mindful and tried to act like a true adult, ever since Lee Sanghyeok had gently reprimanded him.
“Is there anything else bothering you?” Lee Sanghyeok’s voice broke him from his thoughts.
“You know my situation. It makes me anxious, and I can’t help but doubt myself,” he said weakly, his gaze dropping to his clenched hands.
“Minhyeongie… Remember when I told you that you’re world-class? I still think that way about you. You can interpret it however you like,” Lee Sanghyeok voicing his opinion, saying it in a light tone while awkwardly patting his back.
Lee Minhyeong’s laughter could be heard because of Lee Sanghyeok’s series of actions. His older brother was truly a caring person. He always tried to comfort and care for his younger teammates in his own way. Like one of brightest star, the sun, his light illuminated those around him, giving them strength, hope, and pride. He inspired many people to carve their own paths, while his soft light embraced troubled hearts. He never discriminated or showed favoritism. He treated everyone equally, making sure no one felt left out, just like sunlight that touches the earth without exception. His consistency and longevity similiar to the appearance of constant sun.
But Lee Minhyeong could never compare his brilliance to Lee Sanghyeok’s. Maybe, all this time, he was just like the moon, only reflecting the light of the sun beside him, never having a light of his own.
“Hyung... do you remember when I wrote about how there can’t be two suns in the same sky? Maybe that was right all along,” he said nonchalantly, a bitter smile on his lips.
“No, that’s not true,” Lee Sanghyeok quickly intercepted his words, turning Lee Minhyeong attention to the person beside him.
“For me, your presence is like the sun,” he whispered softly, his gaze intense and unwavering.
Watching Lee Sanghyeok say those words, bathed in the soft light of the sunrise, made Lee Minhyeong’s heart skip a beat. It wasn’t fair, how a few simple words from him could calm his turbulent thoughts. But it mattered. It mattered because it was him, the person he had trusted wholeheartedly since the beginning. They had seen each other at their lowest and had also shared their happiest moments in the world of competition.
So, he could only smile, conveying his response without words. Lee Sanghyeok smiled back, raising his soft upturned lips before breaking eye contact. Both of them focused their gaze into beautiful sunrise ahead of them. As the morning breeze gently blew, carrying the golden light of dawn, it seemed to give them both the strength to face another day.
Since it wasn’t their usual time to be awake, Lee Sanghyeok let out a yawn for the umpteenth time. Turning away, he walked toward the rooftop door and said, “Let’s sleep. We have practice today.”
Lee Minhyeong smiled at his words, running slightly to match his older brother’s steps.
Yes, they had to prepare themselves for the challenge ahead, again.
