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“The name’s Dongmin,” the boy greeted. He had a subtle smile on his face, bowing slightly to the man before him. Out of all men and women—those who tried their best to gain the attention of the brothers—nobody succeeded to captivate his eyes. Except for one.
“Myung Jaehyun,” answered the man.
He took the hand Jaehyun offered, pulled to a little space in the middle of the dance floor.
This man is one of a kind. He had sparkling eyes, a sculpture as a face, and one hell of a voice. It moved my heart. The little stubs on his chin, does he know how glorious he looks?
“Where is your family from?”
“Is it really that important, my dear?” Jaehyun smiles, caressing the latter’s cheeks fondly, “There are lots of other things to care for, no? For example, our future wedding?”
He then winked at the younger.
Dongmin chuckled, “a big flirt, aren't you?” Though he can feel how his left hand started fidgeting on his waist tie.
What else can be the reason why this man did not want to reveal where his family is from if it is not because he’s penniless?
The music thumped, both bodies slightly tapping to the rhythm. The two faced each other, heart eyes never absent. After a while, the music stopped. They parted ways, Dongmin finding his way to his brother with a big, endearing smile carved on.
But that was until Dongmin caught a glimpse of his brother, watching from afar with helpless eyes.
———
He caught Donghyun’s breath.
The moment Donghyun landed his eyes on the man, he got helpless. It felt like a bunch of cupid arrows started aiming their bows to him. He looked into Jaehyun’s eyes, and he swears he wants to drown on those deep, black pearls.
Truthfully, Donghyun wasn’t the type to try to steal the spotlight of the event. He’d rather enjoy it as it is, and stick to his brother Dongmin for the rest of the night.
But seriously, when that man with keys on his hips and tie on his chest entered the room…
He got him helpless.
The music thumped, as Donghyun scans the whole dance floor tapping their bodies to the rhythm. He scavenged for his brother, hoping for an offer of help to get him closer to the man he fell in love with at first sight. After a while, the music stopped. He started walking, his head looking around once again for his brother—or that man.
What a coincidence! He found his brother—with that man not far away behind him!
———
“Dongmin.. You gotta help me,” begged the younger, clinging onto the latter’s arms, “that man.. That man is mine.” Dongmin stared at his brother teasingly, wiggling his eyebrows. “So my brother finally got his eyes on someone, huh?”
He turned back and walked towards Jaehyun again, his smile smug.
He grabbed the man’s wrists, and started trotting back to Donghyun. ‘I’m fucked,’ was what Donghyun thought when they slowly got closer to him.
“Where are you taking me, Dongmin?” asked the man.
“I’m trying to make your life better,” answered Dongmin, still smug.
As the two stood by Donghyun, the boy bowed lightly, “Donghyun. It’s a pleasure to meet you..”
Jaehyun knitted his eyebrows. “Dong?”
“He’s my brother.”
Dongmin can see how his pupils dilate as Jaehyun lands his eyes on his brother. There’s no mistaking the fact that he no longer has a chance. The two had gotten close in just a moment, and soon enough he could see how his brother breathed out a silent thank you.
“I’ll leave the two of you here,” said Dongmin, as he stepped out to enter the restroom.
From the start, he knew he had no chance.
He had to marry someone from a prestigious family, obeying to what his father asked for as he is the older of the two. He had the wittiness to talk it out with someone, to take the best out of someone, to take advantage of someone. I can’t make out anything from someone penniless like Myung Jaehyun.
Donghyun couldn't do that. He’s too much of a pure soul.
He also knew from the start Jaehyun only wanted him because he’s one of the Dong brothers. Wealth and popularity revolves around their name. Who wouldn't want to court them? He’s not naive. And maybe that is also why he ended up giving Jaehyun up for Donghyun. He wouldn't want to marry someone who just needs him to elevate his status.
But nevertheless, who cares? Deep down, he still wanted him.
However, he loved his brother more than anyone in the world. He knows his brother inside and outside, even better than he knows himself. Donghyun is innocent, too innocent, even. A loyal kind, someone who’d truly sacrifice everything for the person he loves. And Dongmin knew. He knew that if he told Donghyun that he loved Jaehyun, the man would be his.
Of course, in exchange for Donghyun's tears and lies.
———
Donghyun couldn't believe his eyes. He’s watching from the stairs above, his nosy self peeking at the small background check session his father is running on Jaehyun. Dongmin is beside him, rubbing circles on his back to calm down as the latter’s eyes start warming up due to tears threatening to fall. He can only hope for the best, his mind flashing back to the love letters the two of them exchange at night.
When their father stood up to approach Jaehyun, he gulped hard.
‘We’re done for,’ he thought, but Jaehyun received a pat on his back instead. A sign that their marriage is to be official.
Jaehyun looked up to the stairs when their father left, smiling widely ear to ear, as Donghyun ran down to him and took him in a warm embrace.
“I love you.”
———
“A toast to the grooms!”
All of the guests raise their glass of champagne, preparing for the cheers Dongmin is leading.
“From your brother Dongmin. To your union, and the hope that you provide.”
Dongmin smiled, tears pooling his eyes. He held it back as he saw his brother on the altar, arms intertwined with his husband Jaehyun. Tears glistened on his cheeks.
“May you always be satisfied, my dear Donghyun. You'll be happy as his husband."
Then clinks of glasses echoed through the room.
But Donghyun regretted that day.
Because every letter, every evidence he saved, felt like garbage. It felt like a dump of words that even meant nothing.
Hearing it from someone else truly didn't help. Knowing that your husband, who is currently away from you, is having another person sleeping on their beloved bed.
“I told you, Donghyun. He’s no good for a man,” was what his brother told him before. He even saw how Jaehyun looked at Dongmin.
He should have listened.
He should have known.
Because now, he grabbed every letter Jaehyun gave him.
Re-read them.
As he stood by the fireplace.
And watched them burn.