Archive of Our Own

Downtown Seoul.

The traditional market overflowed with people. Vendors shouted, children laughed, fresh seafood, fruits, street food, tourists. The entire place was alive. Walking through the crowd were two people who obviously didn't belong there.

Martin Edward and his personal bodyguard James Zhao. When Martin looked fascinated by everything, James looked ready to murder someone.

"I told you that shopping online exists." James sighed.

Martin smiled.

"But online doesn't smell or feel alive like this. Martin pointed excitedly. "Look… fish cake."

"No, I'm not risking your high-maintenance, Michelin-starred stomach on whatever mystery ingredients they're serving up on the roadside."

"Tteokbokki?"

"No."

"Hotteok then, Martin try a cute face which annoy James more."

"Still no." James pinched the bridge of his nose. "You volunteer to came here for ingredients that Chef Han order."

Martin nodded. "I know."

"..."

"..."

"So can we buy hotteok first?"

James already regretted waking up today.

Across the market a pair of amber eyes watched them carefully. A young man name Keonho. Wearing dirty hoodie, ripped sneakers and a backpack.

He hadn't eaten since yesterday afternoon.

So, today's target...rich gullible people. Easy money.

He quietly followed the two man. Closer and closer. Little that he know, James already noticed. Of course he noticed, it’s his job to protect the giant rich boy.

While Martin happily comparing tomatoes, James decided to wait a bit far pretending to choose a pineapple.

The kid hadn't stolen anything yet. Maybe he'd leave. Hopefully.

Keonho slipped beside the tall guy. His fingers moved like water, looking for wallet.

Almost…

A hand grabbed his wrist. Hard. "Oww"…Keonho whimper and froze.

The tall man friend looked down at him expressionless. "Done?"

Keonho tried pulling away. Nothing. It felt like being caught by steel. "Let go."

The man raised one eyebrow. "Interesting request."

Keonho kicked his feet but the man didn't even move. Keonho tried twisting. Nothing.

As last effort, he bit down. Hard.

"Ouch." The man sounded more offended than hurt easily lock him with arm on his neck.

The tall rich guy turned around looking at Keonho, then his friend. He doesn’t seem worried.

James held up the struggling teenager.

"He tried to steal your wallet." James glare at Martin who only blink. He expected some shouting from the kid but he just struggling silently.

Martin looked at the kid quietly. He look pitiful. Skinny, a bit dirty, helpless.

"Are you hungry?" he ask.

Keonho frowned.

"What?"

"I asked if you're hungry." Martin repeat his question.

"What kind of question is that?"

Martin smiled. "The normal kind."

James whispered knowing that look. "Young master, we're not adopting strays."

Martin laughed. "I didn't say that."

"You looked like you were about to."

"I wasn't."

"You absolutely were."

Keonho stared between them. Were these two idiots?

Later, Martin bought three Hotteoks after James disperse the crowd that was watching.

One for himself, one for James and one for...the boy that was now sitting on the curb. He handed out food

"I don't want it." Keonho push the hand away at the same time his stomach growled loudly.

Martin smiled again. Kindly. "Your stomach disagrees."

Keonho snatched the hotteok. "I'm only eating because it'll go to waste."

James muttered "Classic" under his breath.

"What?" Keonho glare at the guy name James.

"Nothing."

Keonho devoured the hotteok in seconds. Too fast.

Martin noticed. "When was the last time you ate?"

Keonho didn't answer.

He doesn’t need to. Martin already know the answer. The boy looks weak and fragile in stubborn way.

James pulled out his phone. "I'll call the police."

Hearing that, immediately Keonho panicked.

"No!" he grab James arm.

James looked at the kid eyes.

"I can't, please…just let me go. I didn’t even take anything."

Martin noticed the trembling.

"What happens if the police come? Will somebody come to free you?”

Keonho refused to answer.

Martin exchanged a glance with James.

Something wasn't right.

“Hey, James just kidding” Martin tries to sooth the scared boy.

James crouched down eye level to Keonho. "So" he starts.

"Name?"

"..."

"Age?"

"..."

"Parents?"

"..."

Still nothing.

Martin sighed. "This isn't going anywhere."

James nodded. "I'll call child protection."

Keonho immediately backed away. "No! I said no!" he tried running.

But James caught him again within three seconds.

"Seriously?" James deadpanned. "You run slower than my grandmother."

Martin bend a bit until he and Keonho were eye level.

"Look at me."

Keonho reluctantly did.

"My name is Martin Edward and I won't force you."

"But you need help."

"I don't."

"You do."

"I've survived."

"Is surviving enough? Just look at you. Weak, alone, helpless," How long will you be strong enough to survive alone?

That question is one Keonho couldn't answer.

James finally spoke quietly. "Young master."

Martin nodded, serious. "I know."

James understood. His young master had already decided. And once Martin decided, nobody can change his mind. Not even the chairman. Well, he needs to inform chairman quickly then.

Martin stood. "Come with us."

Keonho frowned. "...Why?"

"You can stay at my house, even for a while."

"What?" Keonho ask disbelief.

"You'll have food, a room, maybe a job if you want, or even school."

Keonho burst into laughter. "You're insane." The offer was too good to be true.

Martin nodded smiling. "Probably."

"You don't even know me."

"No."

"I steal."

"I know."

"I'll steal from you."

"You can try, he nod at James."

James smiled for the first time. "I'd like to see that."

Keonho glared. "You people are weird."

Martin extended his hand. "So? would you like somewhere warm to sleep?"

Keonho looked at the offered hand. Nobody had ever offered him one before. The noise of the market suddenly felt strangely quiet. His fingers trembled.

Should he trust them? Or run again?

His answer would later change all three of their lives forever.

……………………………..

The ride to the Edward residence was painfully quiet.

Keonho sat in the back seat of the black sedan, arms folded tightly across his chest. His eyes never stopped moving. To the window, door, James, their driver, the handle and speed. He was calculating.

If he jumped now...he'd probably die. Naahhh, not worth it.

James caught him measuring the distance from the mirror. "You won't make it" he smirk.

Keonho clicked his tongue. "I wasn't thinking of anything."

"You were."

"I wasn't" he pout.

"You looked at the handle six times."

"Creep."

James didn't even blink. "Thief."

Martin sighed from beside Keonho. "Can both of you survive ten minutes without arguing?"

"No" both answered at the same time.

Martin smiled. "Good. At least you're already agreeing on something."

"..."

"..."

……………………………..

Nearly twenty minutes later...the city slowly disappeared. The roads became quieter. Trees lined both sides. The gates finally appeared. Tall, black and elegant. The gate opened automatically with guard post on the inside.

Keonho frowned. "No way" His jaw slowly dropped. "That's not a house."

Martin looked outside. "Hm?"

Keonho pointed. "That’s a mansion!"

Martin blinked. "Oh... our home?"

The mansion stood proudly in the middle of a big garden. Three floors, a fountain, tall glass windows, and flower gardens. Even the driveway looked cleaner than anywhere Keonho had ever slept.

"We're here" James opened his door.

Keonho didn't move. "You seriously live here?"

Martin nodded. "My grandparents thought it was a little small."

Keonho jaw dropped.

If outside was big, Inside everything sparkled. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, paintings. The air even smelled expensive.

Keonho instinctively wiped his dirty shoes on the welcome mat five times then froze.

I'm leaving in three days. Maybe four, he taught.

Shouldn’t be too comfortable, steal something expensive that can last him long enough and disappear. Easy.

Some housekeepers there bowed. "Young Master, welcome back."

Martin smiled warmly. "Good afternoon."

Their eyes naturally landed on the filthy teenager beside him.

Nobody said a word, no one giving him judging eyes or whispered. They just smile and continue with their job.

Keonho found that weird.

An elegant woman hurried down the staircase. Beautiful kind smile.

"Martin! You finally home. How’s the market?"

"Busy, noisy, with marvellous food mother."

She laughed. "You've been gone long enough." Then she noticed Keonho.

"Oh..." Her expression softened instantly.

"So this is the boy?"

Keonho blinked.

Martin nodded.

"This is Keonho."

She walked over. "I'm Erza Edward."

Keonho awkwardly scratched his neck. "...Keonho" he speak shyly looking down.

She smiled. "It's nice to meet you." No other questions was asked.

Another voice echoed from behind one room. A door open.

"So, our son finally kidnapped someone." A tall man stepped out while adjusting his glasses.

Keonho kinda know him. Through business magazines or newspaper on the market. Gerald Edward, the CEO of NLess. One of the wealthiest men in this part of city. Keonho immediately lowered his head. Rich people scared him.

Gerald looked at Martin. "So?"

Martin answered honestly. "He tried to steal my wallet."

Gerald nodded once. "I see." Then, he looked at Keonho. "You must have been hungry."

Keonho slowly looked up. "What?"

Gerald smiled gently. "Our son has terrible luck; he was lucky James is with him. I guess you fail since you were here,” he laughs.

"Father."

"What? I'm complimenting you" Gerald tease his son.

Keonho looked between the family. Yep, definitely insane.

Erza hold Keonho shoulder gently. "Have you eaten any meal recently?"

"No" he shake his head.

"Would you like some?"

"...Yes." His answer came out much quieter than expected. He can’t win with this women. Her tenderness remind him of his mother.

Erza smiled brightly. "Wonderful."

She turned and shouted loudly. "Chef?"

The kitchen chef quickly arrives.

"Yes madam. Hungry? I'll prepare something."

"No." Erza shook her head. "I'll cook."

The chef looked horrified. "Madam..."

Gerald immediately went to retreat to the way he came earlier. "I suddenly remembered I have work."

Martin laughed again. "Smart decision." Knowing his father doesn’t want to be caught in between his mom and their long time chef.

Keonho looked completely confused. "What's happening?"

Martin whispered.

"My mother enjoys cooking; she can cook that was true. But she will leave the kitchen in disaster afterwards. In short, she was really bad at cleaning and a little clumsy while cooking."  Martin explain proudly.

James stopped beside them. His eyes narrowed to Keonho specifically.

Martin followed his gaze and frowned. To his face that was hidden beneath weeks of dirt, messy hair. Dust.

"Keonho."

"...What?"

"When was the last time you bathed?"

Keonho looked offended. "I don't smell."

James answered immediately. "You do."

"I don't!"

"You absolutely do."

"It's called street perfume."

James almost laughed.

Martin couldn't hold it anymore and chuckled. "I think a shower need to be arrange first."

Keonho folded his arms. "I don't need one."

James raised an eyebrow.

"You look like you've fought three garbage trucks."

"I won, he snapped at James"

Erza who heard the conversation covered his mouth and sighed dramatically.

"James."

"Yes, Madam?"

"Take him upstairs. I'll ask someone to prepare some clothes."

James looked at Keonho and smile wickedly. "Come."

"No" Keonho growl.

"You have two choices."

"What?"

"Walk or I'll carry you."

Keonho smirked. "You can try."

Without another word James threw the sixteen-year-old over his shoulder like a sack of rice.

"What the—!" "PUT ME DOWN!"

"You weigh nothing" he smack Keonho bum.

"I HATE YOU!"

"I know."

Martin couldn't breathe from laughing.

Gerald quietly muttered, "I like him."

"So do I," Erza admitted. "He's adorable."

Upstairs...

James dropped Keonho inside an enormous guest room. The room alone was the size of his childhood living room.

He stood frozen. "This is a guest room?"

James nodded. "The bathroom is there" he pointed.

Keonho peeked inside. His eyes widened. The bathroom was marble with bathtub, long mirror and smell so good.

"There are shampoo and towels. Do not steal. James crossed his arms. "...I'll know."

Keonho rolled his eyes. "I'm not stealing soap."

"Good."

"I'm stealing the towel."

James deadpanned. "Very funny."

"It wasn't a joke"

"You really are a menace."

Keonho grinned. The first genuine grin James had seen all day. A little crooked, a little mischievous and far too smug.

"Close the door" he order doing a shooing motion to James.

James sighed. "Don't drown."

Nearly forty minutes later James knocked. "Kid, you alive?"

No answer.

James frowned. "Kiddo?"

Still nothing.

He slowly opened the door. "Hey" then he stopped.

Martin, who had just arrived with folded clothes, stopped behind him.

Both of them stared.

Standing in front of the mirror in bathrobe and look awkward was the same boy. Yet somehow not the same. The layers of dirt were gone. His shaggy black hair, though still messy, looked incredibly soft. His honey skin was a bit pale. Large amber eyes, long eyelashes, straight nose, cute mole. He looked more like a young model than a homeless teenager.

Keonho noticed their silence. "...What?"

Martin blinked several times. "You're actually really handsome."

Keonho looked genuinely confused. "I know".

Martin choked. “Soo humble.”

James stared and look at Martin. "...Did he just say that?"

Keonho shrugged with complete confidence. "I'm poor not blind."

James let out the longest sigh of his life. "I take it back."

Martin tilted his head. "Take what back?"

"I thought he was a pitiful street kid."

James looked at the teenager, who was now admiring himself in the bathroom mirror with absolutely no shame. "He's an extremely bratty, weak, street kid."

Keonho flashed him a smug grin. "And yet, you couldn't stop me from biting you."

James looked at the faint bite mark on his hand. "Give me strength."

The three of them join Gerald and Erza downstairs. One look at the clean Keonho, and Erza gasped, covering her mouth.

"My goodness, look how handsome you are."

Gerald adjusted his glasses twice before smiling.

"Our son didn't bring home a stray, he bring home some model" Gerald chuckled.

Keonho puffed out his chest proudly. "I'll accept the compliment."

James groaned. "Oh, this kid is going to give me grey hair."

…………………………………..

Keonho first morning at the Edward mansion began with a loud crash.

CRASH!

Followed by Chef Han loud, "OH NO!"

Then another.

CLANG!

"..."

"..."

Gerald slowly lowered the newspaper in front of him. He looked toward the kitchen.

Without even looking up from his coffee, James sighed.

"Kitchen?" Gerald ask.

James nodded. "Kitchen."

Martin smiled into his cereal.

"Keonho?"

James nodded again. "Definitely Keonho."

Erza stood. "I'll go help."

Gerald gently stopped her. "...give them another minute."

As if on cue…

"IT WASN'T MY FAULT!" Keonho panic voice can be heard.

Chef Han's horrified voice echoed throughout the mansion. "Young Master Keonho!"

"I barely touched it!"

"You broke my favorite bowl!"

"It was ugly!"

"It was special made!"

"So?"

"So?" Chef Han looked ready to cry or murder someone. "It was imported!"

Five minutes later...

Keonho walked out wearing an apron. His hair was sticking in every direction. There was flour on his cheek. Looks like he was been banned from kitchen by Chef Han.

Martin stare at him and he stare back.

"What happened?"

Keonho looked offended. "His bowl slipped."

James raised an eyebrow. "So you dropped it."

"I prefer my version" Keonho said with a pout.

By lunchtime, Keonho manage to broke another 2 glass while doing a dishes, put more salt instead of msg, and break a wooden spoon.

Chef Han clutched his chest dramatically in front of the family after their lunch.

"I've worked here twenty years..."

"I survived Master Gerald father..."

"I survived Madam Erza's cooking..."

"But I won't survive this child, please put him somewhere else".

Keonho folded his arms. "They were already cracked."

"They were not."

"Your glass need more prescription chef."

Erza laughed so hard she had to sit down.

Gerald and Martin wasn't much better.

James wasn't trying at all.

"You've declared war on the kitchen staff."

Keonho glared. "I hate kitchens."

"Fine." Martin clapped his hands. "No more kitchen."

Chef Han nearly cried with relief. "Thank you, Young Master."

"So what else can you do?" Martin ask Keonho.

"...Everything else" Keonho shrugged.

James muttered, "I doubt that."

At the end, Keonho choose the garden.

Late afternoon...

The head gardener called Martin. "Young Master, I think you should come outside."

Martin blinked. "...Why?"

"You should just...see."

The Edward Garden was enormous.

There’re flowers and decorative bushes on the front, while their backyard fills with fruit trees and vegetables.

Their gardeners and some staff stood in complete silence. Watching Keonho trim a large rose bush. The sixteen-year-old kneeling in the dirt. His movements were quick, confident and gentle.

The head gardener report, that afternoon alone, Keonho had already done several things. He loosened compacted soil around a rose bush, trimmed dead branches and adjusted a climbing vine.

The old head gardener finally whispered. "Someone have taught him."

Keonho didn't even look up when both of them came closer.

"You've done this before?" Martin ask.

"Sometime."

"Where?"

"Parks. Anywhere with plants." Learned from workers there. Anyone.

He gently brushed soil from a tiny seedling.

"They don't yell."

"They don't hit."

"They just grow."

The garden became completely quiet.

James watched from the terrace. For the first time, the bratty teenager looked...Peaceful.

Before sunset, the neglected rose garden looked better than it had in months. The gardeners pat his shoulders in compliments.

Keonho looked confused.

The head gardener smiled warmly. "You're talented, and you love plant."

That was the first compliment Keonho had received in long time. He quickly looked away hiding a smile.

Dinner was an event. Chef Han placed big bowl of rice in front of Keonho after heard him work hard with the garden. You must be very hungry. Turn out it wasn’t enough.

"More" Keonho request with big doe eyes.

Chef Han blinked. "Young man..."

Keonho shrugged. “I’m a growing boy.”

By the end of dinner, two bowls of rice, three pieces of grilled fish, 2 chicken thigh, half plate of vegetables and entire plate of fruit salad he finally stop.

Gerald stared, Martin stared, even James.

Only Erza stop eating to chide Martin softly. That’s how you need to eat Martin. Your tall body need all its nutrients.

Keonho looked around. "...What?"

Chef Han sniffed dramatically.

"I’m glad you like my cooking too. You’re too skinny. I'm feeding him until he has cheeks." Chef Han announce on the table.

From that day onward Keonho became Chef Han favourite. He will came out to garden just to fed Keonho a spoonful of his new recipe.

The Edward family quickly noticed that Keonho never finished a meal without looking around first. To see if someone will stop him. He will also eat more rice than the main dishes like he was afraid. Until Martin or Erza themselves put the dishes on his plate.

He quietly wrapped bread inside napkins or pocketed apples. Slipped biscuits into his hoodie to munch on the garden or his room. Everyone saw him do it but they pretend not to.

One afternoon, Keonho caught Martin look him stuffing dinner rolls into his pockets.

Keonho froze and slowly pulled out three bread rolls.

Martin sighed. "No one is taking your food. You don't need to hide it."

"I know."

"...Then why?"

Keonho couldn't answer loudly. He can’t say because tomorrow there might not be food for him nor it became his habit.

Martin understood even before Keonho said anything. His voice became quieter.

"There will always be breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner or even snack for you if you just ask."

Keonho looked away.

Sleeping became another problem. Erza prepared the guest room beautifully.

Soft mattress, warm blankets, fluffy pillows.

But every morning the housekeeper report the bed looked untouched.

James finally discovered why.

11 p.m.

He quietly opened the guest room.

Keonho was asleep. On the floor. Curled beside the bed using only one pillow. Blanket wrapped tightly around himself.

James frowned.

Keonho shot upright instantly after hearing the door crack. Heart racing, eyes wild. Hands already raised to defend himself.

James froze. "Easy, it’s just me."

Keonho's breathing slowly calmed. "I, I fell."

James looked at the perfectly made bed.

"...Onto the floor?"

"..."

"I like hard floors."

"..."

"Liar."

The next morning, Erza found new mattress under Keonho on the floor.

She quietly sat beside him. Sweeping the hair out of his face like a mother would do. "Keonho", she gently wake him up.

Keonho open his eyes slowly and smile at the women.

"Do beds make you uncomfortable?"

He looked away. "I’m scare to sleep too comfortably." "I might wake up somewhere else."

At first Erza didn't understand. But by afternoon after a talk with some of the housekeeper, asking them about life of kid like Keonho outside, she finally realized what it means.

"I might wake up somewhere else."

He probably means shelters, police stations, somewhere uncomfortable. His body had learned, comfort wasn't safe.

That night she knock Keonho door and simply sat beside him.

"You don't have to sleep in the bed today or tomorrow. But one day, I hope you will learn it was safe here for you and make yourself comfortable."

Keonho nodded slightly.

…………………………………..

Martin started tutoring him every evening after college when he’s free from his studies.

The first lesson was disastrous.

"So." Martin smiled. "Let's start with math."

Keonho stared at the numbers.

He later found out Keonho was a lost case. Apparently, he hates numbers.

An hour later...

Keonho slammed his pencil down. "I quit."

"You've been studying only fifteen minutes."

"Exactly. I've reached my limit."

Martin smiled. "You learned multiplication. You remembered."

"I will forgot remembering, and there’s always calculator."

Martin laughed so hard he nearly fell off his chair.

When lessons ended, they will play games. Sometimes video games, another time board games. Or he will join James and Martin with basketball. He definitely hate that one. All he did was running around, tumbling and rolling.

When Martin busy with studies, he simply walked through the gardens looking at the star. Keonho slowly laughed more, smiled more and comfortable enough to complained more too.

James notice, the mansion had become louder. Much louder. Keonho was loved by everyone, family and staff. He not just loud and bratty, but also kind, a bit shy, and like to tease.

One evening

"Good job today." Martin throws his hand to ruffled Keonho's hair.

The reaction was immediate. Keonho flinched violently. Stepping back as if expecting to be struck. The smile disappeared from everyone's face.

Martin immediately lowered his hand. "I'm sorry."

Keonho blinked. "No, I'm sorry." "You weren't going to hit me."

Martin quietly smiled. "No, I wasn't."

"I know."

He just...needed time to believe it and to heal. Martin understands that. They all are.

Meanwhile...

James sat inside his own rooms. Files covered the desk. Report and list of missing person reports, juvenile records or police records, shelter and hospital databases.

But he found nothing. It was as though...Keonho had appeared out of thin air.

James frowned. "Impossible."

He picked up his phone and open the gallery apps. The only photograph he'd secretly taken of Keonho. Smiling while covered in dirt after spending hours in the garden.

"...Who are you?"

Outside in the garden

Keonho paused looking at the star again. He know James and Mr. Gerald was looking at his background. He overheard them speaking quietly one afternoon when he was trimming some flower outside under the study room where the two at.

Of course they will. Keonho was a stranger, a stray Martin found at the market. Keonho leaned silently against the wall, his expression unreadable.

You'll find me eventually.

People with money like you always do.

His fingers unconsciously tightened around the old, worn gold pendant hidden beneath his shirt. The only precious thing he had kept from before he became a street thief.

When James uncovered the truth, he wouldn't be allowed to stay here anymore. Maybe. The thought should have made leaving easier.

Instead...for the first time in years, the idea of losing a home hurt before he had even have to leave.

……………………………….

Flashback

Long before he became a thief...before dirty clothes, empty stomachs. Before sleeping under bridges, inside empty warehouse, on the playground.

There had once been a little house hidden on the outskirts of this city. It wasn't large, enough for two people. Small, cozy, wooden  will small patio.

But to six-year-old Keonho...it was the most beautiful place in the world. Because his mother lived there.

"Keonho listen." His mother smiled as she knelt in the small garden patio. "Flowers don't bloom because people are watching."

The little boy tilted his head.

"They bloom because they were taken care of." She gently placed his tiny hand over a rosebud.

"So be kind, even if nobody notices. If you were taken care of, that was enough."

Young Keonho nodded seriously. "I will."

She laughed and kissed his forehead. "My good boy."

His father visited whenever he could. Always arriving in a black luxury sedan, looking over his shoulder before entering.

Little Keonho never understood why.

"Dad!"

The man immediately smiled.

"My little tiger."

He would lift Keonho onto his shoulders.

Bring him books.

Toy cars.

Chocolate.

New clothes.

For a few precious hours...

They looked like an ordinary family. But he never stay long enough. "I have to go."

Keonho would pout. "So soon?"

His father looked guilty every single time. "I'm sorry, there are people waiting for me."

His mother would simply smile. "It's okay, we knew this." She never once complained. Not in front of Keonho.

 As he grew older, he finally understood. His father already had a family.

A lawful wife with a son and a daughter.

His mother was the woman society called a mistress. The forbidden love. But his mother never poisoned his heart.

She never said, "They stole your father."

Instead, she would smile while watering flowers.

"Your father isn't a bad man, he's simply just too weak." She said like she has given up.

Keonho never understood those words. Not then.

When he was fourteen, his mother became sick very quickly. They visit clinic and hospital, buy a medicine, everything. Until she can’t even walk laying weakly on the bed.

One rainy afternoon, she called him to her bedside. Her once warm hands had become frighteningly cold.

"Keonho."

He immediately shook his head. "Don't" he was old enough to know what’s coming. "You'll get better."

She smiled sadly. "I won't."

Tears streamed down his face. "I'll work, I'll earn money. I’ll…"

She gently stopped him. She removed a gold necklace. And old, simple necklace. The pendant had faded over the years from constant use. "I've worn this since I was younger than you." A family heirloom. A family she once has. She carefully placed it around his neck.

"No matter what happens, never sell it, never throw it away, never lost it."

"It will remind you...that someone will always love you. Me"

Keonho broke down crying. She stroked his messy hair like she always do when he want him to sleep when he was little.

"My flower boy, don't hate the world."

Those...were the last words she ever spoke. Before he fall asleep beside her that night. The last night…

The funeral was small. Only some neighbours in their small village and small circle of her mother friends. Quiet.

His father cried harder than anyone. Yet, reality returned afterwards.

He simply stood alone beside his mother's grave, wearing the necklace while holding wilted flowers. Afterwards, his father brought him to the Eom mansion. The mansion was magnificent.

Cold, beautiful, lifeless.

In the car, his father hold his hand. Eyes still slightly red. His voice barely above a whisper. "...I'm sorry."

Keonho frowned. "For what?"

His father couldn't meet his eyes. "In this house, you cannot call me Father here."

Silence.

"You must call me Mr. Eom."

The words hit harder than any slap. "What?"

"It will only make things worse, You mustn't tell anyone who you are. You'll stay here as...an orphan I decided to sponsor."

Keonho stared at him. "Okay." He answered quietly. But something inside him cracked.

 The housekeeper quickly learned the arrangement. They never hit him. That would leave marks.

Instead...they ignored him. Meals were forgotten. Laundry was left undone. His room was a tiny storage room near the servants' quarters.

Whenever he accidentally crossed paths with the legal family, he lowered his head.

"Good morning, Young Master."

"Good morning, Young Miss."

His older stepbrother barely spared him a glance.

His stepsister treated him as invisible.

His father's wife looked at him as though he were dirt tracked in on expensive carpet.

Only his father...occasionally looked at him with unbearable guilt. Yet guilt changed nothing.

One evening in rare occasion where all 5 of them eat dinner together...Keonho accidentally called out "Father…"

The dining room fell silent. His father froze. The lady of the house slowly turned toward him.

"What did you call him?"

Keonho's heart stopped.

His father looked away.

"He misspoke." The words were calm. Carefully measured.

That night...Keonho cried without making a sound.

The only place he loved was the abandoned garden far behind the mansion.

The staff rarely visited it. Flowers bushes were overgrown and wild. The soil was dry.

So, every day..., he waters it. Trimmed the branches. Pulled weeds. Talked to the plants.

Slowly...life returned. The flower bloomed again. It remembered kindness.

 One year later...He turned sixteen. His father never remembered.

There’s no cake, no wishes, no present. That night, Keonho packed everything he owned into one backpack.

Three shirts, two pairs of pants. His mother's necklace and nothing else. He stood outside the mansion one last time.

Lights glowed warmly inside. His father laughed with his legal family over dinner. A perfect picture. One that had never included him anymore after the incident.

Keonho smiled bitterly. "...You're a coward."

He wasn't speaking to the mansion. He was speaking to the man inside.

"You loved Mom, you loved Me. But you never had the courage to choose either of us."

His fingers closed around the silver pendant resting against his chest.

"I hate them."

A pause.

"I hate you the most."

Because loving someone who never fought for you hurt far more than being hated.

Without looking back again...Fifteen-year-old Keonho climbed over the back garden wall and disappeared into the night.

By the time James found him months later in a crowded marketplace. The gentle flower boy his mother had raised had become a clever, sharp-tongued thief who trusted no one and fully expected every kindness to come with a price.

End of flashback.

………………………………………

One month.

That was how long Keonho had lived at the Edward mansion. Long enough to know three things.

First...Chef Han was determined to fatten him up.

Second...Erza would somehow find him no matter where he hides and ask if he'd eaten.

And third...Martin Edward had absolutely no survival instincts.

Saturday morning.

Martin appeared in the dining room carrying his backpack. He learnt his lesson from Keonho. "I'm going out."

James looked up from his phone. "Where?"

"The marketplace."

"No."

Martin blinked. "What do you mean, no?"

"You went last two week."

"I know. So? "

James looked completely serious. "You've already inhaled enough street air."

Martin folded his arms. "I miss it."

"You miss the smell?"

Martin nodded enthusiastically. "I don't know why, It feels alive."

James slowly put down his coffee. "Young Master."

"Yes?"

"You're the only millionaire heir I know who says things like that. Others chaebol goes to mall, boutique, Gucci store, Confier, Continental”.

Gerald laughed into his newspaper.

"He gets that from his mother."

Erza gasped dramatically.

"I only love traditional markets but your son brings home a child, no offence Keonho ya. She looked at Keonho.

"I certainly don't regret that" Martin wink at the boy.

Keonho, halfway through his fifth pancake, nearly choked.

Ten minutes later after breakfast is done, and James lost the argument, AGAIN, the black sedan headed toward downtown Seoul.

Martin sat humming happily on passenger seat while James drove.

Keonho occupied the back seat arms crossed with cap hiding half his face. He wasn’t to thrill to go back to the market place.

The market was just as crowded as before.

People brushed shoulders, children darted between adults, vendors shouted special prices. The smell of grilled meat, fresh fruit and spices filled the air.

Martin inhaled deeply. "...Perfect."

James stared. "I can't believe I'm hearing this."

Keonho snorted. "Told you, he's strange."

Martin ignored both of them and immediately wandered toward a fruit stall.

James stayed half a step behind. His eyes never stopped moving. Guarding.

Everything seemed normal.

Meanwhile, Keonho wasn't looking at the crowd. He was looking at the spaces between people. After a while, he saw a woman pretending to browse but never buying. A man standing beside a delivery truck for nearly ten minutes. Two men wearing baseball caps despite the summer heat. One of them touched his left ear. The other nodded.

Keonho's expression changed. He knew that signal. Street gangs used it. Pickpockets too. Not good.

Martin happily picked up a watermelon. "This one?"

The vendor laughed. "Good eye!"

Behind him...the delivery truck rolled forward. Too slowly.

Keonho's heart skipped. His instincts screamed. Run. Now.

James noticed one man reaching inside his jacket a bit too late. Another man bumped into Martin. Hard.

"Oh!" Martin stumbled.

A van door slid open. Two men rushed out. One grabbed Martin's arm. The other reached for his mouth. Everything happened within seconds.

James moved instantly. But another attacker deliberately crashed into him. His shoulder slammed against James. Just enough. That half second mattered.

Keonho didn't think. He just reacted. Exactly the way he'd survived for months.

He kicked over a basket of aluminium pot. The loud crash startled everyone nearby. People turned. Crowds looked.

Keonho grabbed an entire crate of oranges.

"HEADS UP!" he shout and threw it directly at the men.

Oranges exploded and roll around everywhere.

One kidnapper slipped, another lost his balance. Losing his grip on Martin.

"HIDE!" Keonho shoved Martin behind him. People around panicking.

One attacker lunged. Keonho didn't fight, he never fought fairly.

Instead... he yanked a nearby vendor's tarp. The ropes snapped free.

The heavy canvas collapsed over two men at once.

"HEY!"

"GET THIS OFF!"

James reached them after manage to disarm the women and truck driver.

His punch landed like a freight train.

One attacker hit the ground fall unconscious. Another rushed towards him but James disarmed him within seconds. Crowd gathered around with phones recording.

Police whistles approaching. "...Move!"

Vendor and some man came to help James ending the attempt kidnapping in broad daylight.

Martin looked at Keonho. "You saved me."

Keonho shrugged. "They were amateurs, its easy."

James turned sharply. "Amateurs?"

"They were too loud and noticeable."

James frowned. "What?"

"They watched too long and parked too close when the truck was empty. They also used street signals."

"They almost got caught by that old lady selling fish." Keonho point at one grandma.

The old lady proudly lifted her slipper."I would've beaten them!" Several vendors cheered.

James simply stared. "You noticed all that?"

Keonho looked confused. "Didn't you?"

James answered honestly. "No. I only noticed when they moved."

Keonho clicked his tongue. "That was too late. Well don’t be so down, maybe it was month living in street give me the advantage."

James went silent. Years of bodyguard training. And a sixteen-year-old street thief had spotted the danger first.

Police officers came to them. Statements were taken. Witnesses interviewed.

Martin answered calmly. James stayed beside him.

Keonho quietly disappeared when he saw police approaching. He doesn’t want unnecessary attention.

James looked around. "Where's the brat?"

Martin immediately panicked. "Keonho?" The grandma points behind row of shop.

James sighed after thanks her. "Unbelievable."

They found him behind a vegetable stall. Squatting comfortably while petting a stray orange cat. The cat purred loudly.

Martin laughed in relief. "There you are."

Keonho looked up. "Oh. Finished already?"

James folded his arms. "You walked away without telling us where you go."

"I don’t have time. The police were fast. They’ll ask too many questions" He answer nonchalant.

James and Martin looked at him for a long moment. They understand what Keonho mean. The police will ask who he is.

But there’s pain behind the words. They both heard it.

The drive home was unusually quiet. Martin still gets several things and wrapped several food streets for them to enjoy at home.

In the car, Martin eventually smiled. "Thank you." Both of them sitting at the back.

Keonho stared out the window.

"I just didn't want Madam Erza to cry."

Martin laughed. “Liar”.

James watched the two through the rearview mirror.

Keonho argued, complained and rolled his eyes.

But when Martin had been in danger...he hadn't hesitated. Not even for a second.

………………………………….

That night...James sat alone in his room looking at the investigation files lay open before him. He slowly closed the folder. His eyes drifted to the latest report that had just arrived from a private investigator. Result of blood sample and his true identity. The answer of his questions is all there. But he doesn’t have the heart to open it.

Keonho must have his reason. For now, he will wait a little longer. He will learn to trust that boy.

The boy was harmless and a hazard. He would throw himself between danger and someone he cared about without thinking twice. James leaned back in his chair.

"...You're hiding something, Keonho." James tapped the file thoughtfully.

"I'll find out who you really are soon. But I really want it to came out from your own." He stands, collect all the scattered file and put it inside a drawer.

……………………………………

The Edward mansion had never been so busy. Fresh flowers arrived by the truckload. Tables were decorated with white roses and blue hydrangeas. Staff hurried through the halls, musicians tested their instruments, chefs occupied every corner of the kitchen.

Tonight, Martin Edward turned nineteen. Which meant, half of Korea's business world was invited.

Unfortunately...one person was missing since this morning. Leaving only a note telling he will be back later that afternoon.

"Where's Keonho?" Martin looked around the breakfast table.

James frowned. "Is he still asleep?"

Chef Han walked in carrying pancakes. "I haven't seen Young Master Keonho since dawn."

Erza paused. "Dawn?"

"He asked for an early breakfast."

"He ate breakfast?"

Chef Han nodded proudly.” 6.30 a.m. A bowl of porridge and yesterday steamed bun."

Gerald put his fork down. "Seems like he preparing for an expedition." He was right after James check Keonho room and found the note.

“Going out, will come back later. Don’t worry.”

By noon, still no Keonho. Martin was restless.

James searched the gardens. Nothing.

The security guards checked the gates. Nobody had seen him leave.

James rubbed his temples. "How does someone disappear from a mansion with thirty-two security cameras?"

4.30 p.m

Outside the mansion wall, a familiar figure carrying a box climbed over with surprising ease. Keonho landed silently.

He grinned. "Still so easy." He snoop down, walking in a shadow passing the guard and James at one time. He climb one floor above and quietly opened his room window.

One leg inside then another. Just as he swung himself over, an amused voice calls out from behind him.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Keonho froze. Standing in his room...

Hands folded was Madam Erza.

"Hi" was the only thing he could say.

Erza tried very hard not to laugh at the guilty looks.

"So, you disappeared all day without telling everyone."

"Maybe..."

"You climbed through a second-floor window without anyone noticing."

"They make it too easy" he shrugged.

"You also have something hidden inside the box."

Keonho grab the box dramatically. "You ask too many questions."

Erza held out her hand. "May I see it?"

He hesitated.

"No. Not before Martin hyung." "It's embarrassing."

Her smile softened in understand. "Then I won't look."

Keonho blinked. "Really?"

"I promise." She didn't peek. "You can give it to Martin yourself."

Keonho looked genuinely relieved.

"Thanks."

Erza gently brushed a strand of his hair before flick his forehead. Hard.

“Ouch…Madam…” he rubbed his forehead.

"Welcome home young man. That’s for worried us to death. " She laughs. The words escaped naturally.

Home.

Keonho looked away before she could see his eyes becoming suspiciously bright.

Seven in the evening and after long lecture from James and another long hug from Martin, he finally escaped.

The mansion had transformed.

Luxury cars starting filled the driveway. Executives, Politicians, Foreign investors. Only invited guests.

Keonho stood in front of the mirror wearing a black button-down shirt with a neat stylish hair. He frowned. "I look weird."

James adjusted his collar. He stick to Keonho side like glue with Martin instruction. Helping him for the night. "You look like a decent human being."

"I looked human before."

"Barely."

Keonho rolled his eyes. "I miss my hoodie."

James smoothed the sleeves. "Too bad. You clean up well."

"Don't make it weird."

"I'm not complimenting you."

"You just did."

James sighed. "You're impossible."

When Martin, James and Keonho finally walked downstairs, the conversations stopped.

Several guests turned.

Martin smiled immediately. So used to it.

Keonho scratched the back of his neck hating the attention and trying to hide behind Martin.

"Mission failed."

The master of ceremonies tapped the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen..."

"Please welcome Mr. Gerald, Mrs. Erza and our birthday boy., Martin Edward"… a clap was heard around the floor.

Gerald stepped forward first. Erza beside him. Martin next.

Then, without hesitation, Mr. Gerald gently placed a hand on Keonho's shoulder before he can follow James to retreat to the side.

Several guests looked confused.

The CEO smiled. "There is someone we'd like everyone to meet tonight."

Keonho stiffened, this wasn’t in a script.

"This is our adopted son."

Silence.

Then Gerald continued proudly. "Keonho Edward."

Keonho looked up in surprise.

"As of today," Erza added warmly, "he is part of our family."

Martin grinned wider. "Please take a good care of my little brother."

Keonho's throat tightened. They didn’t even discuss these things with him. Unbelievable. But he notice the different. No one between the Edwards had asked him to hide or fake his background. No one had told him to lower his head.

People smiled. Several guests greeted him kindly.

"Welcome."

"Nice to meet you."

"You resemble a model."

Keonho bowed awkwardly. "Hello."

For the first time in over a year he introduced himself without fear.

Almost thirty minutes later, another luxury sedan had arrived. The atmosphere subtly shifted. "The Eom family." Another millionaire and respectful family in the neighbourhood.

People whispered.

Gerald turned. "So Minseok finally arrived."

A dignified middle-aged man entered first. Behind him is his elegant wife, his son and daughter.

Keonho froze. His fingers unconsciously touched the gold pendant beneath his shirt.

His breathing slowed. No, why are they here…please not now.

Madam Mina noticed him first. Recognition flashed across her face for a second. Then it vanished behind a perfect social smile.

She quietly approached Erza while the men exchanged greetings.

"I hope you won't misunderstand something" she start.

Erza smiled politely. "I'm listening."

The woman sighed as though burdened. "That child…" she glanced discreetly toward Keonho. "...used to stay at our house."

Erza blinked. "Oh?"

"He was an orphan my husband generously supported." A small, fake pitying smile.

"Unfortunately, he ran away. So ungrateful."

"We tried to educate him, but some children simply cannot be helped."

Erza listened without interrupting. "I see."

The woman gave a graceful nod. "I merely thought you should know" before walking away.

Erza's smile disappeared. She quietly looked across the ballroom towards Keonho.

Keonho was pretending not to notice. But his eyes, never left one man. Eom Minseok.

The man who stood laughing with Gerald as if nothing had happened.

From across the room, hiding from public eyes, Keonho's gaze was cold. Not sad.

Just cold. He didn't move any closer or try to reach out. He simply stared as though looking at a stranger.

Three people noticed this odd look.

James, standing near the entrance guarding the family.

Gerald, still attentive while speaking with the guests.

and another young man...one month older than Keonho. Eom Seonghyeon.

He had followed Keonho's line of sight since he spot him in the crowd. From Keonho...to his father. Then back again. His brow furrowed.

Gerald casually continued his conversation with Minseok. Yet part of his attention remained on the teenager across the ballroom.

That's not the look of an orphan toward a benefactor. That's was a look of disappointment and anger.

Gerald had spent decades negotiating million-dollar deals. He trusted instincts more than words. And his instincts rarely failed.

James felt the same unease. The file inside his drawer, the missing records. The necklace Keonho never removed.

Now, with that look. "Interesting." He murmured under his breath.

"I think I've been asking the wrong question."

Not “Who is Keonho? But, why is someone trying so hard to erased him?"

Across the ballroom, unaware that three different men had reached the same conclusion, Keonho quietly accepted a plate full of treats. Blueberry cheese tart and some fruits from Martin. He forced himself to smile when Martin nudged him playfully.

But his eyes drifted once more toward his father. For a fleeting second, the father and son met each other's gaze.

Minseok's expression faltered. His hand tightened imperceptibly around the champagne glass. Then, just as quickly, he looked away.

Keonho let out a silent, bitter smile looking down. He had expected nothing else.

The birthday celebration continued well into the evening. Music floated through the ballroom. Businessmen discussed investments. Socialites admired Erza's decorations.

Martin had long since been dragged away by another group of guests. Gerald entertained old business partners.

James remained where he always was, near the door. Watching. His eyes naturally searched for one troublesome teenager. "Where did the brat disappear now?"

Keonho quietly slipped out through the open terrace. The garden behind the ballroom was peaceful. Only the soft chirping of crickets disturbed the silence. He loosened the top button of his black shirt.

"So noisy" he huffs. People talked too much, flowers didn't. He crouched beside one of Erza's white roses and absentmindedly brushed away a yellow leaf.

"They're healthy..." A familiar voice interrupted him. "You've always been good with flowers."

Keonho froze. He knew that voice without even have to turn.

Slowly, he stood.

A few meters behind stood a young man dressed in a navy suit.

Calm, smart observant eyes and gentle smile. Seonghyeon.

Neither of them spoke for several seconds only staring at each other.

Finally...Seonghyeon talk. "You look well."

Keonho remained expressionless. "Thanks."

"The black shirt suits you."

"What do you want?" he cut a bit rude.

Seonghyeon slipped both hands into his pockets. "Nothing. I just wanted to talk. Father was frantic when you disappeared."

Keonho laughed. A dry, humourless laugh. "He didn't need to, I was nobody." His voice became colder. "Just some street orphan he decided to save." His amber eyes met Seonghyeon's. "So why bother looking?"

Seonghyeon quietly studied his face. "Were you?" He asked softly.

Keonho frowned. "What?"

"Were you really just an orphan?"

Silence.

"I may not know everything." Seonghyeon continued. "But I'm not blind and I'm certainly not a fool."

Keonho's breathing slowed.

"I noticed immediately when you arrived. You look like father. You have the same eyes, the same smile." He smiled sadly. "You even laugh the same way."

Keonho looked away. “So, what should I do with this information?”

Seonghyeon step closer. "I've known for a long time something is wrong."

"Then why you never said anything" he push.

"I couldn't. My mother watches everything. If I had confronted Father, things would end up becoming worse. For you."

Keonho scoffed. "It was already terrible."

"I know" Seonghyeon look away.

Another silence settled between them. Seonghyeon looked toward the brightly lit mansion where laughter echoed through the open windows.

"I think, you're better off here. The Edward family is a good person. They smile at you and treat you well unlike us." He looked back at Keonho. "I'm glad. You found people who treat you like family."

Keonho's lips tightened. "I didn't ask for pity."

"I'm not pitying you. I'm relieved."

A cool breeze drifted through the garden.

Seonghyeon chuckled quietly. "I was jealous."

Keonho blinked. "What?"

"You just found the Edwards, but Mdm. Erza already smile and treat you warmly while my own mother has never looked at me that way."

Keonho stared. He had never, ever considered that.

"My mother..." Seonghyeon continued, "...loves status, success, appearances." "I've spent my whole life trying to become the perfect heir."  He looked down. "It's exhausting."

Keonho spoke quietly. "Mine loved flowers. Both of them."

Seonghyeon smiled. “That’s where the talent came from”.

Keonho's eyes widened.

"I saw you trim our garden more than once. You never noticed once you focus. I wanted to say hello, but mother eyes is everywhere inside our home."

Keonho looked at the ground. "Coward." He whispered.

"I know." Seonghyeon accepted it without argument. "I was."

Another long silence.

Then Seonghyeon spoke again.

His voice was almost a whisper.

"When I'm older, when I'm no longer under Mother's control, when I'm legally able to make my own decisions, he looked directly into Keonho's eyes. "I'll be a better big brother to you. But before that, please wait for a while and I'm sorry."

Everything around Keonho seemed to stop. The wind, the music. Even his own breathing. He can’t believe what he just heard.

Seonghyeon's smile trembled. He sounds genuine.

Keonho's eyes widened in complete shock. "You knew?"

Seonghyeon nodded once. "I did."

Without thinking Keonho asked the question that had haunted him for over a year.

"Then why, didn't you come looking after me?"

Pain flashed across Seonghyeon's face. "I searched, I argued with Father. I even checked the places I thought you'd hide." He laughed bitterly.

"But I wasn't the head of the family. I was just another child living under Mother's roof. She grounded me after she knew I was looking around instead of going to class tuition."

Keonho slowly lowered his head. He believed him. For some reason, he believed every word.

"I won't ask you to forgive Father." Seonghyeon said quietly. "Because I can't. I haven't forgiven him either."

Before Keonho could answer, a voice echoed from the ballroom.

"Keonho!" Martin waved from the terrace. "There you are. We're cutting the cake hurry up, I’ll be waiting inside and then disappear!"

He turned back but Seonghyeon had already stepped away. Only once did he glance over his shoulder towards Martin.

"Happy birthday to your new brother." He smiled gently. "Take care of yourself, Keonho." He walked back into the ballroom first.

Leaving Keonho standing among the roses. Still unable to process what had just happened.

For the first time since running away, he realized something that shattered everything he believed. He had spent an entire year thinking nobody in the Eom family had cared enough to notice he was gone. He had been wrong. At least one person had always been quietly calling him… brother.

……………………………….

By the time the last luxury sedan disappeared beyond the gates, it was almost midnight. The grand ballroom, once filled with music and laughter, had finally grown quiet.

Housekeepers carefully cleared the tables. Chef Han supervised the kitchen staff packing away the leftovers. The musicians had already gone home.

Only the Edward family remained. Mr. Gerald loosened his tie with a satisfied sigh. "I think that's enough socializing for one year."

Erza laughed. "You say that after every party."

"And I'm always right."

Martin stretched his sore shoulders. "I survived."

James, who had been standing for nearly ten hours straight, muttered, "Barely."

Keonho had been strangely quiet all evening. Far too quiet.

James narrowed his eyes and nudge Martin. Your brother is planning something, he said not quiet at all.

Martin chuckled. "You suspect him even when he's breathing."

"Experience."

Keonho suddenly look at Martin brow furrow. "Martin."

"Hm?"

"Close your eyes."

Martin blinked. "Now?"

"Now."

James immediately spoke. "Don't."

“Yahh…” Keonho looked offended.

"What?"

"I've never done anything."

James counted on his fingers. "You stole a wallet; you declared war on our kitchen; you climbed through a second-floor window; you disappeared for an entire day."

"Fair point."

Gerald laughed loudly. "Just close your eyes, son."

Martin smiled. "Okay." He obediently shut his eyes. "I can't see."

"Good, no peeking until I came back and told you."

"I won't."

"You always peek."

"I don't."

"You look like someone who peeks."

Martin couldn't stop laughing.

"I promise I won't. Now go,” he said gently.

Keonho quickly disappeared around the corner. Erza just smile knowingly. Their staff had also quietly looking and waiting.

Several muffled noises followed.

James frowned. "Why do I suddenly feel nervous?"

A few moments later, Keonho slowly walked back into the room with a medium box in his arm complete with ribbon. It wasn't wrapped. Only a tiny blue ribbon had been tied around it. He carefully placed it in front of Martin.

"Okay, you can open your eyes."

Martin slowly looked down. "A box?"

Keonho scratched the back of his neck. "I don't have money."

The room became quiet.

"I couldn't buy you anything expensive. But, this reminded me of you."

Martin looked up. Keonho was avoiding everyone's eyes. His ears had turned slightly red.

"I thought, you might like it."

Martin slowly untied the ribbon and lifted the lid.

Inside, busy munching a snack was a tiny golden retriever puppy. Its little nose twitched. It let out the tiniest whine holding the chew stick.

Martin completely froze. The puppy slowly looked at Martin. Then clumsily holding out his paw like asking Martin to hold him. Martin quickly holds it up and out the box so everyone could see.

It waddled directly toward Martin with the stick still in his mouth before falling over its own oversized paws.

Everyone laughed.

Keonho immediately spoke. "I didn't steal it he said while looking at James."

James looked at him. "I wasn't going to ask."

"I know what you're thinking. I got it from an animal shelter this morning. It was abandoned. They said nobody wanted it."

He looked at the puppy. "It kept waiting inside his cage. I thought, maybe… it shouldn't wait anymore."

Martin continued staring at the tiny dog. Speechless.

Keonho rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I…I hope you're not allergic." If you are, I'll take responsibility. I'll raise it. I already taught it not to bite people today."

James raised an eyebrow. "Unlike someone I know."

Keonho coughed. "That was different."

Martin still hadn't said a word.

Keonho became visibly nervous. "You don't like it?"

"No, I do." Martin's voice was barely above a whisper. "I love it so much." Instead of picking up the puppy again, Martin suddenly crouched down right in front of Keonho.

Before the younger boy could react, Martin wrapped both arms around him. Holding him tightly to his chest.

"...Martin?"

"Thank you."

Keonho stiffened. Completely frozen. "I, can't breathe."

Martin laughed against his shoulder loosen his hug but still don’t let go. "Sorry."

"But really, thank you. No one's ever thought this far about a present for me."

Keonho awkwardly patted Martin's back.

"It's just a puppy."

Martin shook his head. "No it's not. You walk all the way for this puppy, make us worried the whole day. More importantly, you do it for me, me." So, thank you…baby brother.

That earn him a smack at the back. He just laugh it off.

Across the room, Erza quietly wiped away a tear. Gerald smiled while holding his wife waist.

"He's crying" James spoke loudly trying to lift the mood.

"I'm not, Keonho voice muffles from Martin chest."

"You are."

"It's dust."

"There isn't any dust."

"...Quiet."

Chef Han sniffled dramatically. "Oh dear, the children are hugging."

One of the housekeepers discreetly handed him a tissue.

James watched the scene silently. Looked at the wandering puppy then back at Keonho. James slowly exhaled. For weeks…he had believed Keonho's instincts were those of a thief. Tonight...he realized they were simply the instincts of a boy who understood what it meant to be abandoned.

The little puppy barked once. A tiny, squeaky sound.

Martin finally picked it up carefully to his lap. The puppy immediately licked his nose. “Eeeww...you need a bath. You smell like those chewy things”.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Gerald walked over and scratched the puppy behind its ears. "Looks like our family just grew again."

Erza smiled brightly. "What should we call him? She look at her son"

Martin watch the tiny golden retriever resting peacefully in his arms. Then toward Keonho. Who stood there pretending the moment wasn't making him embarrassingly happy. Martin smiled. "I'll think about the name."

"But one thing's certain."

He glanced at Keonho.

"This is the best birthday present I've ever received."

Keonho immediately looked away. "You're so easy to impress."

Martin laughed. "No, I just have the best little brother."

The words escaped naturally, without hesitation.

Keonho lowered his head before anyone could see the tears threatening to escape. He feel warm inside and out. Tonight, several people had called him family.

And this time, he finally allowed himself to believe it.

………………………….

The birthday decorations were still hanging from the ceiling. The tiny golden retriever had fallen asleep in Martin's lap after exhausting itself chasing its own tail. The grandfather clock struck one in the morning.

Dong.

Keonho sat on the rug in front of the coffee table. Silent, contemplating. His fingers absentmindedly rubbed the gold pendant beneath his shirt.

James noticed immediately. Whenever Keonho touched that necklace, means something was bothering him.

Martin looked over. "Keonho?"

The younger boy looked up. His expression was calmer than usual. Almost, resolved. "There's another thing I need everyone to know tonight."

Everyone turned toward him.

"I want to share something."

Silence settled over the living room.

"I think, it's time." He took a slow breath. "I don't want to keep any secrets anymore."

No one interrupted him. Take your time son. Mr. Gerald told him softly. The three of them sitting together on the sofa. They simply waited. Giving him the choice they had never forced upon him.

Keonho slowly looked around the living room. The warm lights, Chef Han peeking from the kitchen doorway, several housekeepers pretending to dust furniture while obviously listening. James standing with folded arms.

Martin with puppy on his lap, Mdm. Erza smiling gently and Mr. Gerald quietly watching him.

These people, fed him, laughed with him, argued with him, scolded him, worried for him and called him family. For the first time, he wanted them to know the truth.

"My real name is Ahn Keonho." He touched the pendant.

"Ahn, is my mother's surname. Ahn Hye Soo. My mother, wasn't married.” A painful smile appeared.

"She was what people called as mistress." The word felt bitter. As if that was all she ever was.

"My father... stop exhale … is Eom Minseok." The room became completely silent. Martin inhaled, Erza close her mouth with her hand. Even James' expression changed.

Gerald stared. "...Minseok?"

Keonho nodded. "He already had a wife at that time. My mother knew, they fall in loved with each other anyway." Keonho's voice remained steady. "My father visited us whenever he could."

"He loved my mother dearly, he loved me, play with me, bring me toys and delicious food. I know he did." His fingers tightened around the necklace.

"When he was with us, he was just…Dad. Our life was so simple." A sad laugh escaped him. "The best one." She never ask him for money. We live in a small house on remote village. She work at a grocery shop. She never once threatens him to expose him or ask him to married her. Mom told me she loves him dearly, so does father. She believes in their love and accept her fate. Like it was her punishment to steal someone husband.

Erza quietly reached for a tissue.

"Then, almost 2 years ago, my mother died from a sickness. It was too late to save her." The words almost broke. "She gave me this necklace on her death bed and told me to never hate the world. I've been failing that part last time I check." He chuckles. “I woke up beside her bed the next day to a cold body. He smiled through watery eyes.

"My father brought me to the Eom mansion since I was alone and still a minor."

"He apologized before we entered. In the car, he told me..., I couldn't call him Father anymore." The living room fell deathly silent.

"I had to call him Mr. Eom."

Martin's hands slowly clenched.

"I wasn't introduced as his son. I became an orphan he generously sponsored. I had to bow to the family. I had to call my own brother, Young Master, my sister, Young Miss.'"

James slowly closed his eyes. Every strange habit, every instinct, every flinch had suddenly made sense.

"The staff there ignored me. To them I was an just an outsider. I ate after everyone else if  there’s was food left. I slept in a storage room near the kitchen. I spent most of my time in the back garden." He smiled faintly.

"The flowers never cared who my parents were. I stayed for a year, because I kept waiting. Waiting for Father to finally tell the truth, waiting for him to choose me. He never did. He didn’t even remember my birthday. Keonho wipe his tears.

"So…I ran away. I became a thief trying to survived. I hated everyone for a long time because of him. A long pause. “Especially him. It was like that…until Martin hyung.”

Silent. No one spoke.

Finally... Gerald let out a slow sigh. "Minseok,” he removed his glasses. "I knew he was timid. But I never imagined he would hide his own son and treat him like this."

He shook his head. "I knew his marriage with Mina wasn't a love marriage. It was arranged. A partnership between families. Everyone in our circle knew that."

He looked at Keonho."His wife, has always been the stronger personality. She was good in business. The Eom family has listened to her for years. Minseok, has never been good at standing against people."

Keonho laughed bitterly. "I noticed."

Gerald nodded sadly. "I believe you did."

For a long moment...the chairman simply looked at the teenager sitting before him. Not as the son of another businessman, or a runaway. Just...Keonho.

Then he stood, walked over and knelt in front of him. "Listen to me."

Keonho slowly raised his head.

Gerald's voice was firm. "I don't care who your father is, I don't care where you were born, I don't care what the newspapers would say." He gently placed a hand on Keonho's head patting it. "But I know one thing, your mother is a strong woman for holding up like that. A woman who falls in love with a right guy but in a wrong time.

Keonho's eyes widened.

Gerald continued softly. "If anything, I suspect she was the one Minseok truly loved."

Silence.

"Sometimes, people are too weak to choose the life they actually want and that weakness belongs to Minseok. Not to your mother."

Keonho finally broke. The tears he had held back for years overflowed.

"We, ...I never wanted to ruin anyone's family. I never asked to be born like this".  "I didn't want Mother to be remembered like that" he weep.

Gerald immediately wrapped both arms around him. Pulling the crying teenager into a firm embrace.

"I know. You don't have to defend her anymore. Not in this house. He was your strong mother and you love her. Full stop.

Keonho cried harder. Years of shame, fear, loneliness. All pouring out at once. "I miss her. I miss her so much"

Gerald gently rubbed his back. "I know son."

Martin quietly moved beside them, without saying a word he pull Keonho closer and wrapped his arms around him. Keonho buried his face against Martin's shoulder. Erza couldn't hold back anymore joined them too. Carefully wrapping her arms around the three of them.

"My poor boy..." she whispered through tears. "You've been carrying this alone for far too long" the family cry together.

Even James looked away for a moment. Giving them privacy. Thou everyone notice his eyes were suspiciously red.

The little golden retriever suddenly woke up confused by all the crying. It clumsily jump down the sofa and squeezed itself between Keonho and Martin. Its tiny tail wagged furiously.

A watery laugh escaped Keonho. "You're terrible at comforting people."

The puppy barked proudly. Martin smiled. "I think he's doing a great job."

Gerald looked down at the teenager still tucked safely within their embrace. His voice carried the quiet certainty of a father making a promise. "Whatever happened before tonight, belongs to the past." He smiled warmly.

"But from now on, you won't face it alone. You came into this house as a guest and stayed as our adopted son." He gently ruffled Keonho's hair.

"And whether your blood says Eom or Ahn, you’ll always an Edward in this home."

For the first time since his mother's funeral, Keonho cried not because he had lost a family. But because, somehow, against all odds, he had found another one.

The Edward mansion changed. Not overnight, not because of expensive renovations, it changed because one troublesome sixteen-year-old decided the silence was boring so he make a visit and stay.

………………………………..

Three days after Martin's birthday...

Gerald knocked on the study door. "Keonho."

"Hm?"

"I've hired someone."

Keonho blinked. "...To arrest me?"

Gerald laughed. "No""...though your grades may qualify as a crime."

Keonho looked offended. "That's rude."

An hour later...

The front door opened. Standing outside was a young man carrying an overstuffed backpack. He looked no older than eighteen. Round glasses rested on his nose with  college uniform blazer draped over one arm. He bowed politely.

"Hello, my name is Kim Juhoon. I'll be your tutor."

Keonho stared. "You're a student."

Juhoon nodded. "I'm in my first year in college."

“I’m not lying when I was expecting is a wrinkle old man or bossy middle age women. So… you're smarter than me?"

Juhoon smiled sheepishly. "I hope so. Otherwise Mr. Edward wasted his money."

Within fifteen minutes, Juhoon discovered something. Teaching Keonho was exhausting.

"What is seven times eight?"

Keonho stared at the paper. "...Fifty?"

Juhoon blinked. "No."

"Fifty-one?"

"No."

"Fifty-two?"

James walked past the study, paused, looked inside and then continued walking. "Good luck" he wave.

Juhoon looked ready to cry.

The lessons slowly improved later day. Mostly because Martin joined whenever he had time. Unlike Juhoon, Martin knew exactly how to keep Keonho focused.

"If you finish this page, we'll play games."

Keonho immediately picked up his pencil.

Juhoon stared. "...That's all it took?"

Martin smiled proudly. "Positive reinforcement."

…………………………

Whenever Martin was away at university, someone else will care for Keonho and Martina. The tiny golden retriever had doubled in size. She also possessed endless energy.

Juhoon chased her across the garden. "Martina! No! Don't eat that!" trying to take his shoes from the pup.

The puppy proudly ran faster. Keonho laughed so hard he nearly fell off the bench. "You need to exercise more hyung."

Juhoon panted heavily. "She's cheating."

"She's a dog."

"Exactly."

Sometimes, James joined them. Usually against his own will; he said, because you kids need babysitter. Martina adored him. James pretended not to care.

Until one afternoon...

Everyone found him sitting beneath a tree eyes close. The puppy asleep in his lap. He was absentmindedly scratching behind her ears.

Keonho quietly took a picture. A new phone, a gift from Madam Erza.

Click!

James looked up. "Delete it."

"No."

"Delete it."

"I'm sending it to Martin."

"Keonho."

"It's already done."

"...Brat."

……………………………………

One evening, Keonho knocked on James' office door.

James didn't look up when he step in. "What did you break?"

"Nothing, …Yet."

James slowly raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"

Keonho scratched the back of his neck looking a bit nervous. "Can you teach me?"

"Teach you what?"

"How to fight."

James frowned. "No."

"Why?" Keonho whine.

You're sixteen."

"So?"

"You'll misuse it."

"I won't."

"You absolutely will."

"I promise."

"You steal wallets."

"I used to." Keonho's smile slowly faded. "I don't want to be helpless anymore."

James became quiet.

"I don't want to keep surviving by running. I want to protect people." “Have people to protect now” remain unheard.

Silence filled the room. James finally nodded once after being silence watching Keonho fidgeting. "Tomorrow."

Keonho's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Five in the morning."

The smile disappeared. "Five?"

"If you're late, we're done."

"You're evil."

James smirked. "I know."

The next morning at exactly five, James opened the training room.

Keonho was already there, half asleep. His hair sticking everywhere and still wearing mismatched socks.

James looked at the clock. "You're on time."

"I still hate you."

"I know,” James laugh.

Training became part of their routine.

Footwork. Balance. Discipline.

James refused to teach flashy techniques. Instead, he repeated the same movements.

Again.

And again.

And again.

"When do I learn cool kicks?"

"When you stop falling over."

"I only fell three times."

"Yes, like your legs made of jelly. How did you survive on street again? " James shake his head.

 "By pure luck, " Keonho sass.

……………………………………

One afternoon, the mansion received another visitor.

The head butler announced, "Young Master Seonghyeon Eom come to visit Young master Keonho."

Martin immediately looked toward the entrance. His expression became cautious.

Keonho noticed. "It's okay" he standing from where they were resting after Keonho extra class.

Martin quietly asked, "Are you sure?"

Keonho nodded. "He won't hurt me."

Seonghyeon stepped inside carrying a paper bag. A snack for everyone

He bowed politely. "I hope I'm not disturbing anyone."

Erza smiled warmly. "Not at all."

At first...the atmosphere was awkward. Martin stayed close to Keonho like a guard dog. He really look like an older brother of Martina. The golden hair and wide eyes. It was almost instinctively. The need to watch every interaction.

James noticed. "You don't trust him" James whisper for just the two of them.

Martin nod and answered honestly. "I trust Keonho. I don't trust the people from his past."

But over the next hour...Martin quietly observed the half-brother interaction on their garden; Seonghyeon never raised his voice, so awkwardly polite. He never asked uncomfortable questions nor mentioning his parents.

Instead, he apologized to the kitchen staff after accidentally dropped a biscuit they prepared. Thanks them for serving the tea.

He also helped Juhoon pick up scattered books leave by Keonho who play with Martina and spent nearly twenty minutes throwing a tennis ball with their puppy. Martina decided she loved him. Traitor.

Late that afternoon...Martin watch Seonghyeon join Keonho sitting in the garden. Neither of them spoke. They simply watched the roses sway in the breeze. Martina slept between them.

They looked...peaceful. Martin finally understood. Seonghyeon wasn't the enemy. He had simply been another child caught inside decisions adults made. He was trying too.

From then on...Seonghyeon's visits became more frequent. At first… it was only once every few weeks. Then, it became every weekend. Eventually, no one questioned it anymore when he randomly stop by.

Some days...the boys studied together.

Juhoon patiently explained algebra while Keonho dramatically complained that mathematics had been invented solely to torture him.

Seonghyeon will quietly correct his answers. "Wrong."

"I know" but Keonho quickly erasing the wrong answer.

"You really don't," Juhoon murmur teasingly

Some days, Martin joined them for board games when he free from his responsibility. Keonho love these days a lot when all of them gathered together.

James inevitably won.

Keonho inevitably accused him of cheating.

"I saw that."

"You didn't."

"I absolutely did."

"You're impossible."

Whenever the weather was nice, the five of them gathered in the garden.

Martin napping beneath a tree. Beside him, James telling embarrassing stories about Martin and Keonho to Seonghyeon.

Keonho trimming roses with surprising skill while Juhoon chasing Martina through the field while the puppy proudly ignored every command she was given.

Their laughter echoed across the estate. Louder than birdsong.

Louder than the silence that had once lived there.

One Saturday evening Gerald and Erza stood together on the balcony overlooking the gardens below.

Martin laughed as Martina tackled him onto the grass.

Juhoon tried to rescue a notebook from the puppy's mouth.

James reluctantly joined the chase after a bet with Keonho.

Seonghyeon smiling quietly as he watched the chaos unfold. His life was never this noisily chaotic.

Gerald folded his arms. "Our mansion has never been this loud."

Erza rested her head against his shoulder. "And I've never loved it more."

They watched the five boys together.

One was their son by birth.

One was their son by choice.

One was a bodyguard who had quietly become family.

One was a tutor who no longer left after lessons without staying for dinner.

And last one...a lonely boy from another household who had finally found a place where he could simply be a teenager.

The garden rang with laughter once more after Keonho losing his bet and have to piggy back giant Martin because James refuse to be the bag. The both of them fall dramatically after Keonho legs fail him.

Gerald smiled. "It looks like our family keeps growing."

Erza's eyes softened as Martina sprinted across the lawn with five boys chasing after her. "I think, it’s always had room for one more."

Keonho may lost his family, but here, he gain a new and bigger one.

END