(Unedited)

"Sssss! You're broke!"

Oblivious to the words he blurted out, Blu kept his gaze on Neil's phone from over his shoulder. He was curious as to why the guy suddenly became silent, he didn't expect it to be that. He frowned and thought hard as to what he can buy with twenty-five hundred dollars. It was a tough process since all he knew was to swipe his card and get what he wanted from the store. Checking prices was a foreign concept to him.

"Ah! A watch! You can buy a presentable watch for $2500." 

Again this guy spoke without thinking, oblivious to the maddening thoughts inside his friend's mind. Neil slowly turned to Blu who had a triumphant smile after remembering the price of a watch he saw in a store. 

"Are you serious right now?" 
Gone was his subservient attitude to the young heir, he had this pressing matter to deal with.

"Oh! Sorry. I'm just as shocked as you. I think you should call your folks to handle this then the bank or your father's secretary. That bill must be paid. I don't think a tabloid article will be good for your father's name at the moment," Blu commented. He cleared his throat and adopted a serious and contemplative expression. 
Nodding in agreement, Neil ran his fingers through his dark brown hair in frustration and quickly pulled up his mother's contact. He called her twice. The first, his call was cut off and the second was forwarded to her voicemail after five rings. This angered him greatly. He needed help yet his mother was blatantly ignoring his call. He rang her number once more, ready to state his dissatisfaction with her.

"What is it, Neil? I'm in the middle of something at the moment." 

"What the hell took you so long to answer? Why didn't you answer my calls before? I need you to transfer ....." He didn't waste time on pleasantries when she answered his call. He was in a situation that he needed to clear right away.

"I have no time... " "Excuse me, ma'am, it will be of much importance if you handle this matter. You're disturbing the flow of business." Someone on his mother's side cut off the harried statement she was about to make. 
"You can wait. I am talking to my son. Am I not allowed to do so?" It seems like she too has her own problems.

"Mother! Enough! Ignore those low-class sluts. Wire me some money, now." The demand was clear and left no room for queries. 

"You're in need of money? Your father gave you enough for an entire month in Pasadena. I have no time for your spoiled brat act. Do what you're asked to do; for once, try to please your father. If you did so while growing up then he didn't have to make that sissy his sole heir."

Neil was livid. This wasn't the first time he received those words from her. It was a known fact that he was a by-blow who secondhandly reaped the benefits of the legitimate son. Being reminded of that fact by his mother while on the verge of being the next tabloid topic, his temper skyrocketed.

"Why are you blaming me when you failed to tie him down and gained that bitch's position?" He ended the call abruptly with the urge to throw his phone at the opposite wall. Blu silently watched from the corner and quickly deduced that mommy dearest was in a pinch also. Did things go further south for Min Hanjool? he quietly questioned. Blu answered himself, 'It's none of my business.'

"That woman is insufferable!"

"No luck, huh? I guess Secretary Cho may be the answer to all of this," Blu said lowly. He ignored the anger on Neil's face and gave the most logical opinion. 

"That old crock drives me up the wall with his snide comments," Neil grumbled like he was against the idea of the call but still pulled up the required number.

Surprisingly the call was answered on the second ring.

"Are you on your way back? What did he demand?" Administrator Cho didn't care what the second son wanted, he needed to confirm the first son's answer to move forward with their plan.

"I-I-uh, I haven't met older brother yet. It seems that there are some issues at the hotel I'm staying. I need some additional money to tie up loose ends." The arrogance Neil bore while talking to the hotel staff and his mother disappeared. The subservient tone he now spoke in was for Cho, the trusted aide of his father. He didn't dare be rude to the man.

"You insignificant piece of trash. Do you know how much money is spent on you? One thing we've asked you to do but you decide to show your greedy ways by asking for more money. I have no time to indulge you; find a way to get that brat back here. It's best if you use his mother as bait, he will do anything for her." The administrator ended the call without waiting to hear from Neil. The latter felt like the world was crushing him from his head, down to his shoulders. How the fuck can he bring Jaejin back to New Mexico? The guy is always cautious around him. Ever since he was given this task, he thought of numerous plans but none gave him the feeling of success. He was a last-minute job. The older heads failed to put a leash on the little bitch so familial bond and age are the only things they can depend on. 

While Neil resolved himself to give his older brother a call, Blu informed their other friend of the present development. Reed Katiael, is a 4th generation heir. Similar to Blu, his future was already planned; in a few years, he will work for his family's company, gain his inheritance and marry whatever girl his folks arranged for him. Reed's reply to Blu's message was simple and indifferent. 

   - Okay. Let me know when the bill is settled.

It was clear that he wouldn't lift a finger to help Neil. To him, the half-Asian guy was a placeholder in that family. The one who can turn the tides is naturally the firstborn and from his outside view of the guy - power wasn't in his plans for the future. 

"I guess the pansy is your last resort. It's best if you get it over with but I highly doubt he will have that amount in his bank account," Blu commented. Neil wanted to give him a retort but stilled his tongue. This was his problem, roping in Blu and Reed will strain their friendship. He had another worry. Can Jaejin help pay that bill? The guy is a college student without the help of their father. Many doubts were on his mind but one thing completely left it - where was his money? Any rational thinking person would think along these lines but Neil was one who never thought about where his spending originates. He was keener on accepting the cash wholeheartedly and spending it all on his likes. 

Leaving Blu on the sofa, he walked to the balcony and pressed the call icon next to his brother's name. Putting the call on speaker, an automated voice pierced his ears. 
    'Your call has been forwarded to a private number. Please hold for connection.'
"Forwarded?" Neil frowned at this unexpected scene. Why did Jaejin change his number?

"Hello." The voice on the other end of the line didn't sound downtrodden like he expected. This voice held a pleasant, carefree tone. Didn't he know that their father held his future in his hands? What about his mother's safety? 

"Brother! It's Neil."

The silence was his reply. He swore the temperature dropped after he mentioned his name. There was no sound on Jaejin's end. Did he end the call?
"Uh..."

"What is it?" 

The question was sharp and straightforward, a major change from his warm greeting a few seconds ago.

"I'm in Pasadena with some friends and decided to swing by your place..."

"What do you want?" Jaejin cut him off with no hesitation.

"I just want to visit my older brother....."

"Neil Min, you and I may be connected by our father's blood but we are far from the brotherly love phase of our relationship. Answer me quickly, what do you want?"

Jaejin's cold explanation of their relationship annoyed the heck out of Neil. Even the way he called his name in the American way pissed him off. He tried his best to integrate himself in his Korean heritage but he was never accepted. Well, he only did it to be accepted by their father and not wholeheartedly.

"Why do you have to be such a fucking prick? Why can't I simply want us to be closer? We are getting older," Neil countered.

"Cut the crap, you little shit. What do you want?" Jaejin snapped.

"Fine. I need help paying a bill. The cash from father disappeared from my account," Neil grumbled. Being cussed at didn't feel good at all.

"The fuck. That's why you called?"

This was the first time he heard his older brother bring so crass. His looks and temperament screamed delicate pansy boy, who knew he can swear like a first-time drunkard. 

"You have to help me," Neil said firmly.

Jaejin's laughter sounded like a villain's cackle after he captured his long-time nemesis. "The only thing I have to do is to live as free as I want. Haaaaa, I guess if I want to get rid of you and Hanjool I will have to play along with you guys. Did old man Cho give you a few pointers to reel me in? Come on, let's hear it."

This was not the Jaejin he expected to come across, the guy was completely different from what he portrayed back in New Mexico. Neil was dumbfounded for a while before he regained his wits, well, most of it. He replied in the complete form Jaejin expected.

"You can laugh heartily because it's me you're talking to but can you do the same to father? You are being summoned back home after you clear this minor issue. Any refusal and all luxury your mother currently has will end. She will be living in a one-bedroom low-class apartment with no income to help her survive. She has no skills to survive this world, she's hanging by a thread. Your only option is to follow me back home."

Jaejin was rendered speechless. Not because of Neil's 'threatening' speech but of his 'as expected' words. How can he be so clueless as to what was happening around him? His mother held the social power for their father's survival; without her public support, he would have been swallowed by his rivals. Presently she was bidding time to play the role of broken and pitiful wife. The people who were now in rocky positions were Neil and his mom, they were like disposables right now.
In response, he gave a short laugh. "Tell me where you at so I can tend to your issue."

Neil gave a condescending snort, thinking he accomplished what his father saddled him with. He gave the name of the hotel but didn't go into full detail about the hotel bill. He wanted to Jaejin to share this humiliation he was forced to endure.

"Oh! This place. I will be there in ....." "Ten minutes, young master." "I'll be there in ten minutes."

"Who was that? Why is he calling you young master?" Neil shouted. Jaejin had no support from the main house, so why did he have a servant with him?

"Maeneo, dongsaeng." 

The call ended with those two Korean words. The sneer was heard in Jaejin's voice and the mockery on the word - dongsaeng. Neil felt insulted yet angered. "This fucking piece of shit!"

Blu heard the conversation between the brothers and was curious as to where that sissy got such confidence. He was nothing but a mama's boy cowering under his father's thumb. Blu informed Reed of the latest development, and the response he received was expected. He too wanted to see the changes in Jaejin. 
"He's coming right? Reed is on his way, he's trying to get some extra cash from his folks," Blu commented. The last part was a simple ruse but Neil took it as goodwill from his friends. 

"Yeah, he's coming. He has no other choice though. Let me inform that woman of this," Neil grumbled and made his way out of the lounge. 

                                                                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An arrival created a bit of hubbub amongst the young guests. It was high noon and many were either leaving to enjoy their day or on their way to use the facilities. Their attention was caught by a sleek black G-wagon escorting a blue-gray Rolls Royce Phantom with another G-wagon at its rear. They all had their share of witnessing the wealth of others but the envoy screamed respect yet fear. How can one depict those feelings from vehicles? No one knew but they all felt it. The lobby was at a standstill, they were all waiting to see this big shot. 
Four men in causal black suits left the G-Class Benz and took up positions, securing their unseen boss. Two stood at the doors, one began to patrol the Phantom while the remaining guard opened the door. A slender arm stretched out holding a branded handbag which the guard took carefully. The owner of this bag stepped out carefully towering on her red bottom heels and portraying an elegant figure in a dark blue business dress stopping a few inches above her knee. Her blonde hair was styled in a sleek ponytail giving the view of the small pearl studs on her ear and her slender neck. The woman gave the guard a small nod and retrieved her bag. In the crook of her arm were an encased iPad and her phone in her palm. She stood beside the guard and patiently waited for someone. The spectators were curious. If the boss wasn't this beauty, then who was it?

No one dared to get closer.

Their patience was rewarded when a young man left the car, unfolding his slender body neatly before standing beside the beauty. The woman was quick to right his light coat and hair. Her actions weren't flirtatious but professional, showing the onlookers that she was his aide. The two guards stood behind him as their envoy drove off. 
"While we are here we can scout this hotel. I like the welcoming atmosphere already. Any college student will love to work here for career experience or part-time," the young man commented. His eyes earnestly looked at the hotel and its surroundings, when his gaze met curious onlookers, they will receive a soft smile and a nod of greeting from him.

"Yes, young master. I will tend to this side of things while you focus on the other. There are two more prospective clients to visit before your lunch date."

The look of high interest shifted to warmth at the mention of the woman's last two words. 

"Very well."

Moving towards the entrance, the first two guards joined them, creating a protective shield around the young man. This gave everyone the visual of a rare orchid encircled by black thorns. 

"Who is that?" 

                    "Is he an idol?"

"He looks like one of those K-drama actors. Is he one of them?"

         "Why does he look prettier than me? Damn genetics!"

One question after another circulated in the crowds' minds and who could blame them? The young man being escorted was none other than Min Jaejin. Before he met Eros and was focused on his and his mother's survival, he was undoubtedly ignorant of his looks and was unconsciously hiding it away with his long hair and quirky hats. Jaejin was never one to focus on fashion or his appearance to flatter others - he was simple-minded in those matters. After the burden of his survival and his social life were taken away, he took time to be a carefree guy. With Isla as his aide, his wardrobe and overall care changes dramatically, she was presently on a first-name basis with his mother. Those two were firm in always having him looking his best.
Though he was garnering much attention, Jaejin was indifferent to it all. He followed his guards into the hotel and kept up his curiosity. They were greeted by the manager herself, her actions were all genuine and respectful. Isla mentioned the woman's involvement with Neil's little predicament. 

His rose was very cunning.

"Greetings, young master Jaejin, welcome. What is your next step? We have been notified that this was now under your control due to the personal connection."

Jaejin was shocked to hear this. Eros did tell him he was needed for a part of his game but he didn't expect his role to be one of the 'game masters.' Is it right to feel touched by this?

"A bit of privacy will be needed for this," Jaejin commented with an amused smile on his lips. He glanced to the side where the receptionists were boldly staring, along with a few young women taking photos of him.

"Yes, sir." The woman couldn't help but laugh at the situation. It's been a while since a 'mistaken celebrity' situation happened at the hotel. It was understandable, the young man before her had the thought-provoking elegant male beauty that is popular amongst Asians. Even she had the urge to feast her eyes a bit. Turning on her heels, she led them to the top floor where the rooftop club and private penthouses were located. One of these penthouses belonged to Eros Delacourde as he was the sole investor in this hotel. 
The Sanguine Hotel and Savor Nightclub are owned by a past soldier for the Delacourdes. He was part of Eros's faction for years and one with the most seniority, at twenty-seven he opted for early retirement and made plans to settle down. The investment he received from the second prince came as a retirement gift which he gratefully accepted. Years passed and it became a great success in Pasadena thanks to the ever-changing generations. Helping the second young master with this little job was an inkling of his gratitude.
Manager Chrissette gave the group a small tour of the penthouse before they settled themselves.

"Where is he at the moment?" Jaejin asked.

"Presently he's in one of the lounges we isolate for these kinds of issues. His two friends are now with him awaiting your arrival."

"Those two. I believe they are from the Soren and Katiael families. Since we were kids he has been trying to be their best friend, I'm surprised they've indulged him for so long. Did they offer their help?"

"No, young master," she answered with a shake of her head.

"As expected. If I recall correctly, it's around this time the spotlight will be on their family. Being associated with the family of a near-bankrupt company won't do them any good. Enough about them, Miss Chrissette do you have thirty minutes to spend with us? I have a business proposition for you as the manager of Sanguine."

The manager being experienced in the customer service business and one out of three of the owner's aides, she can tell when there's a hidden meaning to people's words. It seems like the second young master chose a suitbale partner, he's already speaking their language.

"I can give you forty five minutes at least," she countered.

"Excellent! I hope there won't be any pressing work you're putting off. It's best to settle things before our talk." Jaejin's smile was slow and was absent of the innocence he portrayed in the lobby. He sat upright in the single armchair with his hands clasped before him at chest level.

"I do have to vacate a few rooms. I'll be back in a few minutes." Chrissette knew what he wanted. To continue with this farce, they will have to strike Neil's weakness - his pride. Evicting the occupants of the hotel room will stain the young man's reputation. The women they accompanied last night didn't look like the typical lucky girl from the club, an uproar will start from these ladies. How Neil handles it, will be under his own discretion, he was literally cut off from New Mexico. 

While Neil waited in the lounge for Jaejin, a senior receptionist and two guards were standing outside their room awaiting the occupant to answer. A brunette answered with a hotel robe wrapped around her body. "What is it? Who are you?" the woman asked, sneering at the receptionist.

"I am Rea from the front desk. It is past your check out time, maam. Since there is no record of additional stay, we urge you to please vacate this room."

"Excuse me?! This room was paid for three days. Do you know who booked this place?" the woman said with a condescening laugh.

"Unfortunately, I do know who booked this room. As I stated there is no record of additional stay, please check out in less than an hour. If you fail to do so, you will be forcibly removed. Have a nice day," Rea said with a smile. With a turn on her heel, she left the brunette at the door and returned to her duties. 

"Hey! Who was it?" The voice came from inside the room, the owner was also a brunette but dressed in silk pajamas.

"The front desk. They are asking us to leave."

"WHAT?! There must be some mistake. Let me call Reed."

Closing the door, the brunette named Claire sneered at her. "Do you even has his number? The only one who gave his number is the half Asian one."

Realization set upon the other brunette who goes by the name of Lacey, the two firends of the Asian were like bystanders. They treated them like princesses but on their friend's splurging. "We just met why would they give us their numbers? That Neil is just lame and wanted to show off. I'll let Jesse call him," she said laughing off the red flag.
The two made their way to the sitting area to find their friend. The blonde was on her phone scrolling through media feeds and lounging in full leisure. 

"Hey, call your sugar daddy and ask him what crap is he pulling. We have to leave in an hour," Claire shouted from across the room.

"What are you talking about? He said he's planning to be here for a few days after checking up on his dead beat brother. Their mother seemed to be really broken up about." Not caring about her lack of dress, the blonde hung her bare legs on the back of the sofa and angled the rest of her body in a comfortable position. As she moved, the diamond necklace around her neck glittered from afar, her two friends couldn't help but envied her. Neil purchased it for her after she mentioned that she liked it.

"That's not what the front desk thinks. Call him," Claire returned. Her mood was turning sour by the second.

"Whatever." Eventhough she grumbled in annoyance, Jesse still placed the call. The call rang for four times before she hung up in confusion. She retried his number and was abruptly rejected. She tried two more times on the thrird rejection, she was extremely pissed off.
"THOSE FUCKING JERKS DARE TO DITCH US! THEY WERE PLAYING US!" Jesse was beyond angry. She kept on redialing Neil's number but no response. Claire and Lacey's anger also spiked. They immediately placed that anger into destroying room. Artwork was smashed, glassware were destroyed; suitcases were thrown over the balcony and majority of the furniture was broken. This commotion alerted the other guests and the hotel security. Rea was the one who recieved this noise complaint and immediately sent the team to apprehend the ladies under the supervision of a female worker. This incident was forwarded to Chrissette.

In the penthouse, Jaejin simply gave the woman a nod of acknowledgment when he heard the news and continued on with their impromptu business meeting. Isla seeing this showed a contemplative look on her face. Where was the insecure guy she met a short while ago? Does the Delacourdes have mystical powers to fint the perfect partner to match their temperment? While Eros portayed a majestic yet ferocious beast if not provoked, Jaejin embelished the image of an elegant yet poisonous beast waiting to strike at an opportune moment.
Isn't that what he's doing? Isla thought to herself. Jaejin was told of the situation and after a few moments the words he spoke after had hidden meanings and his patience showed its enormity. He was continuing the second young master's game perfectly.
How? How is this possible? The change was drastic. Isla was freaking out silently while she jotted down notes of this new client for her young master. It will be interesting to see what happened next.

After forty five minutes, Jaejin secured a new client bringing the emploer list to his business to twelve. For a new business, this was a good starting point.
"Thank you, Miss Chrissette. I would like to bother you once more. Please have him escorted here. This won't take long." Jaejin gave her a sweet smile making the older woman agree to his request without hesitation. She left his side and made a quick call to the lower floors. While she coordinated her staff, Jaejin took that time to wander the penthouse. The design was of a clear open floor concept with hints of the owner's personality in artwork and furniture. The herring-bone design of the hardwood floors brought warmth to the two floor private home and was a great contrast to the white walls of the living area. Colors dotted the first floor in the sofas, the rugs and ornaments. The kitchen wasn't big to show off one's wealth but at a size to be lost in one's cooking. Sunlight bathed the entire home through the large black framed windows. Double doors was styled to mimic these tall windows that led out to the balcony, to look over the downtown area of the city. Jaejin made his way there and took a seat to relaxe his mind before he tackle the situation with his brother. Isla followed him out with a tray of refreshments in her hands.

"Thank you." His words were soft but she heard. Sensing he need these few minutes to himself, she retreated to the inside living area and waited for their guests with Chrissette. A text came in on Jaejin's phone seconds later.
        - 'If you're overwhelmed, I can take over.'

"You're too good to me, Eros Delacourde. Worrying over me with this little job." As he spoke he replied to his partner. 
                                      'I'm doing fine. I think I really need this.'
A thumbs up and heart emoji was the reply he recieved. "Too cute," he uttered. During his daily interactions with Eros and recieving reports on his partner's territory, Jaejin matured gradually and came to understand how the real world works. He learned alot and it was up to him to either adapt or stay oblivious to the truth of society. His actions towards this assignment Eros gave him was a testament to his decision.

Min Jaejin decided to adapt to the real world. He will be the partner Eros Delacourde chose.

                                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"They're taking me for a fool."

Hearing the angry muttering of the man walking in front of them, Blu Soren and Reed Katiael wanted to give an honest response of 'You are.' but refrained from doing so. They were only coming along for the ride. Reed was brought up to speed about the development with Neil and the hotel along with the calling of Min Jaejin. They waited for close to an hour waiting for the guy. The only thing that happened was Neil's anger and insecurity showing. His anxiety also came through at the thought of unable to pay the hotel bill. The two saw how close he was to asking them for help but they picked up their role of helpless trust fund babies. Thankfully they were saved from prolonged acting when two guards delivered a message from the hotel manager. Blu was curious to see one of the penthouses they failed to book and Reed found it strange for the manager to prolong such matter, even going out of her way to invite them to the top floor. Neil didn't have their thoughts. He only wanted the bill paid and to put Jaejin in his place.

When the elevator reached its destination, one of the guards turned towards them. His expressionless face struck the chord of fear in their hearts. His eyes held no emotion and when he spoke the next words they were stained with pure disdain. "You are to watch your words when you're before the young master. The only reason you're still here is because of his kindness."

Who was this young master? To have such a dedicated guard was a rarity in their circle. 

The three didn't verbally answer, stiff nods were given before they stepped out of the elevator. They were led to a pair of white doors which had a gold insignia on each side. Two out of three in the group never saw that insignia nor did they pay attention to it, only one froze in fear when he saw it. He didn't alert the other two, he didn't know how deep their families were in society  or how rational they can be if they were to meet one of 'them'. He left it all to the universe and entered the penthouse when the door was opened by the manager. They were led past a foyer and into a formal sitting area. There sat a gorgeous young lady with an air of elegance who stood upon their arrival. She held the device in her hands and quickly typed on it after a quick once over. 

"The young master only requested Mr. Min. The young masters of the Soren and Katiael family are not need," she said plainly.

"We are only here as support, miss, please forgive us," Reed said politely. Neil switched his gaze between the two, the formal wordplay was foreign to him. Why was Reed acting to polite to a frigid bitch.

"If its only support then the young master shall not hinder you from doing this. Mr. Min, young masters, please follow me."

Neil was miffed. Why were they called by their house titles and not him? He was about to rebuke the woman but a hand clasped his shoulder. That person's fingers dug in sharply causing him to whimper slightly. When he turned to the culprit all he saw was a stern warning in their eyes. 
The young lady led them through an entry way, further in the penthouse where the casual sitting area, dining area and kitchen were positioned in it open floor design. A set of stairs led to the second floor, due to the design they couldn't see much after the landing. The freshness of the area made them relax and also impressed by the rich design. The view outside the windows was amazing. Walking through the sitting area towards the balcony they can see a young man seated regally in one of single outdoor chair. His back was towards them, none of the three could tell who it was but they knew a rich kid when they met one. The way he sat, the way he took easy sips of his drink and the way he allowed his aide to do her work were exceptional results of being trained under an 'aristocratic' family. 

"Young master, your guests have arrived."

"Thank you, Isla."

That voice. Neil knew that voice. Blu knew that voice. Reed was somewhat familiar with it. 

Neil not knowing how to control himself stepped forward and brushed past the young lady. "YOU?! You're the young master?" He all but yelled, pointing his finger at the composed Jaejin before him.

"How dare you show the young master this disrespect?" Isla was genuinely annoyed by this child's behaviour. She placed herself between Neil and her young boss, ready to throw the brat over the balcony rails.

"The fuck you're talking about? How much did he pay you to act as his bitch?" Neil sneered. The hate he had for Jaejin was clear in his eyes and the mockery in his voice was for Isla. He expected the woman to falter and become a whimpering mess but he was wrong. The two behind him raised their hand to pull Neil back but they were too slow for the oncoming backhanded slap. Neil staggered to the side and fell to his knees due to heavy slap from such a slender woman and the shock of being struck.
"Ingrate!" "Sseulmo eobsneum!"

The two insults were voiced along with cold stares from both Isla and Jaejin. Neil heard them and knew the meaning of those words. He got back to his feet and faced his older brother, rage and the slap on his cheek burned his face. That was the first time anyone has ever assaulted him. Usually he was the one to do it in order to put fear in the servant's mind. Now a hired woman dare to strike him. This couldn't rest.

"Your training is yet to be completed. Your debut as the second son was premature. I guess your mother failed to tie down your fake arrogance for you to be the perfect image of Min Hanjool's son. How dare you come here and disrespect your elders? I may not be at the main house but my position is still above yours whether you like it or not." The words Jaejin spoke were like ice daggers piercing his body one by one. He couldn't believe this was the sissy he bullied when they shared the same house. Was he hiding his true self all those years? Black diamond eyes held him in place, Neil couldn't move.

"Soren. Katiael. Leave." Jaejin gave the soft order in which one obeyed instantly, pulling the other with him. 
"Thank you, young master," he said with his eyes lowered as he passed Jaejin's regal form. 

"Please have a seat, Mr. Min," Isla voiced coldly. What can he do but comply.

Jaejin let his gaze leave his little brother and move to landscape before them, he was trying to get his thoughts together. This was a chance to move forward freely and leave shackles of his family behind. His mother was safe. He was safe. There's nothing he should be afraid of. 

"The position of first young master was due to birth and not of my own volition. When I became aware of what that entailed I was seven, a young age but due to my initial training it was taught to me. I understood and matured faster than others hence I was able to make my decision. I do not wish to be the head of the Min family. Father and Administrator Cho saw this and decided to take action. One was to strike fear into my soul by placing the one I cherished the most in a miserable position. Two, take an unofficial second wife to bore a second heir - you." He paused his words and adjusted his body in the chair. 

From his smooth actions, Neil knew deep down in his heart that he can never be like Jaejin. Every word his older brother spoke, every move he made was the epitome of a next generation heir. Though he went through the same training, he never took it seriously. He believed that the show of wealth and power was the way to gain the commoners' respect.

"Your wish is to gain recognition to take my unwanted position but you failed from the start. You and your mother failed to see what father wanted. "

"What..." Neil wanted to know what his father wanted but Jaejin cut him off and continued.

"That's what you should figure out if you wish to keep your life of luxury. Now. You will return to New Mexico, what you do is up to you. I will settle the problem you caused here. You may leave."

Jaejin's dismissal was like cold water washing over him. He failed to do a task for his father. What should he do now? "But... you have to return to New Mexico. I won't be able..."

"Neil." The soft calling of his name was sharp.

"Yes, older brother," he answered solemnly.

"Five minutes ago, the last string that connected us was broken."

Neil rose to his feet, his dark eyes met Jaejin's and stayed there. "What do you mean?" His older brother simply smiled then looked away. 

"I am no longer a part of the Min family."

Sseulmo eobsneum - useless

Maeneo, dongsaeng -  manners, little brother