Chapter 13

                                    

                                          

"Welcome back, Han Dongmin." His words still linger in Taesan's ears, still playing at the back of his mind. 
Never have he thought Leehan would address him in that kind of manner... like he sometimes calls Taesan "yah", "idiot", "cold face", everything that is informal. 
And the looks on his face, that cold aura, he never imagined seeing Leehan like that because he is one of the softest people Taesan knows. He can feel deep down his heart, he doesn't want me around. 
If he was Leehan from three months ago, he would be jumping onto him and hugging Taesan tightly, getting all sulky saying "hey, why you came so late huh?" because that's how he used to be everytime Taesan came late for trips or even when they both planned to hangout. 
He will always want Taesan around him but now... it feels totally the opposite.
It's been two days since they welcomed him and Taesan doesn't want to make this day a bitter one for their friends, they've prepared so much for me and he doesn't really think he deserves a surprise party. 
Taesan just sat by himself watching the guys dancing to the music. He never thought the other students would be here too and seeing them makes him feel more guilty. 
What if Taesan decided to stay that time? Maybe this wasn't happening right now? Maybe he and Leehan are now beside each other. Maybe he can work for this love more easily.
Although Taesan was angry and jealous at that time, he set it aside because seeing Leehan after months is way more important. He set aside himself and even risked his position for going back here before Taesan's deal with his father. 
Taesan never expected it to be like this. Never. 
"Mr. Han." Myunbi knocked on the art's room door.
"Come in." Taesan said, putting down his pen and looking up at the door to meet Myunbi's eyes.
"I've gathered new information about Leehan." He said, walking towards Taesan. "It seems like the leaked photos are now being used by their rival companies and now they are trying to pull them down." 
"Have they responded?" Taesan said. He stared at the hateful comments Leehan has been receiving in his accounts, different awful things. 
"As of now, Leehan or any of his family has responded to the issue and Leehan is still roaming and drinking around clubs as if nothing's happening." 
"Why is he doing this... he's not like this. He changed so much." Taesan whispered, heart clenching to what his best friend had become. 
"One more thing," Myunbi said, making Taesan look at him. "Your letters didn't reached Mr. Kim. It was received by someone else." 
Taesan furrowed his eyebrows. "How did that happen? Unless father did something again..."
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Taesan sat on the edge of his bed, his fists clenched. He had just finished watching the video sent to him by Myunbi, a clear recording of Leehan and the girl at the prom. 
The girl's arm was draped casually over Leehan's shoulder, and they were laughing together. 
The other is Leehan carelessly drinking inside a club.
It was a sight that filled Taesan with a burning rage.
He paced back and forth, his mind racing. How could Leehan do this to him? They had been friends for years. He had trusted Leehan with his life. And now, this?
Why is he ruining his image in front of many? Haven't he seen the hateful comments towards him? 
Taesan stopped and leaned against the wall, his eyes filled with tears. He felt betrayed, hurt, and angry. He had always been there for Leehan, no matter what. And this was how Leehan repaid him? 
A wave of anger washed over him. Not only towards Leehan but to himself. How can he protect Leehan now from those judging eyes and rivals that are waiting for their downfall? Can he still do his promise?