Chapter 5

The younger sat beneath the stadium, tears streaming down his face like a gentle river. Oblivious to the passage of time, he cried unabated, unable to contain the flood of his emotions.

"Why... why doesn't he like me? Eomma said everyone would like me, but Hyung doesn't." He sniffled, his sobs intensifying. An hour had elapsed since the young one had sought solace within the stadium. Startled by a rustling sound from outside, he peered through a small gap and finally realized that a physical education class for the senior high second-year students was taking place.

"I've been here for so long." He wiped away his tears and stepped out of the stadium. He discovered his Hyung engrossed in a spirited game of basketball with his juniors, a radiant smile highlighting his dimples.

“Hyung was always kind to everyone, but why not to Ederic?” The younger boy found this peculiarity disconcerting. Ignoring his Hyung's joyful interaction with his peers, he abruptly fled. In truth, he felt a twinge of jealousy towards those who had the privilege of playing with Aaron. Even after just one day, Ederic had already found his heart captivated by him.

Ederic hurried into his classroom but caught the attention of two individuals around his age. Unaware of their presence, he continued on, lost in his thoughts.

"Hyung, did you see that person? I feel like I've seen him somewhere before," Dallin Fjorn inquired about Ederic to his companion.

Dallin was a popular member of their class, renowned for his graceful dancing and sweet, melodious voice akin to honey. Both girls and boys were enamored with him. After turning to his Hyung for an answer, he pondered further.

"I believe he is the son of Mr. Alit. It was all over social media this morning. He became the talk of the town," Lyan Hintell explained to his inquisitive companion. Sighing, he distanced himself from Dallin.

Lyan Hintell was supposed to be a year ahead of Dallin Fjorn in school. Due to his aversion to studying, he had skipped a grade. Dallin and Lyan had been friends since childhood, residing in the same middle-class neighborhood. As Lyan's parents disapproved of his poor academic performance, he had moved out and lived alone, with Dallin joining him. Their bond had remained unbroken for over a decade.

"Why are you walking away? Wait for me, Hyung," the adorable Dallin pouted, matching his pace to Lyan's. Holding Lyan's hand, they continued together. Occasionally, their classmates mistook their relationship for that of lovers, yet they shared a connection that surpassed mere romantic entanglement.

IN THE EVENING

As expected of the Alit family, the chauffeur stood ready to pick up his young masters. Aaron strolled out of the school gate, engrossed in his mobile device. Meanwhile, Ederic struggled to navigate through the crowd of departing students.

"Good evening, young masters," the chauffeur called out, finding it a challenge to address both of them as young masters, having previously only served Aaron. The younger one nearly stumbled as he approached the car.

They both entered the vehicle, with Ederic taking a seat in the back while Aaron claimed the front. He made it clear that he did not want to sit with Ederic.

Upon their arrival home, Ederic's mother warmly greeted them, as she always had, even during their days in the village when she toiled away in the paddy fields. Aaron paid her no mind and walked away, visibly irritated. Ederic rushed toward his mother, embracing her tightly. Adjusting to a new environment proved challenging for the young boy.

"Eomma..." His beaming smile eased her worries. He didn't want her to fret over him.

"How was your first day, my baby? Did you enjoy yourself?" she gently caressed his cheeks. He responded with an enthusiastic nod and his trademark smile. Finally, she could breathe a sigh of relief. She had worried all day that he wouldn't be able to connect with anyone. It was true, but he concealed his struggles behind that radiant smile.

"Let's go inside. I have prepared some snacks for you as well," Ederic's mother suggested.

Ederic nodded eagerly and followed his mother indoors.

"Eomma, I'll go take a shower first. I feel all sweaty," he pouted cutely. He had always been a tidy and hygienic boy.

As his mother nodded and granted permission, he dashed up the stairs, nearly colliding with Mrs. Alit. Fearing a scolding, he braced himself, but to his surprise, she smiled at him. Taking a deep breath, he continued on to his room.

"It seems he was frightened by me," Mrs. Alit remarked as she descended the stairs, speaking to Ederic's mother, who remained silent for a moment. It was true; everything was still so new to him, how could he possibly remain composed?

"I apologize for his behavior. He..." Ederic's mother's words were interrupted by Mrs. Alit.

"It's alright. He was adorable, just like his mother," Mrs. Alit complimented, offering a gentle smile. It carried a hint of warmth and ambiguity. Mrs. Alit understood that Ederic's mother still harbored feelings of inferiority and guilt over her presence in their lives.