100 On the Verge of Ruination (2/2)

”Strangely, I keep falling for him. Oppa, what should I do? Even though he's such a stupid, reckless, good-for-nothing idiot, I... I still love him. I'm sorry, Oppa.” Yeo Ri lowered her head guiltily.

”What do you know?! You're just fourteen. You're being delusional, Yeo Ri-ah,” he reasoned. ”Is it because I've been a terrible brother? Is that it?” He grabbed her arms, searching her face desperately. ”It was Oppa's fault. Oppa didn't look after you properly. Is that why? It must be. This must be Oppa's punishment. I'm sorry, Yeo Ri-ah. Oppa will do better, so please...” he rambled, ”...please, don't say such nonsensical things anymore.”

Hearing Gun's blatant rejection, Yeo Ri could not help but feel stifled. She bit her lips, ”I'm sorry, Oppa, but I love Hyuk-oppa. As more than a brother.”

”Stop it, Yeo Ri-ah!” Gun shouted. ”Don't say such things!” Gun shook her violently, looking extremely frenzied.

He was in denial. He couldn't accept it.

Not his baby sister.

Not his brother.

”Why?! Why, Yeo Ri-ah?! What do you know about love?! You're just clinging on him because of what's been happening, right?! Because you just need someone, right?! It's just a fleeting feeling, right?!” He says, smiling and laughing forlornly, trying to convince himself. It was probably because of the suspension bridge effect; Hyuk just happened to be by her side while she was at her weakest. That was it, wasn't it?

”No, Oppa! Please!” Yeo Ri begged, trying to pull away from his crazed shaking.

Who knew when Hyuk managed to run away from Shim Yong Pil, but before the two realised it, Hyuk came flying in through the door.

He grabbed Gun and roughly pushed him away, making him release his hold on Yeo Ri.

”What the f*ck do you think you're doing?!” He growled at the younger boy.

”You disgusting little b*tch,” Gun spat in response. ”If not because of you, Yeo Ri wouldn't have turned out this way.”

”What did you say?” Hyuk's voice lowered, staring darkly at Gun.

”You piece of sh*t, you ruined her! You dirtied my innocent Yeo Ri!” Gun accused.

”You f*cking—!” Hyuk laughed coldly, as if he could not believe his ears. He took a step forward. His expression twisted angrily, and it felt as if the temperature had taken a steep dip into an icy lake. ”You. What do you know?” He growled. ”What? I ruined Yeo Ri? Me? Do you even know what she—”

”Oppa!” Yeo Ri paled. No way... was he going to tell Gun-oppa about that? ”Don't! Stop it!” She stared at Hyuk with a pleading gaze. Just Hyuk alone was enough. She didn't want to drag Gun into her mess as well.

”...” Seeing her expression, Hyuk could only grit his teeth and halt his words.

”What? What do I know? What do you know, Hyung?!” Gun retaliated. ”You know nothing! You don't even know a single thing about that monster in the house, what he's capable of doing!”

He slapped away Hyuk's hand that was gripping his collar. Gun narrowed his eyes, staring at Hyuk as if he was an ignorant little boy. Although his tone was calm, there was an unsuppressed feeling of coldness and anger in his words. ”At the very least, I know more than you. So don't talk to me about such things.”

Hyuk was a hair's breath away from knocking some sense into the younger man with his fists, but he held himself back. He was grinding his teeth so loudly that it was audible. He shot a final look at Yeo Ri, then grabbed a coat and stormed out of the house, slamming the door loudly as if to reiterate his bitterness.

Yeo Ri looked as if she wanted to go after him, but Gun immediately held her back.