who are you?

one

i'm so tired.

jeongin's eyes were sunken, skin paler than white and it seemed like he was losing weight day by day as he looked even thinner than before.

in the kitchen he was trying to focus on the soup that was boiling in front of him.

"dad?" from behind a soft voice called and it was akira who have grown so much. she was now fifteen and taking care of a stubborn teenager was harder than they thought.

"mhm?" he answered without facing her. "what is it darling."

"i was just wondering if daddy would be home late tonight..." at this, jeongin finally turn around with an eyebrow raised. he knows exactly what their daughter was going to do.

"akira no."

"please! i will be back before my curfew, i swear." the girl went towards her dad to show him how desperate she was to go out.

"do you know what time it is? it's already 8 and you should be doing your homework instead of what your planning." he sighed, trying to break free from the tight hug he was receiving.

"but dad i'll be left out~ it's just the drive-in theater, it's safe!"

"no."

"dad~" akira pouted and the reason why she always asks jeongin is because he always gave in for her, unlike hyunjin who was always strict and stern. the little girl was scared of him.

"sweetie if your daddy finds out, we're both gonna be in trouble. you know how he is akira."

"i will never ask for anything, just please let me go." jeongin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"i want you home before 10 and if you aren't here by then, i will pick you up. understan-"

"yes! you're the best." then the girl kissed him on the cheek while running towards her room upstairs, squealing.

a small smile crept on his face as he proceed to stir the soup. " i didn't know why i wanted to adopt another child back then."

suddenly he jumped slightly when his phone rang out of nowhere. the screen lit up and it showed hyunjin's name.

he wiped his hand on the back of his shorts and slid the screen to answer him, feeling excited as he didn't have the chance to talk to him earlier. the elder was too busy these past few days, these past few years even.

the only time they have alone was when they're in bed and they don't even make love anymore. hyunjin was so tired, as soon as he hits the mattress he's out fast.

"jinnie-"

"jeongin i'm on my way home." the elder slurred on the other line and this made the smile on his face fall instantly.

"babe..have you been drinking again? you should've just told me so i could pick you up, you know you can't drive-"

"innie calm down i'm not even drinking." he chuckled even though it was obvious he was tipsy. "i'll see you in a bit."

"be safe please," jeongin was pacing around the kitchen.

"yea yea." came his cold response.

"i love you-"
hyunjin had already hung up.

the younger set the phone on the counter, eyes stinging with tears. he brought a hand to rub his chest as his heart was starting to clench again.