The Brothers Kim

Chapter 26- Happy One Day

"Is it really necessary that I come?" Taehyung asked for the third time. "I mean, Cousin Namjoon did not mention anything about needing me to go to the sanatorium."

Gyuri frowned. "I already told you, Master Namjoon passed the message onto me. He says that it's important."

Taehyung glanced at her dubiously.

Many weeks had passed since Taehyung had ventured out into town with Gyuri. While he walked alongside her, his crescent eyes inspected his surroundings closely, subtly taking note of the dark green-uniformed guards that were tailing them from a good distance.

It is not surprising, Taehyung internally spoke. Cousin must have ordered them to guard my every move.

With a mindful step, he continued walking, somewhat reassured that help was nearby if ever he needed it. Since when have I become so cowardly? Taehyung asked himself while wryly smiling. Even to him, he found his sudden softness laughable.

Not so long ago, I abhorred the prospect of them following me. Now, I rely on their protection...

"So, what have you been up to nowadays?"

Taehyung turned his attention to Gyuri, who was peering at him. He replied, "Nothing much." With a quizzical stare, he continued, "Why do you ask?"

"It's because I haven't seen you around lately."

He grinned. "It sounds like you miss me."

"Hah! You wish!"

But in truth, she kind of did. Lately, Taehyung had been disappearing off by himself and hardly calls for her as a maid anymore. While Gyuri had been longing for this to happen, the sudden change had surprised her, making her feel uneasy as the distance continued to grow between them. Did Taehyung not find her company agreeable anymore?

She looked at him now. "But seriously, what have you been up to?"

"Like I said," Taehyung replied offhandedly, "nothing much."

Gyuri frowned at his answer.

"What?"

"Nothing" she snapped, evidently annoyed by his secretiveness. "Forget it." Gyuri walked further ahead, eventually outpacing him.

"Gyuri! Wait up!" Taehyung broke into a light jog to catch up to her. Once they were in step, he let out a long sigh. "Why are you angry at me?"

"I'm not" she responded sharply.

But Taehyung thought otherwise. From the way Gyuri refused to meet his eye and the way her lips pursed into a thin line, Taehyung knew that Gyuri was anything but pleased.

He tried a different approach. "Have you... noticed anything different about me?"

Still refusing to look at his direction, Taehyung tugged at her sleeve until she gave in.

"What?" Gyuri hissed. She gave him a once-over and returned to facing forward. "No. I don't see anything different."

"Nothing?" Taehyung sounded disappointed.

Hearing the hint of discouragement in his voice, Gyuri peeked at his direction again but still noticed nothing of significance. "Did you grow taller?" she guessed.

Taehyung shook his head. "I did but that is not what I am referring to."

Gyuri continued to roam her eyes over his profile but still couldn't see what it was that Taehyung wanted her to see. "Erm, did you... gain weight?"

"No!" Taehyung scoffed. "Do you not see how much stronger I have gotten?" Taehyung showcased his right arm and flexed his muscles. "Touch it!" he commanded. "Feel it right here."