Afterwards they kept wandering through the mall, weaving from one shop window to another.
Chaewon still had a storm of questions in his mind. At last he asked quietly, "if you don't mind can I ask you something han is really adopted, isn't he?"
Seokmin exhaled a long sigh. "Even though Mr. Joon had countless children of his own, he still adopted Han and his twin sister. But…" His voice lowered. "A kidnapper came for Jiwoo once, and by mistake they took Han's sister instead. Mr. Joon refused to pay the ransom, so they killed her—brutally."
Chaewon's face fell. "Oh… that's awful. May her soul rest in peace."
He shook his head. "You guys all have such a traumatizing childhood—or should I say, whole life. But at least you have each other. Like Jiwoo and Christine. They really seem to love each other."
Seokmin let out a short, almost bitter laugh. "Yeah? You really think their relationship is real?"
Chaewon blinked, stunned. "What do you mean?"
Seokmin's expression turned serious. "Let me make it clear. Jiwoo is dating Christine because Mr. Joon has a contract with Christine's father's company. And Seungmin is dating Han because Mr. Joon helped Mr. Choi sign a contract with Christine's father's company. It's all a chain of deals."
Chaewon was left speechless. Part of him was shocked, but another small part almost felt relieved—if Han and Seungmin were together only because of a contract, maybe he had a chance after all. Still a doubt nagged at him. "But… why? Why would they date just for a contract? Isn't that strictly business?"
Seokmin tilted his head. "Do you know about liability? You could call their relationships liabilities. I'd say I was the only person who actually dated someone I loved. Everyone else's relationship is fake as hell."
Before Chaewon could respond, a voice called from behind. "What are you two doing?"
Chaewon spun around. "Oh—uh—I promised Seokmin I'd buy him a gift, so we're looking for one."
Han raised a brow. "Did you find it yet?"
"Not yet," Seokmin replied.
"Alright," Han said lightly. "Meet us at the food court when you're done." He and Seungmin walked off together.
Seokmin smiled faintly at Chaewon. "Why didn't you tell them what I told you?"
"I thought it should stay between us," Chaewon said quietly. "Besides, I assumed they already knew."
Seokmin slowed his pace. "You really are something. Can you help me with something we can dig deeper. Let's find out whether I'm is really Seungmin biological brother or not."
Chaewon frowned. "And how do you plan to do that?"
"I don't know yet," Seokmin admitted. " Maybe a DNA test. We'll figure it out later. But first, you promised me a gift."
Chaewon smiled weakly. "Yes. But let me make a call first."
He stepped a little away and dialed Hanbin. "Hyung, can you send me ten million won?" he asked. Hanbin didn't even question it; a moment later the transfer came through.
They walked into a gift shop. Chaewon expected Seokmin to pick out something extravagant, but the boy's eyes landed on a simple keychain. "Hyung, buy me this," he said with a small smile.
Chaewon paid for it, still surprised.
Seokmin noticed the confusion on his face. "What is it?"
Chaewon hesitated, then finally asked, "How did Seungmin and Han even start dating?"