The door opened suddenly, almost dramatic in the silent gym. Jason froze.
A person stood there, bent forward, catching his breath as if he had been running for blocks.
"So… here you are," the man said between breaths. "Do you know how long I've been searching for you?"
He stepped inside, and the dim gym light finally revealed his face.
Jason's eyes widened. He didn't think—he just moved.
He rushed forward and wrapped his arms tightly around the man.
Jason's voice trembled for the first time in years.
"I… I'm sorry, Jake."
His little brother held him back just as firmly.
"I've been waiting for this moment," Jake whispered, his voice cracking slightly.
The bond between them was still there—strong, unshaken, untouched by time.
Jason wiped his eyes quickly, embarrassed to show any weakness.
"How did you know I'd be here?"
Jake smirked softly, crossing his arms.
"Well, who do you think got you out of jail? And I was coming to pick you up. But you? You can't stay in one place for even five minutes, so I had to run all over the city. This was the last place left."
Jason's expression changed.
"Jake… how did you even get me out? With all those allegations on my head?"
"One of my friends helped," Jake replied confidently. "And we both know those allegations were fake anyway."
Jason frowned.
"A friend? Who?"
"You'll meet him soon. He's an incredible guy—you'll actually like him. But right now, you need to rest. You've been through a lot."
Jason exhaled, tension softening.
"I'm fine. And look at you… how good you look, huh? My little university student."
Jake rolled his eyes but smiled.
"Well, since Dad died… someone had to take responsibility. So I did what a man should do."
Jason's smile faded slightly.
"This… all of this trouble happened because of me. I should've taken responsibility long ago. I can't let you carry this alone."
Jake placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Don't worry so much. I've got things under control—for now. And, by the way, I brought our favorite food."
Both brothers sat on the gym floor, eating far more than their appetite allowed. For the first time in years, the cold gym felt warm. Their laughter bounced off the old wooden walls like old memories returning home.
Later, they lay on the floor and drifted into sleep—tired, full, and strangely peaceful.
It was a beautiful day in their lives after a long, long time.
But as Jason stared at the ceiling before sleep finally took him… one thought echoed in his mind.
Jake has carried too much alone. I can't let him do it anymore.