The Scent of Life (1)
CHAPTER 2 THE PENT UP TASTE
The three brothers arrive at the archery club. A girl named Kim Min Sook and her friend came to them. Min Sook is the daughter of Mr. Kim, a chaebol media owner of the Sunday News group.
"Master CEO," said Min Sook spoiled to Min Hyuk.
Man Se knew Min Sook liked Min Hyuk a long time ago, but Min Hyuk never thought of him.
"Well, it looks like there will be a cloudy greeting today," said Min Hyuk, glancing at Man Se whose face immediately pouted as he met Min Sook.
Man Se does not without reason hate Min Sook and his gang, because when high school they often bully Man Se, and say that Man Se is only a collector's child. Seo Woo who saw that, immediately pulled Man Se away towards the archery arena. Min Sook looked at Man Se with a cynical look.
Seo Woo held Man Se's hand in his hand while whispering, "Let him mince words with the girl, for the sake of the company, because his father has invested a lot of capital for our company since the crisis last month," kang Seo Woo.
Man Se just silently endured the jealousy in the chest. Aah, for chaebols money is almighty, Man Se thought.
Man Se started practicing archery, but all his shots missed a lot. He glanced towards Min Hyuk and Min Sook who were still chatting. Man Se felt really upset this time to the point of not being able to concentrate. When Man Se was about to slash his arrows, suddenly a voice sounded near his ear,
"Geez, ckckck, how can you beat me this time if your shot is so bad" said Min Hyuk.
Surprised, Man Se's arrow only fell a meter not far from his foot. Everyone laughs.
"Sister!" yell Man Se was upset.
Seo Woo and Min Hyuk laughed out loud.
They started to fight. Seo Woo lost against Man Se and Min Hyuk. His face folded, because they did not want to give up even if today was his birthday. Man Se just stuck out his tongue mocking Seo Woo who was sulking, while Min Hyuk laughed at his sister's behavior.
Last match between Man Se and Min Hyuk. The two rounds were won Man Se and Min Hyuk took turns, the rest of the last round Min Hyuk shot. The points were almost perfect for Min Hyuk. He laughed happily. Man Se confidently advanced ready to shoot. He has to get the perfect score to win the game this time. Man Se clenched his fingers and held his bow steadily.
When Man Se was getting ready to slide his arrow, Min Hyuk suddenly blew Man Se's ear while saying, "Saranghae."
Man Se was surprised then turned towards Min Hyuk, disperse already his concentration. Man Se's arrow shot away from the target. Man Se lost because Min Hyuk cheated. With a face ashen Man Se left that place and ran out of the building.
***
Man Se got into the car, then clenched both palms into his face. Man Se's feelings today were really mixed. Starting from the incident with Woo Jin, his meeting with Min Sook, and now Min Hyuk has cheated on him. Then Man Se smiled to himself remembering Min Hyuk's words to him .
"Saranghae said, 'Uuh have I gone crazy? Come on Man Se control yourself. Who are you, fell in love with Min Hyuk? Remember the goodwill of your parents to you. You cannot fall for anyone" said the girl inwardly.
Soon after came Min Hyuk and Seo Woo. Man Se sat in the back seat pretending to still be upset. Min Hyuk and Seo Woo got into the car with a big smile.
"Come Princess, don't frown like that, you'll wrinkle your skin" teased Min Hyuk.
Man Se stuck out his tongue at Min Hyuk, and the man just laughed. Seo Woo's wire rang. It was Mrs Kang who called. Mrs Kang asked them to go shopping for dinner. Seo Woo has agreed. After lunch, the three of them shopped as their mother asked. Together they walk under a cluster of cherry blossom flowers. They deserve the title of three happy brothers.
***
Kang's family home is high walled and has a large courtyard. There are security guards guarding the gate. CCTV is on every corner. Cherry blossom trees still leave their last florets before winter comes to say hello. Willow trees on the edge of the pond and stone bridges neatly arranged across it. Min Hyuk's car entered the gate. Arriving at the Kang family residence, Man Se brought the groceries directly into the kitchen.
In the kitchen there was already a waiter who prepared everything for the dinner party. Man Se sees Madam Ma, the Chief Servant of the Kang family. The figure of Madam Ma always reminds Man Se to the figure of British women of the royal era who always look perfect and walk gracefully
That's why Man Se likes to call Madam Ma. He was in trouble carrying a pile of clothes that had been sealed.
"Hello, Madam," said Man Se while hugging Madam Ma.
"Well, my daughter has arrived. Naah, help me bring these clothes to Young Master Min Hyuk's room, so that I can immediately execute the ingredients in the kitchen into nutritious food for you," madam Ma smiled happily at Man Se.
"Yes," said Man Se while smilingly accepting the clothes that were placed on him.
Man Se brought the clothes to Min Hyuk's room. Arriving in the room knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Then Man Se ventured into Min Hyuk's room.
Man Se looked at the spacious room dominated by the white color. He saw it in the closet still displayed the childhood photos of the three of them. Then suddenly Min Hyuk came out of the bathroom using a bath kimono.
"Yes, God," said Man Se surprised to see Min Hyuk.
Min Hyuk was also surprised that Man Se was in his room.
"Sorry! These are the clothes I put on here yaaa!"man Se said while closing his eyes.
Man Se ran out of the room, and immediately closed the door. His face was red with embarrassment. Seo Woo sees Man Se running through the hallway to the kitchen. He saw Man Se smiling to himself. Seo Woo suspects, what's wrong with Man Se?
Arriving at the kitchen, Man Se sees Mrs Kang cooking with Madam Ma and another waiter.
"Mama" said Man Se and kissed Mrs Kang's cheek.
"Have you eaten?" ask Mrs Kang.
"Here you go" replied Man Se.
Man Se tasted the cake batter Mrs Kang was making.
"Enak, Mama's cooking always makes me miss home" Man Se praised.
"Then go home often, I will cook a lot for you until you are full" replied Mrs Kang gently.
Man Se smiled. They chatted a lot in the kitchen while peeling onions, and cutting sprout tails. Man Se's smile suddenly disappeared to see Min Hyuk come to the kitchen, and immediately looked at him. Man Se's face heats up in embarrassment to meet Min Hyuk.
"Ma, I go home first" said Man Se.
After kissing Mrs Kang, Man Se immediately left. Mrs Kang was surprised Man Se suddenly came home.
"I'll take you home" said Min Hyuk.
Man Se hurried off ahead of the exit of the house. Min Hyuk ran around chasing then pulled Man Se's hand from behind.
"Man Se wait. Are you still mad at me?" search Min Hyuk.
Man Se just kept his head down, his mind confused, was he better to be honest with his feelings for Min Hyuk? He was ashamed of himself.
"No, brother, I just want to go home and rest."
Only that was Man Se's reply while smilingly looking at Min Hyuk.
Min Hyuk smiled, in his heart he was grateful Man Se was no longer angry. Min Hyuk drove Man Se home. They arrived at Man Se's house. Min Hyuk escorted the girl to the front door.
"Later tonight I'll pick you up, get some pretty clothes" Min Hyuk said as they arrived at the door.
Man Se nodded, smiled then closed the door. Min Hyuk is at the door. There was turmoil and disappointment implied on his face, because Man Se immediately closed the door without saying anything. Min Hyuk sighed and left.
***
Man Se walked towards the balcony of his house and sat on the couch. There was sadness in his eyes. His love for Min Hyuk would definitely cause trouble later on. She loved her brother but she had to hold that feeling only in the chest.
She knows Min Hyuk and Seo Woo are both trying to attract her attention and love, but she doesn't want to take any chances. In honor of Mr and Mrs Kang, for the goodwill of raising her. Man Se knows who he is, he's just an adopted son, the son of a "helper" of the Kang family.
If there were any rumors circulating, it would be a problem for Kang Group. People would judge him as just a Gold Digger. If Man Se chooses one of his brothers, then there will be a heartache. Man Se took a deep breath, then lay down on the cot. The more he suppressed his feelings, the more restless he became.