The Past Of Shin Jeong

Clinging tighter as another car zoomed by, the streets were busy with traffic even in the lightest of times. It was to be expected, as they moved deeper into the city to be closer to things, but it still left the young dark skinned male just holding tightly onto his brother’s hand. He received a gentle squeeze in return, Jae paying as much attention as he could while also trying to seem as much of an adult as a 12 year old could in the moment.

“Rent is due by the third of each month.” The older lady told Jae, her accent very thick and was hard for the younger warpa to understand. Jae gave a nod though, taking the keys from her and thanked her kindly. They had already done the more boring things, and payment was already done ahead of time and was where all their money went. It wasn’t a lot to begin with, but it was as lucky of a time as they were going to get in the situation.

With their lease expiring at their previous home, it meant their mother had the money for the new place saved up. One would assume and some places looked at, but Jae couldn’t say he expected that much of her. With their key money returned from their previous place, they could have been worse off. Shin, however, didn’t understand it all completely.

They had been staying with Miss Cho for a while, Shin assuming they would just live there now as both were far too young. He heard Jae and mom fight about it often, but Jae always backed down as he returned to the miserable life he had been born into.

“When we going back to Miss Cho?” Shin asked, following Jae inside with his smaller legs that were still new to him. He was learning, but slow enough that Jae just picked up his little brother and held him as they walked the rest of the way.

“We aren’t, Miss Cho was just watching you as I went to find us a new home. We’re going to live here together.” Jae was already filled with relief but dread about this, knowing it would be tougher but he was going to do his best as a big brother.

“But we small, who’s momma?”

“I’ll be the momma for you, it’ll just be me and you now.” This still confused Shin, but he fell silent as he rested his head on Jae’s shoulder and watched the passing doors.

The halls were rather small, and doors spaced more closely together compared to their last home, but Shin also knew Jae was just doing his best. He knew momma was gone, and though he knew he should be sad he didn’t feel... anything. Miss Cho even told him it was okay to be sad, but he still didn’t feel that in the times they were.

“I love you.” Shin said quietly, getting his back rubbed as Jae finally came to their door and opened it.

“I love you too.”