Algorithm (Failed)

Chapter 2: Intel

The raven haired male emerged from the kitchen, a scowl materializing onto his lips subconsciously. He rounded the couch to sit down, taking the free space next to his brother. Minho took a good look at his face before he addresses him. "Hello Changbin," he lilts but the underlying concern is still apparent and still recognized. It sounds like all the other times Changbin was at his wits end and dwindling on. The younger feels bad as he grips the tablet in his hands a little harder. "Hello Minho," He greets back while ducking his head. Voice still rough around the edges. Minho's eyes soften more when his brother shakes his head. He knew the answer he always did. Changbin felt eyes on him, brimming with guilt and concern but he continued looking straight, pretending to be engrossed in the new documentary he put on.

A beat of silence passed between the two before Minho signaled his brother. Quickly flicking his wrist, making his palm face forward then backward. It was a secret language for them to communicate in when it was important. When they preferred no one else heard. As of late, they were using it more often. Changbin gestured back to say he understood. He did it twice to also confirm he had what they needed.

The shiny steel door to the study opened not too long after and suddenly a switch was flipped. Both of them sat upright, posture fixed and attention back on the screen, as if they were ordered to at that very second to do so. The same ominous aura surrounding the room now settled in the once stagnant atmosphere. It was as if something was blocking both their airways, in a way of threat. To choke up any secrecy and confess all sins. They only hoped no one noticed how they swallowed their words crawling up their throats. The way he smiled politely, with teeth and all kind eyed, paled against the authority and order on his shoulders. In height the man only had about two or three inches on them, but the way he held himself might have said otherwise. His stature was impressive with wider shoulders and chest. White shirt stretching over them, free of any wrinkles tucked into matching pants, and a tie snug around his neck. The only obvious difference was the mark of The First branded on the pocket of his shirt. Their father approached the two with a hello and a smile. Both of them returned it politely maybe a little forced. Calculated gaze went from the boys to the screen╌ Minho took the opportunity to sneakily check his pocket if the crumpled piece of paper was still there, as his father dived into a speech about his favorite film.

"The one I speak of goes in depth about how Mars and Earth used to have the same landmass..." Lee Kwan's words slipped away from him, he made sure to nod and look between the two as they spoke animatedly, listening in lieu. The conversation ended after what felt like twenty minutes but was probably less then that. All members of the family were together, the mother last to join. And she reminded her sons of any chores or homework that needed to done, which they complied to.

White purse now slipped over her shoulder matching the knee length dress that hugged her small frame, the pair
made their way out the door. The two males followed them out and didn't step away from the door until the car pulled out of the driveway. Minho waved his hand over the scanner so the door could slide shut, and only then did masks crumple to the ground. A low groan came from Changbin. His hand gliding into his hair, cleanly styled hair ruined.

Changbin walked away from the doorway, face falling into a scowl as he slumped into the couch, rubbing his temples. A frustrated huff slipped out when Minho joined him on the couch again. Any moment spent in the presence of his father was one that dragged on too long. Fake smiles, the white clothes, all of it. It was all so tiring. He didn't have to voice any of this, his brother knew. They've been dealing with it for years. Minho cleared his throat to get his attention but he refuted him by holding up a hand. He then let out a loud half growl half yell.

Well that's new.

"Better?" The blonde asked clapping him on the shoulder lighty, obviously bemused. Changbin sat a little straighter, his head laid against his hand. Eyes glaring at nothing in particular but after hearing the quipp, Changbin set the glare on the other and asked. "Why do find my misery amusing?" Minho rolled his eyes turning away. "Changbin we can't discuss this. Especially not with the little time we have."