What Was Worth A Heart

Chapter 25 - Envy

"Say another word and see how I break all your mugs" Shao Jun threatened.

"Do it and I rip all your albums" Xueyang smiled with a definite evil intention.

Shao Jun gasps dramatically "How dare you threaten me with my albums you lowlife! You won't get away with it!"

"You two........"

Gion noticed Shao Long's gaze on Shao Jun's wounds. His eyes looked chilly and empty. His way of handling the bandages looked like he was awfully familiar. He knew where to start, and where to end. The right amount of everything. And all along, his eyes had a sense of familiarity.

Gion found it disturbing "Shao Long, why didn't you run with Shao Jun just now? You knew he was going to fall".

"I.....I was tired lately with all the work. I'd just stick to slow jog" Shao Long refused to meet his eyes, seemingly troubled.

Shintarou noticed his troubled looks too, and his mind wandered off to a certain American. Will Charles be able to find out what was wrong with him? Will he be able to help? Or will he even want to?

"Shao Long...." Shintarou called out.

"Yes?" Shao Long looked up to Shintarou. He had just finished the wound on Shao Jun's knees and now moving to his elbows.

"What do you think of......" Shintarou suddenly wanted to slap himself.

Idiot! If he mentioned Charles, he'll scare him off again!

"....Alex" Shintarou immediately changed the subject of his question. Hopefully, no one would notice this slight change.

"Alex? Why? He's fine, I guess. He's a good leader" Shao Long seemed a little distracted from his worries, although his hands were actively bandaging Shao Jun. His mind had clearly drifted off to the small brunet with glasses.

Ah, right. Alex's father is Principle Evan.......

"Although.........I am a little envious of him" Shao Long said slowly.

"Envious? That's strange of you, Young Master" Xueyang raised a brow, probably still didn't realize what he meant by that.

Shao Jun said nothing, though he narrowed his eyes in wonder. Why was it Alex that Shintarou asked about.

"Envy is not a strange emotion in anyone. Alex is so lucky...." Shao Long silently smiled as he imagined. Imagined a life like Alex. Surely, it wouldn't be too bad. His conflicts weren't too........deep-rooted and full of tragedy. Sure, he just found his Father here, but at least his Father is so loving.... It's a wonder how Alex managed to accept Principle Evan so fast.

Even if their father were to beg for forgiveness in front of him, Shao Long might not even consider forgiving him.

"Don't say that. Everyone has their perks" Livio exclaimed with a smile. Shao Long was a little surprised, but still chuckled "Of course it's like that".

"Gee, humans are so weird" Xueyang snorted, looking away with a frown.

"......" You say that as if you're not human.

"Are you able to go to school tomorrow, Shao Jun?" Shao Long asked.

"Hmm.....I think I can" Shao Jun revealed an excited smile.

"Whoa whoa whoa, why are you so excited?" Xueyang asked "You can't even walk properly, just stay in the infirmary".

"Oh, don't make me laugh. By tomorrow, see how my magic works" Shao Jun rolled his eyes.

".......you really don't want to stay in the infirmary?" Shao Long asked, his face darkening.

"Principle Evan usually lets his students who are injured to take a day off. Since you can't walk properly, you can ask for a leave" Gion stated.

"No, I want to go to school tomorrow. Third day of school!" Shao Jun exclaimed, again with enthusiasm.

"Alright alright, but if you whine, I'll ignore you" Shao Long sighed.

"I won't!"

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Flashback#

Shao Jun walked over to their shared room, but found that it was locked from the outside. Meaning, the person inside was locked in. He hadn't seen Shao Long in days.

On the first day, he heard his screams, his cries and wails as he tried so hard to sleep in the room next door. He couldn't sleep much, of course, so he slept under the bed.

On the second day, he heard no cries, only yelps and sometimes screams. Again, he didn't get to sleep much.

His Father noticed this, and said "Shao Jun, why are you so sleepy? Those black circles don't look good on you. Go to sleep now, okay? When you wake up, Papa will buy you toys!"

Shao Jun wanted to say that he didn't want any toys. He wants Shao Long, his older twin brother. But he stayed silent.

On the third day, no sound was heard. This time, Shao Jun was even more devastated. He didn't sleep a wink. His mother would often glare at him, and sometimes, he could hear her argue with his father. He couldn't make out the reason, but he was sure Shao Long was being defended by their mother.

Since that day, Shao Jun's mother stopped talking to him. There were no more soft touches or hugs. No smiles, nothing.

"Shao Jun, because of you your brother is in pain".

"P-pain?! What happened to my brother?!"

"For defending your sickly self, he got beaten like a dog, and you're hear playing with toys?! Get out of my sight!"

Shao Jun didn't understand then.

He never thought their mother favoured Shao Long more.

On the fourth day, the locked door opened, but he wasn't allowed inside. He had countlessly trying to take a peek.

Once he succeeded, and all he saw was his brother, sitting on the bed in the dark room, with eyes colder than ice. His body was covered in bandages. Xueyang was there next to him, his expression severe.

"Young Master Shao Long, please rest" he said.....

"I can't sleep.......the pain doesn't leave........make it leave.......please....."

At that moment, Shao Jun was pulled back by his Father "My beloved son Shao Jun, Papa bought a new toy. Wanna see?"

Like any other foolish child, he was swept away by his own happiness and interest....

On the fifth day, Shao Jun was allowed to meet his brother.

"Gege? I haven't seen you in so long! Papa bought me new toys! But he told me not to play with you......"

Shao Long stared at his brother for a few seconds, his eyes empty amd dazed. He suddenly smiled.

"That's okay. As long as Shao Jun is happy!"

Shao Jun noticed how tired and worn out his brother looked, and he was walking with so much difficulty. When he tried to hug him, Shao Long accidentally pushed him away with a hiss, but quickly apologized. When he tried to hold Shao Long's wrist, he yanked away, inching back.

"What's wrong, Gege? Are you okay?"

".......Never been better......"