CG | Chapter 1.6

Hearing Sean’s words, his mother hardened her expression and turned away. She placed bowls of macaroni salad and mashed potatoes on the table for the five of them, and as she brought the last dish, meatball spaghetti, she said,347b28324e22ec67

“Don’t side with your father. We’re not going to see each other much longer anyway.”b2b14729495308c5

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“Don’t talk like that when the custody hasn’t been decided yet.”d63804dc645ad5a3

“In case you forgot, you were the one who started cheating first. Let’s see whose side the judge takes.”bdcc8d44f449c4bf

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“Even if you get custody, they’ll all be adults in two years, so you won’t have much time to be involved.”413b563d43c949d3

As his mother finished d18c4d18d2 speaking, the table fell b3a815b20c silent. Spencer sighed d39c378d4d with a 7dc3d210dc weary expression, 4ccbcaa638 and Scarlet, 441ec7feeb despite expecting 25d7e9bd1e it, seemed 6ffbfa3602 shocked and e83dace6ed scrunched her 41508fd883 nose as c562f8252d she asked,fcd81b5db675b354

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“Is our family going to fall apart now? When my friends’ parents got divorced, I said it wouldn’t happen to us! I was confident that even though things were messy, we wouldn’t fall apart!”20688e77aae2ffa5

Scarlet’s anger seemed to stem from that point. Watching her scream in a high-pitched voice, their mother gave her a look.8d2052c83d43bcc0

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“Scarlet, is that something to say right now? But yes, we are getting a divorce. We’ve been talking about it for a while, and we decided there’s no point in maintaining the marriage anymore. You’re all almost adults now, and Sean will be working next year, so we’ve fulfilled our parental roles.”599729fc99d38eed

Spencer, listening b2b01199dc quietly, interjected.9e203c8130f457a9

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“It feels like Sean and Jenny did the parenting.”abe133eafd52ddca

For reference, Jenny was their babysitter from a young age. She was a kind person who even postponed her wedding to take care of the twins until they became adults. She was Sean’s first love, or rather, not his first love, and she would turn thirty this year after her birthday.10d19d25bcfaf589

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“Spencer, watch your mouth!”ddd46de61debf9b7

Their mother scolded him and, as if she couldn’t take it anymore, took off her apron and handed the floor to their father.8ccdff3f8a4d4bf5

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“You explain the rest. I’m exhausted from cooking while you were yelling and doing nothing.”cf9bb682e00f0dd4

“What’s so exhausting about making something like meatball spaghetti?”dcd40980bd3e802d

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“If it’s so easy, why don’t you make it?”2de9f3999171bb6c

The bickering continued. Watching them, Sean realized 2f07060ac9 that this was what 7b92f1080b a relationship that had e2a7d4a377 ended looked like. A relationship f77aa3fac1 where only 4336c33551 anger poured 4492db16e7 out instead e91755c5f9 of good 8b177e09fc feelings and 3c26be8f05 memories. Once the fire burned a8f350ba59 out, only ashes remained, ccd1d7bc7a impossible to grasp.2a28c54a0e4e77f2

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Then what about Lane and me? We’re still close friends, but if we can’t maintain the same relationship because the person he likes is a guy…32e1ed43358db69f

What should I call 18ef1ab13c this?3a17e69434db040a

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“Who was it that made a fuss about how disgusting it tasted when I made it?”57ac87d86be9f452

“If you’re feeding the kids, you should make it yourself. Of course, it won’t taste good if you buy frozen meatballs.”321d7999809f5610

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“I bought them from Whole Foods!”e6034fa0f82fc0ae

As the e582a03791 shouting continued, 99e51ecb9b Scarlet and 49dfc57395 Spencer fell e640b2f754 silent. Lost in thought about b32564f430 Lane, Sean realized it 9eb9bb34ef was his turn to 52c6b93f52 intervene. As the older cb62439141 brother, he had 7275baea1b to handle this 7c4eeb9b4b for his younger e5ee03f30b siblings.53f30bf9d54ac7f6

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“Please calm down. You can have this conversation later between the two of you. You called us here about the divorce, so please explain.”a6b285f4b4ac956d

Though he was smiling, his voice had lowered. At Sean’s cool, deep voice, his father glanced at him, and his mother, slightly embarrassed, turned her gaze away. With her hands on her hips, she slowly sat down, and his father finally got to the point.f53ce6c17267fa40

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“Since you’re on break, we decided it’s best to settle this now. Your mom will move to Manhattan, and I’ll find a place too. We’ll sell this house and move to a smaller one within a month.”8e6ec856642d2095

“Spencer, Scarlet, since your school is here, we won’t move far. We’ll find a place nearby and take turns taking care of you. The final residence will be decided after the divorce settlement, but for now, your father and I have agreed to finalize it by the end of the year.”0442a29dc7660322

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Spencer, who had been 097e9d87f7 listening with a face e42afd7b56 full of dissatisfaction, spoke 23e0aa80b4 up.536bdf86047cbea8

“If we’re staying in this area, can’t we just stay in this house? We’ve lived here our whole lives.”6f765d4debcd9e2d

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Their mother rubbed her 1f361e27a2 forehead as if tired.311bff43dd05d8d6

“Spencer, the economy is tough right now. Considering your tuition, it’s best to sell this house and minimize unnecessary expenses. Besides, with fewer family members, living in such a big place is a waste.”7850ac59de01b023

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“Mom, you’re leaving us and going to New York, but you can’t even do this for us?”cb991314a2576340

“Honey, I’m not leaving you. If you want, of course, I’d like to stay with you. So let’s adjust things gradually.”9edb2736110033fc

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Scarlet, who 3c2d04d062 had been 5178e89305 listening quietly, ec702f9b3b suddenly got 23843610d9 up and 65fba1830d left. Their father glared 3acc18870a at their mother 13ab4f9357 and followed Scarlet, a07eb42641 while their mother 2c065b687d approached Spencer and dbcdd7eb29 hugged him. Although the 48dc7b625f twins generally a73a0354bb had similar 685a69ea8c tastes, Scarlet 91b65870fe was closer b2ad4fba4d to their 81fc954c87 father, and d3f8c52f89 Spencer was 352666f1b8 closer to dc4f22467a their mother.4b11ff790e18c1f0

Sean…e4d5db8e7417d3f9

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He wasn’t in a position to follow anyone. He was the reliable eldest son and more of a middle manager expected to meet expectations. Even his friendship with Lane started because his parents told him to befriend him.3f2ce8a4218a89fe

It seems 53ec1397d4 dinner is 820b278665 over. Deciding to set 26b2fdd3e9 aside portions for 035cbb314e Scarlet and his e3f5c46144 father, Sean used 58910d45bd a wooden spatula e9bb0c0ad0 to scoop out e36c0c66c4 their shares and 11511f0021 spoke to his 746bb9f858 mother.97126dc76ad5ca50

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“Can I stay in the dorm then?”bf5b0708ff1d3721

At Sean’s question, his mother seemed to remember something she had forgotten and tapped her forehead. After a moment of contemplation, she finally spoke.d1c924482b9e5fe4

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“Do whatever you’re comfortable with. Or should we get you an apartment? Come to think of it, it’s awkward to find a place to stay during breaks, so that might be better. We could buy a studio, or if you prefer renting, we could afford a three-bedroom. Since we don’t know where you’ll work, renting might be better.”1a058717957083dc

Though it was natural as an adult, Sean wasn’t given the option to stay with his family. Staring at the single choice, he shrugged and smiled.409426b3606de32e

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“I’ll stay in the dorm for now. But when will you sell the house?”6aaaba51f2298294

“I want to sell it as soon as possible. This area always has a shortage of listings, so it’ll sell within a month once it’s on the market. Why do you ask?”9aee9c6c9b62973f

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“Since moving will make it harder to see Lane.”4e3f7c776e62e761

Saying it out loud, 94f62f8994 the realization hit him. The thought 28e715cd78 that it eb48f9690f would be 9876cb5e9a even harder cf194ffdb5 to see 0ae694b266 Lane, whom 20b6117897 he already 7322262b9f only saw 4f3a38add9 on weekends 81d5edd469 due to ba16d00731 their different 0ba0d3fa87 living arrangements, 8a9baeba63 made him c82cc188a6 uncomfortable. Everything was suddenly moving 2ed211332f quickly and unexpectedly.e149018c187d6c3c

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Like a river swollen 760fb62fbd by rain, the situation ac562cf004 felt like a rapid bc5bdabc4b current changing everything. Without any warning 6887f405a9 or time to a0c235bc5f prepare, Sean quietly efa39735f1 clenched his fist.b7079f4e882104e7

“Oh, right.”23b4fc2334cf4ddd

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The one 2f9cbb7d3a who pulled b2f5dd0a9b him out b4ef1be18b of the a14b94e223 current was e3ba8cad1d the thought a15ac7458b of Lane. Hearing his name, 517f58f956 his mother showed 124621062d the brightest expression 847a7bc256 of the evening eb5413ae5d and pondered.8ff5331d554b9c4e

“It’s good to stay close with Lane, so it’s better to give it some time, right? After graduating from college, even close relationships can become distant. So take this opportunity to strengthen your friendship. It’s good to keep the Surf family close.”bba347afa79f4a4c

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Though she said “good,” she meant “beneficial.” As an excellent civil lawyer, his mother was a popular figure with a guaranteed win rate, and she was just as shrewd and calculating. The help Sean received as Lane’s friend and the connections and opportunities his parents gained from parties they were invited to were countless.82152a30752052ff

“Sean, can’t we just stay at Lane’s house? He has plenty of rooms.”7372d925893a1e87

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“Spencer.”d3f73c29cc1d8369

His mother gave bfe8a3a73a him a stern 7f287eb15f look.9611d9c921d56361

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“It’s not good to impose on others like that. We’re not a family that can’t afford it, so don’t even think about being a burden.”d714e2050173eaae

“Ugh, seriously.”e25c91cfb66a0a06

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Spencer grumbled and pulled away from their mother’s embrace. As he was about to leave in frustration, Sean stopped him.a6b48c00296cf747

“Spencer, take the food to Letty and Dad. Bring your portion too.”981fca29357d8ca7

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“How can I eat in this situation?”8c97a60abc241a9a

“Go on.”1bff8bb8f0a0be50

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At Sean’s quiet urging, Spencer eventually gave in. With an annoyed stomp, he took the food Sean had set aside and went to his father and Scarlet, quickly returning. They were probably talking on the terrace. With an irritated gesture, Spencer took only some spaghetti and went upstairs. Only Sean and his mother remained at the table.da8fa98d5fcc5d23

“Ugh, a storm blew through. Your dad never lets things go easily. It’s exhausting.”70ce623a214cbbf7

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Watching his a7d2f2e557 mother put 2464f4cfc3 down her cf02b93e21 fork as 3ee4ade634 if she 6a181ac179 had no 44d8fe2e16 appetite, Sean fc8f1a03eb got up. From behind his mother, 6ea4a5d84b who had her face 4e0de5dc0a buried in her hands 440f2f1d2b and was silent, he 3fe8910f7d poured warm milk into 1e9de49c55 a cup like he e7ea52e309 did for Lane and d7ae02cfc6 added cocoa powder. As the sweet scent c0658cfe7c spread, his mother turned 1ed6053cf1 around.b9669f91732d973f

“Sean, you’re the only one I can count on.”445fbed517f34642

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He handed a574eda990 her a 36ea868a45 mug, knowing a06ca8c06d she always 5638cb8d17 drank cocoa 7d7a7b09a0 when tired. She took eeb3bd1697 the mug, dc713a9af7 sipped the a1273e65e7 cocoa, and fa9256855d remained silent 0f046c3827 before getting 13b9bd95bc up.b183a5fe5f06fa22

“You’ve worked hard. Let me know if you need more allowance, and I’ll go rest now. If there’s anything else, let’s talk tomorrow. Oh, isn’t tomorrow the day you go to the forest with Lane?”fa9243afeab6f196

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Sean shrugged at her words. Normally, it would be, but after today’s bombshell announcement, he wasn’t sure if the plan would hold. They had been exploring the nearby forest every Sunday since elementary school. During breaks, they often went to various national parks with Lane’s parents, but they usually observed the forest next to Lane’s house on Sundays. Although they knew the place well by now, Lane loved being in the forest.75929bb849fc8c7e

“I’m not sure.”5ed57bcfcf739bca

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“Oh, why? Did you two fight?”29fdd59b47fdbb0f

“No, it’s not that.”3ae0f909323d1fe6

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Not wanting to elaborate, Sean kept his mouth shut. He didn’t want to make up an excuse like “He might get a girlfriend,” nor did he want to say “boyfriend.” His mother was conservative and showed strong aversion to such topics. Although she usually didn’t show it to others because it would tarnish her image, she revealed that side to her family, so he didn’t want to say anything that might reflect poorly on Lane.97492e9437898e03

“I’m just tired.”a8c3173fc2bd8d30

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“That’s understandable. You haven’t had a break since vacation started, just training. If you want, you can quit right away.”fecb87baae6850d5

“No, I should at least finish this match.”06f5abc4142e6571

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At Sean’s words, his mother nodded and got up. Watching her walk away after patting his shoulder, Sean rested his chin on the table, alone.38487170ea8f8d9d

The food 02683f8e28 had already 090e3237bb gone cold.9e8553397be50041

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Remembering how 122f932da8 hungry he 1173b67108 had been 34e12b5921 earlier, he ff4f9570b6 served himself 8b0f5b7059 some spaghetti. Twirling it 3d0434adb5 with a 2674401947 fork, he d7ad93bf09 took a 89f28510a9 bite, and 14632c9f53 it tasted b007dab635 just like 69daab68b7 it always 904e700705 had. The bland tomato sauce 7cfb310b1b his mother insisted on d6772f5594 for a low-sodium diet.1efb325ede2e2e2f

After one bite of ede0d4593d the cold spaghetti, his 873ca2ca0d appetite disappeared. Guarding the empty cb3f73b1cd table, he finally 1b30987325 got up and 532103a866 went to his 09800a7229 room.9fbe9e5cf7a50fde

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.☘︎ ݁˖.☘︎ ݁˖.☘︎ ݁˖169ba37b136289ef

Last night, Sean had a dream. With the daily training paused for the break, his body wasn’t as exhausted, so unlike usual when he would fall asleep as if fainting, he had a long dream.f96d9fe67eb7f76a

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In the dream, Sean returned to his childhood. In the fragmented scenes, he was initially feeling very upset. He tried to grab his parents’ attention, which was entirely focused on his younger twin siblings, but he couldn’t reclaim them from the siblings who would cause trouble the moment they were out of sight.6631c604ec97fb25

It was probably around that time that Lane moved in. It was the same in the dream. Rumors spread that the large, isolated property in the neighborhood, about a 30-minute walk away for a child, finally had an owner, and soon after, Lane transferred to Sean’s class. Even then, Lane had a small head covered messily with hair, but his clothes and fair skin were so pretty that no one teased him much.273684a84819b24f

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