The next day, Aryan took Eron to the shopping mall, intending to buy something special for his upcoming birthday along with some regular shopping. This time, he wouldn't be there to celebrate with him, so he wanted to gift something memorable.
They first entered a clothing store, and once again, Aryan realized that picking clothes for Eron could be surprisingly confusing. Everything looked nice and comfortable — choosing just one felt almost impossible.
He wandered through the aisles, picking up shirts, jackets, and even a few accessories, only to put them back down a moment later. Nothing seemed good enough.
Meanwhile, Eron simply followed behind, looking around with quiet curiosity, unaware of the mental struggle Aryan was having.
Finally, Aryan grabbed a few shirts that caught his eye and handed them over. "Eron, try these on,"
Without a single complaint, Eron headed to the fitting room. But Aryan hadn't expected that his little brother would look good in every single thing he wore.
"Is there any color that doesn't suit him?" Aryan muttered under his breath, a little amazed.
Still unable to decide, he finally turned to the staff and said, "Bill it all."
"What! No…" Eron hurried over, whispering urgently. "I already have enough clothes. One is enough."
"Then just replace the old ones with new ones," Aryan said, ignoring his protests. He insisted on buying them all, knowing well that most of Eron's wardrobe was filled with old shirts — and a good number of them were hand-me-downs from Aryan himself.
After finishing at the clothing store, they headed next to a watch shop. Aryan scanned the shelves carefully, picking out a leather watch with soft golden frame and showing it to Eron.
"How's this? Looks cool, right?" Aryan asked, grinning.
Eron glanced at it but shook his head gently. "It's nice… but it doesn't suit your style," he said, thinking Aryan had picked the watch for himself.
While Aryan continued browsing, Eron's gaze was drawn to another watch displayed behind the glass — simple yet elegant, with a sleek silver design that shimmered softly under the lights. He also wished to give something to Aryan, and it seemed perfect.
But when the staff member casually mentioned the price, Eron's hand stiffened. Pretending indifference, he slowly put the watch back in its place.
Thinking for a moment, he turned to Aryan. Eron truly wished to gift him that and decide to roll some money from his friend, Antony. "Brother, I'll be right back. Just five minutes." Making excuse to use washroom urgently, Eron left.
As soon as Eron disappeared, Aryan approached the staff. "I'll take that one — the one he was looking at."
After carefully hiding the box inside his bag, Aryan met Eron outside the shop, acting as if nothing had happened.
"Didn't you buy anything?" Eron curiously asks, seeing no other packets in Aryan's hand.
"Nope."
While roaming around other stores, Eron took some time to purchase the same watch from the previous store for Aryan as well.
Then spending some time playing at the amusement park, Aryan and Eron finally ended up at their destination — the beach.
Sitting on the cool sand, gazing at the vast sea under the skinny moonlight, the soft, cold breeze brushing against their skin — it all created a feeling that was both calming and heavy at the same time.
"After I go there… will you forget me, Aryan?" Breaking the silence, Eron asked while keeping his eyes on the endless waves.
Aryan looked at him, puzzled. He could see the hesitation and sadness hidden in Eron's expression. Reaching out, he gently patted Eron's head and spoke with a warm but firm voice. "Don't say such stupid things. No one could ever replace you in my life. At least, not in this lifetime." To lighten the mood, he tried to change topic. "Huh, almost forgot — I should give you some survival tips before you leave." He leaned back slightly, a playful glint appearing in his eyes as he continued.
"First, don't be a pushover. If someone tries to leech off you, learn to say no.
Second, make some friends over there — but always stay cautious, alright?
And third… don't just live a boring life buried in books. Sometimes looking up at girls isn't a bad choice either.
But listen, never give your whole heart to someone unless you're sure they're loyal."
Aryan finished, resting his chin lightly on Eron's shoulder, smiling as he spoke like a reliable elder sibling.
Then, as if tossing a stone into still water, Eron asked, "Aryan… why does it have to be a girl? What if I fall for a boy?"
Aryan stiffened for a second, caught off guard. A straight guy who had once sacrificed everything for a girl in a novel—talking such thing surprised Aryan.
But quickly composing himself, Aryan answered without hesitation. "Girl or boy, it doesn't matter — as long as you're genuinely happy."
"But… what if it ends up as a one-sided love?" he asked softly.
Aryan's heart sank a little. 'Did he… start liking Kiara?' Misunderstanding Eron's words, Aryan thought sadly.
Still, he smiled and answered, gently but firmly. "Then you have to try harder to win that person— who could possibly reject someone as handsome and adorable as you, huh?
But…" Aryan's voice grew softer, almost wistful, "never waste your time on someone who doesn't see your worth."
'But what if that person never even realizes my feelings…' Thinking that way, Eron gave a bitter smile. Because he In Aryan's eyes, he was — and perhaps would always be — just a younger brother.
And he wasn't sure if a day would ever come when Aryan would see him as something more.
The next day, just as he had promised, Edward came — ready to take Eron with him.
After packing everything, Eron stood by the door, his suitcase neatly prepared. Then Aryan walked into the room, holding a small gift box in his hands.
"Is there any space to fit this in?" Aryan asked, offering the box with a smile that barely hid his sadness.
"There is, but… what is it?" Eron asked curiously.
"Your birthday gift," Aryan said, placing it in Eron's hands. "Open it on your birthday."
Eron smiled warmly and carefully tucked the box into his suitcase.
Then, as if remembering something, he opened the drawer, pulled out a gift box of his own, along with a jar filled with tiny folded wishing stars, and handed them to Aryan. "I prepared this for you…" he said, his voice soft.
Taking the gifts, Aryan couldn't hold back anymore. He pulled Eron into a tight hug, his eyes misting with tears he didn't want to shed.
"Always remember," Aryan whispered, his voice trembling slightly, "you have a brother waiting for you here. If life ever becomes too hard… no, even if you just missed me... come back."
Hearing those words, Eron tightened his arms around Aryan, hiding the silent tears that slid down his cheeks. At that moment, it didn't matter how far apart they might be — in his heart, this place, this warmth, would always be home.
Meanwhile, downstairs…
"Edward, take it as a request. If possible, never let Eron meet my son again," Lisa said quietly while Adam went upstairs to bring the boys.
Edward's expression stiffened. "It seems you still can't forget the past deeds of his mother," he murmured.
"No one can…" Lisa replied coldly. "But that's not the only reason. Aryan… I don't want to see him with the son of his parents' murderer anymore."
Her words cut sharply through the room, leaving Edward momentarily speechless.
After a moment of heavy silence, he finally said, "I'll try…"
Just then, footsteps echoed from the stairs. Eron and Aryan came down, unaware of the conversation that had just taken place.
Without lingering, Edward led Eron out the main door.
Aryan, heartbroken, could only stand there helplessly, watching as Eron was taken away. He stepped outside and stayed there, his eyes fixed on the car until it vanished from sight — like a dream slipping out of his reach.