1 His Story

Wanna hear a tragic story?

Here's mine.

My name is Wooin. I have no surname, just Wooin.

The adults in the orphanage said that they found me in front of their door crying loudly one stormy night. I was wrapped in a white piece of cloth with a simple note that requests for me to be named as Wooin.

To be honest, I loathe my name. It was given by someone who abandoned me, after all.

I was never chosen to be adopted because I don't look cute or attractive. Half of my face is covered with burn scars. It looked horrible. Nevertheless, I grew up happily. I was surrounded by kind adults, and I enjoyed taking care of kids younger than me.

It was sad seeing the kids that I took care of leaving but the thought of them finally having parents by their side comforted me every time. I just thought that those kids deserve all the beautiful things in this world and being adopted is a part of it.

But there's someone who stayed by my side despite being chosen a lot of times. He is Jiwoo. He's two years younger than me and so he calls me "Wooin-hyung".

He is a cute child and I am certain that he will turn into a handsome man once puberty hits. His cute and handsome face is also the reason why a lot of couples wanting to adopt children approached Jiwoo all the time. But Jiwoo refused each time and stubbornly said that he will stay with me forever.

And I am thankful for that. Because he is willing to stay with someone as ugly as me. So I vowed to myself that I will take care of Jiwoo once I am capable enough.

Jiwoo and I love music. Our dream is to be on a kpop boy group together. We want to perform on stage together. We want our name to be heard from our fans.

And music is the only thing that I can be proud of. Because I think I have the talent in producing songs, I can sing, and I can dance.

Once we are 18 and we can finally leave the orphanage to be independent, Jiwoo and I auditioned to many entertainment companies.

And every time, Jiwoo is the only one that gets the green light. Jiwoo complained every time, saying that I am more skilled than him so why were they excluding me.

But deep inside, we know the reason.

It was because of my disfigured face.

Eventually, I forced Jiwoo to join a big company. Ensuring him that I will never give up on music and instead of being a kpop idol, I will be a producer. He was finally convinced after I said that I will produce songs and someday, give it to him or to his group to perform on stage.

I applied to hundreds of entertainment companies but most of them did not accept me, making different alibis but I know, they just can't stand seeing my burnt face.

There's plastic surgery, but I have no money for that.

But a small company accepted my application. I was so happy at that time and did not even think of it. I signed the contract right away. Not knowing that I will enter hell.

I produced hundreds of songs and all of them became hit. It was given to different kpop idols. Kpop groups like DTS, THRICE, PINKBLACK, EX-O, and more.

However, I never escaped poverty despite my songs being successful.

It was because I did not receive any money for it.

They stole my songs. Placing a different name as a producer. And threatening me to make more.

I cannot do anything. I was powerless and I don't have money to terminate a contract. I approached the government asking for an attorney but it turns out, a politician is backing the schemes of my company.

While Jiwoo became successful as a member of the worldwide famous boy group, DTS. I was too ashamed to face him. I ignored his calls. And as if he knew that I am always watching him, he always mentions me on his interviews and even in concerts. Giving messages like, "I am an orphan, but there's a hyung that I really look up to. He's a genius in producing songs and he can sing and dance better that me. Hyung, I really hope to see you soon."

What does he mean by genius... tsk, that kid.

But Jiwoo is the only reason why I am still trying to hold on. Seeing his group (DTS) perform the songs I produced, made me happy. Even though he doesn't know that I am the one who produced them, it's okay.

At the age of 28, I was hit by a fast moving car.

Sigh.. Looks like I was born to be unlucky.

I don't know why but I am still conscious. I can neither open my eyes nor move my body, but I am aware of my surroundings.

Like how doctors talk about me being in coma. And that Jiwoo visits me almost every day. Even his arguments with their manager. I can hear them all.

"Wooin-hyung... please wake up. I'm sorry that I did not find you. I became so busy. I wish I have known your situation sooner."

"Hyung... I promise to make your company pay for what they have done to your songs. They received a lot of money for your songs that they sold to big companies. And I found out that the song that made us famous was produced by you. Thank you hyung. You're my only family... please wake up Wooin-hyung."

"Jiwoo! You're so stubborn! How many times do I have to tell you that you need to attend your schedules! I understand that you love your hyung so much you can't leave him but you also need to think of your group members! You guys are in-demand right now and you still have your world tour. We have given you two weeks already."

"But Manager, Wooin-hyung is still not awake." Jiwoo cried.

"I know. The hospital already promised to contact us immediately once he wakes up. And do you think your hyung will be happy that you are ignoring your responsibilities in your group because of him? Didn't you say that your hyung js your number 1 fan and that you will fulfill his dream of standing at the top of kpop industry on behalf of him?"

"You're right, hyung. And I still have to make his company pay."

It broke my heart... but I can't say anything. When will I wake up?

"I'm sorry. But we are only making him suffer if this continues. We need to let him go. He needs to rest."

What rest?

"What?! F*ck, you're telling me to take off the machines that supports my hyung?! You must be crazy! I will never do that! It's like telling me to kill him myself!"

Jiwoo?

"Come on, Jiwoo. You also need to think of your hyung's situation. Don't you think that he's already tired of fighting? And the doctors said that they have done everything. He's brain dead. There's little to no chance of him waking up again.."

"Wooin-hyung..." Jiwoo sobbed.

It pained me hearing his voice. Am I the reason behind his pain? Am I making my younger brother feel sad?

If so... then it really is much better to let go.

I want him to live his life not minding about me anymore. I just want him to smile and enjoy his life.

I am not even his blood relative yet this kid is really fixed onto me. I feel bad.

Eventually, they cut off my life support.

Thank you Jiwoo...

However, one thing's not clear to me. Why... why am I still conscious?! Am I gonna hear voices during my funeral too?! That would be weird!

'Ahem.. no. You're still conscious cause you need to decide.'

Who?

'Do you want to live another life but in a parallel world? Or you want to rest and overlook this world?'

Parallel? Overlook? What do you mean?

'This chance is rare. It was given to you apparently because your life is too depressing and you never really experienced happiness. Tsk. How come a person feel all of emotions except happiness. Weird fellow.'

'Listen, okay. You can either choose to be born again as a chance to let you experience happiness or you can reject it and rest while overlooking the events in this world's future.'

Parallel world... is Jiwoo there?

'Jiwoo? Ah the kid that takes care of you.'

Am I not the one taking care of him? I'm older.

'But he's more matured, b*stard.'

He curses a lot. I thought.

'Anyways, all the people of this world are also in the parallel world. Except for small changes. And if you choose to be reborn, you will be given 5 wishes as to ensure that you will really make use of the opportunity to feel happiness.'

I guess world is still not that rotten and there are still people who are kind.

'How dare you compare this godly being to people.'

Hey, stop reading my mind!

'How else are we supposed to converse if I will not read your mind?! Do you want me to make your corpse talk?!'

S-sorry... But don't shout. Your voice is so loud and it does not sound pretty.

'This d*mned b*astard..'

I guess my ears' just sensitive to sounds.

'Don't worry, if you choose to be reborn I'll make sure that you will not have your ears anymore.'

No!

'Enough joking already and tell me your decision.'

Well... i choose to live of course.

'Then what are your five wishes?'

First, I want to be real brothers with Jiwoo.

Second, I want to be handsome, the most attractive face there is.

Third, I want Jiwoo and I to be born rich.

Fourth, I want to retain my memories in this life.

Fifth, I wish that the songs in this life will not be present in the parallel world.

'Hmm.. as expected. Humans are greedy.'

Come on! It's not like that. I just don't want to be helpless this time. Being stepped on by rich and powerful people and having no power to fight them back is unpleasant, you know.

'Yeah yeah. Then, I'm off..'

Wait! We haven't talked about the ages yet.

Tsk. He's gone.

Darkness filled my vision and before I know it, my consciousness slipped away.

-----

Eh? Milk?

When my vision cleared, I saw a beautiful woman. Her facial features are soft and I feel warm just looking at her.

Wait.. it's not time for compliments.

Tell me why, why?! WHY AM I A BABY?! That godly brat!

I told him to wait so we can talk about my age!

Being in a baby's body and suckling milk was not in my plans! This is so embarrassing, oh god.

Against my wishes, this body continued suckling milk from the woman who I suppose was my mother.

So this must mean that Jiwoo is not born yet and I have to wait him for about 2 years. Cause Jiwoo is originally 2 years younger than me.

Sigh.. it's gonna be a boring wait.

"Ohh my baby Wooin. You sleepy? Huh baby? Do you want me to lay you down?"

I don't know how to respond so I just smiled.

"Oh how adorable. My Wooin is so cute!" My mother giggled as she kissed my cheeks three times.

It's strange.. I should feel awkward but I feel warm. I guess it has something to do with us having the same blood.

When my mother laid me down in what I assume was my bed, I took that opportunity to look around.

Hmm, good. Looks like the godly being kept his promise. My room looks luxurious. It was big and a lot of toys are around. There is even a mini playground complete with a slide, swing, and seesaw. There's a small round pool filled with small balls. And the whole room is carpeted.

I also noticed that my bed is not simple either. It is a customized bed that looks like a car.

Wow so this is how it feels to be rich.

I felt sleepy. This small body needs sleep to grow up after all.

----

2 years later...

Wooin realized that he should thank the godly being that he sent him as a baby.

Because the transition of being poor to being real quick is more shocking than he expected.

It took 2 whole years for Wooin to get used to his new lifestyle.

Instead of an orphanage, he now lives in a mansion. He felt like royalty. Every time his mother would carry him to walk around, he always sees a lot of maids and there's even a butler.

And his name is no longer just Wooin. It is now Kang Wooin. He's already 2 years old and can walk by himself and talk.

He also took his time to get used to the affection that he receives. His new dad and mom doted on him after all.

His grandparents from both his mother and father side would also constantly visit him once a week.

The affection and riches that Wooin receives is too much for him to digest instantly so it really is a luck that he was born a baby as he was give a lot of time to adjust.

But what's unfortunate is that Wooin still does not know what his parents do for a living because aside from walks around their huge greenhouse garden, he is always kept inside his room. His parents are so protective so much that he was never alone. He is always accompanied by his nanny.

Today is a special day for Wooin because this is the first time he will be seeing his younger brother, Jiwoo.

Wooin's mother, Kang Minhee, gave birth last night. Unlike the usual, her mother did not gave birth in a hospital because they have a private doctor and they have a room that's complete of medical tools and machines.

Wooin is being carried by his nanny and when they reached his mother's bedroom, he heard them talking.

"What do you think honey? Isn't Kang Jiwoon a nice name?" Kang Daeshim, Wooin's father said.

"Yeah it's cute." Wooin's mother smiled.

No! It's Jiwoo!

Wooin screamed in his head. Jiwoo's name holds a sentimental value in his heart as it is the name that he uttered a lot in his past life.

To express his distaste, Wooin cried.

"Jiwoo.." Wooin walked cutely towards his younger brother.

Wooin then held baby Jiwoo's hand and uttered his name while crying, "Jiwoo...".

"Awe, so our baby Wooin wants to name his brother, Jiwoo huh? Okay baby." His father picked him up and carried him.

"Yeah, Jiwoo is a cute name." Kang Minhee smiled at his first son.

Wooin felt relieved that his parents understood his intention.

-----

Kang Wooin, 7 years old.

Kang Jiwoo, 5 years old.

"Hyung! Hyung! I finished organizing my toys. I did good right?" Kang Jiwoo ran towards his older brother and flashed his puppy eyes, wanting some compliments from his hyung.

"Yeah you did great Jiwoo." Wooin said and ruffled Jiwoo's hair.

Wooin noticed that Jiwoo like him so much and that's a good thing for Wooin. Because Jiwoo in the past is also affectionate towards him.

Their relationship became more close as Wooin is always attentive towards Jiwoo. Their nanny basically does nothing as it is Wooin who takes care of his brother.

He feeds him during meal time and spends his free time with him in their play room.

When Wooin was 3 years old, he deliberately showed his interest in music. He often sings and dance.

Thus, their parents enrolled Wooin in National University of Arts (NUA). It is the number 1 music school in Korea. Wooin is currently 7 years old, and he is in his 1st year of elementary school.

On the other hand, Jiwoo is 5 years old and is supposed to be in pre-school but their parents did not enroll him in any school and opted for home schooling instead.

Wooin is also supposed to be home-schooled as his parents can afford hiring private tutors but Wooin insisted in attending school.

The reason is that Wooin never experienced being in school. Back in the orphanage, they were thought by the sisters and volunteers. They relied on book donations.

So Wooin really wanted to experience school life this time. Besides, he also wants to use this opportunity to learn more about music.