"That said," Sahil continued, regaining their attention, "There are two conditions." Poseidon and Helios both looked at him expectantly.
"First—medications must be taken on time. No exceptions. If you feel any discomfort, you will not hide it. You'll come for a routine check-up after the academy's dismissal," Sahil told.
Poseidon nodded firmly, "Yes."
"And second… you must let go of your insecurities and give it your all. No self-doubt. No dark thoughts. Only your best efforts and complete enjoyment," Sahil finished with a smile. The words he spoke felt like something out of a dream.
Poseidon could only nod, because right now, he didn't know how to express the emotions welling up inside him.
"Poseidon," Sahil called, his voice softer now. Poseidon lifted his gaze. "Thank you," he said, "For everything. For being so strong. For keeping up with our selfish requests and for showing us that nothing is impossible."
Poseidon blinked in surprise but a sincere smile soon graced his lips. Deep down, he understood. It was all for him. Their unwavering care, their every effort, all so he could wake up and embrace another day. And in that moment, he had no regrets, no hard feelings at all, "Thank you too, Uncle," he replied genuinely.
"Well, that settles it! As the older brother, I'll make sure both conditions are met!" Helios declared, thumping a hand against his chest with confidence.
"Older brother…?" Poseidon echoed, slightly astonished by his words. But as realization dawned over him, he turned to his mother in confusion. "Wouldn't Helios be the younger one?"
Karin questioned, meeting Poseidon's puzzled gaze.
"Huh?" Helios blinked, shifting his attention between them.
Layla and Sahil exchanged uncertain glances as well.
"But Poseidon was born first, wasn't he? That makes him the older one," Karin stated matter-of-factly.
"W-what?!" Helios gawked, his mind racing as Layla tried to recall the details, "Wait… really? Poseidon came first? My Heli was born after?" she murmured, frowning as she turned to Sahil, "Why don't I remember that? Do you, honey?"
Sahil nodded without hesitation. "Of course. Don't you remember how you wanted to go to Greece to see him, but you couldn't because you weren't well yourself?"
"Ah! Right, right, right. And then, because I was so upset about missing it, I insisted on naming Poseidon myself!" Layla laughed, realization dawning on her, "Yeah, that's right. You're actually the younger one, Helios."
Helios, however, stood frozen in place, his entire world seemingly crumbling before him. His eyes were wide with disbelief, as if someone had just told him fairies weren't real or that one doesn't always remain a child, they all grow up. "B-but! You always said I was first! A-and…" he stammered, trying to make sense of the revelation.
Then, like a child refusing to accept an unwanted truth, he sank to the floor, hiding his face in his knees, embarrassed.
Sehan and Poseidon couldn't help bursting into laughter at his dramatic reaction.
"But that's so unfair! I always wanted to be the older one! No way, I'm not accepting this!" Helios protested, his frustration bubbling over.
"But that would be a lie. I am older, little Helios." Poseidon teased, his tone lighthearted.
"No, you're not!" Helios snapped, clearly sulking.
Poseidon shrugged with a smirk, "Doesn't really matter what you say. Facts don't change."
Hearing him, Helios narrowed his gaze visibly hurt, his shoulders stiffening. "Fine, believe whatever you want then," he muttered, clenching his fists before abruptly turning on his heel and storming out of the room.
"Heli?" Layla called after him, but Helios didn't respond.
Poseidon, noticing the sudden shift in Helios' mood, straightened in his seat, his expression tinged with concern. "Heli, hey, I was just joking…" he called out, his voice laced with unease. But before he could say more, the door shut behind Helios with a loud thud.
Sehan glanced at Sahil, who blinked in surprise before shrugging, equally bewildered. "He really took that to heart…?" Sehan thought, unable to believe it.
Karin turned to Poseidon, who sat there, troubled. "I didn't mean it like that," he murmured, confusion flickering in his eyes, "...Older brother or not, I don't really mind it."
"Tch, he is being an idiot. Let me get him back." Sehan said.
Meanwhile, outside the room, as Helios headed towards the receptionist corner, he ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. As the apprehension of his own reaction hit him, he stiffened. "Why… did I do that?!" he panicked internally. "But I was the older one! Ugh, this is so frustrating. So embarrassing…!" he mumbled, cringing at himself.
Just as he was lost in thought, a hand patted his shoulder. Irritated, he turned sharply, snapping, "Tch, I know I was wrong, so would you just stop bothering—"
His words died in his throat as Claude suddenly pulled him into a hug, "Helios! What are you even talking about? Haha, are you finally losing your mind after staying in the hospital for all these years?" he laughed heartily.
Helios blinked in confusion as Mirza, Haadi, and Ebraham followed from behind. "You guys…?" he muttered, still caught off guard.
"Of course it's us," Haadi grinned, "How have you been?"
"I'm… fine? But what are you all doing here?" Helios asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Tada!" Ebraham announced, holding up a box of cake, "It's Mirza's birthday today! We're here to celebrate!" he declared.
Helios hesitated before breaking into a small smile, "Ah… right. Happy Birthday…"
"And I bet you didn't even prepare a gift," Claude deadpanned, patting his shoulder before walking ahead, "Come on! Off to see Poseidon. I really miss him!"
Mirza shook his head in mock disbelief before following Claude.
Helios, still grappling with his own thoughts, sighed.
"Don't mind them, they're just messing with you," Haadi reassured him, tugging at his arm, "Let's go."
"H-hey, wait…" Helios nonetheless hesitated, causing both Haadi and Ebraham to pause.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Ebraham asked, his voice turning concerned.
Helios let out a deep breath before crouching down, resting his arms on his knees.
Ebraham and Haadi exchanged knowing looks before Ebraham guessed, "You and Poseidon fought, didn't you?"
Helios flinched but didn't respond. That was all the confirmation they needed.
"And let me guess… it was over something so stupid that you already regret it?" Haadi added, raising an eyebrow.
Helios, still curled up, gave a small nod.
"Tch, come on. Let's go and apologize then, simple!" Ebraham said, pulling him up.
"B-but! Poseidon… He…" Helios started, but the words died in his throat.
"Look," Haadi cut in, "The idea of you two fighting is already so ridiculous that I don't even want to hear about it. So, just make up already." He pulled Helios forward, and this time, Helios didn't resist.
"We actually had a little surprise planned too, so I think you two will be fine soon enough," Ebraham added with a smirk.
"Surprise?" Helios perked up slightly.
Ahead, Claude and Mirza were waving impatiently. "Hurry up! You three took forever!" Claude called out.
"You didn't go inside yet?" Helios asked, catching up to them.
And then, with a loud bang, the door swung open. "Surprise!!!"
The group burst in unison, startling Poseidon and the others.
"Oh!" Layla and Karin gasped in shock.
"Boys? What are you all doing here?" Sahil asked as the four newcomers stepped inside, greeting everyone politely.
"Good evening, Uncle, Brother Sehan, Aunt Layla and Karin," they said one after another.
Poseidon barely had a moment to register their arrival before Claude rushed forward, throwing his arms around him in a tight embrace.
"Poseidon!! My friend!" Claude exclaimed.
Still caught off guard, Poseidon returned the hug, a glimmer of surprise in his eyes, "H-hello, everyone."
Claude pulled back slightly, eager as ever, "How have you been? We missed you so much! So here we are, all gathered to celebrate Mirza's birthday tonight!"
"Birthday...?" Poseidon echoed, his gaze shifting toward Mirza.
With a warm smile, Mirza grasped his hand, "That's right. And don't worry about a gift."
Poseidon frowned slightly, "I'm sorry… I didn't prepare anything."
Mirza laughed it off, "No big deal. We kind of showed up like a whirlwind, anyway." He then shot a pointed look at Helios. "Even Helios, who sees me every day at the academy and plays with me, forgot. So you really don't need to feel bad."
By the door, Helios shifted awkwardly, his expression tinged with guilt. Poseidon, catching the moment, giggled softly.
"Did you all come here on your own?" Sahil asked as Layla and Karin quietly left the boys to enjoy their time.
"Not entirely. Mirza's father dropped us off—he'll be picking us up in two hours. Oh yeah, he was calling for you outside, uncle. He wanted to talk," Ebraham explained.
Sahil nodded with a smile, "I see. I'll go meet him now. Until then enjoy yourselves. Let us know if you need anything." With that, he stepped out, Sehan following closely behind.
Before leaving, however, Sehan stole a glance at Helios, who sat quietly on the couch, tapping his fingers against his leg, lost in thought. "Silly…" he thought with an amused grin