Chapter Text
Han Seo sighed, staring out of the window. All of those people in Korea had something in common with him. They all had a birthday. But who else, except him, had a birthday like his today?
He shook his head, returning to his work. Birthdays were dumb and especially dumb for people like him. People who shouldn't have been at all in the first place.
As a small child, Han Seo's poor mother never had enough money to celebrate his birthday but it soon came a matter of whether or not she was sober. But when he moved into the Jang household, it became a much different reason.
Every year his older brother would torment him on his birthday, reminding him that he was just a bastard who didn't deserve to live in the first place. But when Han Seok had been shipped away, Han Seo still didn't celebrate his birthday. It just felt wrong to celebrate it after growing up with it being an awful reminder that he didn't have a place in this world.
So Han Seo carried on the normal work day, dreading for when he would inevitably be teased by his brother. When Han Seo went to leave, however, the day surprised him. He opened the door, flinching when he was met with another person! A woman possibly in her mid fifties was staring back at him in surprise with her hand up as if she was going to knock.
"Vice C-chairman Jang!" She seemed surprised. "I apologize for startling you."
He flushed at being caught being vulnerable. "I-its fine. What can I help you with?"
She had a bright smile as she extended a small box to him Han Seo didn't realise she was holding. "I've working for this company for two decades now! And I know that your birthday is today but I've never really see you celebrate it so I got you a present."
Han Seo stared at her dumbly for a few minutes before replying. "O-oh, you didn't have to. I don't really celebrate my birthday anyway."
She looked scandalised at him. "Well I insist you celebrate today! Or at least take this gift."
'Han Seok is behind this, isn't he?' Han Seo huffed as she shoved it to him and scurried off. 'He really thinks I'm going to fall for this? Why would anyone know about my birthday?'
He sighed, keeping the box in his hands as he walked out, ignoring curious glances from his security team.
Unfortunately, Han Seok rounded a corner and spotted him, speeding up immediately. "Dongsaeng!"
Han Seo froze, awaiting public humiliation only for Han Seok to look curiously at the box.
"Oh who's that from?" Han Seok tilted his head.
'Why are you acting like you aren't behind this, you scum?' Han Seo thought.
"Oh, it was a present from one of the staff." Han Seo glumly said, preparing to receive an onslaught of verbal abuse only for Han Seok to hum.
"Well I'm glad I'm still getting recognition for leading Babel in the right direction." He said before snatching it out of the youngers hands and walking past him cheerfully.
Han Seo stood there stupefied before he resumed walking, hoping he could fall asleep before Han Seok returned and that the other would show mercy and let him sleep.
___________
Han Seok returned from his brothers office, having grabbed a specific file he needed to only for one of the shareholders to stop him.
"Chairman Jang! I'm surprised to see you at work today!" Mr Hwang smiled brightly.
This man in particular was a pain to Mr Hwang. He was always criticizing Han Seok's opinions and if Han Seok wasn't trying to be a changed man he'd murder the guy in front of his stupid wife.
Han Seok put on a fake smile before chuckling. "Work doesn't wait for anyone, unfortunately!"
The man nodded, muttering about how true that was to himself before turning back to him. "Well, I have to head home to the wife now but please send your brother my wishes for him to have a good birthday!"
Han Seok's smile went stiff as his brain blanked. His brothers birthday?
When he realised he was still being watched, he turned to the older man. "I will! Goodnight, then!"
Han Seok didn't bother waiting for an excuse before heading to his car. His eyes lingered on the little box and he decided to open it before beginning to drive.
'He knew it was for himself but let me take it anyway.' He thought, lifting the lid.
He peered inside to see a small little note saying 'Happy 26th! You're a great Vice Chairman!' along with a moderately priced looking pen.
"They really cheaped out, huh?" Han Seok scoffed, throwing the box in the back as he started up the car.
'At least they got him something.' His conscience cackled. 'You didn't even know it was his birthday! In fact, he didn't even bother to tell you!'
He groaned, opting to take a quick detour instead of going to Han Seo's home.
________
It was a struggle buying Han Seo a gift since Han Seok had no idea what the younger liked but eventually Han Seok just settled on some expensive wine, some gummy bears and a skittles themed cake.
He juggled the objects into the others home, placing them on the kitchen counter top before heading to his brothers room. He flicked the light on, heading over to shake his brother out of his sleep only to realise the younger had his face pressed up against something. Leaning forward, he noticed it was a photo. He slowly took the photo from the sleeping man and looked at it. It was in awful condition, Han Seok noticed. It had clearly been ripped up and awkwardly taped back together. It also happened to be a photo of Han Seo when he was younger on the lap of a pretty woman. They both wore ratty clothes and were very thin, Han Seok noticed but after a few minutes of looking at the picture he realised who the woman was. Han Seo's mother. The bitch who had tore his family apart smiling proudly. Anger flooded his veins looking at her and just as he went to rip the photo up again (Han Seok now remembered being the one to rip it up in the first place) he heard a small whimper.
He looked down to see a tearful, fearful Han Seo looking at him. "H-hyung?"