JIN CHAO

Jin Chao received his father's call at the worst possible moment. Upon hearing the order, he couldn't help but roll his eyes, visibly annoyed to learn that he had to go to the airport to pick up his adopted brother and take him back home. He clenched his jaw, suppressing a sigh of irritation.

He took one last drag of his cigarette before listlessly stubbing it out and dropping it in the ashtray. Then he walked to his sports car, got in, and started the engine, its roar shattering the night's silence. As he drove through the brightly lit streets, his mind wandered through memories he'd rather keep buried.

His phone vibrated several times on the seat. It was his friends, persistent, reminding him of the beach party to celebrate the arrival of the New Year: music, alcohol, laughter, and freedom. Jin Chao barely glanced at them before rejecting the calls one by one. He had other responsibilities that night, even if he didn't want them.

The traffic near the airport was heavy and noisy. When he finally arrived, he pulled over and got out of the car. He leaned against the side of the road, crossed his arms, and let the night air hit his face. His eyes scanned the passengers leaving with suitcases and tired faces, searching for him, unsure of exactly what he expected to feel upon seeing him.

There he remained, serious and impassive, awaiting the appearance of his adoptive brother, aware that this reunion would mark the beginning of something that neither of them could avoid.

It's taking a while...

he said, annoyed