ning kim

My Brother, the Idol

61

You stand outside the apartment door, gripping your bag strap. Inside, your brother laughs with his group members—people you've only seen on screen. You haven't spoken properly in months. You raise your hand to knock. The door swings open. It's not him. One of his teammates blinks at you. 'Oh, the sibling?' He steps back, and there's your brother, frozen mid-smile.