Born to Rise : Becoming Vice President

Chapter 36 – Brother's Escape

Months had passed since the graduation exams. While most students were busy planning for college or attending farewell events with their friend groups, Gevran chose a different path—to escape, even just for a little while—with the one person who understood him best.

Han Jimin.

---

"Dude, are you seriously taking only me to Bali? Where's everyone else?" Jimin asked as they stepped off the private jet at Ngurah Rai Airport.

Gevran grinned.

"I need a real break. No crowd. No drama. No cameras. And you're the only one perfect for that."

"Damn. I'm touched," Jimin said dramatically, pounding his chest.

"But don't get all cuddly on me."

"Relax. I'm not that desperate," Gevran replied, playfully pushing his shoulder.

---

Their first day was spent hiding out in a private villa in Uluwatu—an infinity pool, ocean view, top-tier meals, and a playlist full of classic hip hop.

"You remember how we first met? You stepped on my foot in the hallway," Jimin said, lounging on a bean bag by the pool.

Gevran laughed.

"I remember you cursing me out like a loan shark."

"Well, your face was super annoying back then. Like one of those soap opera guys who steal other people's girlfriends."

"Still is," Gevran said smugly, and they both burst into laughter.

---

On the second day, they rode rented motorcycles across Bali—from Canggu to Ubud and Tanah Lot.

"Sometimes I wonder," Jimin said as they sat by the rice fields, sipping fresh coconut water.

"Your life's like a K-drama, but somehow you stay sane."

"That's 'cause I've got friends who help me laugh through life. One of them's you, Han Jimin."

Jimin smirked.

"Damn right. Just don't forget me when you become Korea's Vice President."

"Nah, I'll make you the Minister of National Friendship."

---

On the third day, they went surfing. Jimin nearly drowned twice, but Gevran kept laughing every time he wiped out.

"You keep laughing like you didn't just eat sand earlier," Jimin complained.

"Difference is, I fell with style," Gevran replied, striking a slow-motion pose like a drama character.

---

On their last night, they had a beachside BBQ dinner—sitting on bean bags, eating sate lilit and grilled corn under the stars.

"Gev," Jimin said, this time with a serious tone.

"Thanks for bringing me. Moments like this are rare. I know your life's hectic, always under a spotlight… but you still remembered me."

Gevran patted his shoulder.

"You're not a friend, Min. You're my brother."

And beneath the starlit Bali sky, the two boys sat in silence—saying nothing, but sharing everything.

---

Tomorrow, they would return to Seoul to attend Daesan International High School's graduation. But tonight, they were just two young men—once exhausted, once broken, who had fought and grown together.

Tonight, they were simply Gevran and Jimin—two names that knew the true meaning of friendship.