Brothers love
Tick-One… Tick-Two… Tick-Three…
Yuexia and Yuchen froze at the sudden appearance of their big brother standing at the doorway.
"Still as childish as ever," Zihan commented coolly, stepping into the room.
He was dressed in a suit that, at first glance, seemed plain and ordinary. But upon closer inspection, it was a finely tailored, hand-stitched masterpiece made of high-quality silk. Stylish and sleek, yes—but it was the man wearing it who truly commanded attention. Zihan's charm was so magnetic that even men might feel drawn to him.
"Big Brother!" Yuexia and Yuchen exclaimed in unison.
Silence followed.
"Am I really that scary that you two go completely quiet?" Zihan asked, feigning disappointment. But even his disappointed look was so breathtaking that anyone witnessing it might fall head over heels.
"No, Big Brother. We were just surprised… You rarely come home. We both missed you," Yuexia said with a sweet smile that could melt even the coldest heart—including Zihan's.
"I've been bullied again by our little sister! You should really tell her to stop," Yuchen complained in a childish tone, although his expression carried no real annoyance.
"Tsk. You're not a kid anymore. Still running to Big Brother like a crybaby," Yuexia teased, poking at him and tickling his sides.
Zihan's heart swelled at the sight of his siblings laughing and playing. After a long, tiring day, their smiles were the greatest reward.
"Alright, little ones. Calm down. I came home tonight because I'll be out of town for a few days. Second and third brother are tied up with work and won't make it."
Zihan's demeanor at home was worlds apart from the icy image he carried in public. The contrast was so vast, it was like comparing heaven and earth. If the public ever saw his gentle smile, fans would probably faint on the spot.
"Okay, okay, we'll stop… No, wait—Xia Xia, stop tickling me!" Yuchen grumbled, pretending to be mad, but his smile betrayed him.
"Let's have dinner. I have to leave later tonight," Zihan said warmly, guiding them toward the dining room.
---
Later That Evening
The three of them sat on the balcony, a family tradition after dinner—gazing at the stars and counting them together.
"Mom and Dad must be happy up there," Yuchen said quietly, his voice soft with emotion. If his fans could see him now, eyes shimmering with unshed tears, they'd go wild.
"They are," Zihan replied simply, his voice steady.
Yuexia looked at her two brothers, then at the two empty chairs meant for their second and third brothers. Her gaze returned to the sky.
"When I was little, all of my brothers took care of me. They never let me feel the absence of our parents. But… what about them? Who takes care of them the way they care for me?"
Her thoughts grew heavy. "Big Brother always pretends to be fine, smiling just to make us feel better. But I see through it. I know how lonely he is. I just hope… he finds happiness, too."
A star twinkled brightly, as if the universe had heard her wish.
---
Later that night, Zihan left for his overnight meeting. Though Yuchen wanted to stay home with Yuexia, his manager practically dragged him out, reminding him of an early morning shoot. Yuexia gave him a reassuring smile, and finally, he gave in.
"Thanks, Yuexia. You're the only one he ever listens to," his manager whispered with a grateful nod.
---
Back in her room, Yuexia sat alone at her desk. Despite being the daughter of a wealthy family, her room was surprisingly plain—no fancy decorations, no parties, just shelves full of books and papers.
A rich girl locked in her room studying? Unbelievable, right?
But Yuexia wasn't broken. She was determined.
She had a big dream and to achieve that, the one mean was studying. Then, taking a pen, she scribbled something onto a sticky note and placed it on the first page of her planner.
"Find happiness for my brothers."