2
Back in my room, I decided I wouldn’t fight
Alex this time around. My parents, Ethan,
even my future fiancée who would fall for
I
Alex’s act – I didn’t need any of them. The
National Defense University was my new goal.
Get in through early admission, join the
special forces, and rarely come home.
Perfect.
To get in, I needed stellar grades. My parents tried to get me to bond with Alex, but I
couldn’t stand his act. They, of course, ate it
up, protecting him like he was made of glass.
I was studying the university’s admission
requirements when I heard Alex’s knock. This
was the second time tonight. Every night at
10 pm, he would bring me a glass of milk,
even though I hated milk.
“Brother, I brought you some milk,” his voice
chirped.
“Brother, open the door, milk is good for
vou.”
く
“Brother…”
He could keep this up for half an hour. I
yanked the door open. “I told you I don’t want
it! Stop bothering me!”
He held up the glass, looking up at me with
those big, innocent eyes. “Milk is good,
brother, it’s healthy. Just try it, you’ll like it.”
When I didn’t respond and moved to close the
door, his voice trembled. “Brother, don’t be
mad. I know you hate me. I can go back to
the orphanage…”
Ethan appeared out of nowhere, shoving me
against the wall. Pain shot through my
shoulder. He shielded Alex like a mother hen.
“What are you doing? Alex is being nice,
bringing you milk, and that’s how you treat
<
My parents arrived, echoing Ethan’s
sentiment. “Your attitude is terrible, Noah.
When will you be as thoughtful as Alex? He
even brought you milk.”
There it was again. Alex peeked at me from
behind them, a smug look on his face.
Looking at this loving family, anger boiled
inside me. “I’m not your precious Alex, am I?
So go do whatever you want with him and
leave me alone.”
I slammed the door shut before they could
respond, but I could still hear Alex’s fake
sobs. “It’s all my fault. Brother hates me. I
should go to the orphanage…”
Ethan’s voice was gentle. “It’s not your fault,
Alex. It’s Noah. Just stay away from him, and
I’ll tell Mom and Dad to make him apologize.”
<
“Yes,” my parents agreed, “we’ll make him
apologize.”
Alex gave a small, unconvincing sniffle.
My hands clenched. It was always like this. A
few fake tears from Alex, and I was the bad
guy, expected to apologize. I was sick of it.
The milk routine continued for a few more
days. I refused every time, further fueling my
family’s disapproval. Alex, seemingly aware of
his secure position in the family, stopped
trying to win me over, instead focusing on
charming my parents and Ethan. They quickly
became inseparable.
