That evening, I returned from school and dropped my bag on the floor with a sigh.
Syaoran popped out from the kitchen and said cheerfully,
"You're home, Fang~"
I nodded and collapsed into a chair.
He walked out with dishes in his hands and placed them gently on the table.
"I've made everything. Let's eat~" he said with a smile.
"Okay…" I replied in a low voice.
He sat down across from me, tilting his head.
"What's wrong now? Why do you look like that?"
I pouted and said, "Tomorrow is the parent-teacher meeting."
Syaoran blinked, confused. "Parent teacher… what?"
I sighed. "It's when our parents visit school to talk to the teachers…"
Everyone has someone coming. It's the worst day for me… I always sit alone. Sometimes, students even mock me for not having parents who show up."
He didn't say anything and quietly started eating with me.
---
The next day...
Just like every year, students arrived with their parents—some with both, some with just one—but always with someone. And like always, I had no one.
Then, the teacher began the introductions. Each student proudly introduced their parents. When my turn came, I stared at the floor, fidgeting.
"Fang," my teacher called again. "Introduce your parents."
I stood up, forcing a weak smile.
"Ma'am, my parents are working so they—"
But just then, a voice interrupted from behind.
"Teacher, I'm Syaoran. I'm Fang's relative."
I turned in shock—and smiled.
He stood there, confidently, wearing a clean shirt and pants. I'd never seen him dressed like that before. Even the teacher and students were staring at him like "aww…"
Syaoran raised an eyebrow and smiled coolly.
I straightened up. "Ma'am, this is Syaoran. He's my brother."
He looked at me briefly, then gave a small nod. I smiled brighter.
---
After class, the teacher called both of us to the office.
Syaoran leaned toward me and whispered, "What am I supposed to do now?"
"Just go with the flow," I whispered back. He gave a half-confused nod.
Inside the office, we approached my class teacher.
"Hello," he said politely.
The teacher stood up suddenly, adjusted her hair, and waved.
I looked up and couldn't help but laugh.
He gave me a playful slap on the head and hushed me.
The teacher started praising me for my academics and said I even had potential for studying abroad. I was shocked and happy.
Syaoran looked completely lost. I elbowed him under the table, signaling him to smile. He forced a grin and somehow managed to get through it.
---
Outside, he finally let out a deep breath.
"Being a big brother is harder than I thought," he said.
I laughed. "You did great! I'll treat you."
He elbowed me back with a smirk. I got the message.
I grabbed his hand and dragged him to a meat shop. We bought our favorite cuts and went home. Together, we lit a small campfire behind our house.
Syaoran's eyes widened in surprise. "What's this?"
"A little celebration," I said with a chuckle.
We sat under a tree, eating meat, gazing up at the moon and stars.
For once, that day didn't feel lonely.
That day, I wasn't just a student without parents.
I was someone who mattered.
Because for once, someone showed up just for me.
And that… changed everything.