Towards the end of July, the unbearable heat of summer pressed down on the city. The sky outside was a clear, endless blue, and inside the house all was peaceful. The faint hum of the air conditioner blended with the homely fragrance of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread, a comforting scent that drifted through the still air.
Lin came downstairs slowly, each step unhurried as if he had not fully woken up yet. His school uniform clung neatly to his slender frame, his damp white hair still carrying traces of water from his morning shower. Drops of moisture clung to his nape, making his pale skin gleam faintly in the light. He looked exhausted, yet the delicate lines of his face made his fatigue appear almost fragile, like the soft glow of porcelain after rain.
In the kitchen, a modest breakfast awaited him steaming coffee in a delicate mug, and golden toast arranged neatly on a plate. He sat down quietly, taking a few bites before lifting his eyes toward the living room.
There sat his mother and stepfather. His mother was curled comfortably on the sofa, while his stepfather sat beside her, sipping coffee as he scrolled through the morning news on his phone. The scene was ordinary, yet it carried the warmth of a family. Lin's lips curved faintly, and he greeted them politely.
"Good morning," he said softly.
Both looked up at once. His mother's face bloomed into a warm smile.
"Good morning, baby. How was your night?"
His stepfather set his cup aside and nodded gently.
"Good morning, Lin. Ready for school?"
"Yes, Dad, I'm ready," Lin replied. His gaze shifted around the room, searching for someone who was missing. Then, gathering a bit of courage, he asked,
"Dad, where is big brother?"
His mother glanced at the time before answering.
"Dimitri left early this morning. He had a meeting at the office."
Lin's fingers froze around his fork. For a brief moment, silence lingered in his eyes. He lowered his head slowly and murmured, "I see…" before continuing with his meal.
The house, though filled with his parents' presence, felt just a little emptier without Dimitri.
When he finished eating, Lin rose from his seat and adjusted his bag.
"Dad, I'm ready."
His stepfather stood as well, pressing a light kiss to his wife's cheek before pulling on his tailored suit jacket. Taking his car keys, he gestured for Lin to follow.
"Let's go."
"Bye, Mom," Lin called as he clutched his school bag.
Together, father and son walked out into the blazing morning sun. Before getting into the car, his stepfather paused, turning to Lin with an unusual gentleness in his eyes.
"Your teacher called me yesterday. He said you did very well on your last exam. I'm proud of you, son."
Lin blinked in surprise. Though he knew this man wasn't his real father, he had never once felt unloved in this home. His stepfather treated him and his mother with patience and kindness especially him. A soft smile crept onto Lin's lips.
"Thank you, Dad… Then… may I go visit big brother at the office tomorrow?"
His stepfather studied him for a moment before smiling faintly.
"Is that what you want?"
"Yes, Dad," Lin said firmly, hope flickering in his pale eyes.
"Alright then. You both can go tomorrow. But promise me you won't disturb him while he's working."
"I promise, Father." Lin's voice was light, but his smile betrayed his happiness.
"Good. Get in."
The drive was quiet but not uncomfortable. For thirty minutes they moved through the city until the school gates came into view. Lin stepped out, waving goodbye. His stepfather waved back before driving off.
Clutching his bag, Lin exhaled softly. Tomorrow was Saturday. He would finally get the chance to see Dimitri again properly. His thoughts trailed as he imagined what he should wear, remembering that he had ordered a package online. Something light, playful shorts and a fitted top that flattered his slim figure. Something that suited the cute side of him he had always kept quietly tucked away. The parcel would arrive this evening. He couldn't wait.
"Lin!"
The soft call came from behind. Lin turned and spotted Rei his childhood best friend. Rei jogged toward him, his dark hair messy, his expression a mix of exhaustion and forced brightness. They had grown up side by side, and though they bickered often, Rei was the one person Lin could share all his secrets with.
"Hey. How are you, Rei? Going to class?"
"Yes," Rei answered, though his voice sounded dull.
Lin narrowed his eyes. "What happened again?"
"I got dumped," Rei admitted, scratching his neck awkwardly.
Lin stared. "…Again?"
"Yes."
Lin's brows drew together. "What happened this time?"
Rei chuckled bitterly. "He caught me going on a date with his friend."
Lin nearly choked. "That's bad, Rei! How could you do that? How many guys have you dated this month? Five? Maybe six?"
Rei shrugged carelessly. "There's no such thing as true love anymore, Lin. Nobody cares. People just want to have fun."
Lin frowned. "Aren't you dating senior Dylan?"
"He's my side boyfriend." Rei rolled his eyes.
"What the hell, Rei? You're only seventeen."
"So?" Rei teased, smirking.
Lin sighed heavily. "Let's just go."
Rei laughed, scrolling through his phone as they walked down the hall. "I'm going to Dylan's house today. Spending the night too. So how's your mission going?"
Lin's steps slowed. His smile faded as he whispered, "He's still not talking to me… He's been ignoring me for months now, Rei. I'm not happy."
"Awnnn," Rei cooed playfully, bumping his shoulder. "Then what about the seduction trick? You're really cute, you know. With your white skin, those pink lips, that slim waist there's no way he can ignore you."
Lin's cheeks flushed faintly. "I… I'm planning to do that this weekend. I'm going to Father's company tomorrow."
"Wow, that's great! Want me to come?" Rei grinned.
"No." Lin rejected instantly.
Rei only laughed as they entered the classroom.
The rest of the school day passed quickly lectures, gossip, the endless drone of teachers. By closing time, Rei waved goodbye before running to where Dylan was waiting outside. Lin followed with his eyes for a moment, then left quietly.
His father's subordinate was already waiting in a black car. Lin slipped inside, and they drove him home.
As soon as he arrived, his eyes lit up. A package sat neatly at the front of the house. He tore it open immediately, his heart racing as he pulled out each piece one by one delicate tops, fitted shorts, soft fabrics that framed his figure perfectly. His excitement was almost childlike, his pale face glowing as he laid them out carefully on his bed.
The hours passed. The sun fell. The second day came.
As always, Dimitri was gone by morning. The house was quiet. Lin stepped into the bathroom, turning on the shower. Warm water cascaded down his pale body, sliding over his collarbones and along his slender waist. His damp hair clung to his cheeks, highlighting the softness of his features. He closed his eyes, letting the steam wrap around him, the thought of Dimitri stirring in the back of his mind like a forbidden secret.
Lin stepped out of the bathroom, the faint steam still clinging to his porcelain skin. Droplets of water trailed along the curve of his neck and collarbone before disappearing beneath the towel tied at his waist. Standing before the mirror, he opened a jar of face cream and smoothed it across his cheeks, massaging it into his fair skin until his reflection glowed with a soft radiance.
On the counter, a hair straightener sat heating, its red light blinking steadily. Lin gathered a lock of his snow-white hair and slowly drew the straightener down its length. Each stroke left his strands silky, perfectly straight, and shining like threads of moonlight. With careful precision, he repeated the process until his entire head of hair fell in smooth, lustrous sheets over his shoulders.
He slipped into his outfit of the day neatly pressed, elegant, with just enough charm to make him look like a polished young heir. Standing before the mirror once more, he picked up a crystal bottle of perfume and gave a soft spray over his collar, breathing in the delicate scent. Then, with steady hands, he applied a faint touch of pink lipstick, his lips glowing softly against his pale face.
When he was done, he looked perfect.
Downstairs, his mother's voice called faintly, "Baby… where are you going dressed like that?"
Lin came down the staircase gracefully, holding his jacket in his arm. "Father told me yesterday I could go to the company today. I want to visit big brother."
His mother froze for a moment, surprise flickering across her features. Ever since she had married Dimitri's father, things had never been easy. Dimitri, her husband's son from his late wife, had grown cold and distant toward both her and Lin. No matter how much she tried, she could never replace the shadow of his real mother. That wound in the household remained unhealed.
She lowered her eyes, worry clouding her face. "Baby… are you sure? You know how Dimitri is."
Lin saw the sadness behind her gaze and stepped closer, reaching to hold her hand. His tone was warm, reassuring. "Mom, don't worry. Big brother is not that kind of person. I'll be fine."
She studied his expression, then sighed, defeated. "Alright… but be careful, okay?"
"Okay, Mom."
Moments later, Lin slid into the back seat of the car. The driver closed the door and the vehicle began its long drive toward the towering corporate district. In his lap sat a delicate box wrapped in ribbon. He looked down at it and smiled softly.
Earlier, he had asked the driver to stop at the cake shop. Inside the box was a perfectly baked yellow cheesecake, Dimitri's rumored favorite. Lin brushed his fingers over the lid and whispered with hope in his voice, I'm sure big brother will like it.
The car rolled to a stop in front of the towering glass building. Lin stepped out, clutching the cake box carefully, and craned his neck to look up at the shining skyscraper that held his brother's company. His heart thudded nervously, but his lips curved in a determined smile.
Inside, the marble lobby stretched endlessly. The receptionist greeted him politely, and soon he found himself stepping into a sleek elevator. He hugged the cake box tightly against his chest as the doors slid shut. The mirrored walls reflected his pale face, the nervous flicker in his eyes, and the faint curve of his lips.
As the elevator ascended floor after floor, Lin's heart beat faster. He imagined Dimitri's expression when he saw him the warmth he hoped for, the bond he craved. Would his brother smile? Would he even accept the cake? Lin took a deep breath, whispering under his breath, Please… let today go well.
Finally, the elevator chimed. The doors opened to a quiet, elegant hallway. He followed the polished floor until he reached Dimitri's office.
With careful fingers, he pushed the door open.
Inside, a tall woman stood by the desk, phone in hand. Her beauty was sharp and confident, her posture graceful. When her eyes landed on him, she smiled lightly and ended her call.
"Ah… you must be Lin."
Lin blinked, startled. "Yes… hello, sister. Where is the CEO?"
She crossed the room slowly, her heels clicking against the floor. "He's in a meeting right now. But it's nice to finally meet you." Her smile deepened as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've heard a lot about you from your brother. I'm Mira… your brother's girlfriend."
For a moment, the world went silent.
Lin's eyes widened in shock. His breath caught in his throat. The delicate cake box in his hands slipped from his fingers, falling in slow motion before hitting the floor with a dull, tragic thud.
The ribbon tore, the cheesecake collapsing against the pristine carpet.
Lin stood frozen, staring at her, unable to speak his heart sinking deeper than the ruined cake at his feet.