Author's POV:

At the principal's office, Wichian stood respectfully.

"Hi, ma'am. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Wichian, next month there's an interschool competition. It's a project on upcycling plastic. As the class topper, I've already enrolled you. You're okay with that, right?"

His lips curved into a gentle smile. "Of course, ma'am. I'm happy to join. I'll do my best."

"I'm glad to hear that. All the best, Wichian." Then she paused, softening her tone. "And... I've heard Sorawit's been causing you trouble. Are you okay? Do you want me to speak to him or his father?"

There was a brief silence before he answered.

"It's okay, ma'am. I understand him. It's not easy accepting a stranger as your mom or brother. I get why he's struggling."

"Still, if he affects your performance, I will take action."

"I understand. I can handle it.

-----

Wichian arrived home. His father and Mrs. Vamika were in the living room.

"Dad!" he called happily, running to his father like an excited kid. No matter how often he got hurt, just seeing his dad's face made him glow.

"Wit! What's gotten into you today?" his dad chuckled.

"Do I need a reason to hug my dad?"

"Of course not. You can hug me anytime," his father smiled, embracing him.

After a moment, his dad asked, "Did Chian come back with you? I wanted to talk to both of you."

Wit's smile faded. "No, I didn't see him."

"He said he'll be home late. Sports practice and some project stuff," Mrs. Vamika replied.

"He's really hardworking. I wanted to appreciate him," Dad said.

Wit's heart sank. But he forced a small smile and asked, "You said you wanted to talk to us?"

"I wanted to mention this in front of Chian, but it's okay. I saw you two fighting over a car. I get that you're possessive. I bought it for you, after all. So I've decided-I won't ask you to share it."

"Wait... what does that mean?" Wit asked, wary.

"I bought Wichian the same car. Same model, same color."

Wit froze.

"You bought him a car?"

"Yes. I don't want my sons fighting over something so small."

Wit was speechless. His dad had never done this before. He used to be his. Only his.

He smiled weakly. "Oh. That's good. I don't want to fight either."

But his voice was barely a whisper.

"I'm going to wash up," he said and headed to his room. Locking the door behind him, he paced back and forth, fists clenched.

"Ever since he came, everything's changed. I was his pride. His joy. Now I'm just... someone else."

He punched his pillow, his voice full of rage.

"I won't let this continue. I'll make sure he leaves this house." he challenged himself.

---

Later that night...

Everyone gathered at the dinner table-except Wichian.

"Didn't he come yet?" Mr. Pong asked.

"He's on the way," Vamika replied.

Just then, Wichian stepped in.

"Oh, Chian! Come join us."

"Ahh... I-"

"Come on, son. You must be starving. Eat first, shower later," his dad insisted.

Mrs. Vamika nodded, encouraging him to join. He sat quietly at the table.

"Chian, from tomorrow-no more school buses. Here." His dad handed him a key. "This is your new car."

Wichian looked stunned. He turned to his mother, unsure, but she smiled and nodded.

"Your dad just wants peace. He doesn't want you two fighting. Accept it, for his sake."

Wichian glanced at Sorawit, who sat silently, eyes on his plate. No expression. He understood that wit already knew about it. 

Understanding the tension, Wichian finally nodded and took the key.

"But remember! You can't drive until you get your license. I have appointed a driver for you", said dad.

Wichian nodded and continued with his dinner.

---

One week later...

The atmosphere between the brothers never cleared. At school, Sorawit kept pulling childish pranks-destroying sketchbooks, hiding backpacks, calling him "uncle," sabotaging assignments, even puncturing his car tire. Yet Wichian never reacted. Never fought back. Never complained.

Instead, he asked the principal to forgive Sorawit, calling it "just childish behavior."

But this time, Sorawit had had enough.

"I've done everything I could! But he won't react! If he'd just get mad, I could create a scene, make Dad take my side-but he won't even look at me!"

"All you did was play around like a kid. Why would he get mad?" Pete teased.

"You're right," Sorawit snapped. "Maybe he sees me as a joke. But I'll show him the real mess"

---

That evening, Wichian practiced badminton on the court, wearing shorts and a sleeveless tee. His classmate Day rallied with him. Day wasn't a friend, just someone who helped when needed.

Sorawit and his friends watched from afar.

"Not bad. Your brother's not just a nerd. Look at those arms," Tor commented.

Sorawit's eyes scanned Wichian from head to toe. For a moment, his breath caught. He didn't even realize he was staring until Pete nudged him.

"So? What now?"

"Nothing," Sorawit smirked. "Let's wait for the sports day. He loves being number one. Let's take that from him."

---

That night...

Wichian was about to go to bed when he heard a knock.

It was his mother, holding a box.

"Mom? What's this?"

"Chian, this is for you."

He opened the box-sports shoes from his favorite brand.

"Wow, Mom! Thank you!"

"You can wear them for your sports day."

"I promise, Mom. I'll win-for you."

"And Chian... I heard from your principal that Wit is causing some trouble for you at school. Is it true? Do you want me to speak to your dad?"

"Mom! I understand that you are worried about me. But... Let me handle it. Don't tell anything to Mr. Pong". 

"Okay dear. But if anything serious happens, you have to inform me. Don't think to handle everything by himself"

"I promise mom"

They had a little conversation before mom leaving the room. Once mom left the room, Wichian was lost in thoughts while gazing at the stars through the window 

A few days had passed, and tomorrow was finally the school’s long-awaited sports day. The campus buzzed with excitement as students ran around making last-minute preparations and practicing for their events. Amid all the chaos, Sorawit kept a low profile—at least in public. He didn’t pull any pranks on Wichian, maintaining the angelic image he was known for. But Wichian wasn’t fooled. His instincts told him something was brewing beneath the surface.

He had spent the morning practicing badminton with his classmate Day.

“Wichian! You’re really good at this,” Day said, panting between drills. “You’re definitely going to win.”

“I have to,” Wichian replied with quiet determination. “I want to make Mom proud.”

They continued practicing while, from a distance, Sorawit and his friends watched them closely.

“Wit, do you think your plan will work?” Pete asked, looking uncertain.

“Definitely,” Sorawit smirked. “He’s not going to win this match.”

Turning to Tor, he asked, “Did you prepare what I asked you for?”

Tor grinned. “Yes, Wit. Everything’s arranged.”

As the three schemed to ruin Wichian’s chances, Wichian remained oblivious—focused solely on doing his best.

---

That evening…

While Mr. Pong was caught up in a business call, Mrs. Vamika was in the kitchen, preparing dinner with excitement. The moment she heard the familiar sound of the boys' cars pulling into the driveway, she lit up.

“Honey! The kids are home!” she called out cheerfully.

Wichian and Sorawit entered the house. “Boys! I made both your favorites tonight. Go get a quick shower and come down,” she urged.

The boys nodded silently and went upstairs.

Soon, the family gathered at the dining table. Mr. Pong looked around with a smile.

“So, tomorrow’s the big sports day. Should we come with you, or join you later?” he asked.

“I’m not participating in any events, Dad,” Sorawit replied nonchalantly. “I’m just on the event management team. You can come anytime.”

Mrs. Vamika turned to Wichian. “Chian, when’s your match?”

“It’s in the afternoon, after lunch,” he answered. “You can come then, Mom.”

“So we can meet during lunch and then cheer Wichian on!” Mr. Pong beamed. “Is that okay, baby?” he asked Vamika. She nodded with a smile, visibly touched at the moment.

But Sorawit sat quietly, his mind elsewhere.

“You want to prove to everyone that you're perfect? That your mom was right to believe in you? Not this time. I’ll make sure you fall… in front of everyone.”

The vow echoed silently in his head as the others chatted, unaware.