Sunny Su looked at me slumped over the desk and said, "Hmm... so you mean today’s your brother’s birthday?"

I nodded. "Gotta go—I need to buy gifts and dinner!"

Ye Qian’s face twisted with frustration. "Well, no helping it... but Li Ze, next time you absolutely have to hang out with us!"

I stood up, shoving books into my backpack as I spoke to Ye Qian. "Yeah, yeah, next time. I’m out."

Sunny Su suddenly slapped my shoulder. "Vice Rep, make sure you throw your brother a proper birthday bash!"

I hoisted my backpack, staring at her in shock. "Since when did Class President get so soft-hearted?"

I bolted out of the classroom. "See you tomorrow, Prez~"

Her furious roar echoed behind me, but I sprinted straight to the building’s ground floor.

...

"Yuxuan~ Sorry I kept you waiting," I panted to Lin Yuxuan.

"I wasn’t waiting long..." Lin Yuxuan shook his head. "Bro~ let’s go shopping first!"

I ruffled his hair. "You’re extra cheerful today, huh, Yuxuan?"

"Of course! Because~ I get to celebrate with my big brother!" A radiant smile lit up his face.

Seeing it, I recalled the pain hidden behind that grin. I knew no one had ever celebrated his birthday before—but I wouldn’t say it aloud. Just once, I wanted to give him a perfect day.

I grabbed his hand and headed off-campus. "Aren’t we buying stuff? Hurry up, or dinner’ll be late!"

Lin Yuxuan nodded and dashed ahead. "Race you! I can’t wait for your gift, Bro!"

We reached the supermarket. After a month together, I knew his favorite things... but his drink preferences were still a mystery.

"Yuxuan, I’ll grab dinner ingredients. You handle drinks and snacks, okay?"

He nodded, pushing a cart into the aisles. I took another cart, tossing food into it as I headed the opposite way.

...

Shopping wrapped up late. By the time we got home, night had fallen.

Summer break was days away, but I still made Lin Yuxuan do homework. While he studied, I cooked, decorated, set up the cake—so many chores...

Seriously, irresponsible parents are the worst. I’m wiped!

But gazing at my handiwork in the living room, I smiled. "Yuxuan! Dinner’s ready—come out!"

He burst from his room the second I finished.

I caught his arm, scowling. "Yuxuan? Were you camped by the door this whole time?"

"Uh... how’d you know, Bro?"

"If you’d waited even a minute, I wouldn’t suspect. You flew out the moment I called—weren’t you waiting?"

Lin Yuxuan ducked his head, voice barely a whisper. "S-sorry. Having someone celebrate my birthday... I was too happy to focus. Forgive me, Bro."

I sighed, ruffling his hair. "Meh... it’s your birthday. Your call today."

I walked to the dining table. "Hurry up! Food’s getting cold."

"Yes~ Bro’s the best!" Lin Yuxuan beamed, running to me.