Sitting by the door, I listened to Brother bustling about. A long-lost warmth flooded my heart.

Truly, having a brother like him is just the best!

I’d thought this many times before. Lost in thought, I suddenly heard his voice from the other side of the door.

I rushed out, only to get scolded... But I wasn’t mad. Brother looked so cool even when yelling. His eyes held genuine care, and somehow, being scolded by him still felt like happiness.

Brother is too good to me. At this rate, I might never leave his side. He ruffled my hair, and that faint smile on his face was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

We sat at the dining table, eating his homemade dishes. Nearly every bite was my favorite. He nailed every tiny detail in life.

But... what could I do for him? I was just dead weight, useless.

Unconsciously, my expression dimmed.

“Yuxuan, what’s wrong? You look off!”

Brother rushed over, pressing his palm to my forehead. His warmth made years of hardship fade. This man cared more than anyone alive.

“Hmm... nothing. Just stuffed,” I murmured, shaking my head.

Brother finally relaxed, sliding back to his seat. “Stuffed now? We still have cake to finish!”

I propped my chin on my hand. “Um... can we blow the candles first? Save the cake for tomorrow?”

Regret hit me instantly. Why say I was full? This rare first birthday with Brother might end with regrets.

Brother appeared behind me, messing up my hair. “You never know when to hold back. I’ll cook tomorrow too... You’re in high school, yet act like a kid.”

He headed to the kitchen, returning with a cake lit by sixteen candles.

“Well~ it’s your birthday—I’ll listen to you. Go on, blow the candles and wish!”

I dashed into the kitchen, grabbing canned drinks to hand him.

“Brother... try this drink I... bought? Picked it specially for you...”

I’d heard classmates rave about it—supposedly tasty, all the rage with teens. I hadn’t tried it, but hoped he’d like it.

“Hmm~ tastes weird... but... kinda... good... ah...”

His face flushed crimson, body swaying... No way? Was Brother drunk?

This Aorui drink has low alcohol. Why’d he get tipsy? Zero tolerance?

Drunk as he was, he didn’t forget the cake. He shoved it toward me. “Yuxuan... uh~ blow... the candles... wish... uh~”

Guilt stabbed me. Sorry, Brother... I had no idea you couldn’t handle alcohol.

Still, I had to blow those candles.

“Yuxuan... say your wish... I... I... have a gift... after you... wish...”