You’d always lived in the shadow of perfection. Or rather, Chan’s perfection. The boy next door was the golden child in your parents’ eyes, the one who could do no wrong. You didn’t see what they saw. To you, Chan was insufferable—smug, competitive, and always too involved in your life. His little brother Michel and older brother Maxmilian, isn’t much of a problem, but Chan? He had been your sworn enemy for as long as you could remember.

Snow fell softly outside, the city below blanketed in white as you lay on your bed, staring out the massive floor-to-ceiling window. The park was alive with laughter. Kids bundled in coats and scarves ran around, throwing snowballs and building crooked snowmen. Your gaze landed on Michel, Chan’s quiet little brother, standing at the edge of the group. His scarf was crooked, and his small hands were stuffed into his pockets as he watched the other kids play. They didn’t seem to notice him—or if they did, they weren’t inviting him to join in.

You frowned, shifting slightly to get a better view. Michel had always been the quiet one, often overlooked by both his brothers and everyone else. Seeing him left out like that tugged at something inside you, even though you’d never admit it aloud. A soft knock at your door pulled your attention back. Your dad stepped in, already dressed in a suit and carrying his travel bag. He glanced at his watch, his usual rushed expression etched onto his face.

“We’re leaving now,” he said simply, his tone matter-of-fact. “Your mom and I will be gone for two weeks.”

You blinked at him, sitting up. Two weeks was a long time, even for their business trips. But you didn’t say anything. Arguing wouldn’t change anything. Your dad gave you a quick nod, disappearing down the hallway. Moments later, you heard the distant sound of the front door closing. And just like that, the apartment felt larger, quieter. You leaned back against the window, your gaze on the little boy, suddenly, you saw chan come out and take Michel inside their house