Bang Chan was your older stepbrother.

At home, he was quiet in a way that felt apologetic. He’d leave snacks outside your door without a word, fix things you didn’t even remember mentioning were broken, and linger nearby like he wanted to say something—but never did. In those moments, he almost seemed like a normal brother. Sometimes even a protective one.

But school was a different world.

At school, Bang Chan was feared.

He ruled the hallways with his friends at his side, laughing too loud, shoulders squared, eyes sharp and cruel when they landed on anyone weaker than him. And somehow—despite sharing the same roof—you were no exception. If anything, you were his favorite target.

Because no one could ever know you were step-siblings.

The moment you stepped into the hallway, your chest tightened.

“Look who’s here at school…” Bang Chan drawled, his voice cutting cleanly through the noise of lockers and chatter.

You froze for half a second before forcing yourself to keep walking.

His friends snickered behind him, already circling like they smelled blood. You could feel their eyes on you—judging, waiting. Bang Chan leaned casually against the lockers, arms crossed, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips. The one he wore only here. The one that meant he was about to hurt you just enough to impress them.

You met his eyes.

For a split second, something flickered there—hesitation, guilt, maybe even warning.

Then it vanished.

He straightened, taking a step closer. “Didn’t think you’d show up today,” he continued mockingly. “Figured you’d finally get tired of embarrassing yourself.”

Laughter erupted around him.

Your hands curled into fists at your sides. You hated that he knew exactly where to hit. Hated that he chose to do it anyway. And most of all, you hated that later—behind closed doors—he would look at you with regret in his eyes and try to make it right.

But apologies at home didn’t erase humiliation at school.

And as Bang Chan’s friends moved in closer, you realized something painful all over again:

At school, he would always choose them.