What If My Brother Is Too Perfect?
chapter 7
Ethan was about to start his senior year of high school, just days after his birthday. This birthday mattered more than most—not only because it marked the countdown to college, but because it meant Ethan was officially an adult.
What did adulthood mean?
More popularity?
After school, the crowd swept Ethan toward the restaurant they'd booked days in advance. Ethan, always the most popular, drew countless friends and classmates to his birthday celebration every year. He was like a sun in a crowd of planets, everyone naturally orbiting his warmth.
A shy girl with secret feelings presented her gift, cheeks flushed with hope. Laughter and teasing rippled through the group. Ethan accepted politely, deflecting with easy grace and steering everyone toward the next activity.
Ethan looked at Amelia. Even surrounded by the crowd, she knew—he was looking at her. His dark violet eyes, almost purple in the dim candlelight, closed slowly as he blew out the flames. Cheers erupted. Lights flicked on, making Amelia squint. Ethan began cutting the cake, muscles tensing with each movement, the lines disappearing beneath his short sleeves.
The first slice went to Amelia. It always did. The small dish looked like a toy in his large hand—long fingers, broad frame, the undeniable masculinity of adulthood. Yet his knuckles blushed pink, giving him an almost vulnerable sweetness.
"What's wrong?" Ethan tilted his head, puzzled when she didn't take the cake. That expression—it reminded her of the puppy they never got to keep.
Amelia lowered her eyes, took the plate, then quickly smeared cream across Ethan's face. Laughter and chaos covered her momentary distraction.
Later, walking home, Ethan held her hand.
"It's still early. Sure you don't want to catch that movie?" He checked his phone. "The one you mentioned—there's a showing in half an hour."
"Too tired tonight." Amelia wrapped both arms around his, resting her cheek against his sleeve.
"Really tired?" Ethan stopped, crouching down. "Come on. I'll carry you."
On his back, Amelia felt his temple hair tickle her cheek. She blew it away with an exaggerated puff, missing the slight tension that briefly stiffened Ethan's body.
"You seemed off today. Why?"
"I'm fine." Her heart stumbled. She rested her chin on his shoulder, twisting his hair around her finger.
"Liar. I know you too well. That smile wasn't real."
"Stop being so annoying, Ethan."
"Growing up means keeping secrets now? We promised—always honest with each other."
Where's your honesty? The question almost escaped, but she swallowed it. Silence stretched between them all the way home.
Grandma, elderly and tired, had already gone to bed. Ethan carried Amelia to her room, kneeling beside the bed. But she clung to his back, refusing to move.
"What—" His laugh died as he felt dampness spreading on his shoulder. He turned quickly, pulling her into his arms. "Why are you crying?" He couldn't fathom the reason. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed. Please don't cry."
Amelia shook her head, wiping tears in silence. She couldn't explain it herself. Something had tightened in her chest back at the restaurant—watching everyone gravitate toward Ethan, the blushing girls, the teasing friends. She'd buried it, refusing to ruin his special night. But he'd noticed anyway.
Ethan caught her hands, thumb tracing slow circles on her wrist. Worry crept into his voice. "Did someone hurt you? I'm sorry—there were too many people tonight. Tell me who, and I'll handle it."
"Ethan... do you like that girl?"
"What girl?" Confusion flickered across his face.
"The one in white, with the peach blossom clip in her hair." When he still didn't remember: "She gave you a pink gift box. At the end."
"Oh, her." Relief softened his features, then something deeper flickered in his eyes—curiosity, maybe suspicion. "No, I don't like her. Why would you think that?"
"You... you accepted her gift..."
Anyone else might have missed it, but Amelia saw clearly—the polite smile meant nothing. Still, she wanted him to say it. To hear him confirm...
"Everyone gave gifts. I couldn't single her out." He wiped the remaining tears. "She's just a classmate. Nothing more."
Amelia's lips curved slightly, the unnamed weight in her chest easing at his flat, certain tone.
"What about you?"
"What?"
"Don't I get something special? It's my birthday." Ethan shifted, palms pressing into the mattress on either side of her. Kneeling gave him height; standing slightly intensified the quiet pressure between them.
"What do you want?" Amelia met his gaze, already sensing the answer.
Ethan leaned closer, warmth radiating through layers of clothing. He lowered his head slowly. Amelia turned away instinctively—only to have his hand guide her back.
"My birthday. I get to wish for anything... Don't refuse me."
The kiss tasted faintly of alcohol. Someone had opened a bottle of fruit wine earlier, toasting Ethan's adulthood.
Apple. It tasted like apple.
The sweetness seemed to intoxicate Amelia too. She kissed him back.
Her response ignited something. Ethan stepped forward, one leg sliding between hers, pulling her tight against him.
Their mouths moved together, breath mingling, the soft sounds filling the small space between them. He pressed closer; without her hands bracing behind her, he might have lowered her completely onto the bed.
Ethan broke away first, breathing hard. His gaze softened as it traced her flushed cheeks. "Shower. Rest. Goodnight." He smiled—like a fox spirit weaving spells, beautiful and dangerous. Amelia wanted nothing more than to lick the glistening trace from his lips.
Liar. She'd seen the evidence of his wanting.
Big liar. He definitely wanted more.
After her shower, Amelia slowly dried her hair, but her mind kept returning to that night... Feeling the damp warmth between her legs, she pressed her thighs together.
Contents
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter 1）
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter 2）
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter 3）
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter 4）
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter 5）
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter 6）
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter8）
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter 9）
What If My Brother Is Too Perfect（chapter 10）
