Chapter 2

Kyle's POV

After we submitted our applications, our parents transferred some money to Kevin and me.

When Kevin checked his balance, he affectionately hugged Mom's arm. "Thanks, Mom! I knew you loved me best."

Then, he asked me out of habit, "How much did Dad give you?"

After confirming the amount, I answered calmly, "200 dollars."

Kevin was instantly overjoyed, but he had to put on a caring front. "Mom and Dad probably didn't want you to spend money recklessly, so they transferred 5,000 dollars to me instead. If you want to buy anything in the future, just tell me, alright?"

Mom fondly tapped Kevin's nose. "It's to congratulate you on getting an SAT score of 1500. You can spend it all on yourself."

She turned to look at me. "As for you, I don't really care about scores below 1200. You're already inferior to your brother, so you can't slack off even in college, got it?"

When Kevin heard her, he immediately patted her on her arm. "Mom, Kyle is already doing great. He got into a college, after all. You should stop nagging him."

I should hate Kevin. He was so radiant that everyone would be biased toward him.

But while Kevin would keep score of every ounce of attention our parents gave me, he would also speak up for me when Mom was picking on me.

He wasn't quite nice, but he also wasn't too cruel, either.

Smiling, Natasha took out two gift boxes.

The blue one was for Kevin, and the gray one was for me.

I opened my gift box to find an e-reader inside.

Before I could express my joy, I saw Kevin hugging Natasha tightly. "Thanks, Nat! I knew I was your favorite! You actually got me the latest laptop!"

Claire said in shock, "This model goes for 4,000 dollars at retail price! Natasha, you must've spent more than a month's pay from your internship on this, right?"

Natasha fondly patted Kevin on the head. "No matter how pricey it is, I have to get it for Kev. He's my brother, after all."

I thought, "But I'm your brother, too. So why is my graduation gift so cheap compared to Kevin's?"

I had sobbed as I asked similar questions countless times in my childhood, so now, I didn't even have the energy to speak up anymore.

I stuffed the e-reader back into the gift box.

Then, I got up and headed toward my room.

No one cared whether I was there or not.

Only Kevin asked, "Kyle, what's wrong?"

I paused in my footsteps. Then, I told them I was tired.

I could hear Natasha's dissatisfied complaint behind me. "He's always putting on an attitude like that. Kev, forget about him. Let's try out the laptop first."

Claire smiled, saying in agreement, "That's right. Kyle's always so weird. He's honestly such a wet blanket."

I closed the door, blocking out the painful laughter and conversation.

By the time I left my room, it was time for dinner.

Mom had made a feast in celebration. On the table was food like BBQ ribs, mac and cheese, and honey-mustard chicken tenders.

I could tell from a glance that those were all dishes Kevin liked, which were on the sweeter side.

But I preferred spicy food.

After tolerating it for 18 years, I didn't want to hold it in any longer. "Mom, I'm actually craving some hot wings."

Mom was stunned. Then, she frowned. "I'd get it if you were picky as a child, but why are you still so picky when you're all grown up? Can't you learn a thing or two from your brother? Kev is never picky with his food."

At that moment, I wanted to tell her that Kevin wasn't picky because she only ever made or bought food he liked.

Meanwhile, she never once cared about my preferences.

Or maybe she was aware of my preferences, but it didn't matter to her.

But at the last minute, I swallowed the words I was about to say.

I didn't think it would make any difference even if I said it. Mom would only think I was being dramatic and that I was always nitpicking.