Thick dark curtains shielded a young man from the harsh rays of the outside world. It was already 10 in the morning yet it felt like it's still night time in his own world inside his bedroom. Cold, quiet and impregnable, just like him, or so to say, just like what everyone says he is.

He had barely reached his teenage years of 12, but fate had already battered his being a bit too much for this young age, molding him to build walls of defenses making him introverted, reclusive, and intricately disconnected from the world.

This young boy is named Wang Yibo, a phantom, a mystery, a boy with an unparalleled perfect visage yet devoid of any emotions.

"Yibo!" A voice echoed in his room as a familiar figure rushed to his side.

Yibo adjusted his sight from the sudden brightness from the door being opened, pupils constricting painfully as his eyes landed on the intruder.

It was his elder brother, Wang Haikuan, who is like a warm summer breeze. Everything in him is pure sunshine and gentleness. And he's the only person connecting Yibo to the realm of reality.

"Come, quick. I'd like you to meet a friend of mine." He eagerly spat, yanking Yibo from his static stiff posture of sitting like a glued mannequin on his study chair.

The two jades of the Wang household paved their way around the house hand in hand, one blindingly bright, the other like a lithe shadow in that huge mansion of pure white and elegance.

Staffs they'd passed by bowed their heads, some mesmerised, some nervous of the sight of the Second Young Master who graces their sight only once in a blue moon.

"The elder is perfection, the second born a defect."

"It's a pity such a beautiful boy was born special. I bet Mr.Wang will lose face to the world if they knew the notable conglomerate head has a special son!" one of the stewardesses remarked in fake compassion.

Haikuan squeezed his brother's hand, glancing at him with worry, "They knew nothing, Yibo. Don't mind their words."

Yibo squeezed his brother's hand back, humming a low, "Mn." which Haikuan barely sensed.

The elder's heart breaks more than anyone can imagine everytime someone mocks his younger brother. 'They don't know anything about him. They don't have the right to judge him.' He gritted his teeth and suppress the boiling anger bolting inside his guts, pulling Yibo to walk faster away from those contemptuous piercing gazes.

Yibo isn't entirely special. He isn't a nutcase like what they think he is. The few of their servants who had been with them since he was born can atest to that.

He was just like a normal boy before his mother left his father. He was like the other kids before his mother died, alone and sad in a far away hospital banned from seeing her own kids. He wasn't like this empty shell before he knew his father's disloyalty to his mother, before his father brought one woman after the other in that home which is supposed to be the palace for their Mom and their family alone.

He isn't like this before. He isn't.

But everything has to fall apart. Yibo's innocent heart at the age of seven was battered and shattered with noone to mend the pieces back together. No, not even his father cared about them. Nor was Haikuan himself was around to support his brother in despair as when he protested against his father's lifestyle, he was immediately sent away into a boarding school in Korea.

'And some filthy woman...how dare she laid her hands on...' Haikuan's thoughts came into a halt when Yibo pulled his sleeve gesturing him that he is crushing the younger's hand with too much force. Haikuan instantly released his hand, patting Yibo's head, smiling apologetically. He inwardly reprimanded himself, letting his feelings lose while remembering the past. A sore point which will always breaks them both even more.

"I'm sorry, I just like my Didi's soft hand too much. I thought it was a soft fluffy toy." Haikuan regained his kind facade, smiling at his beloved brother.

Yibo wordlessly nodded, his light eyes staring fixed on Haikuan's dark orbs, making the older weak to the core, reminding him of their mother's lovely almond eyes which Yibo had luckily inherited.

"Haikuan! Is that him?" A perky voice interrupted the brothers' meaningful stare game. Yibo blinked in surprise and saw an unknown face he can't describe as the words beautiful, pretty and handsome won't even give justice to the man.

"Yes. He is. This is my brother. Wang Yibo." Haikuan introduced.

The man's face beamed brighter. His red bow lips pumped into a grin. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Xiao Zhan, your brother's classmate."

"...and our new neighbour." Haikuan chuckled nudging Zhan's flank while slinging his arm around his brother's shoulder to bring the two closer, as he knew Yibo isn't used to meeting strangers.

Yibo blinked a few more times to register their neighbour's face to his mind, bowing his head clumsily after realizing he had to greet his brother's friend back.

Zhan amusedly laughed, a playful and satisfying guffaw, before recollecting his manners. "You don't need to be so formal to me, Bo-di. You'll be seeing me quite often from now on. So, please let us not be strangers to each other."

"Mn." Yibo shyly replied, silently stepping away to half-hide himself at his brother's taller frame.

For some reason, this Gege's personality is too bright and too straightforward to Yibo's liking, making him uncomfortable. Every cell of his being cries in awkwardness, and the silence after his hum was a great representation of awkwardness itself. Yet, he was bedazzled by that presence, unable to look away.

As he stared at him, Yibo minutely saw the other's smile faltering when he backed away from him which made him feel guilt. But when Zhan turned his back, stepping away then running fast until he was out of Yibo's sight, there was a hollow space in Yibo's chest which felt more ghastly empty.

Uncomprehendingly, this strange feeling buckling in his chest made him question himself. 'Rejection? From a stranger?'

He stared at the empty hallway Zhan had ran off to, quietly waiting with batted breath. But what was he expecting?

Yibo released an audible sigh which did not escape his brother's ears, making Haikuan repress a chuckle. He knew he had made a good decision to let Zhan meet Yibo. The latter's contagious cheerfulness will surely overpass Yibo's walls. Or so, he assumes and hopes for. 'I'm just gonna wait.' He mentally chanted.

Few minutes later, Zhan came back panting like a dog with a tray of sweets on his hands.

"M-My Nanny baked these! P-Please have some." He offered to Yibo with deer-like eyes, pleading for him to have a go. His cheeks flushing scarlet and his hand stroking his nape in embarassment. 'How come a 16 yrs old guy still have a nanny?' Zhan wanted to slap himself.

The smell that swarm from the freshly baked delicacies made Yibo's salivary ducts drool and crave though he isn't a lover of such sweet treats. It was easy to refuse, but he knew it wasn't nice to do so, especially knowing it is offered by his brother's friend. And this friend had even ran back, to who-knew-where, to get these biscuits.

He needed more time to think, but as he stared at the giver, he was left stupefied by the pleading beautiful face and the panting breaths escaping his rich mouth.

"Have some Yibo, if you like. Don't be shy. I've had them before. I assure you, they're better than from the prominent shops we usually buy treats from." Haikuan encouraged making Yibo gulp his saliva and fondle his fingers at the edge of giving in.

Zhan was getting impatient. He never was. But something about Yibo makes him irrational. Before he think things through, a biscuit is already in his hand and had travelled to feed it in Yibo's plump red lips. He almost peed himself on the spot, realizing what he has done. 'A bad impression!' Yet, he wanted to crack into another laugh seeing Yibo involuntarily opening his mouth and then pause and think whether to bite it or not.

In the end, Yibo took a bite. The chocolatey taste bursted inside his cavern as if it was the first time he had actually tasted something extraordinary in his lifetime.

"D-Do you like it?" Zhan nervously asked, pulses misfiring rapidly on his vessels.

Yibo nodded which made the two older audiences breathe in relief and glee.

Yibo then reached for the half of the food hanging out of his mouth but had accidentally touched Zhan's fingers on the process. The light touch sent unknown electricity from the spot where their skin made contact and travel through Yibo's every single cell.

'What was that?' His eyes widen in shock and he retrieved his hand backing away in retreat.

"What a beautiful sight. Three charming boys. I didn't knew you have three sons, Dear." A woman came into their vision with her sarcastic remarks. Her arms snaking viciously on Mr.Wang's arm.

Yibo's whole being stiffened and a shivering chill run down his spine. His face paled and his chest tightened at the sight. He suddenly couldn't breathe. The air felt too thick and the atmosphere was too suffocating.

In a second, Yibo was flying his way back to his room, slamming the door behind then locking it as if his life depended on it.

He made his way to the bathroom, hugging the sink as he retched and throw up all his stomach's contents which was actually nothing else except for the single bite of cookie he had earlier and some yellowish bile since he hadn't actually eaten anything since last night.

The acid burned his throat and the bitterness lingered in there.

"Mom." Yibo's eyes blurred and he clutched his chest as it tightened again and leave him squirming in pain.

Closing his eyes, he let his silent sobs escape, savouring the hunting loneliness and sadness on his own.

Again.

Sheen of sweat rolled down the fair skins, marking its trail from subtle foreheads to the contoured muscles of two young adults basking under the early morning sun.

It started as a one-on-one friendly match, dribbling, blocking and shooting on the opponent's basket, but as they exhaust themselves from a fair share of physical and mental competitiveness, their smiling faces faded, replaced by hawk-eyed seriousness.

Zhan's lip formed a confident lopsided smirk hinting Haikuan of his determination to make a basket and end their rallying tied-up score.

Focusing on his defense, Haikuan reacted the instance Zhan advanced his right foot for an attempt for an offensive pull-out jumper shot. Only to be dismayed as his opponent had only faked his movement, stepping backwards immediately and then shooting up from that spot in a perfect fade-away shot.

"Yes!" Zhan threw his fisted hand in the air as he celebrated his win.

"Perfect shot." Haikuan slightly shook his head, admiting defeat.

"Did you see that Bo-di!" Zhan waved at their silent watcher on the bleacher munching the yet another basket full of baked goodies from Zhan's lovely Nanny.

It has been months since their first meeting, but although Zhan's existence became a normal thing in the Wang brothers' daily lives, Yibo only felt like he is a third-party between his brother and his Zhan-ge's close association.

He unexplainably feel both comfort and awkwardness as the three of them spends time together like this. But what baffles Yibo the most is the certain block in the pipes of his chest which feels tight every now and then, whenever he inadvertently see and know that the two are spending time together without him.

Questions such as, 'What are they talking about? What are they doing right now? Where are they?' Makes him anxious while these complex thoughts also threatens the quality of bond they currently have.

'Is he gonna take my brother away from me?' The thought scares Yibo, yet he couldn't ask his brother to cut ties with the other.

Just the thought of Zhan walking away completely from his life, makes Yibo scared and lonely beyond reason. In fact, just seeing him bid goodbye at the end of the day, makes him utterly broken until the next day comes and he meets Zhan again. He is already too attached to the man in a point of no return. Zhan was like his own sun, everything in him revolves around his Zhan-ge.

In his eyes, he only sees Zhan, yet his gut tells him, Zhan only looks at the older Wang, Haikuan. It might just be a platonic love of friendship, nevertheless, their closeness is undeniably greater and Yibo thinks his own presence is just merely an accessory--an unwanted third party.

Still, losing either of them isn't what he would ever beg for, so he'll just suffer in silence of the growing jealousy in his heart as he watches them both and stay by their side while he tries to put words in the growing emotions in his chest.

"Did you see that? Did you see that?" Zhan parroted yanking Yibo away from his deep unwanted thoughts. "I've won again, Bo-di!" Zhan further said running to Yibo's side, proud of his victory.

Sweat trickled down his face down to his chin, falling freely, wetting Yibo's arm with tear like maps. The stench of his stale sweat with mix of his usual wild roses fragrance walked in with him and filled Yibo's nostrils making Yibo's breath caught and his pupils dilate.

"Yeah. You won! Now scram away before you freak out my Didi." Haikuan pulled Zhan by the collar, scooting in between the two's close bodies, ruffling the hair of his now 13 years old baby brother with a mischievous plan in mind. "Can you please beat that punk for me, Yibo?" Haikuan requested with a pout of appeal.

"Mn. I can try." Yibo slightly nodded as he said those words, standing up without an ounce of worry. Behind his flat mask is his veiled excitement. His elation, mind screaming, 'Our turn.'

Zhan oblivious of Yibo's thoughts, looked surprised and betrayed gaping at the conniving brothers. "Hey! That's unfair!" But his wails only landed on deaf ears.

Yibo nonchalantly went to the middle of the court, ball in hand. His unfathomable eyes stared at Zhan's beaten up stature, patiently waiting for his opponent.

"D*mn you, Haikuan." Zhan growled dragging his exhausted legs back to the court.

"One point. The one who gets the first score wins." Zhan sighed stancing himself into his battle mode.

Yibo hummed in agreement and started to dribble the ball in stationary place with a rhythmic beat.

Eyes fixed on him, Zhan cursed the heavens why he had to battle against such an angel, so pure and blindingly handsome, he couldn't even focus. 'Can I just surrender?'

As if Yibo heard his thoughts, the younger's brows furrowed, bending his knees for an offense and bouncing the ball slightly quicker this time.

"Focus Zhan! F-O-C-U-S!" Haikuan yelled from the side, amused at his friend's uneasiness and hesitancy which is off his character.

"You're not helping you know!" Zhan yelled back, eyes still fixed at the angel on his front.

Yibo lunged forward with superb arm coordination at ball control and great foot work. Zhan was impressed, is an understatement.

"Focus." Yibo repeated his brother's words, bouncing the ball between his left and right hand, passing it playfully in between his legs, eyes holding Zhan's unfocused ones.

"Okay. Come on." Zhan heaved a sigh and cleared his mind to focus on what is right in front of his eyes. An opponent.

But who is he kidding?!

"Aish!" He exclaimed. "How can I focus?!" He lost himself in those light brown orbs, admitting defeat without even trying.

Yibo let out a scoff and effortlessly aimed the ball at the ring, releasing it with perfect calculation and arch, winning the biased play-off without a sweat. "I won."

He did. He actually did won something more than the game itself, it was Zhan's heartily laugh.

"I lost." Zhan admitted, letting out a chuckle. An unrestrained happiness flowed from his chest to his throat, making his eyes smile with his mouth. "Now, tell me what can this Gege give his Didi as a reward?"

'Reward?' Yibo didn't need time to think. Pink tinge crawling to his face, he held his head low letting his ears betray him with a scarlet hue. Scrambling with words and with low voice he said, "I-Ice cream."

"Huh?" Zhan was surprised. "Ice cream? Are you sure that's all?"

Yibo nodded silently.

"Then your wish is my command." Zhan let his itching fingers pat Yibo's soft mane before he ran off to grant his Didi's request without any more delays.

An ice cream, that is. But there is a story more to that.

It wasn't 'just' an ice cream. It was actually Haikuan's fault, that's why the culprit is giggling on the side with his playful antics to the two poor souls he adores.

Few days ago, he had fondly shared to Yibo that a girl confessed to his Zhan-ge and gave him a big tub of ice cream. And those who had seen the scene, acclaimed that 'Ice cream is the favourite currency of love.' and 'The best way to a man's heart is through the stomach.' Silly as those sayings are, and young and innocent Yibo is, why not put some spice and something nice to his brother's life? He has Zhan to thank and help him with that.

The guy is nice, friendly and true. Likeable and charming. Haikuan had seen how he broke Yibo's walls, slowly yet surely in the last couple of months. It was heart melting to know that someone else treasures and loves his brother the same way he does. How gleeful he is that a stranger can care and like his beloved brother that much, more than his own blood-of-a-father who refused to dutifully give them love and attention.

With Haikuan and Zhan's support and encouragement, Yibo was able to let go of his home schooling, step out of the Wang's mansion, and go back to an actual school. The younger is born gifted with a bright mind anyway, so there wasn't any problem academically with his performance.

Astoundingly, who could've known that he's got some skills for sports too. Lately, Haikuan has been bombarded by Yibo's school varsity coaches seeking help to recruit Yibo to their team. But who is Haikuan to dictate Yibo's choices?

Haikuan never felt more proud. Despite Yibo's still short words and limited reactions, his little improvements weren't bad. Yibo is coming out of his shell, and there is nothing else Haikuan would ask for except to reach a point where the old self of the brother he had lost comes back: the affectionate and smiling baby brother who's more important than his own life.

And he knew fate isn't that cruel. Hope will come soon, and change their lives forever.

Yibo knew human relations are fragile and some people just passes by in our lives and don't stay. String of fate has always been thin and easy to severe. But who is he to complain to God as he watched his brother, Zhan and himself drifted apart?

When the older two started University and focused on their future careers, they had less time to spend together. Less until barely until it ended up to not even.

Zhan, as boundless and carefree as he was, spread his wings and leave the Xiao's abode and guidance. He was determined to stand on his own feet, make a name for himself, build his company, and not just ride his father's coattail like all the other spoiled brats with a silver spoon in their mouth. He has always been brave and courageous. And that what makes him, him.

Little did Yibo know about Zhan's little secret which pushed him to his limits and made him decide to distance himself from the Wang brothers.

As for Haikuan, he yielded to Mr.Wang's truces with Yibo being always at the end of the bargain. Without his brother saying anything, Yibo knew he was the weight his brother carries in his back. A shackle which prevents him following his desire and set himself free. Selfless as he has always been, Haikuan still bears the smile in his face and says everything is alright as long as they're together. But is it?

Why can't he leave that mansion? Why can't he study the field he desperately wants?

'Is it all because of me?' Yibo asks in silence everytime he sees the veiled sadness in his brother's eyes.

And so, when another talent scout approached Yibo, he didn't dismiss it as he usual did in the past. Neither did he give it much thought, and just instantaneously made a selfless choice. He agreed to leave everything behind, the luxury of being a Wang, his brother, his Zhan-ge, the few friends he had earned in the last 3 years, for an unsure future the entertainment industry may offer.

Mr.Wang erupted like a wrath of volcano when he heard about Yibo's decision, but does he really care about the second born son? The mirage of the wife he despises the most?

"Leave and forget you're a Wang!" Those were his parting words. Vile and heartless, the old man always has been.

It should've sting to be disowned, but Yibo did not feel a thing. His heart for this father was long been stone and cold.

And so at the age of 15, Yibo let himself and his brother free from all those who and those of which are holding them back. With this escape route, they will be able to live the life they should've lived a long time ago.

Things packed and ticket ready for his departure the following morning, Yibo laid himself on his bed, closing his eyes as music bursted in his ears. He had never felt so relieved. "At last." He breathed letting a tear fall from his closed lids.

He doesn't know how many hours had passed, the music on his playlist ran out, but sleepiness doesn't dare visit him.

He then listened to the solemn quietness of the night, replaying the memories in his head, both the good and the bad. Suddenly, his thoughts drifted to one particular person. There came the tightness in his chest again. How he wishes to see him before he leaves. 'One more glance. One more sight. One more chance.' Yibo seeked, but he doesn't even know where he is or where to start looking for him. His Zhan-ge.

"Does he even know I am leaving? Does he even care?" He sarcastically murmured, but heart silently wishing, 'At least once more, I'd like to see him.'

As if the Heavens heard him, Yibo heard the door creaking quietly and soft footsteps approached his side. The waft of that person's scent only meant it was who Yibo was eagerly waiting for.

Stupefied with the sudden visit in an unGodly hour, Yibo kept his eyes closed and pretended to be asleep.

A gentle caress then ran from his temples and lingered on his lips. Tracing every curvature to imprint it in a never-fading memory bank. That touch melted all of Yibo's worries and longing, with the same after-effect it did on Zhan.

"I wasn't expecting it will be so soon. I wanted to be a man you can be proud of. A man who can protect you. But I'm still nothing. And now you're leaving, and I have no say to that." Zhan lifted Yibo's hand to reach his face. Silent sobs escaped his lips, muffling the sound as he poured his love on Yibo's soft hand. "I'm sorry if I've distanced myself from you. I did not intend for things to happen...for feelings to grow, but I fell in love with you. I knew it was wrong to harbour such feelings when you only see me as someone close like a brother. It made me feel like I betrayed your trust. So I'm deeply sorry, Yibo." He planted a long and tender kiss on Yibo's finger, placing a cold and thin strand of metal on the latter's palm.

"Take care, my Didi. I wish you'll reach your dreams. Goodbye." Zhan breathed and let his warm palm touch Yibo's cheek for the last time. How they both wished that warmth will stay forever and never disappear.

But it wasn't their time. They are still young, uncertain of the future. They knew they still need to grow, be better and prove themselves to the world.

When Yibo heard the door clicked close, he opened his eyes and tears just instantly welled up from there.

He kissed the spot Zhan's lips had touched on his finger. Opening his hand thereafter, finding a silver necklace with an ox head pendant.

Love.

That was the word he was seeking to describe his feelings towards that man.

Love.

How blind he had been to think Zhan loves his brother and not him!?

But he let his own feelings linger in the silence. He knew better to keep his feelings hidden in the dark.

"Goodbye, Zhan-ge."