5 A Detached Big Brother

Even up until now, Winter can't help but brood over her past with August every time she sees him.

He was the very first person she tried to gain acceptance from. Before her biological family found her, she was already working hard to be acknowledged. She wanted him to be proud of her - to see and treat her like she was his true sibling. After all, she owed a lot to him.

Ever since his parents died, he continued their role as her guardian. He had put a roof above her head, provided her daily needs, paid for her schooling, watched over her, and cared for her. But then, he was not particularly close with her, and he never really cared enough. He had done all those things because he was merely obliged by what his parents said about raising her in their stead.

August is an impassive and withdrawn man.

No matter how much Winter tried to do her best at school, stay well-behaved so as to avoid causing him troubles, act independent enough to look after herself, and even make breakfast, lunch and dinner for him every single day even though he rarely ever paid attention to them, he never complimented nor appreciated her. Not once did she even get to see him smile at her.

He always looks apathetic, stern and austere.

'When the Middleton's took me away, he never said a word. He just allowed me to live with strangers, and he did not even ask about how I felt or how I was doing. I was hurt by his silence and indifference - even more so when he completely cut off ties with me...' Winter recalled before breaking eye contact with August and casting down her gaze.

'Right then, I realized that I may have only burdened him the whole time we were living together.'

Knowing that he would not change this cold treatment of his regardless of what she did, she decided to put her distance from him ever since she went back in time. It's not like she was holding so big of a grudge that she wanted to avenge herself and take her turn to be apathetic. At this point, she is already tired of pleasing other people. She just wants to live for herself from now on.

'Again with that unfeeling look, huh...' August thought with a frown marring his frame.

'It's been a month now since she started acting like this. I still couldn't figure out why.'

He never knew this side of his adoptive younger sister.

Winter used to be so bright, sweet and bubbly before - always smiling and infrequently moping. Every time he returns from work, she will always welcome him back with so much delight and warmth. She would also cook for him all the time, but this morning again, she did not even spare a moment to greet him. The first day she began going off to school without leaving anything cooked for him to eat or bidding him goodbye was deeply engraved in his mind.

His sibling has changed a lot for some reason he can't quite reckon.

'Is distancing myself has affected her that much? To the point she is treating me like a stranger? Or perhaps, something bad happened at school...?' August continued to ponder before walking closer to Winter.

'In any case, I should probably talk with her now-'

"August~! What a coincidence~!"

Right then, both of them are interrupted by someone from his workplace, much to his surprise.

A woman around his age appears from behind him out of nowhere. She has went ahead and wrapped her arm around his in a friendly manner despite knowing quite well that he didn't like physical contacts with people.

And sure enough, he gives her a death glare in return, wordlessly threatening her. But then, she is so persistent that she is able to withstand his cold gaze and even tighten her hold around him.

"What do you think you're doing? Are you drunk?" he growled with his brows furrowed together in vex.

"Not yet~! I was still about to hang out at the bar with the others from our department. Wanna come?" she asked and smiled at him coquettishly.

"No, I don't. Now, hands off."

"What a meanie~!"

Winter only watches them with a flat look, feeling annoyed.

It seems like she really can't take a break from all these clingy women today.

She almost forgets that August is also an eye candy to the ladies like Marcellus. Then again, both of them are known to be some of the most sought-after bachelors in the city - or at least, that is what she used to hear from people before time reversed. They are insanely attractive, have a smoky hot figure, and deemed as highly capable in their respective fields of work.

If August was only as crazy rich as Marcellus, the number of his fangirls might have rivaled his.

Yet despite all of that, these men are the complete opposites. While the latter doesn't mind entertaining his admirers and even targeting some others for certain reasons, the former is nowhere near interested in that kind of thrill, much less entering an intimate relationship. One is friendly and the other is not that sociable.

Nevertheless, no one can't deny that they both are human masterpieces - crafted to perfection, had the brains and the looks.

'They can easily gain love from people. Yet here I am still lacking it no matter how much I try to meet their level. But then again, it is difficult to be on the top if you are a natural bottom...' Winter sulked with a lifeless, empty gaze.

'I envy them.'

With that, she finally turned around and walked away in silence, leaving the two behind. She no longer likes where her train of thoughts is heading, so she will just call it a day.

"Winter?"

August is taken aback to find her already making her way back home. She has really left without saying anything or even waiting for him. He is more incredulous than surprised, though. This sort of apathy from her is probably the one that has stirred him the most. He feels like he is going to be left behind for good again -

Just like with his parents.

Winter is looking more and more distant and far from reach as August continues watching her retreating figure.