RE: Keep it in the Family (Secret Class) 4 — Baby Steps III

Mia's POV:

A petite young girl, hardly reaching her father’s knee, gazed intently at the door. With her long hair, amber-brown eyes, and adorable nose, she stood there arms crossed, impatience etched across her features. Her gaze fixed on the door handle. At last, after several minutes, she let out a sigh and averted her eyes.

"Why hasn't Jae-il come home yet?" Mia grumbled.

She had eagerly awaited her little brother's return since their father mentioned taking him to football practice. He promised they'd return by dinner, yet it was long overdue.

"Mom!"

Eun Ha focused on setting the table for the family, with Su Ah assisting by handling the dishes.

"Yes, Mia?"

"Jae-il and Dad are late."

Her mother shot her a glance and sighed, setting down the final plate. "They'll return once they're finished, Mia."

"It's unfair! He hogs all the attention while I get none!" Mia pouted, stomping her foot. "I'm the big sister!"

Su Ah cast a quiet, piercing glance her way—one Mia deliberately overlooked.

Eun Ha laughed softly and patted her head fondly, treating her like a small child.

"Mia, be good. Your brother will arrive shortly."

Mia huffed, folding her arms tighter. She resented her little brother receiving more notice than her, especially since he never spared any for her.

Truth be told, Mia and Su Ah seldom saw him these days. He acted far too mature for his years!

She was on the verge of complaining when the sound of a car pulling into the driveway echoed. Soon after, the front door creaked open.

Her eyes lit up. "They're here!"

Mia spun around and dashed to the entrance, with Su Ah trailing behind more calmly, though equally intrigued.

"Welcome home, Dad!" Mia cried out as she neared him. But she only got a swift head pat before he rushed to his wife.

"Honey, you won't believe this!" Yeong Gu burst out excitedly, his voice overflowing with thrill. He resembled a kid who had found a shiny new plaything. "You just won't believe it!"

"What happened, dear?" Eun Ha laughed, setting a pot of stew on the table.

Her husband drew in a deep breath before continuing. "I brought our son to the local football club today, just to let him try it and see if he enjoyed it. But..." Yeong Gu paused for effect, eyes bulging with excitement as he scanned his family one by one, heightening the suspense. "He performed brilliantly, honey! He's phenomenal!"

Right on cue, a perspiring Jae-il followed his father, clutching a ball under his arm, his face showing exhaustion. "Hello."

"That's my son!" Yeong Gu grinned widely and tousled his boy's hair, despite Jae-il's slight frown. "The club coach said that with continued practice like today, he could turn into a national sensation someday!"

"Jae-il!" Eun Ha's eyes gleamed with pride. "You've always been exceptional, but I never knew you had such athletic talent too. Just today, Teacher Han's report came in, noting another perfect test score for you."

Yeong Gu and Eun Ha's gazes warmed with pride upon their household's precious gem.

"Uhm... thanks?" Jae-il replied hesitantly, at a loss for words. The spotlight made him uneasy. It felt unearned, given his unique situation that only he understood. "May I head to my room now...?"

Yeong Gu nodded enthusiastically. "Sure, go ahead. Shower and get ready for dinner. We're celebrating tonight!"

Jae-il's eyes dropped to the floor as he moved toward the stairs, only to be halted by his mother's arms enveloping him in a hug. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered emotionally into his ear. "We're fortunate to have such an outstanding son."

Jae-il froze awkwardly before hugging back. "Thanks, Mom..." he mumbled.

Mia and Su Ah watched the scene in silence.

As their little brother climbed the stairs wearily, the elder sister crossed her arms, nibbling her lip. "What makes him so special?" she retorted bitterly.

Su Ah remained silent, ever the perceptive young lady. She detected the strain between her big sister and baby brother.

Yet, to preserve peace, she chose not to stir things up.

Mia, though, always let feelings guide her over logic. Her brother's lavish praise only fueled her anger. She too had strived for their parents' approval, but Jae-il seemed to excel effortlessly. It wasn't right.

"I'll go to my room." Mia grumbled, prompting Su Ah's sigh. She knew her arrogant sister wouldn't stay put.

xXx

Hot water cascaded over my skin, easing the tension and aches from my body. I felt less drained than I would have back in my old life. My endurance had grown remarkably. Being younger, fitter, and above all, more driven helped.

I refused to squander time—particularly now, with a football at last in my grasp. Reclaiming my past prowess, skills, and pace would demand a lengthy journey. But currently, enjoyment mattered most. Mastering ball kicks meant nothing without pleasure.

I shut off the shower and draped a towel around me.

As the bathroom steam faded, my mirror reflection emerged.

Jet-black hair, violet eyes, and a delicate face. I didn't appear as a football whiz. Not the rugged look for sports magazine covers—too refined, too fragile for a pro athlete.

Once dressed and descending for dinner, Mia blocked my path.

"Mia Noona."

She lingered at the stairs, arms crossed, glaring at me.

"I heard about it," she started, voice steady, though her eyes flicked aside momentarily.

Still too immature for real intimidation.

"Congratulations."

Her words were faint.

"Thank you..." I replied softly, uncertain how to respond.

She clenched her jaw and shoved away from the wall, advancing on me. Our height difference persisted, but I'd surpass her soon enough. “I’m happy you're enjoying yourself, little brother.”

“Thanks for that, but I don't know why you're sharing this.”

“Because you're my dear brother.” She flashed a wide smile, prompting my raised brow. “So… could you tell me your success secret, hm?”

“No secret exists. Nothing special here,” I answered, glancing sideways. Deep conversations weren't my vibe now.

“Oh… is that so?” Her eyes narrowed. “Because I think you are doing something special. And I dislike secrets in our home.” Her gaze sparkled—not tearfully, but with the piercing annoyance of a child sidelined from a major event.

I blinked. “I simply practiced, Mia Noona.”

“Hah! Practiced.” She sneered, pacing back and forth like a miniature commander reviewing soldiers. “I practiced piano daily for two years, yet no one called me a future national star.”

I nodded deliberately. “You excel at piano.”

“That misses the point!” she barked, her cool slipping briefly. “Everyone praises you as amazing, gifted, incredible after just one day kicking a ball. I wrote a poem about Grandma last month, read it with tears, and Dad only said ‘That’s nice, Mia.’”

I blinked once more. I yearned to offer wise, mature words, but with a loose baby tooth, profundity proved tricky.

Honesty it was. “I never intended to take the spotlight. I don't enjoy it either.”

Mia whirled toward me. “Then return it.”

“What?”

“The attention. Share some.”

I gaped at her. How does one portion out attention like pie? “How should I—?”

She seized my shoulders, twisting me toward the stairs. “Figure it out, dummy. You're the house's brainiac.”

“I figured Su Ah held that title.”

“She's clever, but you're the supposed genius, which differs somehow. Grown-ups never pick favorites clearly.”

I sighed in frustration. “Mia Noona, does it truly matter who prefers whom? We're family. If you crave praise, I can give it. Seeking parents' approval alone is unhealthy.”

She faced away, lip quivering. “I don't care what you think." She whispered. “Their views count.”

I studied her closely for a beat. Then, softly, “Noona… if their affection vanishes because another briefly excels, perhaps it wasn't truly deep.”

That halted her cold.

Mia stiffened, breath hitching. Her mouth opened for rebuttal—yet silence followed. She stared wide-eyed, blinking as if her worldview had just fractured.

I passed her steadily. “And honestly… I've always seen you as amazing. Even when you ignored me.”

Thus, I left her in the hallway, fists balled, face twisted in fury, bewilderment, and hints of dread.