I don't understand my kitten

Happy is a neutered male of 8 months old. When I got him back in May, I was so excited to have my own kitten that I took days off work to be able to spend time with him and bond with him. My colleagues were teasing me by saying I was on a "maternity leave".
Happy became my baby. He was following me everywhere, sleeping between me and my boyfriend (which is not a problem), cuddled up with while I was watching TV, etc.
He loved my boyfriend but still preferred me.

I got Meeko in August (male, 6 months old, will be neutered this week) and he fell in love with me and my long hair instantly. He loves to knead my hair. And so the little one started to follow me everywhere and he sleeps on my pillow every night so he can be a little "hairdresser" when I sleep. He is not as affectionate as Happy (except when it comes to my hair...) and doesn't like to be picked up while Happy loves to be held.

Happy started to be a bit scared of my boyfriend 3 months ago or so. We don't exactly know why, but he could not eat when my boyfriend was near. He used to play videogames when Happy was eating close so I'm thinking maybe he didn't like the sounds or something. My boyfriend felt really, really sad about it. Happy still liked to be pet by my boyfriend and everything, and he still preferred me.

A few weeks ago, Happy started to be so much more affectionate with my boyfriend than with me. He literally melts in his arms and when my boyfriend puts Happy down somewhere (chair, couch, bed) and he pets him a bit, Happy stays there, even after my boyfriend leaves. He jumps in the bed in the morning to cuddle him.
BUT he still cannot eat with my boyfriend is near and if he hears his voice while eating he stops and he hides. I don't understand his behaviour.
I've tried to pet him like my boyfriend does, to give him treats, but he doesn't want to spend time with me anymore.
Is it because my boyfriend is like a human-heater and is always so warm? Or because he has bigger arms and Happy is so long so he fits in his arms but not mine? Or Meeko sends him a signal saying "she's mine don't touch her"?
I'm the one who feeds them, take care of them, cleans the litter box every day.
I know cat love can be a bit mysterious but I'm puzzled by this, especially since he's still super scared of my boyfriend when he eats his wet food.
I should be satisfied with Meeko's affection but my heart is a bit broken when I see my baby does not care about me anymore except when I give him his wet food or add kibble to their bowls.

Here is a recent picture I took of them. You can see a bit how "long" Happy is, hehe!

Both your kittens are adorable!  I'm just like you, i.e. I also prepare meals, do the grooming, caretaker, etc.  It is possible the family dynamics changed when you brought Meeko home.  But one thing I've discovered over the years is that cats pick their humans and try as we may, they have a mind of their own.   IMHO, as long as Happy is content with your b.f. I wouldn't rock the boat or be too overly concerned.  Obviously he is getting the attention he needs from your b.f.  At some point the chemistry might change but for now I would continue to show Happy affection but not hover.  You have a lovely cat family.

Neely said:

Both your kittens are adorable!  I'm just like you, i.e. I also prepare meals, do the grooming, caretaker, etc.  It is possible the family dynamics changed when you brought Meeko home.  But one thing I've discovered over the years is that cats pick their humans and try as we may, they have a mind of their own.   IMHO, as long as Happy is content with your b.f. I wouldn't rock the boat or be too overly concerned.  Obviously he is getting the attention he needs from your b.f.  At some point the chemistry might change but for now I would continue to show Happy affection but not hover.  You have a lovely cat family.

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I do think that the dynamics changed when I got Meeko. Before I went to pick Meeko up, I read that you still have to "prioritize" the oldest kitten when you get a new one, otherwise the first one might become jealous. I tried to do it as much as I could but little Meeko did not make it easy! Happy is an happy-go-lucky kitten who loves to receive affection, from anyone (even a stranger). Meeko likes to give affection, but he is a bit picky as to how and when he receives it.
Like you said, I should not be overly concerned about this, but the fact that Happy is only feeling secure to eat in the same room as my boyfriend if the bf is asleep is a mystery to me. Happy always feels secure with me no matter what I'm doing in the said room.
We will have to figure out something soon because I might leave town for a couple of days next month. My boyfriend will have to feed them. He tried before but if Happy sees him put the bowl on the floor he runs away and doesn't eat, no matter how long my boyfriend leaves him alone in the room after.
If we do not separate the cats, Meeko eats anything in sight until he gets sick and Happy lets him eat his portion. It turns out their names suits them really well, since Happy is always a purring kitty and Meeko...I did not remember it before I chose his name (I just liked the sound of it!), but it's the name of the raccoon in the Disney movie Pocahontas, who is also crazy about food.
Thank you for your compliment about my cat family. They are my pride and joy and couldn't make me happier. I feel grateful every day I come back from work and I know they are waiting for me at home.