CHAPTER 2 Act 6

Today was such a terrible day for me. In fact, There was a lot going on at school that no one could tell me about. It's so bizzare that I can't even think about what I'm going to do tomorrow.

"What's up with you today?"

My sister abruptly speaked to me. She appeared to be concerned after seeing a shift in my behavior.

I'm here at my house with my older sister, Irene. The sun was already set. It was six o'clock in the evening, and I had already returned home after school. My sister and I are only here tonight since my parents are away for a week for their work. It's usual thing that they're not here, and we've grown accustomed to it. And, while it may appear odd at first because we have moved from our previous residence, we can manage to live on our own.

While I'm sitting on the couch, my sister is preparing dinner for today. I don't watch TV or fiddle with my phone on a daily basis; it's just a habit. Taking a sense to it, I'm just lazing around the whole time.

"Hans, you look different today."

"Why do you think so?"

"I knew because I am your sister. So, are there any problems in your school?"

I'm not sure whether she's that skilled at reading minds or if she knew anything about the school's history, but I kept my mouth closed and pretended not to hear her.

"Hey Hans, can I ask a question?"

My sister isn't convince enough and disturbs the stifling silence in the room. She was in the kitchen, but I can hear her from where I'm sitting. In fact, I can see her cooking since the kitchen is not separated from the living room.

"Hm?"

"Hans, are you able to make friends at that school." she sounds too direct yet cordially.

As it may seem, she was undeniably worried about me. But, as I already mentioned, it's not an issue if I don't have any friends. I would be surprised if I had one.

No one has ever told me that they are my friend in my entire life, and the same is true for me. Regardless, I am skeptical of what is genuinely a friend to be considered.

I don't want to answer her that I don't have, and I also don't want to pretend that I do. So basically, I'm deafeningly silent in this situation.

"Considering of your behavior, you seem to have not making progress at that school, is-- it--right?" she then give me a bitter glare.

In addition, she was brandishing a knife which was insanely terrifying.

"Er, I can adjust myself, so don't worry about it." I stared back at her.

"I guess its alright, if you say so. But if you have a problem, just ask your sister okay?"

"I'd rather not. Don't treat me like a kid."

True, she was compassionate, but I don't appreciate how she treats me like a five-year-old.

"Hmmm..." she furrowed her eyebrows while making a scary face.

Again, her knife was reflecting light to contrast the sharpness of the blade.

"What's with that attitude, Hans? You're making me sad, despite the fact that you're already an adolescent, huh..." she release a deep sigh and continued, "Fine, tell me that again if you able to make a friend. I will consider it."

"Um, Sister Irene, I think of school as a learning institution."

Naturally, because the school was designed for education, I don't believe it is vital for students to form friends. Besides, I think I can live on my own without being bothered by anyone.

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"Yeah, perhaps you're right Hans. Making friends is not something that is taught at school. However, making friends is part of you. You must understand that in this world, no one can stand alone. Therefore you create friends. What if you can no longer see me? What about our mom and dad? What are you going to do?"

"Don't say anything like that."

"I know, but you have to understand..." she hastily diverted her eyes and resumed cooking. She have a solemn look on her face, but after that, "Looks like I'm a nice sister for today too~" she chuckled softly.

I can still hear you.

My sister was concerned that I might be alone in the future, and I am aware of this. However, after hearing her words, I still can't get the thought of it out of my head. I didn't even respond to her since doing so would lengthen the conversation.

On the other hand, it's not that I don't like friends; it's just that I don't understand the concept, which makes me dubious.

In my entire school life, most of my classmates have shunned me. But I don't care in the slightest. And it was around that time that I realized there is something wrong with me.

Growing up with these emotions has rendered me inhuman.

I am aware that... I...

"Hans, are you okay...? Why your eyes so intense?"

My sister paid heed on me while having a subtle expression in her face. For a moment, I was buried in thoughts, and my sister looked at me.

"Ah, I was simply lost in thought."

"Is that it? Hmm, well then assist me in preparing the dinner."

"Alright."

I stood up and forget what I was thinking.

We took a seat as soon as we finished setting up the table. Tonight's meal will be my sister's favorite, chicken stew with a seasoned salad on the side. It looks heavy for a meal, but she appears to like making it today, so I don't mind.

"Hans, before anything else, please have a taste first."

"Huh, um, why? Did you taste it before placing it on the table?"

"The guest is usually served before the chef," she said confidently having her cheeks puffed.

She's claiming to be a chef even though she isn't and brags about it. She then brings me the stew in just the appropriate amount.

"There's nothing poisonous in it, so take a quick taste now."

Wait, poisonous?

"I understand, but don't say it like that."

I looked at the stew. It seems fine and looks delicious.

But before I knew it, she had forced a spoon with a piece of sliced meat directly into my mouth.

"Yeah, fine... But tell me, how does it taste?" she asked, eagerly looking at me.

She seems proud about her dish but I stared at her without anything to say. It is, indeed delicious, but I can't properly express it to her.

"You're speechless, huh?" she said while making a smug face.

"..."

"Well then, let's dig in."

Without further ado, she grabs her plate and prepares to dig in. She seemed to be pleased, and I can tell how much time and care she put into this dish. Because there are just two of us at the table, I am right in front of her. I could tell he was having a good time since her smile reached the corners of her sparkling eyes.

While we are at the table, I suddenly think of something that I want to ask her.

"Er..."

"Hn?"

Having her mouth full, she glanced at me.

"You are not having a hard time in this city?" I asked.

"Why do you ask? Are you concerned about me as well?"

"No."

"Why?! Geez, how blunt."

She had surely contorted her surprise into a grimace look.

"In any case, do you like our way of life here?"

"It's strange that you ask that."

"I know."

"You truly want an answer? Well, I could say yes; it's not difficult to adjust to our new surroundings, is it?" She replied fervently.

I look into her eyes and she appears to be fine. She was visibly as cheery as usual today.

"How about the school? The one you take test, is it strange?"

"Pffft..." she was blown away by surprise, "what's with that odd question? It's a typical school, of course."

"Hmm...."

If I put into words, I could tell that she was telling me the truth.

"What is it now? You're having a hard time in your school?"

"Most likely."

"Hmm? I guess your school isn't normal, huh?"

I kept silent and feigned ignorance about what she said. Since my face barely changes, I'm adept at maintaining secrets. And because of my silence, she knew I wasn't going to respond, so she didn't urge any further.

"Speaking of which, our father contacts me before you arrive home." she said in a light tone.

"..."

"...he said [Say this to Hans; you can't drop out of school.]"

"..."

My face isn't surprised at all, but I was gobsmacked on the inside.

I have a lot of questions that I want to ask, but they are all jumbled up in my thoughts right now.

"And then he said this, [Inform Hans that he has joined an organization. Please pick up Ms. Eve tomorrow morning; she appears to be interested in him,] that's what he said."

"Ms. Eve?"

"I don't know her either, so don't ask me about her."

"Um, is that all?"

I'm not sure whether that's all my father said to me. I'm looking for an explanation and a response from him, but I knew he was busy right now.

This is getting troublesome. What does he even think?

"Hmmm, hold on... ah, he said that [If you can get her trust, that's better] if I said it correctly. But wait a minute Hans, what's our Dad supposed to mean? Do you have any idea? He looks serious though." My sister sounds bemused to it.

I take a close look at her, and it looks like my sister didn't have any clue about it, so that's quite a relief. But at the same time, how can I get an explanation if my sister isn't even aware of that?

My mind is out of place right now so I need to take a break.

"Um, thanks for the food."

"Hold on a sec Han---"

My sister is clearly trying to stop me, but it's futile. After that, I stood up and go to my room to ponder about what Dad had said to me.

This will need a lot of thinking.