Chapter 92: 92. School (5)
92. School (5)
(Male lead in shoujo manga rule three! They're quirky!
It is just the male version for tsundere yandere kuudere... etcetera for a heroine.
Still, it's bothersome. That's why I'll go with the mysterious character) that was the reason behind Lex's action hiding his name.
It was already evening when he went home. On his way, he thought back about Shoujo B.
"What will you do?"
When Lex asked it, Shoujo B finally realized what she could do now. Still, it's just too sudden that it confused her. And Lex was able to understand her hesitation too.
"Well, take your time, just tell me your answer when you're ready." then Lex stood from his seat and went to pay for their dessert.
(Author's note: can I use a meal for dessert here?)
After he paid for the dessert, Lex went back only to see Shoujo B still in an empty-minded state. Looking at her serious expression made Lex unable to hold himself from teasing her again.
He brought his head beside hers again.
"Of course, there is nothing free in this world. You had to pay with your body again," Lex whispered right to her ears.
The next second, Shoujo B's body shivered because of a sudden voice beside her ears. At the same time, she was flustered too. She immediately glares at the preparator.
Lex smiled as he got the reaction he expected. When Shoujo B realized her glare didn't have any effect at all, no, it made him happy. Instead, she unconsciously pouted her cheeks,
(Cute~) Lex softly pinched her cheek "see you later," Lex said with a smile before he left the store.
***
Lex's mood was so bright when he remembered that he was in a very good mood that he even hummed on his way until…
"Bastard!! Stay away from me!!" Lex turned his head, attracted by the sudden shout he heard. He saw a teenager wearing the same school uniform as him running fast for his life. And just a bit behind the teenager, an old man with a suit chasing after the teenager.
Before long, the sprinting teenager passed over Lex,
(Quite a surreal scene I just saw) Lex thought this event would be passed by like a commercial advertisement on TV. But… the old man stopped beside Lex.
Then slowly, the old man's head turned toward Lex. The old man didn't have an expression on his face. his blank face and blank eyes made the old man look even scarier
(This is almost like a horror movie…, if I didn't know that Ghost really exist and you can beat them up, I would have escaped a long time ago) Lex leisurely thought. After a few years in the Hidden World. Something as simple as this couldn't endanger him at all. Even if the one in from of him were a serial killer with a machine gun pointed at him, Lex wouldn't feel he was in danger at all.
"Woah!" Lex took a step aside when the old man suddenly charged at him without any change in his face. There isn't any initiation to move like how humans usually move.
(it's like a puppet or robot… no wonder the other guy ran for his life just now.)
(Still, somehow, this old man gave me a familiar feeling. It's like I've seen him before… but where?)
"!!?" Lex instantly stopped thinking deeply about it when he felt something strange. "He's using Mana!" he exclaimed. This time, Lex was really shocked. Still, Lex had many experiences on his back. He instantly reacts to the old man by using his own Mana.
When Lex prepared to intercept any kind of attack from the Old man, the old man suddenly ran away from him. "??" Lex was confused before something clicked on his mind.
(it's the same as yesterday!) Lex was confused and a bit irritated at the same time he felt that the old man was pranking him! like a child pushing the doorbell only to run while giggling.
(Thankfully, the old man didn't show any expression on his face. If the old man giggled while running away, I would beat him up on the spot!) and of course, Lex could easily catch the old man if he wanted to, even when the old man using Mana to run away
(Anyway, I have something more important to do now, just forget him)
***
Lex opened the door of his house. "I'm ho-" before Lex can finish his sentence. The moment he opened the door, something jumped onto him. It's an Ambush!
But Lex didn't avoid or sabotage the ambush. Instead, he caught in with an open arm. Because he already knew the culprit.
The Ambusher rested her head on Lex's chest. She even wiggled her head to find the most comfortable place. And when she was done, she finally looked upward toward Lex, giving him a puppy look "Brother, Welcome home!!" she said.
Previously Lex wanted to reprimand the girl doing something stupid and dangerous like this (I would retaliate or avoid it if I didn't realize it was you!) Lex thought. but when he saw her face
(Haa~) Lex can only sigh inwardly (This girl sure knows how to be cute…) Lex gently patted the Ambusher… Ella's head.
"Ehehe," Ella smiled comfortably.
"Haa~~" Lex let out a sigh looking at the girl who had a face as if she was lying down on the most comfortable bed. He softly pushed her forehead "it's dangerous. Don't do it again next time."
"it's okay. I believe brother will catch me!" She showed a brighter smile
"What do I have to do with this spoiled girl" Lex rolled his eyes before he softly pinched her soft cheeks. Then Lex spent a few more minutes spoiling her. "Okay, it's enough. Let me in" he separated himself from her. He held Ella's hand out of habit and entered the house
"Maya, I'm home," Lex called as he saw Maya cleaning the living room. Hearing his voice, Maya spiritedly turned her head toward Lex "Lex! We-welcome home," Maya stuttered, then her voice going low as she spoke.
(?? What happened?) Lex knew that Maya sometimes stuttered her sentence when she was shy or nervous, but this time was not. It's only for a moment, but Lex caught it. Maya faltered when her gaze went to the girl behind him, to Ella. He turned to Ella and saw her head down. It was as if she was avoiding his eyes. It convinced him (Something did happen between them)
Lex didn't know what happened between them, and he knew woman's relationships could be very complicated. That's why he didn't dare to take a hasty approach. Instead, Lex decided to become an onlooker before knowing more details. So, he released Ella and acted like he didn't realize anything. Then, he patted Maya's head, "I'm home. Do you need help?"
"No," Maya shook her head. "I'm almost finished."
"Okay, I want to buy groceries for tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?"
"I want to go!!" suddenly Ella interrupted them. Lex saw how Ella was already back to normal, and quickly after that, "I want to go too!" Maya replied.
"Good, let me change my uniform, then we can leave" then Lex went to his room. Just like before, it's only slightly, but Lex didn't miss it. it's how Maya looked at Ella strangely (Now, I know Maya looked at her negatively)
***
"Brother! Stop!! Noooo!!!" Ella was wailing as she hugged Lex tightly. Still, Lex ignored her and resolutely did his job. At the same time, Maya was confused and embarrassed, staring at the drama that happened before her eyes. At this point, she really wanted to stay away from them (Why did I even wary of Ella?). Maya can't help but question herself, looking at the disappointing girl wailing without care of her surroundings. Finally, she decided to reprocess what Ella told her this morning.
The three of them were in the nearby supermarket. Lex wanted to make a lunch box (bento) for Ella, and himself, so he needed to buy more than usual. But just about ten minutes in the supermarket… the cart he pushed almost filled to the brim. It was filled with many kinds of puddings.
Lex stared at the culprit of this incident. When the culprit realized his gaze, she shyly squirmed her body still… her hands still moved to put more and more pudding into the cart.
"Haa~~" Lex sighed for the umpteenth time. (I can't spoil her more than this) he thought and firmly put back the pudding from the cart.
"Nooooo~~!!" Ella cried without care of her surroundings. That's how the situation happened.
After Lex put all the pudding back in its place, he saw Ella was no longer making any noise. She was quiet, but tears still kept falling from her eyes. she languidly stared at the pudding as if her soul had been sucked out of her body. (Ugh! Maybe just a little... No! You can endure it, Lex!! you can't spoil her!!) it stung his heart still. Lex knew he still had to do it.
"Let's go" Lex hardened his heart, and he held Ella's hand and pulled her. He's afraid that she won't move from that place and keeps staring at the puddings, making his heart bleed even more.
***
Lex and Maya finally finished their shopping. Lex turned to Ella again only to see she kept her head down, avoiding his gaze. (Kuuh!!) it hurts him again. It makes Lex question himself (did I go too far?).
(Guuuh uuurghhhh….. arrgghhh!!!) After some battle of self-conscience Lex finally broke up.
"I forgot something, I'll be back" he left Ella and Maya behind without waiting for their answer. Then, he left to get some puddings. While Ella finally turned to Lex and slightly tilted her head, confused that Lex suddenly went away. She looked at Maya for an answer, but Maya only shrugged her shoulder. It makes Ella even confused.
They said the third party knows the most. It was only Maya who knew the whole situation. She knew Ella didn't upset because she didn't get the puddings. She knew that Ella acted childishly but actually matured more than others in her peers on the inside. (she might be more mature than me, who usually takes care of younger children at the orphanage) Maya thought, and she also knew Ella was embarrassed and shy. Her face reddens as red as a tomato. That's why she was avoiding Lex's gaze.
(I really need to think about it again.) Maya thought
(How she suddenly asked me, 'do I really think Lex as a brother?')
(Originally, I thought she mocked me that I was parasitizing Lex to benefit myself to take advantage of Lex's kindness. But looks like it wasn't the case at all. Then what does she mean by that?) Maya was unable to find out the answer.
When Lex came back with puddings in his hands, he got another "Brother is the best!!" a warm hug from Ella (Ha~ I can't stop spoiling her…) Lex thought (before, I was a bit wary of her affection. I can't help it with my line of work for the last four to five years. Being mindful of everything was why I am still alive, but it looks like it's time to accept it. I can't feel any malicious intent from her too)
***
The next day
*PING~ PONG~ PANG~ PONG~
The chime ringed signed the end of the morning homeroom. Just like the other day, Justin came and invited Lex along with Priscilla and Mina to eat Lunch. Which none of them refused. They pushed their table together, and the same scene happened. Priscilla took out her own lunch box while Mina took out hers and Justin.
Justin suggested accompanying Lex again to buy his lunch which Lex politely refused. "I prepared one" he showed them his Lunch box. And Lex immediately got "ooh~" appreciation from Justin and Mina. Lex himself let out a smile when he remembered how he made it.
As he planned the day before. Lex prepared a lunch box for Maya and himself this morning while preparing breakfast. Initially, Lex made it alone until Maya found out that he cooked more than usual. Then it became Lex and Maya worked together to make it.
Maya always felt grateful toward Lex. It was all because of him that she could have this kind of life and further chase after her studies. Because of that, she wanted to pay him back in any way she could. Doing chores was one of them. And at the same time, she also understands how Lex felt guilty for her brother's death. Like how she wanted to repay him, she knew Lex also wanted to make amends for Max's death.
That's why if there's a conflict between them, It could only be caused by Maya or Lex wanting to repay each other back at the same time and nothing else. Because of this, they have a schedule to take turns doing house chores. And making lunch boxes was a violation of that unwritten agreement between the two of them. Of course, Maya didn't get angry, but she was still displeased toward Lex making something underhanded move like this (you're cheating!!). She cried inwardly as she glared at him with a stink eye.
On the other hand, Lex also realized Maya had found out his little surprise. And also knew how she was displeased with it because Maya didn't even try to hide it from him. Instead, she even wanted him to know about how displeased she was. At first, Lex tried to act like he didn't realize it, but it failed spectacularly. Maya had found out that Lex knew how she was displeased, but he still acted like he didn't know. It makes her glare even stronger at Lex.
(If this is an anime scene, I can see many arrows was shot toward my back at this point or something like 'This audacity…!' dialogue box in Chinese manhwa behind Maya) Lex thought stupidly before he turned and awkwardly smiled toward the sulking Maya.
He knew there was only one way to fix this after his first failed attempt to act ignorance with the cost of his little surprise. Lex asked Maya to help him, which Maya immediately agreed with a bright smile. So, he failed his little surprise. And they made today breakfast and lunch together. Unknown to them if there's a third party watching them right now. They look more like a newlywed or couple rather than a sibling right now.
***
As they started their lunch together. Mina was the chatterbox among them. She can spew out any topic of conversation with no end in sight. Although Mina mostly talks to Justin and Justin is sometimes a bit exasperated with her, he mostly would pay attention to her. While Priscilla only joined their conversation a few more times before she returned to enjoy her lunch in silence. Though she also glanced toward Justin or Lex a few times. But, of course, Lex understood both glances have entirely opposite meanings.
And Lastly, when Mina talks to Lex, he would answer her typically or average. He won't let the conversation end with him, and he also won't increase or decrease the excitement of the conversation. So he acts only like a pipe that sends conversation from one side to the other without changing or bending the value. And it was more difficult than normal conversation.
Lex didn't want them to take an interest in him, but it was more complicated than he thought. It was almost something impossible to do. While contemplating to keep this act or not, Lex suddenly got a revelation. (Wait! Why didn't I want others to be interested in me? What's the reason?) he thought back to its fundamental reason (First, it should be so I can move more flexible whenever Kate needs my help and… so I can achieve my dream a harem more fluently!)
Lex was stunned by his own revelation (That's right! I don't need to hide from everyone. A few best friends who could be trusted wouldn't be a problem at all!)
"-fer"
"Spifer!!" without realizing it, Lex had already been deep in thought, and he finally snapped out when Mina called. He saw them staring at him, which he responded with a scratch on the head with an awkward smile.
"Sorry, what did you say just now?" Lex turned to Mina
"Geez! So I've been talking with a wall since earlier!!" Mina pouted cutely and sulked. Lex knew she was only joking, but he apologized once again and joked with her. Now that he felt liberated, he conducted like how he usually be. "I apologize for my imprudence. Can you please repeat it, Mina-Sama!!" he joked as he looked at Mina in regal.
"Eh!?" Mina was instantly shocked. She felt like Lex suddenly had a different personality, and It was also the same for Justin and Priscilla. They both gave him a strange look.
(ah!) Lex realized his fault too (I changed too suddenly!), so to fix it, "Kidding!!" he stated
"""….""" Which gotten himself another silence from the rest
"haha…ha" he let out an awkward smile (Noooo!! Why did I say that! are you stupid!?)
"Ahem! So? What are you talking about just now?" Lex said. He decided that a few moments ago didn't happen in his life.
"Pfftt ahahahha" Mina and Justin finally broke into laughter. They felt like they had just watched a one-person comedy from Lex.
"What happened to you? Did you just get possessed? HAHAHA" Justin laughed even louder
"Shut it! is this how you act towards someone who tried to become more friendly!" Lex acted like he was angry inwardly. He knew it wouldn't become more awkward among them anymore. He might even become closer to them.
"But haha, but why so suddenly?" Justin asked
"So what did you just say, Mina? This is the last time you won't talk, and I wouldn't bother it anymore!" Lex said as he threatened them, resulting in another huff of laughter among them!
It took a few seconds before they calmed down. "Sorry, sorry," Mina said, still giggling in between, "we saw how your lunch was so balanced in nutrition and arranged so neatly. We thought you made it yourself when you say you prepared one but is it your parent who made it?"
"Aaa~" Lex nodded in understanding. It really didn't like something made by a man.
"No, my parents were no longer here. My sister and I made it. I wanted her to be healthy. So, I made it balanced in nutrition, and It also her who arranged the lunch-" Lex stopped talking midway when he realized Mina was gaping toward him.
"What happened?" he looked at them strangely.
"I'm sorry I didn't know about it!!" Mina said remorsefully. While Justin made a difficult face, it was no different with Priscilla. It makes him even confused.
Then it finally dawned on him. Lex just casually said his parents were no longer here (Well, they are at least officially dead on paper but not in reality)
"it's okay. It's been a few years since then," Lex calmly said. Still, instead of resolving the solution, they become even guilt-ridden.
""""…" """ the table suddenly fell into a silence.
(Awkward!!!) which was felt by all of them, even Priscilla affected by the awkwardness on the air.
(Time for hidden technique' topic change'!) Lex thought, "Justin" Lex called, "I heard this yesterday; do you know about 'Emperor'?" when he asked it, Lex could feel the awkwardness quickly blown away. Priscilla and Mina were faced palming, looking at him (eh? Did I just say something strange?)
"ho~ ho!" Justin acted like he wore glasses put his middle finger between his eyes "it looks like we have a new comrade. Let's review from yesterday!"
(Review!? Is this a class!?) Lex was dumbfounded
"Yesterday, we already talked about how Prez became the Stuco. President, right? Do you remember?" Justin said
(A/N: Stuco = Student Council)
"ha~" Lex slowly nodded his head.
"ANSWER ME! DO YOU REMEMBER??" Justin suddenly shouted like an instructor from the army, which immediately got the whole class's attention. But the others immediately turned their head back in disinterest like they were already used to it.
"Yes," Lex replied, playing along with him while glancing at Mina for help which Mina answered with a gesture, 'it's your own fault! Deal with it yourself.'
"Good! I expect the same enthusiasm, new comrade!" Justin then fixed his imaginary glasses again. "Let's see for the next chapter it would be about how prez rule as the Stuco president."
(Chapter!? What is this a novel?) when Lex realized there was already a book on Justin's hands. (It really is!! Why did he even talk about this! This wasn't what I asked him about!)
"Now then, when Prez became the president, she was impartial to anyone else. She takes a neutral stance on everyone, whether poor or rich, stupid or smart, student or teacher! The one who broke the rule would be punished according to the rule! That's why, other than Prez, she had another title in this school: ' The Empress.' no one can get away from its rule and punishment. There's a rumor that even the headmaster can't out rule her, but there's no fact it's only a rumor, but we all believed in it. still, there's an exception for one special person of her!"
(Wait… 'The Empress'? and with one Special person? Emperor!?!?!?)
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CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Louis_Hometo
Louis_Hometo Dear me, it takes a month!!
"When you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you."
"And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you."
This was the perfect quote for this time. I shouldn't check the fanfiction corner!! I got addicted to it that I read almost every fanfiction with more than a hundred chapters in it!! (except for DC one caused I don't really read or watch the canon)
Usually, I had two or three stories going on in my head, but it increased even more. Now that I am interested in writing my own fanfiction too!
I'm sorry for the unannounced hiatus just right when I said I'll try my best not to get hooked on others. I hope you are all still with me (Smiley face)
P.S. I remembered I had many things to talk about with you guys before, but I forgot about it now. At least when I'm writing this Note. I will add another long note in the next chapter if I remember it.
P.S.(#2) I just remembered it when I was about to post the chapter. I forgot how to write a story. This chapter should be the worst that I ever wrote (the content! don't talk the grammar! I can do nothing about it except hope for the best from Grammarly-Sensei!). Anyway, It becomes a list of paragraphs of information instead of storytelling. please let me know in the comment when you read it ofc when you had the time
Thank you.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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