Keonte scrolled through his phone after finishing the day's lecture. He was completely average, with no domineering features. There had been multiple notifications during the day, and he was now checking them.
Sheila:Remember to pick up Vivian after classes.
His adoptive mother's message read.
Kaiten:Hey Keon, Mal said she'll be late studying to pick you up, so you'll have to walk. I have a lot of assignments, so could you pick up Viv?
Mal:Hey bro. I'm heading with a bunch of friends to a party. I'll come back with some cookies for you ^_^
A small sigh escaped his lips. Sometimes, he felt like he was the oldest among the bunch, despite being the second youngest. Mal was 22 and in her fourth year of Business. Kaiten was in his first year of the same college, studying Computer Science—poor soul. And he was completing high school in a week. They were in the exam period, and today was his last day in this school.
He felt relieved of some burden, but he knew it wasn't going to last long. With his adoptive family, it never did.
He picked up his bag, stood up, and tucked his phone into his pocket. As he was walking out, he felt someone tap his shoulder from behind. He turned to see his teacher, a lady in her late 20s with glasses and a bit on the chubby side. She always had the kind of smile that made people feel good.
"How was the exam, Keonte?" she asked.
"It was fair, Mrs. Graham," Keon said with a small smile.
"Always on the humble side, Keon. I know you'll ace this exam."
"Thank you for believing in me."
"Ah, it's nothing, Keonte. You know I always speak what I believe. Now, I wished to discuss your future goals."
Keon slightly frowned. It was imperceptible to Mrs. Graham, but she felt the air grow slightly tense.
"I know this is a sore subject, but you have to understand—you have a gift. A gift that many people would fight for. As you know, my husband is in the army, and after discussing with him, he could link you up with a recruitment hunter."
"Mrs. Graham, I do understand that you want the best for me, and I appreciate it. But my abilities are too weak to become a real hunter. Furthermore, I have my family to think of," Keon replied, his words controlled, not showing the tired thoughts behind them.
Mrs. Graham gave a smile—a struggling one.
"I understand, Keon. But should you change your mind, do come to me."
"I will, Mrs. Graham. Goodbye."
Keon turned to the door and walked away. During the school halls, it was chaos. Students celebrated by throwing their books away, making out, and doing many other things. It was just pure chaos.
Keon ignored everything as he walked, evading every person until he was out of the school. He turned to his right and walked to the kindergarten 700 meters away. The city was ever moving. From afar, a skyscraper displayed ads for juice with a blonde-haired, beautiful lady drinking it in her gym. Under it was: "Come buy Valry's Cold Drink – Sponsored by S-Rank Hunter Valrys herself."
Sky-billboards flew above, displaying the message: "S-Rank Hunter Ling from the continent Urora will be interviewed tomorrow on Daily Grind – Stay tuned."
From behind, he could hear people discussing their favorite hunters. Keon withheld the urge to roll his eyes.
He soon arrived at the kindergarten. The watchman recognized him and allowed him to enter. Keon walked straight to his sister's class. The children were abuzz, with some parents interacting with each other in the corner. The teacher seemed concentrated on her phone, and a lone girl, about six, with blonde hair, sat in a corner concentrating on a book.
Keon walked to the girl, grabbed a chair, and sat next to her. He did not say anything as he took her backpack and opened it. He seemed to be searching for something before finally getting it. He fished it out—it was a pink lunch box with glitters on it. He opened the box and found an unopened juice box and an untouched sandwich.
Keon did not react. He was already used to it. He grabbed the book from the girl before she could react and placed the lunch box in front of her.
"Hey!" she yelled, looking at Keon.
Keon did not say anything; he just tapped at the lunch box. The girl frowned and crossed her arms, glaring at Keon. Keon leaned back and smiled. The girl stared for a minute or so before angrily picking up her juice box and sandwich. She ate ravenously, and in two minutes, she was done.
She closed the lunch box and put it in her bag before raising her arm towards Keon, her hand open as if beckoning for something to be given to her. Keon smiled and gave her the book. She grabbed it and placed it in her bag.
The parents discussing to the side noticed this strange behavior, and they started gossiping about the two—especially when they saw what the book was.
'Basics of Thermodynamics.'
"Is that really something a kid is supposed to read?" one parent commented.
"That kid is a weird one. My son tells me she has some kind of condition."
"Isn't that Sheila's kid?"
"Sheila? You mean Sheila Canes?"
"Yes."
"Oh, you are so right. That explains how the boy looks different."
"I heard she adopted a bunch of kids so she could get support money."
"Yeah, but now they're poor, and I heard child services might soon come to pick up her last two kids."
"Serves her right. I always hated that self-serving bitch. Heh, even her husband couldn't stand her."
Keon heard everything—the horrible perks of having enhanced senses—but he did not react nor try to defend her honor. That would just make things worse. He was just happy Viv did not hear them.
Keon stood up, and so did Viv with her bag. Keon was about to walk away, Viv in hand, when she pulled him to grab his attention. She then raised her arms up to him.
"Viv, we agreed on this."
She pouted as she tiptoed. Keon looked at her pouting face and eyes and just couldn't say no.
"Fine, but no uppies for a week."
Viv smiled as Keon picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. They walked back home, ignoring the stares from the parents.
The sun set as the two walked back home in complete silence. Everyone in their small but blessed family was quirky, but none so different as the last two. They were silent and enjoyed their silence. They were unique, and they understood each other a lot.
"Let's build a rocket," Viv spoke after 10 minutes of walking.
"Next week then."
"Mmh."
That was the end of their conversation. They would not speak of this again until next week.
They soon arrived at the house. It was a small three-bedroom house. It seemed like it had not been well taken care of, as paint was falling off from the sides. The two entered, and instantly some sweet aroma hit them. The door behind them closed with a soft bang that resonated through the house.
"Oh, you're back," a female voice shouted from the back.
"Yeah."
Keon placed Viv down, and she walked to the kitchen, pausing to put her bag on the counter. Keon followed her into the kitchen, where they were met with a blonde middle-aged woman around her early 40s. She looked like the older version of Viv, if not for her eye bags and her happy yet tired eyes.
Viv went to her mom, who was placing some chicken into the oven, and hugged her. Sheila smiled, and after closing the oven, picked the girl up. Viv had no reaction, nor did she say anything, but Sheila smiled a lot.
"Need help?" Keon asked.
Sheila let out a playful frown.
"What's the first thing you have to say?"
"Hello Sheila, how was your day?"
"My day was good. How about yours?"
"Sane."
"Details, young man."
"Exams were easy. Mrs. Graham tried asking me to become a hunter again," Keon explained.
"Oh. Darling, no one should force you into something you do not like."
"I know."
"Okay then, go freshen up. Then you can come help me. Take Viv with you and make sure she showers properly."
– 2 HOURS LATER –
7:20 PM
The three were sitting at the dining table. There was chicken in the center, soup with beans on each plate, and a large bottle of Valry's drink. The chicken was halfway devoured, and their plates were halfway to fully empty.
"I just can't believe my third child will soon be going to university," she sniffed.
"Mmh." Keon usually replied like that when he had nothing to say. Sheila was already used to these kinds of responses.
"Which course do you hope to get?" Sheila asked.
"Law."
"I see. It will be nice having a lawyer in our midst."
"Yeah."
"What about your plans for the holiday?"
"The usual."
Sheila let out a hardened smile. Keon was the hard worker among her children. Every holiday, he would get a part-time job to raise funds, almost half of which would be used to buy food for the family. He was a kind person beyond that cold, distant façade.
"You've worked hard. I believe you should rest. Enjoy life a little."
Keon shook his head.
"Working is fun."
Sheila sighed, eventually using her hand to support her head.
"There's no way I can convince you to change your mind?"
Keon shook his head.
"Fiine. Then I have a part-time job for you. The pay is pretty good—1000 Tean per week."
Keon's ears perked, but his eyes narrowed at Sheila.
"Is it legal?"
"Bah, of course it's legal," Sheila said, waving off his worries.
"Mmh."
"So, basically, it's from Asher Veltore—as in The Veltores. I told him about you, and he was very interested. He gave me this business card to give to you." Sheila reached into her pocket and passed a small business card to Keon. Viv carefully watched the interaction without saying anything.
Keon inspected the business card.
"Did he tell you what work he was going to give?"
"Yes. Apparently, secretary work—but he needed to see you first. How about it? Care to give it a try?"
"Yeah."
[[ This action will have consequences :) ]]