After that rather intriguing event, school life went on just as expected for Lewis. The usual blabber of warm welcomes to the second term, slightly motivational speeches from teachers about their ambitions for the class, and the loud chatter of students reconciling with friends — gossiping about the new schedule, the recently transferred students, and even some of the teachers. Lewis couldn't care less.
For him, his purpose was as clear as daylight. From an early age, he had become painfully aware of what truly mattered: his family and friends.
When you put on a smile, people stop asking if you're okay.
The loneliest people are often the kindest. The most damaged, the wisest. The most rejected, the most understanding.
These beautiful people lie — they constantly lie. They lie about what they want, what they feel, what they believe, all for the sake of others. They strive for optimism despite knowing the world's cruelty. They pretend to be happy for their loved ones while silently suffering inside. Those kindhearted people deserve the world, yet society leaves them in the dust. When they put on a mask, everyone assumes everything is fine and moves on, unaware that a small act of understanding could change everything.
Society only hears noise and commotion — and rewards those who know how to play the game. It doesn't reward the good; it rewards the clever.
That's just how the world works.
But I know. I know.
I know their misery, their betrayals, their sacrifices — all made to give me and my siblings the life we have. They still smile for us, even when exhausted, still treat even the worst of people with respect in a world that doesn't deserve their kindness. And still, they suffer. Despite all the good they do… they still suffer.
And I see it now.
And I can't accept it. No, I won't.
I will not waste the efforts, opportunities, and sacrifices they've made for me.
The strong always enter situations with an advantage. The strong get everything. The strong win. Winning doesn't distinguish between good or evil — it only values strength.
In this world, I'll set myself apart. I'll become disgustingly overeducated in every field, build a personality and a body worthy of my parents' efforts. I love them more than anything, and I'll become someone they can rely on. That is my duty — and what my love commands me to do.
---
"Hey, Lewis, man! Why are you sulking over there all alone? Come on, we're heading to the convenience store now that school's over!" Jan called out.
Lewis blinked, realizing for the first time that class had already ended. The hallway was quiet, the echoes of the bell long faded. By the door, his friends waited — leaning against the frame stood Kisuke, Jan, Zara, and Nico, their presence steady and familiar. After all his restless thoughts, the sight of them grounded him — a quiet reminder that no matter how far he aimed, he wasn't alone.
Kisuke chuckled at Jan's teasing remark, while Zara seized the opportunity to startle him, grinning playfully.
"Well, well, aren't you lost? Do you even know what topic we discussed today? Haha, got you lacking now, you dangerously overeducated hotshot. Tell me what it was."
Lewis stood up, amused, and replied as he joined them,
"Oh, are you referring to the field singularity theory in electrostatics? Or maybe the connection between the equipotential surface and electric flux density? Oh, wait, sorry — wrong question. You're not there yet. We only covered the field vector and the superposition principle today. Well, suit yourself if you're happy staying third in class."
Zara blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected comeback, her cheeks turning a faint shade of red that only made her already pretty face more radiant. Regaining composure, she scoffed softly,
"Fine, fine. You're as perfect as always, huh? But don't tease your sweet little Zara, will you?"
Kisuke smirked in his usual eccentric way, while Jan and Nico exchanged confused looks, unsure where that sudden burst came from.
Then, through the faint haze of the hallway, a familiar figure appeared — graceful, confident, with shoulder-length brown hair and eyes of deep blue that shimmered like water under sunlight.
"So, how have you guys been? Don't tell me you forgot about me already," she said with mock offense. "I'm still part of the group, even if I got stuck in another class!"
Lewis chuckled. It was his cousin, Lara.
"Of course not. How could we?" Kisuke replied, though he sounded slightly irritated.
"Well, during breaks you're untouchable, aren't you, our school queen?" Jan teased.
"Hahaha, who's talking here? But please, don't call me queen," Lara said, waving her hand dramatically. "The real beauty is Zara, after all. I mean, just look at her — how cute!"
"Boys," Zara muttered.
"Uh—yes, ma'am," Jan and Nico straightened immediately, like soldiers being addressed by their superior.
"I hope you're doing your job of keeping the boys away from this delicate soul," Lara continued playfully. "Can't have any undeserving runt trouble her."
"What are you talking about?" Zara protested quickly. "I can take care of myself, you know!"
Her words were drowned out by Jan and Nico's exaggerated response: "Yes, ma'am! Of course! Can't have that, can we?"
Lara turned her piercing blue eyes toward Kisuke, who sighed, raising a hand in surrender.
"Yeah, yeah… of course."
"Good, good," she said, her tone softening instantly as she slipped back into her usual charm. "Now, where are we headed? Mind if I join?"
She didn't admit it aloud, but Lara was one of the most popular girls in their grade — admired by both boys and girls for her charisma, intelligence, and warmth. Which, unfortunately, made things a bit inconvenient for the group. As they exited the building, the jealous glares of Lara's admirers — and Jan's — followed them, while several girls cast sidelong glances at Kisuke.
Zara, however, was always the one most affected. She could feel eyes lingering on her, and though she kept her expression calm and posture composed, a flicker of unease stirred inside her. She wasn't aware of how beautiful she really was — her quiet elegance, her steady eyes — and she didn't understand why people looked. That uncertainty made her withdraw further, masking her nerves with stoicism.
For a long time, she had lacked a true friend group, which made it hard for her to approach others, reinforcing the reserved image people had of her. Even now, being part of this popular group sometimes made her self-conscious, unsure how to act.
But that's okay, Lewis thought. Because I'm here.
I can see you, Zara.
"Hey, Zara, where are you looking?" he said teasingly, snapping her out of thought.
Her serious demeanor softened immediately.
"Aren't you looking gorgeous today?" he grinned. "But why so tense? Should I call NASA? Because you're making gravity feel a little heavier around here."
A rather stupid joke, but a man can sacrifice his honor for the sake of others, can't he.
For a moment, Zara simply stared at him, then laughed — genuinely, freely.
"Huh," she said between chuckles, "what's all that about?"
And just like that, the air lightened again.