It took me 5 minutes to reach the apartment where I live. Zero was still walking behind me as if a dog following its owner. It was annoying but I couldn't help it, reason being we live in the same apartment and he lives just below me. It seems like we are childhood friends to others as we walk home together and even go to school together but I don't even remember when I first met Zero. It was maybe when I first came to start living in The Room, I guess.
If I remember correctly, The Room is a 100 floor apartment made specially to meet expectations of VIPs. I live on 99th floor, Zero is on 98th while 100th floor remains empty. I don't know why but whenever I talk about 99th floor, my mother always dodges the talk.
"Sia, what are you going to do after 1600HRS?"
Ugh, he's annoying, "Why does it concern you?"
"Oh... Um, I was thinking if you want to go out and play or something.."
Seriously!? What are we a bunch of grade schoolers? Well, I guess it is normal for kids at age 10 to go and play but I don't think I'll be bothering with this, "I'll pass on it. You can go on your own."
"Oh, okay. I understand."
"Ok then, bye." I rushed into elevator and went up ahead first. I don't want to stay with him even for a second more.
Ting~ I reached 99th Floor, I left the elevator and suddenly;
{ Alert : A side quest has appeared. }
What the fuck!? I am still stuck with that Recall Zero and now this happens. What do you want me to do? Die?
"Ugh, this sucks!"
"What happened Sia? Are you having troubles regarding something?"
"Ah, huh!" I startled hearing someone call out to me. I noticing it was my father. "Nothing, Father. I was just having troubles keeping up with my studies, that's all."
"Oh! Is that the only thing? You sounded quite annoyed."
"Yeah, it is the only thing." For some reason. I feel a bit of hostility whenever I am around my father.
"Ok then. I'll be going now."
"Bye Father." As soon as he left, I got off the elevator and headed to the house.
It feels like something is off here, I don't know why but Father seemed in a hurry. Well, never mind.
Clack~ "Mother, I'm home."
"Welcome home, Sia. Wash your hands and have your snacks."
"Ok Mother." I went to my room. After washing up I went to dining table. "Mother I have a question."
"What is it Sia?"
"Mother, this apartment has 100 floors but even so why don't people occupy 100th floor?"
"Sia, I told you before to not ask about 100th floor."
"But Mother, I am still curious. Also, I heard that Zero isn't Nero's blood related brother, is that the truth?"
"Where did you hear that from? First, you ask about 100th floor then say that Zero isn't Nero's blood related brother. What has happened to you Sia?"
"Sorry Mother, it is just I am curious if it is true about Zero and why don't people use 100th floor."
"I don't know where you heard this from but.. fine, I'll tell you something. Don't say even a word about this to anyone, not even to your Father. Got it?"
"Ok Mother. I'll not tell anyone."
"Zero's parents died 3 years ago in a car accident. He is the son of real founder of The Pythagoras. Zero's family used to live in 100th floor but to not recall him about his parents, Dex decided to adopt him. He became Nero's step brother. Zero doesn't remember anything about this so don't tell anything to him ever again. He lost something very precious to him at such a young age. Poor child."
"Mother, do you know how they died? Like, was it an assassination or something?"
"Where did you hear that from? You are just a kid, stop bothering yourself with these kinds of talk and focus on your studies."
"Sorry Mother, I'll not talk about these kind of things." I guess it is a sore spot for mother. Maybe she knew Zero's parents.
This conversation is turning wrong way. I'll just eat up my snacks and go to my room. It'll be better to do so. I'll finish my homework while I am at it.
"Yawn~ I'm beat. It took me an hour to solve a bunch of sums and writing down stuff."