After meeting Ruby's friend, we kept walking towards her school. First off, let me tell you, I was surprised by what I heard from Clara. Apparently, several guys, even some from higher grades, have been confessing their feelings to my sister since she started at that school.
According to Clara, my sister was considered some kind of unattainable flower at school. I honestly got confused. Was my sister that pretty? I mean, it's not like I found her ugly or anything. From my point of view, she was just my lovely little sister. But I couldn't see her beyond that, so I had no idea how pretty she was in other people's eyes.
Moreover, hearing Clara also made me reflect. We're always mistaken for twins, Ruby and I, probably because we look alike, even though we were born in different years. If Ruby is considered pretty, does that mean I am too? Honestly, just considering something like that disgusts me. I feel like I'm being conceited for some reason.
"By the way, you must be pretty popular at college, right? Ruby's brother" Clara suddenly asked me, giggling. This girl really asks embarrassing questions like they're nothing, all chill and relaxed.
"Me? Popular? I'd say it's the opposite. Guys seem not to like me, and for some reason, girls avoid me. Well, it's not like I'm alone either. I have a friend, so I guess I'm doing okay so far"
For some reason, my explanation came out sounding like a question, which wasn't my intention, but somehow that's how it sounded. Anyway, upon hearing my response, both Ruby and Clara made confused expressions for a few seconds and then exchanged glances. After that, while looking at me, Clara asked.
"This might seem like a bit of a weird question, but on your first day at college, did any girl talk to you?" Clara asked.
Now that she mentioned it, something like that did happen. With that in mind, I just nodded to Clara, wondering where exactly she was trying to go with this question.
"And then, what happened next?" Clara asked, curious.
"If I recall correctly, she invited me to some party with her and her friends" I replied.
Recalling the event. Now that I think about it, they seemed pretty excited. Honestly, it's the complete opposite of now. Though, sometimes, they glance at me, overall, I'm ignored by them.
"What did you say to them?" Clara asked again.
I honestly didn't remember. I mean, that was almost a year ago. How the hell would I remember something that happened so long ago? But if I just think about what I would say if I were invited today, since my situation hardly changed from a year ago to now, it would probably be something like.
"I don't remember exactly, but I probably said I couldn't because I needed to take care of my sister. Actually, I think I just left since she was insisting I buy something for her. So, I just left... looking back now, I think I was pretty rude that day" I replied as the events cleared up in my mind.
After my words, both Clara and Ruby sighed. Also, for some reason, Ruby started displaying a guilty expression on her face.
"Did they call you again after that?" Clara asked.
"Yeah, I think that went on for about a week, but I was always busy since I had my job and needed to go back home to take care of Ruby. You know, her body is weak" I replied, shrugging.
Anyway, it's not like we were trying to hide Ruby's condition. Actually, I always try to inform people around about her condition, especially the principal and the teachers at school, so she doesn't overexert herself unnecessarily.
"Bro... I'm sorry. You're probably getting ignored because of me" Ruby replied with a complicated expression on her face.
Honestly, I didn't understand why Ruby felt that way. In fact, whenever something related to me happened, she tended to blame herself, thinking it was because of her condition. But honestly, I didn't see her as a burden. With that thought in mind, I just put my hand on her head, giving her a little pat.
"It's okay, honestly, I don't care much about being popular or not. You're the most important person to me, so I don't regret my choices" I said, as a smile formed on my lips. "Anyway, your school is further ahead. I think I should head to college now. If there's any emergency, call me and I'll be there in seconds" I added, starting to walk away.
Ruby and Clara said goodbye to me and went their own way to school. Meanwhile, I headed to a deserted alley where no one was looking. As soon as I found myself alone, I activated the [Etheric Pumping]. I felt the Ether fill my body and without wasting time, I leaped between the walls of the alley until I reached the rooftop.
Right after, I concentrated all the Ether in the direction of my feet and felt my body propelled into the air, shooting towards the college. Surprisingly, I jumped much higher than I imagined possible. The result? As I started to fall, I prayed not to get seriously hurt.
To my surprise, apart from a little tremor that ran through my body, nothing serious happened. Lucky me, as I was just minutes away from school. Thankfully, there was no one where I landed, although I couldn't choose the landing spot. I ran to the college entrance and in about 3 minutes, I could already see the gates.
Looking at the clock on my wrist, I realized I was still about 5 minutes early. That was strange for me, as I usually arrived an hour early. Anyway, except for the teachers, the students probably won't even remember me; I'm practically invisible in the classroom.
With that thought in mind, I started walking through the college corridors. They were relatively crowded, as there were only a few minutes left before classes started. Normally, I would already be in the classroom, so this was a bit new to me. However, strangely, I felt like I was being watched.