When Hirvan returned home, he found Bradley and Sheryl in the living room, engrossed in a competitive video game match.
The living room, a cozy space with soft lighting and comfortable furniture, was filled with the sounds of electronic beeps and cheers. Bradley had a focused expression as he maneuvered his character on the screen, his brow furrowed in concentration. Sheryl matched his intensity. Her eyes narrowed while her lips pressed together in fierce determination.
"Is spaghetti okay for dinner?"Hirvan asked, already planning to make a quick meal and then head to his room to organise his study material and let Mara know which subject to work on first.
"Did we do something wrong? Why did you downgrade instead of upgrade?" Bradley quipped without taking his eyes off the screen.
"I don't have time to cook today. There is a quiz next week," Hirvan explained, a hint of frustration in his voice.
"Okay, okay… just feed us something warm!" Sheryl chimed in, rolling her eyes playfully.
Hirvan was speechless at their responses. Just two days ago, they didn't even want to sit at the same table with him, and now they were giving him attitude!
He let out a sigh and headed to the kitchen to feed these unruly kids.
Hirvan felt conflicted emotions. Despite his desire to be a good brother to them, he was aware that his feelings were not genuine.
Due to caring for his two sons, he subconsciously filled the emptiness in his heart by showing kindness to the siblings of the original owner.
" Could it be that I am putting in too much effort?" he muttered, stirring the spaghetti sauce.
While preparing food, Hirvan reflected on himself.
Accepting Mrs Smith as his mother was less difficult than accepting Sheryl and Bradly as his siblings. The reason was his yearning to experience motherly love from his childhood. Despite the fact that their mental ages were the same.
In the end, he was not very concerned about his siblings. If he had been, he would have lectured them on the importance of studying and not wasting their time on video games.
" let's go with the flow and let nature take its course," Hirvan said to himself, trying to stay optimistic about having a peaceful and heartfelt relationship with them.
Following dinner, Hirvan returned to his room and studied until 11 pm. He was so far behind that even one minute counted for him, and could not waste it. His new weak body was incapable of withstanding too much pressure. Hirvan succumbed to sleep despite his will.
The next morning, Hirvan woke up early again, eager to maintain his new routine. Each day, the exercise became a bit easier. After breakfast, he showered and got ready for school.
Mara and Hannah were waiting for him at the entrance of his home. Mara, with her straight brown hair and confident demeanour, grinned at him. "Hey, Hirvan! Ready for being tortured?"
"Absolutely. Let's go," Hirvan replied, joining them. Hannah, with her wavy blond hair and a more reserved nature, nodded in agreement.
Today was the first time the two girls would be overseeing his studies. The plan was for them to tutor him one hour before the first class, during lunch hour, and after school. The day passed quickly, filled with lectures, group sessions, and lively discussions. Hirvan found himself more engaged and enthusiastic about his studies than ever before.
During lunch, Fu Yan approached Hirvan. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.
Mara and Hannah were taken aback by the fact that a handsome and elegant boy had found Hirvan on his own accord.
"Who is this attractive guy that approaches this dark horse of the school so fearlessly?"
Mara whispered to Hannah.
"Is he crazy or an attention seeker?" Hannah replied, equally puzzled.
What was even more surprising was that Hirvan refused him in front of the entire cafeteria.
"I'm sorry, we have a plan for after lunch, so we're in a hurry," Hirvan said, his voice steady.
"I'm not here to make trouble," Fu Yan said, thinking Hirvan refused him based on yesterday's commotion.
Hirvan gazed at the boy. Fu Yan's body was tall and well-toned. The uniform, which appeared tacky and sloppy on him, fit Fu Yan like it was custom-made for him. He possessed piercing grey eyes that seemed to be able to see through people.
The sharp edges of his jawline and refined facial features made Fu Yan stand out among the students.
Hirvan swallowed hard and stated,
"If you are okay listening to the basics, be my guest."
"Oh, you are reviewing the class materials. I can also help you."
"What is your position in the rankings?"
"Third in our year."
"Sure, have a seat," Hirvan replied, gesturing to an empty spot at the table.
Fu Yan sat down and studied Hirvan for a moment before speaking. "You handled that situation in class yesterday pretty well. Most people would have lost their cool."
"Thanks. I just try to stay calm and think things through," Hirvan said, shrugging.
"That's a good approach. We need more people like you around to put shameless people in their place," Fu Yan said, a hint of disdain in his voice.
"Do you know them?" Hirvan asked, curious about Fu Yan's involvement.
"Yeah. One of them is my cousin."
"Oh, so it was you! I thought he made up that part as well."
"No, but he was scared to announce that publicly and dragged me into his mess."
"You had it hard, buddy!" Hirvan patted the boy's back in sympathy.
"Hello? We are also here!" Mara protested their dismissive behaviour.
"Sorry. This is my classmate, Fu Yan," Hirvan introduced him to the girls.
Fu Yan was surprised that Hirvan knew his name. According to his investigation, if the person were not from an influential family, the red-haired boy would not care about them.
"I wasn't expecting you to know my name. I believe we have never talked before."
" After one year of being a classmate, of course, I should have an impression of you,"
Hirven said, but the reason the boy had caught his attention was his surname. He did not have a pleasant memory of that police officer named Fu, and hearing the family name made the hair on his body stand up.
"So, what? Are you interested in our boy?" Mara teased.
Hirvan coughed and gazed at her with disbelief.
"What else would he come to you? Have you forgotten your reputation?" Mara glared at Hirvan.
"So what if I am?" Fu Yan replied with a charming smile.