There's a line that I've heard before. It says; Others were like a mirror. When you look at them, they'll provide a reflection for who you were... socially and by their own standard, at least.
Really, I completely agree with the implication. After all, I'm now going through this societal reflection right this moment. And ya'know what? I realized... Just how awful my reputation is. It's so awful that it's almost amusing.
As I walk in the room to find my seat, I was meet with a celebrity-like reception. Not.
"Hey, look… it's him." One said, clearly having an issue with my presence.
"I'm amazed how he actually manages to graduate from middle school." Another replied, shaking his head.
"Maybe he cooked up something?" And another joined.
"Oum. That sounds possible. After all, his sister is…" and another, he was nodding his head.
"Hey stop it right there, he might hear us."
I can hear you alright. Loud and clear; like the lake behind the school. Maybe next time try to be more discreet about trash talking people behind their back? And of course, I'll graduate. You morons should stop gossiping about whatever and try to actually study, jeez.
We were told to go to our designated classrooms, so here we are. I have been assigned to room 1-1—a room where I'm clearly hated. Perfect.
I'm not sure how they plan the class allocation arrangement, but this is definitely not the most ideal placement for me. It's not like anything would change even if I switched classrooms. Not with this F-ranked marker inscribed on my left arm.
"You really are popular. I can see everyone talking about you." Dio sneaked to me after I took my seat.
"Hell yeah. You wanna try experiencing it as well?"
"Ahahaha. I'll pass with that."
"Then stop talking with me. At this rate, Dio, you will get famous too in no time."
I thought he'd just laugh it off and leave, but instead he said, "Nah. I have this regret of not talking with you when we were in our middle school. Also, I like the way you manage all their hate. its fascinating. Funny actually."
"Stop that. You're making me blush. If you were a girl, I might have fallen for you." I threw him a sarcastic reply.
"Girl or not, me having a girlfriend wouldn't change. So, I'm sorry but there is someone I already like."
"The heck is with that? So even with an imaginary girl, I'm getting rejected?"
"Ahahaha. Ops."
He held his pants. The phone in his pocket vibrated. When he gave a look at it, he broke into giggling, irritating, and excused himself.
He may be a loyal and bragger about their relationship, tsk irritating, but I find it nice for him having things like that to enjoy. What I'm curious about is what made him want to get involved with someone like me? A person whose reputation in this whole academy is irreparable. I can't think of any other reason.
If he wants to be close to Sofy, that might make sense. However, it appears that this was not the case. Not when his grin was ear to ear with only one message from his girlfriend.
I held my chin with my right hand. Suddenly, a thought came up to me. Like a question that needed to be answered without delay.
"Wait, is romance actually that amazing?"
"It is. But you will never experience it. Not even once in your lifetime."
A voice rang, coming from my front. And here I thought that I was talking to myself. It seems that was not the case.
I heaved a sigh. Here they come. My brain just had me heard a notification bell like: Tot torooot!!! {A Challenger Appeared!}
"Don't you think sneaking onto me and listening to my monologue is kinda creepy as hell?" I said, meeting her strong willed gaze.
Okay, so what kind of bullying will you lay onto me this time of the year?
Wait a minute. Only three? They were five before the graduation though?
This was the group of gals that was led by this lass in front of me. The other two are behind her and she was the one to take the lead and talk to me. The typical superiority complex is all, I guess?
"Hey, wait. What happened to the other two?" I asked. Genuinely curious. However my curiosity only irked her more.
"It's none of your business! And you still got the gall to come to our prestigious school, huh? And to our class no less."
"Heh." I smirked.
Did you know? When you do this in front of those who try to bully you, they apparently explode.
"What's so funny?!" Just like that!
This is actually fun.
"If you've got complaints, why not direct it to the headmaster? Or the principal? Or to whoever?" I shrugged. "I'm sure they will give you enough time to explain yourself."
Assuming that you've had your valid reasons.
I suddenly paused. My eyes went wide in surprise.
"Huh, wait…we're in the same class?!"
"You really are stupid. You just realized?"
"Well, yeah. It's not like I'm constantly searching for you or anything like that. I'm not some kind of nuts who would intentionally look for someone who's clearly a trouble."
"Did-did you just call me a 'trouble?!'"
Ah… her face is turning red. How cute. It's actually fun having this lass around. Her reactions are so refreshing.
"Yes. I did. And a big trouble at that."
Just like your boobs.
"You really are infuriating! I can't believe the school still lets someone as hopeless as you attend the prestigious Saint Stella." She was fuming, "You tarnish the whole school's reputation." She went on, "You, who can't even surpass that worthless of a rank for two years, is the shame of the whole Saint Ilse!"
"Well, yeah. You have a point." She's actually right.
With a rank like mine, the school's reputation will surely be tainted. But it's not like we can do anything about it. The I can't just tell the measuring machines to lie about it.
"You are only here because lady Sofia is your sister. If not for her, you'll never ever set foot on this holy land! You…"
"…"
"…do not belong here."
I know.
That, I am aware of. Very much even. And it makes no difference to me. And she is absolutely correct. I would never have imagined being here if it hadn't been for Sofy. I could've neve put up with someone like her for so long. I could have had a different life. Sofy is the only reason that keeps me in this place; if she hadn't been chosen as {Gabriel's holder}, we both could have enjoyed a life that was more fulfilling. More peaceful than this one.
"So?" I replied. My tone dropped that even I was surprised.
"What?"
"You are correct. I don't belong here. And I am only here because of my sister. And so?"
She took a step back, "You really are annoying. Just the mere sight of you makes my blood boil with rage."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that."
"Kuh!"
Her face is getting redder and redder by time. I might have really angered her. Well, it goes for both of us. I never thought I'd also get annoyed by her words.
"Are we done here, young lady? If so, please take your leave and kindly return to your proper seat. The whole class is looking at us. If this continues, we may be seen by the others as a couple having lovers quarrel." I told her, a fake smile plastered on my face.
"Lov—kuh! You rat! Let's go girls! Let's leave this knave!"
"Ah, yes young lady!"
"Y-yes, ma'am!"
Face still red, she turned around in a hurry and quickly returned to her seat her followers in tow. Her seat is on the right side of the room, while mine is by standard, the typical protagonist seat; by the window.
That girl. She went her way just to say all that to me. What a dedicated bully she is.
"Hehe. I won this match." I pump my chest. An intention to hide my actual feeling.
I won. Yep. But what is this feeling inside me. Anger? no that's not it. Maybe just annoyance that she roped up Sofy in this quarrel.
Ah, having this kind of feelings. I'm still a person, I see.
"I heard a loud voice just now. Is that from lady Elisha?"
Oh, Dio's done with his phone business.
"You bet it was."
"And? How did it turn out?"
"Yep, complete victory."
I said with a grin combined with a hand peace pose.
"Sure is. I can see it clearly just by looking at her face. She's red with anger, dude."
He said after looking at where Elisha was sitting.
"I can't even tell who's bullying who…"
"Well, that's just how it is."
"But, she's not a bad person, you know… It's just she tends to get rather emotional when it comes to honor and nobility. And your laziness maybe got on her throat?"
"Hmm..."
Well, true enough. She's an ability holder from England and a natural born noble at that. So, I can somehow understand where she's coming from. And even though she treats me indifferently, she shows major respect to Sofy. but…
"That much, I already know. But it ticks me off when everything she does is mess up with me. And it's not just once but every day, you know? Everyday!"
"Well' that sucks. Ah, she's staring daggers at you."
"Hm? Ah, oh she really is."
It's amazing how she actually stare at me as if she's trying to pierce me with that glare.
Ah! Did she just rolled her eyes?!
That girl, Elisha von Courtenay, was the daughter of an English reigning duke. A nobility that was faithful to its roots. It was said that their country was the fastest to recover after the dreadful war.
With such wealthy family and her exceptional beauty, no one can complain if she has a bit of an attitude. Her vibrant blond silky hair was pulled and braided into a bun. Her stunning emerald eyes. Her shapely nose and appealing glossy lips were set on her well-cared-for face. Not only that, she's also an S rank holder; the holder of the ability "Aegis: Goddess's Blessings {Athena}" a Seraphim type ability.
I may have been a fan if she hadn't been messing with me every single day. But that is not how reality works. She's been picking fights with me whenever she gets the chance since I arrived here at Saint Ilse. Though, I don't mind if it happens once in a while. After all, her reactions are amusing.
Now that I think about it, isn't she actually someone with a beauty comparable with Sofy? Their hair color is almost similar, too. And, it's not like her bullying is to an extent that would hurt either of us, if ever it's just some verbal spat. Something that kids do all the time. Maybe I should try to be nicer to her next time. Maybe if I do so she'd warm up to me. Just like those anime girls I've watched.
I had this in mind when I shifted my gaze to where she was sitting; only to find her tongue tucked out with a finger pulling the lower lid of her left eye with her right eye winking.
"Nope. Never mind. She's a big trouble after all! Just like her boobs!"
Seemingly not satisfied, she finished it off with an inaudible "Bleee!"
What are you, a grade schooler?!