I get out of bed, turn my head and look at the clock; it reads 7:25. I stretch and think that it's really not that late. The ceremony starts at 8:00. With a smile I think to myself that she must be really happy to be entering the academy. Honestly, I'm grateful to have a place to sleep with my sister.
For the time being, we'll stop living on the streets and eat enough to satiate ourselves. On second thought, it's not a bad place. If it weren't for my sister, I wouldn't have a chance to be here right now. These last few months have gone by so fast.
I put on my uniform and look in the mirror, which reflects a 15-year-old boy, 167 cm, with crimson red hair, a little messy but with a small ponytail in the back. My slanted eyes are a deep blue, with long eyelashes and abundant eyebrows. My natural expression reflects being always alert. I have a Greek nose, a small mouth and a well-defined chin, with a body a bit thin for my age. But this does not surprise me, as nutrition and rest are part of growing up.
As I thought, this uniform is different from my sister's. Mine is grayscale: black pants with a pair of pockets on the sides, along with a leather belt that has an opening to hold a sword. I'm wearing a light gray-toned, long-sleeved shirt (resembling Victorian shirts), which matches a black tie with the academy symbol in the center. A gray vest with a couple of buttons and a long coat, almost as dark as the night itself, covers me almost completely. Finally, black lace-up shoes complete the outfit.
— Isn't this too elegant for me? -I ask myself quietly. I guess I'll have to get used to this.
It's time to show it to my sister. I shyly step out of the room and look at her. She hasn't stopped staring at me since I left. Embarrassed, I scratch my head and ask her:
— How do I look, sis, doesn't my uniform look weird?
She, with a totally excited face, answers me euphorically:
— What is this! You look like a different person. There is no doubt that my little brother is very handsome. Beauty runs in the family, though not as amazing as your big sister, hahaha! In fact, I'm the most beautiful woman you'll ever meet because.....
As she continues talking, I ignore her. With a serious expression and squinting my eyes, I answer her:
— Yes, whatever you say.
I move the chair to the side of the table and sit down. I turn my gaze to where Haruki is standing, still showing off her beauty, and analyze her.
She really doesn't lie. In many ways, she's better than me. It only takes one look to realize that she's in another league. She's a 15-year-old girl, 173 cm, with straight hair that reaches her waist. Part of it is arranged in a halo braid that falls in the back. In the front, two locks frame her face, without obstructing her view. Her hair is crimson red, just like mine. Her eyes are as blue as the sky, with thin eyebrows that end in a point, and long lashes that highlight her gaze. She has a small, thin nose, thin lips and a slightly elongated face. Her body has almost perfect proportions.
Her uniform is different from mine, and not only because it is a girl's uniform. The colors are also different: she wears a white shirt that matches a red tie with the academy's logo, an opaque mint blue vest with a couple of red lines, a red skirt that covers what is necessary, long black boots and a huge black jacket with red, with the school's emblem on the right sleeve.
He looks good. He has really worked hard all this time. Despite coming from "that" place, he's managed to stay in shape. She's in better condition than I am. I guess, being here, I won't have to worry about her. Maybe I should do some activity, like working out. I lack muscle mass. Yes, that's what I should do in order to keep up with my sister.
I realize she's still talking and notices my gaze.
— And that's why I'm the best.
— If you don't cut him off, we'll be late.
Pouting a little, he listens to me and sits down in the other chair.
I look at some plates with preheated food from yesterday.
— So this is what we'll eat.
— Yes, it's leftover food from yesterday. Remember we can't waste something so precious, or don't you like it?
— No, I don't. It just doesn't sink in yet that we can eat this. You know, elaborate food.
Looking out the window, with a view of the academy in the distance, Haruki says to me:
— Brother, do you feel like this too? To tell you the truth, this is new to me. We don't really know anything about this place.
He turns his head to me and, with a serious look, and says:
— But there are two things I am sure of. First, this is the best thing for both of us. I'd rather do this than keep wandering the streets. And second, no matter what or who, I will always protect you.
At the end of saying that, he smiles at me. His expression shows happiness, which reassures me.
— (With a small smile) Sure, thank you very much, sis.
After that, we both start eating with joy and gratitude. When we finish, we thank each other for the food, leave the dishes in the sink, and leave for the ceremony.