There wasn’t much to the 5th-year graduation party; it was just a gathering of friends eating food, chit-chatting, or dancing.
I wondered where the musicians came from, only to find out they were from the academy’s band club volunteering. Those clapping loudly in front seemed to be 5th-year members.
It felt like a good tradition to see a generation swap, smiling while sending each other off instead of saying goodbye.
Originally, I should have gone to my sister, but seeing her surrounded by people looked like a headache, so I quietly sat in my chair.
“D-Diana. You look really pretty today.”
“Why didn’t I notice you until now?”
“Where did you say you were going after graduation? I’ll come visit.”
The 5th-year male students surrounding my sister buzzed with excitement. Even some 4th-years peeked over, satisfaction plastered on their faces.
“See, people should wear expensive clothes.”
Seriously, look at how she stands out. My sister was already pretty, but after going shopping and decking herself in luxury goods, she radiated elegance.
Especially since those working at high-end brands have great taste, they quickly picked out clothes and accessories that suited her.
Jesant, thanks again!
“Um…”
A female student suddenly approached me, looking at my sister with pride. She seemed to be a 5th-year graduate and blushed slightly as she cautiously asked.
“Which year are you in?”
Since my face had recently been out there due to the competition, if she didn’t know me, it was surely because she was a 5th year.
“I’m in 3rd year.”
“If it’s okay, would you like to dance with me?”
Huh?
Without realizing it, I glanced to the side. Ares was blankly poking his cake with a fork, wearing a look that screamed, “Why are you looking at me?”
“She’s got a boyfriend, you know?”
When I pointed at Ares, she shook her head.
“No… I was talking to you.”
The 5th-year girl, blushing yet pointingly at me. I thought this kind of thing only happened to Ares.
Is this what they call “hunting”?
Or maybe they just felt like prodding someone like me since the mood was nice?
Whatever it was, I politely declined. She looked disappointed but didn’t press on and bowed her head before leaving.
“Huh, I’ve had that experience, huh.”
I unintentionally licked my lips while scratching the back of my head, and Ares replied with his mouth full of cake.
“Anyone would try to make a move on you. The attire and all, plus Tana helped you dress up nicely.”
“…What’s with you?”
I made a face, surprised by the sudden compliment, but Ares had a look like he just ate something foul.
“You’d be in trouble if I praised you.”
“Thank goodness Mei and Rin aren’t here.”
“They wouldn’t let me come if they were.”
That was true.
Having a pair of roaring lions nearby means a cat like me wouldn’t dare approach.
For your information, those two were currently off to meet Talois, who had invited Mei to the 5th-year graduation party.
Who is Talois?
A 5th-year known as the ‘Fist King’ of Aios Academy before Mei conquered it with her fist.
Before the field trip to Batian, a guy who got beat up by Mei, then chased around by the 2nd-in-command of the Chokugen Faction, Madame, only to return getting beaten up together.
I heard they had a pretty rocky relationship, but he wanted to pass on the legacy with some flair since he had reigned over the back alleys of Aios.
Rumor has it he begged Mei to come while on his knees, but that’s a secret.
‘What’s the big deal about that?’
It just looked like he got beaten up by Mei and was chased away, but it seemed he wanted to create an atmosphere of handing it over to the successor himself.
Mei may have grumbled about hating it, but she couldn’t refuse when a big guy was begging on his knees.
In fact, over at that corner, some rough-looking students were kneeling and shouting something towards Mei and Rin.
Rin was dragging Mei with her because Mei didn’t want to go alone.
“Hey, you should go over there!”
This time Ares nudged me with his elbow, munching on meat he had stabbed with a fork.
I turned my head curiously, only to lock gazes with my sister, who was staring directly at me.
Her face was smiling, but she clearly looked angry.
“Ugh, I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything.”
Ares, who had a fear of crowds, started trembling and shoved his head into his plate, nibbling nervously at the meat.
My sister, still surrounded by male students, lowered her hand to show only me.
“Hmm?”
Was she signaling something? One of her fingers folded down.
“Ah, seriously!”
That guy’s counting down!
I jumped up abruptly, and another finger folded down. Even though I had just arrived, my sister’s finger watch was mercilessly ticking away.
Moreover, her unusually graceful smile made it even creepier. I hurriedly weaved my way through the crowd toward her.
Just as one finger remained, I reached her, and she slowly folded her fingers and nodded. I was safe for now.
“Ugh, what’s going on?”
“Who’s pushing you?”
The male students surrounding her openly showed their displeasure at me interrupting their one opportunity.
“Excuse me, I’m taking my sister with me.”
As soon as I revealed my identity, they shut their mouths and could only watch as I took her away. Just as I was about to lead her off, she crossed her arms and poked my side.
“Aren’t you coming to get me quickly?”
“I thought you’d be fine with your classmates for the last time.”
To be honest, the truth was I just didn’t want to be involved and was making excuses. If I spoke my mind, my sister’s finger watch would start ticking down again.
“Haah, I’m tired.”
Returning to where we were, my sister kicked Ares’s leg, telling him to move and sat beside me.
Ares, eyes downcast like a mouse in front of a cat, stood up awkwardly, unable to withstand the pressure.
“I-I need to go get some food.”
How many plates has he had already?
I knew it was to escape, but it felt a bit pitiful.
“Hey, slacker. Bring me some food too. I’m worried you’ll get caught by the others if you go for food.”
“Sure.”
Ares, answering sharply like a soldier, headed straight for the food. In front of all those dishes, he must be seriously debating what to bring so it won’t get him smacked by my sister.
But Ares,
This isn’t about picking the right dish; it’s a race against time.
In my eyes, it didn’t matter what he brought; if he was late, he’d get hit.
I wanted to shout that out, but already watching him pale in front of the food felt like the end.
“What’s he thinking? Just grab something and come back.”
The answer was already out.
If he’s late, maybe it’ll be better because there won’t be time for a good smack.
While I was wishing for Ares’s luck, my sister started fiddling with her dress and muttered.
“Haah, this dress is pretty but so uncomfortable.”
“You won’t wear it again after today anyway. Enjoy today.”
“That’s true, but…”
My sister shifted her gaze naturally to me, smiling in a way that looked genuinely pleased.
“By the way, whose younger brother is so handsome?”
“It’s just the outfit. Tana styled my hair.”
As I murmured about my outfit, my sister leaned her head softly on my shoulder. It was sudden, but I didn’t react strongly and accepted it quietly.
“Daniel, I’m okay with living as a Dragonkin.”
“What are you talking about?”
Her small hand gently rested on top of mine. It was warmth that didn’t fit the cold season.
“So I hope you don’t push yourself too hard for my sake. The most important thing for me is that you don’t get hurt.”
“…”
“Haah, I’m worried since I’m going to the Dragon’s Boundary, and we’ll be apart.”
“Don’t worry too much.”
“You truly don’t even know what I’m worried about, do you?”
“Hmm?”
While the conversation carried on, we didn’t move, staying still. Our eyes were on the people dancing to the music, but everything else was solely focused on each other.
“I’m scared of you completely leaving me. You used to come looking for me whenever something happened, but now you’ve grown up so well.”
“…”
I could feel how foolish I had been in my past life. My chest ached, but in an attempt to hide it, I leaned a bit closer to my sister.
At that moment, Belin Mayas approached us.
The party was nearing its end.
He shot me a glance and, nodding, slowly let go of my sister.
“Huh?”
Why was he suddenly pulling away? My sister looked a bit dissatisfied. But before she could say anything, Belin opened his mouth first.
“D-Diana! Can you spare some time for me?”
Following Hayun’s suggestion, Belin was following through with his plan to call Diana aside quietly to confess now that the party was winding down.
I secretly withdrew a bit and gave him a thumbs-up for encouragement, but unfortunately…
“Belin, I’m sorry. You’re not my type.”
My sister, understanding right away, looped her arm back into mine.
“I like guys who are a bit silly but dependable.”
“…”
Wait, this feels a bit awkward.
