By the time they got home, the sky had already darkened. Gray unlocked their apartment's door immediately, before he stepped inside with Lily quietly following him closely from behind.
"Go wash your hands, Lily," Gray said softly, placing her backpack down near the door.
Lily gave a small nod and headed to the bathroom without a word. Her steps were slower than usual. She was also quiet and almost hesitant, different from her usual cheerful and happy personality.
Gray walked into the kitchen and poured a glass of water. He waited for her patiently, and when Lily came out and sat down at the table, he placed the glass in front of her.
"Thank you, brother." She muttered quietly.
Gray sat across from her. It was obvious that Lily was still sad about what she revealed. His heart felt in pain as he saw her this way.
"Lily," he said gently, "can you tell me their names?"
Lily's shoulders stiffened as her gaze slowly looked up to Gray's face.
"I just want to know who they are," he continued. "I'm not going to storm into your school or do something crazy. I promise. I just… want to know."
Lily stayed silent for a few seconds longer, fidgeting with her fingers.
"They're in my class," she mumbled. "Their names are May and Jenna…"
Gray nodded slowly.
"They're always with each other," Lily added quietly. "And they're popular and rich. So, even if they do mean things, no one says anything."
Gray clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay calm. He wasn't surprised. The world was always soft on people like that—those who wore nice clothes and carried big names.
"What kind of things do they do?" he asked, his voice steady.
"They whisper when I walk past. They ask me where I bought my clothes… but not in a nice way. They say I look like I live in a box." Lily's voice cracked a little. "They once poured juice on my notebook and laughed. And when I tell the teacher, they say it was an accident…"
Gray stared at her, unmoving. However, inside, a storm was brewing.
But for now, he held it in.
He reached across the table and held her hand.
"Thank you for telling me, Lily."
"I didn't want to worry you…"
"You're allowed to worry me. That's what big brothers are for," he said with a small smile.
Lily smiled weakly, her eyes still slightly puffy.
Gray leaned back in his chair.
'May and Jenna, huh?' he repeated the names in his head.
Gray smiled at Lily., He gently ruffled her hair.
"Do May and Jenna usually get fetched by someone?" he asked casually.
"Um… sometimes they wait outside the school." Lily blinked at the sudden question.
"I see…" Gray gave a thoughtful nod.
He didn't ask more after that. Instead, he leaned back slightly in his chair and gave Lily a soft, reassuring smile.
"Okay. Igot it."
[Ding!]
A chime rang on his ears all of a sudden.
[We can't let your sister be bullied, Host!]
[New Mission Unlocked!]
[Mission: Be a Scary Brother]
[Objective: Intimidate May and Jenna. Make them think twice before ever laying a hand or a word on Lily again. Be subtle. Be terrifying. But remember that they're kids too.]
[Reward: +1 Influence | +$1,000]
Gray's lips curled into a slow, cold grin.
'Be a scary brother, huh?'
Gray cracked his knuckles under the table and looked over at Lily, who was now busy drinking her water, still looking a little shaken, but better compared to earlier.
'You messed with the wrong kid, May and Jenna." He determinedly uttered.
Gray exhaled through his nose, his eyes gleaming just slightly with mischief.
"Tomorrow," he muttered to himself before showing smile. A wide and calm smile.
"Hey, Lily?" Gray waved her hands in front of Lily's face.
"Do you want your brother to walk you to school tomorrow too?"
Lily looked up, a little surprised.
"Really?" but her eyes brightened as if she was hoping for it.
"Yup. And I'll fetch you too okay?" Gray grinned.
Lily tilted her head, but she smiled.
"Okay!" Lily was now back to her energetic self as if she raised her hand in a cheerful way.
Gray chuckled and nodded.
'Let's show those kids what a real older brother looks like.'
- - -
The next morning arrived quickly. At 10 in the morning, Gray and Lily were already dressed up, ready to go to Lily's school.
"Brother, are you really gonna walk me every day now?" Lily asked, glancing up at him.
"Well, not every day, but I'll make sure I'll do it while I'm free," Gray smiled down at her.
"That's fine! That also means the other kids will see I have a handsome older brother," Lily giggled playfully.
"So you admit your brother is handsome now?" Gray raised a brow as he posed for Lily.
"Nopee!" she laughed, covering her mouth. "But you seemed to look better now, Brother."
"Really?" Gray looked proud at himself as he asked it.
"Hmm." Lily just silently nodded before they made their way out. However, before they reached the school, Gray made a small detour.
"Come Lily," he said, gently tugging Lily's hand. "We still got time."
"Huh? Where are we going, Brother?"
Gray didn't answer at first, but a few steps later, Lily's eyes sparkled.
"Is that ice cream?" she gasped out loud
"Yup. We'll buy one, okay?" Gray smiled at Lily.
Lily immediately nodded. She was too excited that she was the one to pull Gray towards the small stall. Gray quickly ordered, and after a few seconds, he handed over a soft cone with her favorite chocolate-chocolate twist.
"Ice cream for the best Lily."
"Yayyy! This is so good brother!" Lily was practically bouncing as she accepted the cone. She started eating it quickly, but careful enough to not dirty her clothes.
Once Lily finished her treat, Gray cleaned her hands before they headed to the school gate. Gray knelt to fix her collar.
"Alright, now go on. I'll see you later, okay?"
"Okay!" Lily gave him a quick hug before running off toward the school building, a small hop in her steps. She looked obviously happy and excited, and it put a smile on Gray's lips.
Gray stood there for a moment, watching as Lily disappeared into the crowd. He took a deep sigh before he slowly turned his head toward the side parking lot near the school's premise.
That's when he saw them.
May and Jenna.
Both of them had just been dropped off by a sleek, expensive-looking black car. The moment the car drove off, the two girls glanced around, thinking no one was watching them before they slowly slipped around the side of the school building It was clear that they were not heading toward the main entrance.
Gray's eyes narrowed.
'Bingo.'