Oblivious to the hidden truths playing behind the scenes, Evan had just stepped out of the bathroom in his apartnt after changing clothes, ready to head out for lunch.
With the one lingering problem finally resolved, he felt surprisingly light. A genuine smile danced on his lips as he grabbed his phone.
"Alright… after lunch, I’ll study a bit for tomorrow and go through the syllabus. Rey and Jas sent everything I need," he muttered, locking the door behind him and heading toward Rossy's place.
Once he reached the ground floor, he stopped outside their door and gave it a couple of knocks.
Footsteps approached from inside. He expected Rossy to answer.
But the door swung open—and it was Jason.
“Oh, you’re back from school, huh?” Jason said casually, masking the fact that he’d been lurking in the hallway earlier, secretly watching soone.
“Yes, Uncle. I arrived a little while ago. Aunt Rossy told to join you both for lunch,” Evan replied smoothly, unfazed by Jason’s deanor—he’d grown used to it.
"Are you two going to chat at the door all day, or are you coming in for lunch?" Rossy's voice rang from inside.
“Coming!” both replied in unison, stepping inside, Jason leading and Evan following behind.
They took their seats at the table, waiting for the food to be served.
“So, what were you two talking about?” Rossy asked, handing them their plates.
“Oh, nothing much. I just asked him about his day at school,” Jason answered quickly, cutting Evan off before he could say anything.
Rossy narrowed her eyes. “Is that so, Evan?”
Evan nodded without hesitation. “Yes. Uncle was just asking how school went, nothing else.”
“Hm. Alright then. But if he asks anything else, co to imdiately. I’ll deal with it,” Rossy said sweetly—though Jason could sense the sharp undertone behind her smile.
Jason cleared his throat, trying to change the subject. “Okay, okay. Eat your food before it gets cold.”
“Got it,” Evan said and dug in. The conversation died after that.
Lunch passed in peaceful silence. Evan leaned back afterward, content, rubbing his stomach with a satisfied smile.
Rossy, happy that Evan enjoyed her cooking, began clearing the plates with a gentle smile on her face.
Then Jason turned to Evan.
“Hey, about that letter I gave you this morning...”
Evan blinked, half-drowsy from the al. “Oh right, I nearly forgot about that.”
Rossy returned from the kitchen, drying her hands. “Sothing wrong?”
“No, no. I was just asking if Rick ntioned anything,” Jason replied.
Rossy’s expression shifted, concerned. She leaned in. “Did your stinky old principal say anything weird? Anything about us?”
Evan shook his head. “Nope. Mr. Rick just read the letter and had a teacher escort to my class.”
He kept the rest hidden, honoring his promise to Rick.
“Alright. What section did they assign you to?” Jason asked. His letter had clearly ntioned placing Evan in a non-problematic section.
“Section A,” Evan said with a grimace. “Honestly, it caused more problems than I expected. Every teacher stared at like I was so zoo animal. One even went to ask the principal about .”
Rossy and Jason exchanged a glance.
“And nothing else?” Jason pressed.
“Nothing. Just told to catch up by doing extra work.”
They nodded in understanding. It wasn’t unexpected, but still annoying.
“Alright, go study sothing useful. You’ll need it,” Jason said.
“Right,” Evan nodded and stood up, walking to the door—but paused mid-step.
“Oh, and... Mr. Rick said your plan was perfect. You guys can et up when you’re ready.”
Jason’s eyes lit up slightly. “Alright. I’ll talk with the others and set a ti.”
Evan gave a slight nod and exited the apartnt.
The hallway was empty.
“Looks like everyone’s resting,” he muttered, ascending the stairs to the first floor.
When he reached his door, he paused. The girl’s not here.
He sighed in relief, unlocked the door, and entered.
At first, he thought about taking a nap. But he knew that would ss up his sleep later—and he had school in the morning.
So instead, he sat at his desk, pulled out his notes, and started catching up.
Literature and mathematics. His favorites.
Ti passed.
anwhile, back in Rossy and Jason’s apartnt...
Jason sat at the table, his brows furrowed. “Damn it. I told him to place Evan in a less problematic section, and now this.”
He considered calling Rick to chew him out, but Rossy stopped him.
“You think that old fart didn’t say anything to Evan? I don’t buy it. Rick always opens his mouth. He probably said sothing—Evan’s just covering for him.”
Jason stayed silent, but the crease in his forehead deepened.
Rossy crossed her arms. “And you’re not mad he didn’t ntion the whole adoption thing to Evan?”
“I am mad,” Jason said firmly, “but we’ll deal with it at the gathering. Let him think Evan didn’t tell us anything. That’ll be our edge.”
Rossy looked at him for a mont... and nodded.
“Fine. I’ll handle so chores. You go get your... ‘secret tasks’ done.”
Jason gave her a knowing look and left.
Rossy sank into the sofa and turned on the TV.
—Back in Evan’s apartnt.
He stretched after finishing his notes and leaned back in his chair.
“Let’s call it a day.”
Outside the window, the sun was setting, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and gold.
“Huh, past six already... Ti flies.”
He stood up, packed his books, plugged in his phone—now fully charged—and locked the door behind him.
Downstairs, the streets were alive with evening strolls. Families and residents walked about, chatting.
As Evan stepped outside, he took the chance to greet the neighbors. Many were surprised—they hadn’t noticed him around before.
After exchanging polite hellos, Evan began walking down the street, blending into the calm rhythm of the evening.
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