Path of the Extra Chapter 373: Leo Karumi [7]

Leo refrained from killing Lia even on the day following her birth.

The next day brought the same outcome—Leo chose not to end Lia's life.

After a full week elapsed, Leo continued to spare her.

One month on, her constant cries pierced the night, disrupting his rest and tempting him greatly, but Leo always discovered some reason to hold back from killing her.

...His parents had never appeared so vibrant. Father spent more time at home. Mother displayed more sincere smiles.

This led Leo to ponder if Lia was indeed the source, implying that Leo alone wasn't sufficient. Or perhaps they simply cherished those unattractive, runny-nosed infants that deeply.

In any case, Leo couldn't transform into an infant. That would prove excessive even for him. Thus, he abandoned the notion of experimenting—whether masquerading as a baby would bring joy to his parents.

Instead, he pursued his usual strength.

Excelling above all.

A year went by.

Followed by several more years, each day presenting fresh justifications to avoid slaying that child.

*****

"Leo, why not join us for breakfast?"

Dressed in his uniform and prepared for school, Leo emerged from his room, intending to depart, when he spotted his mother in the kitchen. Truthfully, skipping breakfast had been his plan.

"Mom? Aren't you supposed to be working? Where's the nanny?"

He aimed to dodge meals with his younger sister or the nanny, yet today deviated from his routine. His mother, apron-clad, offered him a warm smile.

"I've chosen to take some days off to bond more with Lia—and with you, naturally."

Leo felt delighted that his mother cared for both her children. But when her eyes sharpened like a murderer's blades, he swiftly looked away.

"Come on, Leo. If the nanny were here instead of me, you'd skip breakfast and leave, wouldn't you?"

Rubbing the back of his neck, Leo opted for honesty.

"Uh... yeah, probably."

She let out a sigh.

"This kid... Leo, how often have I told you not to miss breakfast?"

"But... it's unavoidable. The nanny's voice causes me migraines. I'll gladly forgo breakfast to preserve my sanity!"

"Your witty remarks haven't softened with time... no, they've only sharpened further..."

She began loosening her apron ties.

"Anyway, you won't be tardy for school. Go sit at the table with Lia and wait."

"...Alright."

Obeying, Leo shuffled reluctantly to the table. En route, he observed Lia already there, clad in pink pajamas, her hair in twin tails. She rubbed her eyes sleepily with tiny hands, a stuffed tiger placed before her on the table.

Sighing while tousling his hair, Leo chose the seat across from her. She seemed to sense his presence; as her vision cleared and she focused on him, she recoiled, paling as if beholding a demon.

Elbow on the table, Leo supported his head with his hand.

"What is it?"

Lips pressed together, Lia shook her head, her twin tails swaying and tapping her own head, silently conveying "nothing."

"Lia, what have I told you about bringing Mister Whiskers everywhere?"

"Mom!"

Spotting their mother approaching, Lia gazed at her like a savior angel. Clutching Mister Whiskers, she dashed over and embraced her legs.

"Lia! No running! You could trip—and not while I'm carrying these hot plates!"

Lia remained silent, merely nuzzling against their mother's legs.

Their mother sighed once more, appearing exasperated already.

"Leo, it's barely morning. Why must you require so many warnings? Stop frightening your sister!"

Leo met her eyes blankly, feeling wrongly portrayed as the antagonist. Glancing at Lia, he detected amusement lurking in her gaze.

As this idea crossed his mind and he began envisioning outcomes, his mother and sister reached the table and took their seats opposite him.

The scent of French toast snapped him from his unchildlike musings, drawing his eyes to his plate.

His serving was French toast, while Lia's consisted of dinosaur-shaped cereal. His mother ladled a spoonful, cooled it with a puff, and fed it to Lia.

What purpose did those little arms serve?

"Leo, eat up before it cools."

"...Yes, Mom."

Savoring the tasty meal, he tuned into his mother initiating chat while dabbing milk from Lia's cheek.

"Don't you have a test today? Have you prepared?"

Leo's brows lifted in surprise.

"No? Why bother? I know it all, and the material seems straightforward... at least to me."

His mother smiled wryly.

"It's simple for you, sure. But not everyone finds it so. Even so, occasionally review the topics. Surprises can arise unexpectedly."

"Noted for next time."

Her gaze softened with reminiscence.

"Another year has sped by, hasn't it? The year's nearly over, so high school awaits soon..."

"Yeah..."

Leo barely cared. Everything remained unchanging.

"Have you thought about the student council in high school? Perhaps aiming for president? You skipped it in middle school to prioritize other pursuits, but... it could benefit you greatly."

Leo denied with a shake.

"It never appealed from the start. If high school changes that... I'll consider it, though I doubt it."

"True, with your academics and interests, your path is clear. Just persist..."

Leo flashed an impeccable smile.

"Naturally, Mom. No worries—no peer outshines me truly."

His mother laughed lightly.

"Good, if that's how it stays."

With that, she turned to feeding a restless Lia.

Leo began eating earnestly but stole a glance at his mother, squinting subtly.

He recalled her quarrel with father over her deceased sister...

Yet at times, Leo sensed...

If another motive existed...

No.

It held no importance.

Regardless of the cause...

Leo would pursue whatever brought his mother such joy.

And that meant being unparalleled.

*****

Navigating the school corridors en route to class by himself, Leo abruptly halted.

"Ugh... Left my bag at home..."

He tsked in irritation.

Not that he had.

"Ah, doesn't matter—I rarely use it anyhow."

Scoffing, he prepared to resume walking when a sudden pat landed on his back.

Leo stayed composed, neither jumping nor whirling aggressively, knowing only one besides his father dared such contact.

"Nathan... how often must I say, stop that?"

"Aw, man! I figured I'd catch you off guard this round!"

Nathan slung an arm over Leo's shoulders and leaned in, flashing a grin with gleaming white teeth and sparkling blue eyes.

Both boys had surged in growth, shedding their cherubic baby faces for taller, more striking teenage looks—still captivating, of course. Leo outshone Nathan in allure, naturally.

"Dude... middle school's wrapping up soon, huh..."

Leo rolled his eyes.

"But damn... never sharing a class once! Fate's ripping my buddy apart!"

"Don't label me your buddy. And behave normally."

"Huh? My performance not elite enough for you, mighty thespian deity?"

"Shut it—your breath reeks."

"Ha! Liar, I've got gum!"

"That's rule-breaking here."

"What, you the council now?"

"...For real. Quiet down."

Their playful jabs continued, Nathan irking him and Leo growing more irked as they proceeded. At last, they reached Leo's classroom, where Nathan released him grudgingly and they separated.

"Can't walk home together after school, heads up," Nathan mentioned abruptly before leaving, prompting Leo to cock his head.

"Dentist trip with Dad."

"Got it."

"Later."

"...Yeah, bye."

Stepping into class, Leo saw several students already present.

With poise, he made for the rear, to his window-side desk.

Maintaining a stoic expression, Leo settled in, crossed arms on the desk, laid his head down, and shut his eyes.

He sensed stares upon him. Likely not due to his bagless entry.

A timid, shaky voice from overhead broke his reverie.

"U-um... Leo? Leo, you awake?"

"A-are you truly asleep? Oh... maybe I should return later..."

"Just whack him!"

A classmate yelled.

Both irritated him.

Internally heaving a sigh, Leo lifted his head reluctantly. The girl peering down retreated, knocking into the rear chair, her face etched with anxiety.

Her black bob haircut and brown eyes gave her a slightly above-average appearance, leaning more toward "cute" than stunning, particularly given her petite stature.

Leo spotted the faint blush on her cheeks immediately.

"If... if it's okay... could we chat privately now or sometime today? W-whenever you're free, of course! I won't delay your—"

"Sure."

Leo interjected, weary of the stuttering frenzy.

"One hour post-school works. Practice first."

"O-one hour? That's... that's great! Totally ideal! Yes, ideal! See you then, after school!"

"Yeah, right here."

"Yes!"

The girl radiated joy, her face glowing as if kissed by sunlight, skin vibrant and healthy. She bid farewell and scurried to her spot, twisting back multiple times to wave.

Utterly bothersome.

Well... provided it remained within ordinary bounds, it was tolerable.

For all of this...

Was quite familiar.