Chapter 13: Chapter 13 - Folder
Lena walked out of the kitchen holding a glass of water and headed straight for the sofa where Lucas was lying down.
"You really have no intention of getting up from this sofa, do you?" Lena asked, her tone casual but laced with sarcasm. She placed the glass on the small table next to Lucas and crossed her arms.
Lucas opened his eyes and looked at Lena with a weak smile. "I'm just exhausted after everything that's happened lately, Lena. Sorting out my life is a full-time job, you know?"
Lena raised an eyebrow. "And so far, how much progress have you made?"
Lucas fell silent, trying to come up with a reasonable answer. But before he could respond, another system notification appeared before him, this time with a more mocking tone.
---
[System Notification]
Your current life progress: 5%.
Note: If this were a game, you would've already failed the tutorial.
---
Lucas nearly choked when he read the notification. He muttered internally, This system really loves humiliating me at the worst moments.
Unaware of what had just happened, Lena sighed deeply, squinting at Lucas. "See? You don't even have an answer. Honestly, I don't know how you've survived this long. Your apartment's a mess, your job is vague at best, and you still have time to experiment with rainbow hair."
Lucas sat up lazily and ran a hand through his hair. "I still have a plan, Lena. I just… need more time."
Lena rolled her eyes. "You've been saying that since the first time you left Greenville . 'Need more time.' 'Working on something.' But so far? Nothing."
Lucas wanted to argue, but he knew Lena was right. He'd been drifting through life aimlessly, and the system that was supposed to help him seemed more intent on delivering snarky comments than actual solutions.
Seeing Lucas remain silent, Lena let out a long sigh. She sat down on the sofa next to her brother. "Listen, Lucas. I'm not trying to be mean. I'm just… worried. You can't keep living like this. If you need help, I'm here."
Lucas turned to Lena, a bit surprised by the seriousness in her tone. "I know, Lena. And I appreciate it. I just… I don't want you to feel burdened by my problems."
Lena gave a faint smile, this time without any sarcasm. "Even if you say that, you've always been a burden to others." She still managed to sneak in a jab.
Lucas smirked weakly.
"By the way, I need to use your PC for a bit. Unlock it for me!" Lena demanded.
The two of them went into Lucas's room, where Lena immediately plopped down on the chair in front of his PC, which sat next to his bed.
Without hesitation, Lucas unlocked the computer, which was on the desk beside his bed. He flopped onto the bed casually while Lena started using the PC. A moment later, Lucas felt a pang of unease—he'd forgotten to hide his video collection.
Lena moved the mouse, exploring some folders with curiosity. "What's this, Lucas?" she asked, pointing to a suspiciously titled folder named "My Favorite."
Lucas turned to look, panic flashing across his face, but it was too late. Lena had already clicked on the folder. The screen immediately played a loud hentai video:
"Onii-chan! Yamete kudasai!"
Lena froze for a few seconds, her expression shifting from confusion to suspicion. She turned to look at Lucas, who was now pale as a ghost. The atmosphere became unbearably awkward.
"Lucas," Lena said quietly, her tone like a teacher catching a student cheating. "So… this is your taste?"
Lucas tried to explain, but his words came out as incoherent mumbles. "I… it's just—"
Lena raised a hand, cutting him off. "Stop. I don't want to hear excuses. All I'm saying is, you need to change, Lucas. Find a real woman, not… this." She gestured toward the screen, her face half-amused.
Lucas could only scratch his head, utterly humiliated. But before the situation could get any worse, Lena suddenly narrowed her eyes, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.
"Wait," she said, her grin growing wider. "You're still a virgin, aren't you?"
Lucas shot her a startled look. "That's none of your business!" he retorted defensively.
His reaction only made Lena laugh even harder. "Oh my God, I'm right! My grown brother has never had a girlfriend!"
"Shut up, Lena!" Lucas tried to stop her laughter, but the more he reacted, the harder she laughed.
After a while, Lena's laughter subsided, and she smiled at him. But this time, her smile was softer. "You know, Lucas, this actually makes me happy. You're still kind of innocent. Maybe there's hope for you."
Lucas looked at her, confused and a little uncomfortable with the sudden change in mood. "What do you mean by that?"
"Ah, nothing," Lena said as she stood up. "But seriously, from now on, hide stuff like that. I don't want to find anything weird again, okay?"
Lucas just sighed, his face still flushed with embarrassment, he walked away, while Lena still chuckling to herself.