[Aspiration to the Heavens Spin-off Vol. 1] Heart of Magic (Completed)

Episode 32: Brother (Olivia)

I pointed at Elliot.

"You made it?" Thalia said, eyes wide.

Elliot puffed up his chest.

"Yup, I am a man of many wonders."

Alex covered his mouth and turned away.

"Hey!" Elliot yelled.

Mr. Tanaka followed Alex's lead.

"You truly are something, little bro."

"Brother?" I blurted out.

Mr. Tanaka nodded.

"You see, my real name is Xun Xian. Tanaka is my pen name. Elliot's real name is Zhuang Xian."

Elliot nodded.

"But I like better Elliot than Zhuang. It's easier for people here to remember."

"Wait. Why does your brother still wear girl clothes if he's older than eighteen?"

Elliot sighed.

"That's because big bro likes them. Grandfather and our aunt's husband are the same way. Though grandfather does dress in male clothing more often than either one of those two."

"Odd family," Thalia said, staring at Mr. Tanaka.

Mr. Tanaka let out a heart laugh.

"You could say we are a strange bunch."

"Aren't you annoyed that people think that you're a girl?" I said.

"Sometimes. But it always pleases me when someone can tell that I'm not."

My teacher flashed me an Elliot-like smile.

"Again, strange guy," Thalia said.

"Eh, I guess I am a tad strange. But what is the definition of normal?"

We all remained silent.