He was Almost Absorbed by the System

Chapter One Hundred and Five - Requiem Knife

"No, Mr Secca," the teacher, Ms Cross said, with exaggerated patience and turned to rewrite the formula she had not long removed from the board. "Remember, the correct formula is [cosx dx] equals [sinx] plus [c] where c is a constant." The bell erupted indicating the end of the class. The students automatically began to pack away their things. Ms Cross rolled her eyes heavenward. In their last year of sixth form, but they still acted like brats the moment the last bell rang. "Alright, your homework is due tomorrow, no excuses. That means you Miss Greene, I don't care that your dog likes to eat pens, write in pencil if you must."

A bored looking youth watched his classmates hurrying before making any effort to stuff his pens into his pencil case and closing his books. As he reached for his bag, two shadows fell over him, causing him to glance upward. Charlotte Hughes, a busty false blond and Lizzie Hayward, a skinny girl flaunting her Jackson and Miller branded earrings, stood before his desk. He inwardly sighed. "Hey there," he said, leaning back in his chair as if he had all the time in the world.

"Hey, Owen," Charlotte smiled, her lips painted red. "We were wondering if you were busy next weekend?"

Owen Miller hid a sneer. Ever since someone had figured out that he was the Miller in Jackson and Miller, he had gained unwanted attention. Not that the brand really had anything to do with him. "Yes, I am," he replied. He picked up his bag and threw his things inside.

"That's a shame," Lizzie said, softly, while Charlotte pouted.

"Isn't it?" The boy replied, lifting the back over his shoulder as he rose to his feet. These girls had a couple of inches height on him thanks to their six inch heels meaning when they weren't wearing such stupid shoes, they weren't much shorter than him. He had wild wavy blond hair that did not remain styled no matter which hair products he used. His facial structure was soft, with no strong features and he had a few freckles scattered over the bridge of his nose. His eyes were the only unusual thing about him as they were large with iris's of pale blue. This was a private school, so everyone here had some degree of wealth. The only thing these girls saw in him was background and that link was looser than they realised, otherwise they would not bother with him now.

"Well maybe another time?" Lizzie suggested, but before he could agree or refuse (he was undecided which choice to make), a face that didn't bother him so much appeared in the classroom doorway.

"Owen, I want to return the pen I borrowed," Alexandria Hamilton, his childhood friend called out.

Owen sighed and walked towards her. "Keep it," he told her.

Her eyes widened. "Are you stupid?" She blinked, glancing at the pen, tiny crystals embedded in the black enamel handle. "Isn't this from your brother's new collection?"

"Not my brother, but yes." Branded stationary, Owen thought the idea was ridiculous, but there were obviously people who liked it, otherwise it wouldn't be sold. He laughed at himself, who was he to mock their buying habits when he wasted money on things that could only be used in a game? Not that he regretted purchasing those things though. They looked cool on his avatar.

Alexandria rolled her eyes. "Step-brother then," she corrected herself. She looked at the pen once more and noticed the glances of sheer envy from the two girls behind Owen in the classroom. A slight smile appeared on her face. "I can keep it? Are you sure you don't want it back?" She held out her hand, which was pushed back into her chest. His fingers were long and pale, but warm. A slight blush rose upon her cheeks.

"I'm leaving now," Owen told her and she nodded and watched him walk down the school corridor.

*****