My Idle System

While Christian went through the rehearsal and other procedures for the graduation, even taking a few pictures with a couple of female classmates before the actual ceremony started, his mind still remained on his sister.

He had a pressing question in his mind that he couldn't shake.

Will he ever come to know how deep his sister's emotions are toward him?

"As you embark on your next chapter, remember the importance of connections. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Collaboration and support from others can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Whether in your professional life or personal endeavors, building relationships will help you grow and expand your horizons. Don't hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and learn from others."

As Christian sat in the graduation venue with the other graduating students, listening to the speech from the school staff, or was it an alumni? He didn't pay much attention to it anyway. A speech about connections and relationships didn't interest him; such speeches were abundant online, after all, and his mind was still on his sister.

"We can't wait to see the incredible things you will accomplish. Thank you!"

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But as his speech ended and applause erupted all around, creating a resonant wave of enthusiasm that filled the venue and uplifted the spirits of everyone present, Christian realized it was now time for the valedictorian's speech, followed by the presentation of degrees. So, he decided that he should at least try to be nicer to his sister later while focusing on the graduation ceremony for now.

After all, while the question about his sister could occupy Christian's thoughts for a lifetime, this graduation ceremony was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. His sister was also filled with anticipation and excitement about it, so he should give it some attention, if not for anything else, then for her sake.

"Alright, I know my jokes are about as popular as a pop quiz on a Monday morning. But seriously, if all else fails, remember: I'm here for my valedictorian speech, not my comedy special! So let's all just pretend these jokes are as good as my GPA!"

'Wow.'

'Is he trying to be funny?'

As Christian listened to the top student, who had maintained his position as the top student throughout all four years of high school and was now giving his valedictorian speech, he first noticed the student's plain appearance. Then, after hearing his speech, he couldn't help but think that even the top student had something he wasn't good at.

'Or is the problem that he is trying to be funny? Which clearly, he is not suited for?'

While having many thoughts and seeing how some students surprisingly stifled their laughter, something he found even more astonishing, the top student's speech finally came to an end.

Then, upon seeing Olivia approach the stage to deliver her speech next, Christian perked up, giving her his full attention. He was genuinely curious about what she would say. After all, Eva had confirmed to him that she would also be in the audience, so he wondered how Olivia would perform in front of her mother and how she would handle her speech before the entire school.

But, thinking of Eva and how they hadn't arranged to meet, he realized it was possible they could run into each other by chance. This thought filled him with mixed emotions, and he wasn't sure how to handle it if it happened, feeling it might be a little early for a meeting involving his sister. Regardless, Christian returned his attention to Olivia as she began her speech.

"Good afternoon, esteemed faculty, honored guests, and my fellow graduates.

As I stand before you today, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey we have shared and the future that lies ahead…"

Christian, upon hearing the typical normal beginning of Olivia's speech, was surprised, as he expected something different, or maybe it was to be expected since her mother was also present?

While he began to feel disappointed by the lack of something different in her speech, Olivia didn't betray his expectations and proved him wrong; the beginning was normal, but the rest of her speech drifted off in a different direction after all.

"I genuinely admire the creative minds among us, those who dare to challenge conventions. It reminds me of the finer things in life, the exquisite balance of tastes, where the richness of experience meets the elegance of form. While I may excel in certain realms, I take great pleasure in recognizing the diverse talents that surround me, each of you contributes in ways that can be quite… refreshing."

Seeing the clear sense of superiority emanating from Olivia, both in her tone and her speech, something he hadn't felt at all from Eva, Christian suddenly grew curious about how they could be so different.

Then, reflecting on the three speeches he had heard, he realized that, in the end, the alumni's speech had actually been the most normal of them all.

In the end, the graduation ceremony continued, Christian found that aside from considering Olivia's speech and her presence amusing and funny to watch, especially since she was Eva's daughter, there was nothing else that truly captured his attention.

As Christian looked at the stage where they were now presenting degrees to the students, he waited for his turn while grumbling, feeling that they should have prepared better chairs for the ceremony.

'Actually, even the chair desks in the classroom can't be considered comfortable, so how did I endure all this time in high school?'

Christian couldn't help but praise himself as he thought of all kind of things he went through in his high school.

"Now, it's my pleasure to present a diploma to our next graduate, Christian White!"

Hearing his name, Christian walked toward the stage, feeling as if nothing much remained. As for the loud cheers and applause, he didn't expect much, and didn't hear much, which felt completely natural to him.

"Chriiiiiis!"

But maybe he hadn't taken into account his sister, who, for the first time, made him realize just how loud her voice could be. He couldn't help but turn his head toward her direction, even though she was a little far away.

He saw her holding the camera in one hand while waving at him with the other, garnering a lot of attention from those around her because of her behavior, or is because of her appearance? Anyway, she was still quite noticeable.

But he only took a quick glance, knowing he couldn't stop and risk making a mistake here.

'Wait why I can't?'

While he suddenly questioned the authenticity of his thoughts, the assistant principal continued with the presentation.

"Christian has been a good student who made a transformation at the end of his school life, becoming more diligent in his studies, and we know he is destined for great things!"

Hearing the new evaluation the school was giving him this time, and how they went out of their way to highlight it unlike the other students, Christian couldn't help but wonder if they were being shameless or simply trying to make up for what they had done to him previously.

Still, he walked toward the principal holding the degree, who greeted him with a strange smile that he probably thought was warm. However, Christian found it creepy and felt an urge to punch him because of it.

But he held himself back and shook the principal's hand normally.

"Congratulations, Christian! We're so proud of you!"

"Thank you," he replied politely.

Then briefly took a pose for the photo, and finally returned to his seat, questioning why graduates couldn't just go to their family, relatives, friends, or others when receiving their diplomas. What was the point of returning to their seats?

Christian found himself questioning many things today, from the big to the small. Even so, the ceremony continued, with the presentation of degrees finally coming to an end and the principal preparing to deliver the closing speech.

"Take what you've learned here, both in and out of the classroom, and use it to shape the path ahead. Remember that setbacks are just steps toward growth, and your determination and character will guide you through whatever comes next."

But while it was brief, shorter than the speeches given by the top student and the alumni, Christian couldn't shake the strange feeling that the middle part of the principal's speech was directed at him. Or maybe, he was just overthinking it?

But as the assistant principal took over and declared the conclusion of the ceremony, followed by a burst of noise and music, Christian decided to brush aside his thoughts. He stood up and quietly made his way toward the exit, heading for his sister.

With his scores already known and his diploma now in hand, he wondered why he should stick around any longer. He didn't have any friends to gather with, and the formal recessional held no interest for him, after all.