Changes

"Thanks for the dinner. Next time, I'll come with a gift." Max stood at the door of the Díaz family home, expressing his gratitude for their hospitality.

Unexpectedly, this Latino family was incredibly kind, and for a moment, Max felt like he was part of a family. The feeling was ambiguous, but he knew he was among noble and trustworthy people.

As he left, he didn't forget to offer his jacket to Miguel as a gift. Since it was new, he didn't want Miguel to feel bad about accepting something used.

"Poor boy, do you know why he's blind in one eye?" Carmen looked at her son Miguel and asked.

"Mamá!" Miguel glanced at his mother, signaling that the question was too personal.

Carmen understood and said, "If he ever trusts you enough to tell you, then you'll know you've gained a true friend."

"I understand, Mamá." Miguel smiled as he admired the incredible jacket Max had given him. He'd never received such an expensive gift, and after checking the price online, he wasn't sure it was a good idea to keep it.

…

Max was on his way home with a slight smile on his face. "I guess this is what it feels like to belong somewhere."

Sharing life with someone, no matter how big or small the moment, Max was entirely certain that such a person would always consider you, no matter the situation.

For the first time, he felt it was good to open up to others—even his friends in China, who had only seen one part of his personality.

With some time left to adjust to life here, Max thought about all the things he could experience. "Well, I just hope I don't mess it up."

By the time he got home, it was night. Feeling energized, he decided to blow off some steam by training.

Bam!

In a large gym, Max moved from side to side, pounding a heavy sandbag.

His knuckles struck with precision on various points of the bag, simulating a human body.

Speed, pressure, strength, and agility—Max had trained every aspect where he thought he could fall behind others. So far, no one has ever defeated him in a confrontation.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

Just as Max increased his speed, he stopped when the doorbell rang repeatedly.

"Who could it be at this hour?" Max wiped his sweat, grabbed a self-defense weapon, and walked toward the door.

His long ponytail, damp from sweat, gave him a slightly disheveled appearance. Even so, he was ready to take down anyone who dared to threaten him.

But Max wasn't one to jump to conclusions.

When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Daniel, who said, "What a surprise—I thought you'd be asleep."

"Mr. LaRusso, is something wrong?" Max looked down and noticed a tray in Daniel's hands, which he then handed to him.

Daniel, who had brought Max some food, said, "My wife made a delicious meat loaf." I don't know if you'll like it, but you should eat it if you haven't had dinner yet."

Max was surprised but figured Daniel was either worried about him or simply felt pity. "Thank you. You didn't have to go through the trouble."

Still, Max appreciated the gesture, something no one had done for him before.

Daniel waved it off with a casual expression and said, "It's no trouble. By the way, were you working out?"

"Oh? A little. I usually train a lot to stay in shape. They say it's the easiest way to get a girlfriend these days," Max joked, flexing his muscles.

"Ha, ha, ha! The methods for winning over a girl these days sure are different from my time. Anyway, I won't keep bothering you. Eat it, and bring back the tray later—or my wife will kill me." Daniel said goodbye, leaving Max holding the tray of warm food.

Unexpectedly, there seemed to be more good people here than bad.

"This smells amazing."