Max Is a Kind Guy

After classes ended, there wasn't much worth mentioning. Max remembered falling asleep during lunch and only being woken up when the next classes were about to begin.

Devon also told him about how Sam had confronted her for punching Tyler along with his friend, which was quite amusing given that her boyfriend also had a penchant for punching people.

On another note, the debate they had prepared alongside another three-person team was scheduled for Friday. This meant they had nothing else to do at school after that.

After classes, they agreed to meet with Bert to discuss the debate, so Max and Devon waited for him outside the school.

"Are you sure it'll fit behind the seats?" Devon murmured, eyeing Max's car and noting how small the back seats were.

Max glanced at the car and sighed. "This isn't a family car, but the back seats are decent enough."

"Now that I think about it..." Devon nodded, inspecting the car more closely.

"I'm here, guys!" Bert called out as he hurried out of the school with a huge backpack. He seemed a little nervous, occasionally glancing at Max and then quickly looking away.

"Took you long enough. Get in, and let's get out of this reform school," Max said, aware that people's curiosity often drew stares. What bothered him was Bert's awkward reaction.

What, am I a freak?

"Reform school?" Bert asked, confused by Max's remarks.

"It's just a joke he makes," Devon explained, noticing Bert's nervousness and trying to ease the tension. "He always says school isn't much different from a prison, a reform center, or a workplace."

"He's not wrong," Bert replied with a nervous smile before getting into the car.

"So, I'm not crazy," Max said, settling into the driver's seat and starting the engine.

They decided to help Bert because he was part of their team. He wasn't like the many idiots they'd worked with before, so Max generously invited him to grab some pizza while they went over the debate material.

When they arrived at a small pizzeria not far from school, Devon frowned slightly and asked, "Is this where you wanted to go?"

Max shook his head. "This place is closer to Bert's house. I thought he'd feel more comfortable eating here."

Hearing this, Devon was taken aback. She knew Max could be considerate of others, but this was over the top. He had never done something like this for anyone before—maybe escaping school had made him a bit odd.

Max spent a while studying the menu. When Bert returned from the restroom, he said, "Order whatever you like. I usually eat a whole pizza by myself, but since I've never been here before, I'll keep it light."

Past experiences with questionable restaurant food had taught Max to be cautious. Despite his tolerance for strange foods, he'd often end up with stomach issues.

Devon smiled at the memory and said, "I can't forget how you nearly missed a competition because of food poisoning."

"That's not even remotely funny," Max replied, visibly annoyed by the reminder.

"Then I'll order something small too." Bert said, feeling it was easy to get along with these two, much easier than he had expected.

"Rationing? Come on, man. Order the whole menu!" Max said, eyeing Bert, who seemed like he could use some muscle.

"It's not necessary."

People Bert's age with good looks often acted like jerks. Kyler was a prime example of the typical school jock: unbothered by bullies and dating someone popular.

Bert had assumed Max was the same—a guy from a wealthy family with luxury cars and a limited circle of friends. Though Bert had never spoken to him before, Max was well-known at school.

Bert smiled faintly and said, "I'll just get a milkshake."

Noticing Bert's reluctance, Max patted his shoulder and said, "Don't worry. I'm treating, and Devon's paying."

Devon frowned but said nothing. She didn't mind paying for a meal, especially since Max usually covered most expenses. However, the way he said it was clearly meant to tease her.

"Don't worry about it," she reassured Bert. "This is our treat. If you feel bad, you can invite us next time."

Max grinned and added, "You heard her! Order the biggest pizza. If you can't finish it, take it home."

After placing their orders, they ended up with two pizzas since Max wanted to keep it light. Despite Devon pointing out that eating an entire pizza or a slice wouldn't make much of a difference, he ignored her.

Sometimes, experiences without overthinking are the best. You worry less about the details and move forward with what you know, even if it means lacking a solid theoretical or scientific foundation.

"Now that we've sorted out the general topics for the debate, there's no need to keep discussing it," Max said. He usually didn't spend much time on the debate club and preferred to leave school-related matters at school.

Today, however, the dojo was officially opening, and statistics suggested it would attract many new students.

"See you at the club," Bert said, getting up to leave.

Max nodded. "I can drive you home."

"No, thanks. I want to walk to digest the food better, so it's no problem." Bert appreciated Max's offer but declined, not wanting to impose further.

Before Bert left, Max handed him a flyer. "If you want to build some muscle, come to Cobra Kai. We'll help you bulk up."

This time, Devon didn't stop him. Sometimes, it was better to let someone make decisions that helped them breathe easier.

"So, should we stop by your place, or head straight to the dojo?" Max asked Devon as she exited the restaurant.

"Let's go home first. I need to grab my uniform."