Los Angeles (LA)

After their first encounter, Kai and Reed became best of friends, more like brothers. Reed became Kai's backbone, but despite their closeness, they had differences. Reed wanted to enjoy his school time, living by his motto: "...To be a king, you have to live like a King…". He sought to learn everything, good or bad, and graduate with a colorful certificate.

Kai, on the other hand, was a quiet kid, barely seen with anyone except Reed. Some pupils mistook them for brothers. Kai's goal was to finish school and return to Paris. Since his mother's death, he had never felt as free with anyone as he did with Reed. His father, a workaholic, provided little attention.

Neither Kai nor Reed disclosed their fathers' prominent statuses to anyone. Reed's father was a famous football star, and Reed faced teasing about his surname, "Kaida." He would smile and shrug off comparisons to his absent father.

One Sunday, everyone was indoor, arranging their stuff for the next day's school activities. The school hours were Monday to Friday, with weekends for rest and recreation. As they waited for the playground to open, Kai stayed back, picking a book and sitting by the window.

"What are you still doing here?" Reed asked, entering the room. "Are you sick? Should I get the school doctor?" Reed was concerned.

"No, I'm fine. I just don't feel like going out today," Kai replied, eyes fixed on the window.

Reed persisted, "Well, your actions don't support your statement. Something's bothering you. Come on, talk to me; I'm your friend."

Kai insisted, "Really, I'm fine. I just don't feel like going out."

Reed coaxed, "Okay, let's go together. I'll show you my new moves. I've been looking for someone to share them with."

Kai relented, "Okay, fine. You have ten minutes to show me. If it doesn't cheer me up, I'll leave you to it."

Reed and Kai headed to the playground. Reed showcased his impressive football skills, captivating Kai and the entire school. Even the sports master took notice.

As they finished, Ethan Rykoff approached them. "Don't tell me you still have strength to repeat it again. That's very impressive. You've got the whole school's attention."

Reed recognized Ethan from their previous encounter on the stormy night. Ethan shared the story of her sister's death and her father's mistrust of strangers.

The next morning, Kai searched for Reed in the dining room but couldn't find him. During class, Reed arrived late, looking dusty and disheveled.

"Where are you coming from, looking like someone with no home?" the teacher asked.

Reed remained silent, fearing the principal's involvement and his mother's concern.

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