Chapter 1

He's just another face in the crowd, not that good looking but he has a decent face. He doesn't have many friends in his whole life, only the whip that his father is using to him.

After giving birth to Kael, his mother died with a smile but his father didn't take this kindly to him. Everyday, everynight, during my childhood I get whipped all the time and that leaves a mark to mt body, especially on his back that is filled with scars.

But despite all of that, he still doesn't hate his father. Especially now that his father is old and no one will take care of him.

"Father! Wake up, the food is getting cold."

Kael shouts from the kitchen. He grabs one plate and place it on the table where the food is. He then removes his apron and goes directly to the living room where his uniform is lying.

Not long after, his father comes out of his room. The wrinkles on his face shows that he's old now and the staff that is helping him stand and walk is a sign of his cancer and the toll it has taken on his once strong body.

As Kael watches his father slowly make his way to the table, a mix of emotions runs through his mind. Despite the years of abuse and pain, there is still a sense of duty and responsibility that tugs at his heart. He knows that despite everything, his father is getting older and more frail with each passing day.

"Sit down, Father. Let me serve you," Kael says softly, pulling out a chair for his father. He carefully serves the food, making sure his father has everything he needs.

As they eat in silence, the only sounds in the room are the clinking of utensils against plates. Kael steals glances at his father, trying to decipher the thoughts behind those aged eyes.

After finishing their meal, Kael helps his father back to his room. As he tucks him into bed, he can't help but feel a sense of sadness and regret for the life they've had together.

"Kael..." His father whispered. "I'm sorry for all the things I've done to you..." His voice is now weak and frail.

"Father, why are you saying that?" Kael asked, as he sits on the chair beside his father's bed.

His father reached out a trembling hand, clasping Kael's in a feeble grip. "I wasn't the father you deserved. I let my own pain cloud my judgment, and I took it out on you. I can never undo the wrongs I've done, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive an old man who knows he's running out of time."

Kael felt tears sting his eyes, a mixture of sorrow and compassion welling up within him. He squeezed his father's hand gently. "I never hated you, I always forgive you, Father. I always forgive you for everything."

His father's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and a small, grateful smile touched his lips. "Thank you, my son. I don't deserve your kindness, but I'm grateful for it." His father says, as the life dissipates on his eyes.

As Kael sits by his father's bedside, holding his hand, tears rolling down his cheeks, he listens to the last words of his father. In those final moments, amidst the silent whispers of forgiveness and acceptance, a heavy weight lifts off Kael's shoulders. Despite the years of pain and suffering, a sense of peace settles within him as he watches his father take his last breath.

3 DAYS LATER...

Kael is walking in the hallway of his school, he still remembered his father's last words, and the energy it took to delivers it to him. This world is not fair, he doesn't even get the chance to spend the life that he wants with his father.

As he walks in the hallway, tears starts to fall down from his eyes. He pulls a handkerchief and wipes his tears and smile, he's still grateful that he got to see the other side of his father that he never got to see in his childhood.

When he's about to turn into the stairs, he saw a box falling in front of him and he got a glimpse of a blue-haired girl who seems to be in a hurry.

Then the box hits him, and the world starts to roll before his eyes until he fall on the ground. The box's contents spill out to the ground, revealing a jumble of colorful paints, brushes, and canvases. Kael blinks rapidly, trying to make sense of what just happened. The blue-haired girl rushes over to him, apologizing profusely.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there," She exclaims, offering him a hand to help him up.

Kael looks up at her, his eyes still watery from the tears he shed moments ago. Her bright blue hair contrasts against the dull hallway, reminding him of the vibrant hues on the spilled canvases.

"President?" Kael manage to say, as he sees the blue-haired girl who is now holding her hands for him.

Shin, the student council president, quiet known for her clumsiness but don't let that confused you. She is a very smart young lady and also her beauty is what's makes her more popular with the boys.

As Kael takes Shin's hand and she helps him up, he can't help but notice how warm and reassuring her touch feels. Despite the accident, her presence seems to bring a sense of calm to his turbulent emotions.

"Are you alright?" Shin asks, her concern evident in her voice.

Kael nods, managing a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know someone was still here. I'm just getting this back to the art club but I tripped on the way down." Shin explains, her voice laced with urgency as she picks up the fallen art materials on the ground.

As Shin picks up the fallen art materials, Kael quickly helps her gather everything. He can't help but notice the intricate details on the canvases and the vibrant colors of the paints. Despite the unexpected encounter, a sense of curiosity starts to bloom inside him about the girl standing in front of him.

"It's okay," Kael says, handing her a few brushes that fell out of the box. "Do you need help taking these back to the art club?"

Shin looks up at him, feeling grateful for his assistance. "I would appreciate that, thank you."

As Kael and Shin gather the rest of the fallen art supplies, Kael lift the box from the ground and they start walking together towards the art club room. The hallway is quiet now, with most students having already left for the day. The gentle sound of their footsteps echoes against the walls as they make their way down the corridor.

As they walk, Kael steals glances at Shin, the sunset is reflecting on Shin's blue hair, making it shiny and beautiful. Shin noticed him staring and smiles, Kael quickly turn his head away, the redness on his cheeks are visible.

"I still haven't asked for your name yet, what is it?" Shin asked with a smile.

"I-It's Kael," He responds, glancing at Shin with a shy smile. "Sorry for not introducing myself earlier."

Shin chuckles softly. "No worries, Kael. It's nice to meet you too. Thanks for helping me with these supplies."

As they reach the art club room, Shin pushes open the door with her foot since her hands are full. The room is filled with colorful artworks hanging on the walls and the smell of dried paint lingers in the air.

"Thank you for helping me bring these back. I really appreciate it." Shin says, placing the art supplies on a table.

Kael put the box down on the table and looks away shyly, "N-No problem at all." He managed to say with a trembling voice.

Shin tilts her head slightly, studying Kael for a moment before speaking up. "Do you know that we're in the same class? Why are you so nervous?"

Kael chuckles nervously, scratching the back of his head. "I-I'm not good with people, probably that's why I'm nervous."

Shin smiles and approach Kael, "Ah, so that's why you're always at the back of the class."

Kael's cheeks turn an even deeper shade of red as Shin makes that observation. He shifts uncomfortably, trying to come up with a response.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that," Kael mumbles, feeling a mix of embarrassment and surprise that Shin had noticed his usual spot in the classroom.

Shin laughs softly, a warm and friendly sound that puts Kael at ease. "Don't worry, I understand. Sometimes it's nice to have a quiet corner to yourself."

Kael looks up at Shin, his gaze meeting hers. There's a hint of understanding in her eyes that makes him feel a sense of comfort he's not used to.

"Thank you," Kael says, a small nervous smile forming on his face.

Shin smiles back, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're welcome, Kael. And hey, if you want, you can stop by the student council, I'm mostly alone there and it's boring."

Suddenly, Kael feels a cold liquid flowing down to his uniform. He looks down and saw a bottle of red paint spilled on the table, leaking onto his shoes and staining his uniform. Kael's eyes widen in shock, and he quickly steps back to avoid getting more paint on himself.

Shin gasps, "Oh no, I'm so sorry! Are you okay, Kael?"

Kael nods, trying to hide his disappointment over the ruined uniform. "It's fine, accidents happen."

Shin rushes to grab some paper towels and kneels down beside Kael to help clean up the spill. As they both work to wipe off the paint, Kael can't help but notice how close they are. His heart races with embarrassment as Shin wipes down some of the red stain on his uniform.

After cleaning up the mess as best they could, Shin looks up at Kael with an apologetic expression. "I'm really sorry about that. Let me help you get your uniform cleaned up."

Just before now, his whole life is filled with sadness and traumatic experiences that he carries along wherever he goes. He doesn't know the whole meaning of life and he doesn't want to know. But this time changes the whole course of his life, meeting a girl that is filled with such a warm aura is a new experience to Kael, that he's been longing... for a long time.