On a sunny day in July 2024, many students from different places in junior high school become new students at Peony Senior High School for the first time, make new friends from different places, exchange contacts, share social media, and make some plans after finishing school. Kevin, a 16-year-old boy, doesn't need to get to know each other because he has always been with Jay since childhood. Hang out after school? It's too boring for Kevin. He had played with him so many times, and that's why he called Jay his best friend.

Jay: "Kevin? Why are you here?"

Kevin: "I should ask you first why you are always around me all the time." Kevin gave an annoyed stare.

Jay: "lol. I didn't expect we would meet here and will be together for the next 3 years."

Kevin: "Up to you."

Jay: "By the way, how was your holiday in Japan? Did you enjoy it?"

Kevin: "Yes, I did. It's the best experience ever."

Jay: "I think it's not the best compared to your experience in your mom's village before, right?"

Kevin: "I'm going to kick your ass if you say that again, Jay."

Kevin was looking far to the corner of the parking lot full of people. Some of them scream very loud, like they got some gift from their special. He looked curious about that person and still continues to find out who he or she is. But he can't get it because it's too crowded there.

Jay: "Are you looking for someone?"

Kevin: "Eumm... no. I just admire the view of this school. It's beautiful, right?"

Jay: "What view? I don't see anything beautiful. You just see the trash place beside the parking lot."

Kevin still looked at the person seriously; Jay caught it.

Jay: "Hmm... I think I already know the answer."

Kevin: "What?"

Jay: "You look like that girl wearing a purple jacket, right?"

Kevin: "Seriously, Kevin."

Jay: "Awww, don't be mad. I'll treat you after this, okay?"

(The bell is ringing.)

Kevin: “That’s kind of you. See you later.” (Kevin ran to the school yard very fast).

Jay: “Why are you so energetic, Kevin? Even in school lol.” (He spoke in his mind).

New students of Peony High School lined up on the school yard for the school introduction. They are checked one by one by seniors if they brought what seniors have said a long time ahead. Jay looks to have prepared all of the stuff, but Kevin probably forgot several parts to put in his bag last night.

Seniors: “So guys, have you prepared all the stuff?”

All: “Yes, we have.”

Seniors: “Okay, now we want to check it first before continuing to the other section. Put your bag in front of you guys. Come on, fast, fast, fast!!

Jay: “Kevin, are you okay? Why do you look pale?”

Kevin: “No way. I have put it in my bag.”

Jay: “Kevin. Calm down. We can tell the seniors about this. Don’t panic.”

Kevin: “No, Jay, I’m okay. I just need to check all this stuff.”

Kevin still continued checking his bag while Jay was calming down Kevin because he knew that his friend has a panic attack, but Kevin didn’t listen to his friend.

Kevin: “ARGGHH, I’m screwed up, man. Where is my notebook?? I have put it in the bag. And now, he’s gone. Why do I always do the same thing every time I have to prepare important things like this?”

Jay: “Kevin, listen to me. You have to calm down yourself first. Everyone’s looking at us.”

People around him were staring at Kevin because of the noise, and it’s the same with seniors. They came to Kevin and asked for the stuff, but Kevin has no idea how to explain it.

Ten: “Can you show me your stuff? We haven’t checked yours, right?”

Kevin got a shock because the senior appeared quickly. He tried to make some good reason for hiding this matter, but he was already panicking.

Kevin: “Eumm, sorry. I think I forgot to bring the notebook.”

Ten: “WHAT?? Why don’t you bring the important stuff like this? Are you looking down on us all?”

Kevin: “I’m so sorry, senior. I have put the notebook in my bag, but I don’t know where it went.”

Ten: “So do you think your notebook has its feet?! You’d better get punished by the president. You even put on a lot of powder on your face.”

Jay: “Excuse me, I’m so sorry, my friend looks tired. I think we should get him rest for a while.”

Ten: “Can you keep on being silent? You want to bring yourself into big trouble, little bro.”

Kevin: “Jay, please.”

Jay’s mad at that senior because of his selfishness, but he didn’t know how to act.

(Parking lot)

On the road through the school’s gate, Zack, with flowers and cake in his hands, met Mr. Sam and made a short conversation.

Zack: “Good morning, Mr. Sam.”

Mr. Sam: “Good morning, Zack. Wow, it looks like you have a lot of girlfriends.”

Zack: “No, I just received their gifts so I can go on my purpose.”

Mr. Sam: “Hahaha, you seem like me when I was your age. I got so many flowers from the girls, and not just flowers, it was chocolate cake with a letter on it.”

Zack got confused about how to express himself in a kind of weird conversation with Mr. Sam. He talked too much and it didn't look like a real story, but still listen to him.

Zack: “Mr. Sam, could you take my flowers for a while? I have something to talk to the president about.”

Mr. Sam: “Oh yeah, sure.”

Zack runs into the President’s office.

Mr. Sam: “Wait. What? For real?”

In another situation, a guy was in the parking lot before Zack; he met the principal to talk about some program he made before.

(Zack knocked on the door.)

President: “Coming… Ooh, Zack, what’s bringing you here?”

Zack: “Good morning, President. I have something to tell you. It’s about a project for a student.”

President: “Sure, go ahead. I’m listening to you.”

Zack: “So, me and my friends have discussed this project for a long time because it’s hard for us to make a decision about our first project that includes all the students in school.”

President: “What do you mean by ‘all students?”

Zack: “We want to go on a study tour with all students in school, including new students.”

The president was shocked by what he said.

President: “What? Are you serious? This is possible, Zack. I mean, we can’t handle this thing. Besides, we don’t have much money to take care of all the students. Why do I mind thinking about this weird project?”

Zack: “I’m sorry, President; I know this will happen to us.”

President: “Zack, you should discuss this, not just all of you. You can ask teachers for consideration of whether this is good or bad.”

Zack: “Thank you for your advice, President. I will talk about this with the others afterwards.”

President: “Zack, I believe in you. I know it’s hard for you to understand others. But it’s your responsibility. You have to anticipate the risk of what you guys have discussed. I’m just helping you to consider your decision.”

Zack: “(Zack smiled). Thank you, President.”

Zack left the president’s office and went to the school yard to look around. He saw something happened during the event and tries to find out about it.

Zack: “Ana, what happened?”

Ana: “Oh Zack, morning. It’s just new students who break the rules. You know, some people used to do that when they were children.”

Zack: “But why does he punish him a lot?”

Ana: “Zack, seriously? He hasn’t even started yet. You’re exaggerating.”

Kevin begged the senior to allow him to go home and bring his notebook quickly, but the senior didn’t allow him to leave the school. Unfortunately, he has no choice. Kevin has to run around the field 10 times.

Kevin: “Please, can I go home and get the notebook? I will come quickly.”

Ten: “Sorry, kid. You are not allowed to do that. It’s dangerous.”

Kevin: “No, it’s not. I will call my mom to take me home.”

Ten: “So you’re telling your mom that you get punished by seniors and then get your notebook to make this thing clear?”

Kevin: “What?? No. I won’t tell my mother about this. I promise.”

Ten: “Do you think we believe in you?”

Kevin’s mad at the senior. He can’t blame him for this situation because he was the problem in this case.

Ten: "Everyone on the field, go to the school hall right now! Kid, we clear it fast. You run around the field for ten times, and then I allow you to join the event again."

Kevin: "Ok. I agree with you."

Senior: "Good boy... What are you waiting for? Go ahead."

Kevin started to run around the field while the senior watched him from a distance.

Ten: "You only have 10 minutes, kid. Go fast."

(Zack walked up to him.)

Zack: "Do you enjoy the film, my friend?"

Ten: "(Look behind). Hey, my man, my king. How's your day?"

Zack: "So far, it's good."

Ten: "Hahaha. I'm glad to hear that. By the way, how about our project? Did the president approve it?

Zack: "I don't think it'll be a good idea, man."

Ten: "Oh come on. What's wrong with my idea? If we can go together, then let's make it happen!"

Zack: "It's hard to believe that we can handle all the students. You know what I mean, right?"

Ten: "Hmm. So, you mean we cancel the project and change to the new one?"

Zack: "I don't say that."

Ten: "Then what?"

Zack: He thought for a moment. "Maybe we can decrease the number of the students; we can select several students from each class or select one class level. How about that?"

Ten: "Wow, my president. You are the greatest! How can you think about that while we are busy with our event? Your parents raise their children well."

On the other hand, Kevin still ran around the field, and his body was trembling. He was too exhausted to run any further. His vision started to blur, and he felt dizzy a lot. Kevin stopped running. Pain shot through his head as he held it tightly.

Kevin: "Please, give me the strength to run. Don't pass out! Do not pass out, Kevin! You can do it. Only two laps left."

Senior: "Hey boy, what are you doing there? Go on! Heuh, such a weak guy."

Kevin started to faint, but Zack caught him. Kevin fell into the safety of a warm embrace. He was half conscious, stared deeply into Zack's eyes, and felt a hug that was completely new, unlike anything before, and very warm... so warm... He lost consciousness and fell.

Kevin, in his dream, met someone but didn't know him. A young boy wore a warm blue jacket stared at Kevin; it looks like he has known Kevin for a long time. Trying to remember the kids that were similar when he was in the past.

Kevin went through him, trying to approach the kid.

Kevin: "Hey boy, you look very cute with that warm jacket."

The kid didn't reply to him; he still stared at Kevin and made him confused about what was wrong with him.

Kevin: "Are you alone?" Where are your parents? Why aren't they with you?"

Kid: "I don't want to live with my father."

Kevin: "What do you mean, boy? He's your parent."

The kid, still silent, started smiling for no reason. Kevin's wondering what's on his mind. He asked for the second time about his parents, and the kid pointed at someone behind Kevin. Kevin turned to look behind, and there was a guy with a blurry face, holding a stick, a big stick. Kevin's trying to step back, run away from that guy, but he was running into Kevin....

Kevin: (running). "Who are you... please... Stop.... I can't

anymore...stop!!

He fell; he can't stand up. He hurt his ankle badly, and the guy caught him.

Kevin woke up from his dream and found himself in the school clinic, but there was no one person in his room. Trying to remember everything that he had experienced, but his head was getting hurt so bad.

Kevin: "MOM!!...Where am I... (Kevin looked round). Ahhh, my head! What was just happening to me... Who's that child... Who's the person...why...why was he trying to catch me?"

(Someone knocked on the door.)

Nurse: "Ohh. Finally, you wake up. I thought you would stay in school until tomorrow. Are you okay, young man?"

Kevin: "What happened to me?"

Nurse: "You passed out after running too long. What did you do that made you unconscious?"

Kevin: "(Kevin just kept quiet)."

Nurse: "Oh. Haha...sorry for crossing the line. I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable with me."

Kevin: "No, it's fine. I just feel a bit dizzy. Could you give me some water, please?"

Nurse: "Sure. Here. Anything else, young man?"

Kevin: "No thanks."

(The nurse left Kevin alone.)

Kevin looked at the clock that showed 12 o'clock. He got up from the bed, and suddenly Zack was about to open the door while he opened it. He was shocked when that tall guy stood up in front of the door.

Kevin: "Oh gosh!"

Zack: "Are you okay? You look pale."

Kevin: "Eumm, I'm okay. I'm just... a little bit tired."

Zack: "Have you had lunch? Do you want my lunch?"

Kevin: "No need. (He left Zack)."

After staying in the bedroom for a long time, finally Kevin got out, and when he tried to take all his stuff in the bag, he saw Jay at the park buying snacks.

Kevin: "What are you doing?"

Jay: "KEVIN!! I miss you, my best friend. So, tell me, how was your first experience of fainting?"

Kevin: "lol. Are you kidding? It's... I don't know."

Zack left the room and noticed Kevin and Jay chatting.

Jay: "This fruit skewer is for you. I promised to treat you, didn't I?"

Kevin: "Woahh, thank you. You're the best haha."

Jay: "Always. By the way, I put your bag on the school wall. I'm kind of wondering, what are the things that you put in your bag? It's so heavy."

Kevin: "There is no heavy thing in that. I just bring a pencil case and my lunch box."

Jay: "But...why is it so heavy?"

(The bell was ringing.)

Seniors: "Guys...listen to us. Time for you to rest has finished. You should get back to the school wall."

Jay: "You should eat fast. You have no time to think about anything right now."

Kevin: "Okay, okay."

Ten: "Hey, you. The fainting guy. I'm not done with you."

Jay: "Seriously?? You punished him a lot. You can't be like that."

Ten: "Yes, I can. Who are you? my mother? You don't even know my name."

Jay: "Yes, I do. (Jay looks at his name tag). Oh, so your name is Ten?"

Ten: "Yes, little boy. You look at my name tag."

Jay: "No wonder. Your name says you're just a perfect 10, but you aimed for 100. That's why you always fail in the subject."

Some people laughed at Jay's joke. Lay, his friend, persuaded Ten to end this, but Ten refused to give in; he gave Jay a warning to not get involved.

Lay: "Ten, I think it's enough embarrassing yourself around people."

Ten: "Listen to me, freaky boy. I give you a warning to not get involved with me, or you'll know what the risk of your action is."

Lay: "Ten, enough. It's time to do our job."

In the late afternoon, both Kevin and Jay were going home to take a rest after draining their energy a lot. Kevin saw his mother waiting for him to go back home, while Jay just took a break to buy some snacks. Zack was looking around the park just to look for that young boy, and suddenly Ana appeared behind him.

Ana: "Gotcha. What are you looking for?"

Zack: "Nothing. I just want to get some fresh air."

Ana: "Yeah. After this hard job for you, you better get some rest. Or do you want to have dinner with me, President?"

Zack: "No, I'm fine. Thank you for the offer."

Ana: "Really? I think you don't want to hang out with me again."

Zack: "It's not like that. I have something to do. I'm sorry, I've got to go. Bye."

Ana: "What a busy man."

(Zack left Ana.)

Ana smiled at Zack. She accidentally saw Ten start his motorcycle; it seems like he got ready to go somewhere.

Ana: "Hey man. What's up?"

Ten: "Oh...Ana... Nothing."

Ana: "What's wrong with you, man? Are you going to some place?"

Ten: "Yeah. You know, having fun. I don't want to get more stressed."

Ana: "How about we go to the cafe near your house? I want to ask you about something."

Ten: "Ah, come on. I don't want to go there. If you want to talk about important things, just say it now."

Ana: "I'll pay for you."

Ten: "DEAL."

Ana: "Heuh. Such a bad guy."

Zack arrived at his father's company. He walked up into a room and met his father to talk. He stopped for a while, taking a deep breath, trying to calm himself down before entering the room. He gently opened the door, walked towards him, and saw his father sitting in his chair.

Zack: "Dad."

Father: "Take a seat."

Zack: "Do you have something to tell me again? If it's about your business and your new wife, I'm done." (Zack's leaving his father.)

Father: "You don't know what happened between us. I paid a lot of money to your school. I worked a lot just for us. Why don't you listen to me?"

Zack: "I will listen to you, except about your partner. I've had enough of you and her."

Father: "You have no shame."

Zack left the room, leaving his father behind. He's mad about something that he can't receive from his father. The world seems unfair for him. His life had changed since he was left by his mom because of a car accident. His mother was always by his side, playing together all the time, and now, he just sat at the corner while looking at his mother's photo that exists only in memory now. He even imagined right now how it could be a wonderful day if his mother got along with him and was proud of what her son did for her and for himself.

(Zack held a photo of his mother.)

Zack: "I just want you to see me right now. I'm messed up, Mom. I have done everything that you want... I miss you... I miss you so much. I hope you're doing well there."