Part 1 (1): Warm Hugs, Flashback

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?”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***