The bell rang, echoing through the bustling hallways of Bangkok international school. Students poured out of classrooms, laughter and chatter filling the air. Among them, Leo, a small and soft-spoken boy with tousled hair and bright blue eyes, hurried to his locker, trying to blend into the crowd. He was used to being invisible, a target for the bullies who thrived on picking on those who were different.

As Leo opened his locker, he felt a presence behind him. Turning around, he was met with the sneering faces of a group of older boys.

“Look who it is,” one of them taunted, a tall boy with a buzz cut. “The little mouse, all alone. What’s the matter, Leo? Can’t find any friends?”

Leo’s heart raced, and he tried to ignore them, focusing on the contents of his locker. But the jeers continued, growing louder and more aggressive.

“Hey, why don’t you show us that new dance you’ve been practicing? Or are you too scared?” another boy chimed in, shoving Leo’s shoulder hard enough to make him stumble.

Just as Leo felt the familiar sting of humiliation creeping in, a voice cut through the noise like a beacon of hope.

“Hey! Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?”

Jaxon, the school’s star, stepped into the fray, his tall, muscular frame casting a shadow over the bullies. With his dark hair and confident stance, he was the kind of person everyone admired. Leo’s heart skipped a beat, a mix of relief and disbelief flooding through him.

The bullies turned, momentarily stunned by Jaxon’s sudden appearance. “What’s it to you, Jaxon?” the buzz-cut boy sneered, trying to regain his bravado. “This is none of your business.”

“It is now,” Jaxon replied, his voice steady and firm. “Leave him alone. You think it’s cool to pick on someone who can’t fight back? It’s pathetic.”

Leo watched in awe as Jaxon stood his ground, his blue eyes blazing with determination. The bullies exchanged glances, uncertainty creeping into their expressions.

“Whatever, man. We were just having some fun,” one of them muttered, but the bravado was fading.

“Fun? This isn’t fun for him,” Jaxon shot back, stepping closer, his presence commanding. “You want to have fun? How about you try being decent for a change?”

With that, the bullies huffed and backed away, muttering insults under their breath as they retreated down the hallway. Leo stood frozen, his heart pounding, a mix of gratitude and disbelief washing over him.

Suddenly, Leo felt a jolt as he was pulled to the ground, the world around him fading into a blur.

“Leo! Wake up!”

He blinked rapidly, the dream dissipating like morning mist. It was his sister, May, her concerned face hovering above him, a teasing smirk playing on her lips.

“Wow, you really know how to sleep through an earthquake, don’t you?” she said, rolling her eyes as she helped him up from the floor. “You’re going to be late for work , broker.”

Leo groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “I was having the best dream, May! Jaxon was—”Leo blinked, sensing the sudden tension in the air.

May’s expression shifted instantly, her eyes narrowing as she stared at him, blank-headed. “Wait, what did you just say?

“Jaxon? The same Jaxon who left you four years ago?” she interrupted, her voice rising slightly. “The one who just vanished without a word? That Jaxon?”

Leo’s heart sank as he realized the weight of his words. “I—”

May sighed, shaking her head. “Look, Leo, just get ready. Arie is waiting for you downstairs, and if you keep dreaming about that guy so much, you’re going to be old before your time!”

She shot him a teasing smile before turning to leave the room. “Seriously, stop daydreaming and start living in the present!” As she walked out, Leo couldn’t help but chuckle at her playful jab.

Leo groaned, running a hand through his hair

. “Ughhh! Why do I keep dreaming about him so much?” he muttered to himself, feeling both frustrated and confused.

The morning sun streamed through the car windows, casting a warm glow over the interior as Leo sat in the passenger seat, his gaze fixed on the world outside. He cradled his strawberry drink in both hands, the vibrant pink color a stark contrast to the swirling thoughts in his mind. Lost in a haze of confusion and frustration, he pouted, unaware of the playful glance Arie shot his way.

Hey, what’s with the long face?” Arie asked, a teasing lilt in his voice. He maneuvered the car through the bustling streets, the hum of the engine blending with the sounds of the city waking up. “Did your drink not meet your high standards, or are you just practicing for a role as a sad puppy?”

Leo turned his head slightly, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile. “Very funny, Arie. I’m just… thinking.”

Thinking? You look like you’re about to start a dramatic monologue,” Arie replied, chuckling. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”Arie smirked, shaking his head. “You know, if you keep pouting like that, I might just have to start charging you for therapy sessions.”

Leo took a sip of his drink, the sweetness momentarily distracting him from the whirlwind of emotions. “Okay, okay, I’ll try to lighten up,” he conceded, a small smile breaking through his pout. “But you have to admit, it’s a little frustrating.”

As they approached Arie’s workplace, Leo took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts. “Thanks for the ride, Arie. I’ll try not to be such a downer next time.”

As Leo approached the sleek glass entrance of the office building, he felt a familiar sense of routine wash over him. The morning sun glinted off the polished surfaces, and the bustling energy of the city outside seeped into the lobby. He made his way to the front desk, where mimi the receptionist, was busy typing away on her computer.

Good morning, mimi !” Leo greeted, flashing his trademark smile.

“Morning, Leo!” she replied, looking up with a grin.

In a playful gesture, Leo leaned over the desk and gave her a quick handshake, followed by a light pat on the head. “You’re doing a great job keeping this place running smoothly,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mimi rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance. “You better run before I throw something at you!”

With a laugh, Leo backed away, raising his hands in mock surrender as he dashed toward the elevator. He could hear her laughter behind him.

Once inside the elevator, Leo pressed the button for the top floor, feeling the familiar hum of the machinery as it began its ascent. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, mentally preparing for the day ahead. As the doors slid open, he stepped out into the bustling office space, the sounds of phones ringing and conversations buzzing around him.

Leo made his way to his desk, a small but organized space adorned with a few personal touches—a framed photo of him dancing, a small plant, and a colorful calendar filled with reminders. He settled into his chair, the familiar comfort of his workspace enveloping him.

After a few moments of checking emails and organizing his tasks, Leo gathered his notes and headed to the manager’s office. He knocked lightly on the door before entering.

Morning, Mr. Thom,” Leo said, his voice steady and professional.

Good morning, Leo! What do you have for me today?” Mr. Thom asked, looking up from his desk, a stack of papers in front of him.

Leo, do you know where the budget report for the gala is?” Mr. Thom asked, glancing up with a furrowed brow.

“Uh, I thought you had it,” Leo replied, trying to suppress a grin. “You know, the one you said you’d ‘definitely remember’ to file?”Mr. Thompson chuckled, shaking his head. “I guess my memory isn’t as sharp as I thought. Maybe I should start taking notes from you.”

“Or just hire a personal assistant,” Leo quipped, leaning against the doorframe. “I hear they’re great at keeping managers organized.”

“Ha! If only I could afford you full-time,” Mr. Thompson shot back, a playful glint in his eye. “But then I’d have to deal with your antics all day.”

True, I am quite the handful,” Leo said with a mock-serious expression. “But I promise to keep the pouting to a minimum.”

“Good to know. Now, get back to work before I change my mind about that personal assistant idea,” Mr. Thompson replied, waving him off with a smile.

Leo laughed as he walked back to his desk, feeling lighter after their exchange. Just as he settled into his chair, his phone rang, startling him. He jumped slightly, nearly knocking over his coffee cup.

Ugh, what now?” he muttered, glancing at the screen. It was Arie. He rolled his eyes, annoyance creeping in before he even answered. “What do you want, Arie?” he said, skipping the usual greetings.

“Hey, Leo! I was thinking I’d come by for lunch today!” Arie’s cheerful voice chimed through the speaker.

“Not today, I’m busy,” Leo replied, trying to sound firm.

“Come on! You can’t be that busy! Just a quick lunch, I promise!” Arie pleaded, his tone shifting to a more persuasive pitch.

“I really can’t, Arie. I have meetings and—”

“Please! I’ll even buy you that fancy sandwich you like and bring you your strawberry drink!” Arie interrupted, his voice dripping with enthusiasm.

Leo sighed, knowing he was losing the battle. “Fine! Just this once.”

“Yay! I’ll be there in thirty!” Arie exclaimed, and before Leo could change his mind, he heard the click of the call ending.

Leo sat at a small table in the bustling cafeteria, the aroma of various dishes wafting through the air. He was lost in thought, mentally preparing for the meetings ahead, when suddenly he felt a chill against his cheek.

“Surprise!” Arie exclaimed, laughter bubbling up as he placed the cold strawberry drink against Leo’s face.

Startled, Leo jumped, a curse slipping out before he could stop himself. “What the—” He quickly slapped a hand over his mouth, eyes wide as he glanced around to see if anyone had heard.

Arie plopped down in the seat across from him, still chuckling. “You should see your face! Priceless!”

Leo shot him a glare, though he couldn’t help the smile creeping onto his lips. “You’re lucky I like this drink,” he said, snatching the drink from Arie’s hand and taking a long gulp. “Otherwise, I’d be plotting your demise right now.”

“Please, you’d miss me too much,” Arie teased, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin.

They both grabbed their lunches, a mix of sandwiches and salads, and began to eat. The cafeteria buzzed with chatter, but their table was filled with laughter and playful banter.

“Remember that time you tried to impress your coach at the dance studio?” Arie asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You ended up tripping over your own and knocking over the entire water cooler!”

Leo groaned, shaking his head. “Don’t remind me! I thought I was going to die of embarrassment.”

“Hey, at least you made a splash!” Arie laughed, nearly doubling over in his seat.

“Very funny,” Leo replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress his own laughter. “You’re just lucky I didn’t take you down with me.”

As they finished their meals, Leo felt a sense of ease wash over him, grateful for the break from the office grind. Just as he was about to take another sip of his drink, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from Mr. Thom.

“Leo, come upstairs. Urgent.”

“Great,” Leo muttered, his good mood deflating slightly. He looked up at Arie, who was still grinning. “Looks like I’m needed back in the land of spreadsheets and meetings.”

“Duty calls,” Arie said, feigning a dramatic tone. “Go save the day, hero!”

Leo chuckled, standing up and gathering his things. “I’ll try not to trip over my own feet on the way up.”

“Just don’t knock over any water coolers!” Arie called after him, laughter trailing behind as Leo made his way out of the cafeteria.

Leo took a deep breath as he approached Mr. Thom’s office, the anticipation of what awaited him swirling in his stomach. He knocked lightly on the door before stepping inside.

Mr. Thom looked up from his desk, a chuckle escaping his lips as he took in the sight of Leo. “Well, well, if it isn’t my little messy eater,” he teased, pointing at the crumbs that clung to the corner of Leo’s lip. “You look like a child who just finished a snack.”

Leo quickly wiped at his mouth, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Thom. I’ll add it to my resume.

Please do,” Mr. Thom replied, still chuckling. “But that’s not why I called you up here. We have an exciting opportunity.”

Leo’s interest piqued. “What’s going on?”

“We’ve been given the chance to conduct the Gala this month,” Mr. Thom announced, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “It’s a big deal, and I need you to help inform the rest of the team.”

“Wow, that’s amazing!” Leo exclaimed, his earlier nerves fading away. “I’ll get right on it!”

“Great! I knew I could count on you,” Mr. Thom said, waving him off. “Now go spread the news and try not to get any more crumbs on your shirt."

Will do!” Leo replied, a grin on his face as he turned to leave. As he stepped out of the office, he felt a rush of excitement. The Gala was a huge opportunity, and he couldn’t wait to share the news with everyone.

After sharing the exciting news about the Gala with the team, Leo returned to his desk, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He slumped into his chair, letting out a deep sigh as he closed his eyes for just a moment.

Time slipped away, and he drifted off into a light sleep, only to be jolted awake by a soft knock on the door. Blinking, he looked up to see Mr. Thom standing there, a bemused expression on his face.

“Sorry!” Leo exclaimed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and looking down in embarrassment.

Mr. Thom chuckled, walking over and patting Leo on the shoulder. “You looked like you needed it. I’m giving you a ride home today.

Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Leo insisted, trying to shake off the drowsiness.

“Too late! I’ve decided,” Mr. Thom replied with a grin. “And if you don’t say yes, I’ll just have to find a way to reduce your commotion for the rest of the day.”

Leo couldn’t help but smile at that. “Okay, fine. I’ll take the ride,” he said, winking at Mr. Thom.

Mr. Thom laughed as they walked out to the parking lot. Leo slid into the passenger seat, giving Mr. Thom directions as they drove through the city.

When they finally reached Leo’s home, he unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to Mr. Thom. “Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it.”Anytime, Leo. Just try to stay awake next time,” Mr. Thompson said with a chuckle.

Leo grinned and got out of the car, waving goodbye as he headed toward the front door. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by darkness. “Great,” he muttered, fumbling around for the light switch.

Just as he located it, he was startled by a sudden burst of laughter. “Boo!” May , his sister, jumped out from behind the couch, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Leo stumbled back, falling onto the floor with a thud. “May !” he groaned, trying to catch his breath as she doubled over in laughter.

“Gotcha!” she exclaimed, still giggling.

Giving her a side-eye warning, Leo pushed himself up from the floor. “Very funny. You’re lucky I’m too tired to deal with you right now.”

Without another word, he trudged upstairs, leaving Mia still laughing in the living room