Chapter 1

The morning sun was warm and bright, shining on the small town as students hurried to school. At the center of all the noise and laughter was one name everyone knew—Lucas.

Lucas was the most popular boy in school. He was tall, handsome, and always smiling in a way that made people like him instantly. Girls admired him, boys respected him, and teachers trusted him. To many, he seemed perfect.

But wherever Lucas went, there was always another boy by his side—Stephen.

Stephen was different. He wasn’t loud or shining like Lucas. He had plain clothes, a quiet voice, and he didn’t stand out in a crowd. Most people might have forgotten him if he wasn’t always with Lucas. Some even joked that Stephen lived in Lucas’s shadow. But the truth was, Lucas never let Stephen disappear.

Every morning, a shiny black car stopped in front of Stephen’s small house. It was Lucas, rolling down the window and calling out with a playful grin, “Hurry up, Stephen! We’ll be late.”

Stephen always sighed, but he smiled too. He would climb into the car, and together they drove to school.

They were inseparable. Lucas came from a rich family, while Stephen’s family was only middle class, but that never mattered to Lucas. To him, Stephen wasn’t just a friend—he was like a brother. Sometimes, people even teased them, saying, “You two should just marry each other already.”

Lucas only laughed and threw his arm over Stephen’s shoulder. “Why not? He’s my favorite person.”

Stephen laughed too, though deep inside, those words stayed with him longer than he wanted to admit.

Even though Lucas was popular and often got attention, he never dated anyone. Girls liked him, and even some boys were brave enough to flirt with him, but Lucas always turned them down. What made him different was how he did it—he never laughed at anyone or embarrassed them. He always found a kind way to say no.

One autumn afternoon, a shy girl named Lily decided to take her chance. Lily was the quiet type. She wore glasses, kept her head down in class, and didn’t talk much. But everyone noticed how she blushed whenever Lucas walked by.

That day, as the school was about to close, Lily stood by the library doors. The sky was painted in orange and pink as the sun went down. She clutched her books tightly, waiting nervously.

When Lucas and Stephen came out, she called softly, “Lucas.”

He stopped and smiled warmly at her. “Hey, Lily. Do you need something?”

Stephen glanced at her. He could see her hands shaking and her face turning red. He guessed what she was about to say.

Lily looked down at the floor. Her voice was small and rushed. “I… I like you. Will you be my boyfriend?”

There was silence for a moment. Stephen felt the air grow heavy, waiting for Lucas’s answer.

But Lucas didn’t laugh. He didn’t act surprised. Instead, he stepped closer and spoke gently. “Lily, you’re really pretty. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”

Her eyes widened in shock. She hadn’t expected that.

“But,” Lucas continued, “I’m not ready for a relationship right now. It wouldn’t be fair to say yes when I can’t give you what you deserve. I’m sorry.”

Lily’s face turned even redder, but this time it wasn’t from shame. She looked relieved. He hadn’t crushed her feelings—he had respected them. She gave a small nod. “Thank you… for your kindness.”

Lucas smiled. “Of course.”

She walked away, her steps lighter than before.

Stephen looked at Lucas. “You didn’t have to say all that. Most guys would just say no.”

Lucas shrugged, grinning. “Yeah, but I’m not most guys.”

Stephen shook his head, but he smiled too. That was Lucas—always different, always shining. Sometimes, Stephen felt small standing next to him. But somehow, being with Lucas made him feel special too, like he belonged to something brighter.

As they left the school, the evening air was cool and soft. Lucas bumped Stephen’s shoulder. “Want to grab burgers before I drop you off?”

Stephen laughed. “You’ll spoil me.”

“That’s the point,” Lucas said with a grin.

They walked on together, side by side as always. To everyone else, Lucas was the star and Stephen was just his shadow. But Stephen knew better. Lucas never treated him like “less.”

What they didn’t know was that life wouldn’t always stay this way. Their bond was strong now, but the future held tests they couldn’t see coming.

For now, though, they were just two boys, walking home as the day turned to night—the popular boy and the quiet friend who never left his side.

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