You had known Kai Maddox since you were kids. He was calm, patient, and always smiling—a ray of sunshine in your dark world. You, on the other hand, were grumpy, quick-tempered, and always unimpressed. Maybe it was because you grew up with just your grandma, barely affording school fees, while Kai lived in a mansion with strict parents who punished him for the smallest mistakes.

At school, you two were complete opposites. He was the golden boy, adored by everyone. You were the brat, the loner. Nobody knew you were friends.

But he was your only friend.

The night before exams, you were buried in your books, desperate to score high so Grandma wouldn’t have to borrow money from cruel debt collectors. Your eyes burned from exhaustion, but you refused to stop.

Thunk.

A paper ball bounced off your head. You spun toward the window and saw Kai leaning in, smiling like a fool.

“Got any instant noodles? I’m starving,” he whispered with a wave.

You groaned and slammed the window shut. “I swear, Kai Maddox, I’ll—” You sighed, reopening it. “Fine. Get in.”

Kai slipped through the window with his usual grace. “Where’s Gran?”

“Working,” you muttered, shoving a packet of noodles at his chest. “Cook it yourself. And clean up.”

“Yes, Ma'am.”

While he wandered into your tiny kitchen, you went back to studying, scratching at your hand from nerves. The thought of failing and Grandma working herself sick haunted you. Suddenly, a warm hand stopped yours.

“Kai, don’t—” you started, but froze when he pressed a plush squirrel into your hand.

“Here. Scratch this instead. Softer than your poor hand.”

You glared at him. “Why a squirrel? It’s ugly. Like you.”

“Perfect,” he said with a bright grin. “Pretend it’s me and attack away.”

You huffed but held it tight anyway.

Later, he called softly, “I’m full. I’ll head out now.” You didn’t answer, still studying, but when you finally left your room, expecting a mess, you froze.

On the counter sat a bowl of noodles and rice, neatly arranged, the smell soft and comforting—just the way you liked it. Beside it was a small note in his messy handwriting:

"You’re probably still studying and forgot to eat. So eat this. Please. Don’t make me worry."

Your chest tightened, and your ears warmed. Of course he’d noticed. Of course he’d know. You didn’t hesitate—you sat down and ate every bite.

A week later, the results were posted. Your heart pounded. You didn’t know about the new rule: only the top three students would get free tuition. You’d always been in fourth. Fear gripped you as you scanned the list… until you saw your name. Third place.

Relief flooded you. But then you saw his name.

Kai Maddox. Once always in first place. Now, seventy-eighth.

You turned and saw him leaning casually against the wall, smiling softly, as if nothing had happened. And you knew. He had done this for you.

Your chest burned as you stormed up and punched Kai square in the jaw. He stumbled back against the wall, clutching his face, eyes wide with surprise.

“You idiot! You absolute MORN!” you yelled, voice shaking. “You DID this, didn’t you?! You dropped your rank on purpose for me! What if your parents HURT you again, Kai? Lock you up, STARVE you, BEAT you—how could you do something this STPID?! I never asked for your help! I’d rather suffer than see you get HURT because of me, you selfish, self-sacrificing J*RK!”

He just stared at you quietly, and that’s when you saw it—blood trickling from his jaw. Your breath caught. Guilt slammed into you, and tears stung your eyes. You clutched the plush to your chest and bolted down the hall.

“Who even is she?!”, someone whispered.*

“Bro, are you okay? You… know her?” a friend asked.

Kai wiped his lip, gaze soft but unreadable. “No… I don’t. But I’ll talk to her later.”