In a dimly lit corridor, a young man leaned against the wall, his school uniform worn and faded. His head was down, gaze fixed on the glowing screen of his smartphone. His deep brown eyes, nearly black like his hair, appeared empty and tired. As he scrolled through short videos, a mix of emptiness and fleeting satisfaction flickered across his emotionless face.
You might be wondering, what's this loser doing here? Alone, wasting time on his phone, feeding on dopamine, seemingly adrift in life.
Well, to answer that… let's just say he—or rather, "they"—were up to something "stupid." Something that could very well land them in serious trouble, maybe even prison.
But that didn't matter today. After all, it was their high school graduation day. The distant sounds of names being called echoed down the hallway as students received honors and medals. Though, none of that held any value for Kaiser.
With a chuckle at a video he just watched, Kaiser glanced up, checking on his friends a few steps away. Paul, red-short-haired with tan skin and an unusually large guy with muscles bulging under his black graduation gown, was standing with his arms outstretched. Face reddening and teeth gritting, he strained to keep his grip steady as he supported Aron—with a bit longer brown hair for a male, looking like a mix between playboy and thug—a fellow delinquent balancing on Paul's hands, standing on tiptoe to peer through a small, high-set window in the wall. Aron's face was lit with shameless anticipation, his attention fixed on whatever was happening inside.
That window happened to overlook the girls' bathroom.
Kaiser didn't know whether to laugh or cry at their idiotic mission.
He wasn't particularly interested in the "result" of their scheme; after all, he could find anything he wanted on the internet. But the thrill of the moment was oddly entertaining. He snapped a quick picture of his friends.
Noticing him, Paul hissed through gritted teeth, keeping his voice low. "Hey, Kai! Quit looking at us and keep an eye on the hallway! We're screwed if someone catches us."
"Yeah, yeah." Kai shrugged, leaning back to resume his half-hearted lookout.
Paul glanced up at Aron, muttering in frustration. "What the hell, Aron? What's taking you so long?"
"Shhh…" Aron waved him off, eyes glued to the window.
"My shoulders are really sore here."
"They're almost at the climax. Don't break my concentration."
Paul's brows knit in confusion. "Climax? What the hell are you watching in there?"
Truth be told, Kai didn't know and didn't care to find out. However, his eyes caught a shadow slowly stretching across the hallway—someone was coming. One of the patrolling guards, by the look of it.
Kai tensed up, retreating to his friends as his heartbeat hasten, knowing they'll be in serious trouble. He glanced over at Paul and Aron, still too wrapped up in their "mission" to notice. Originally, his wanted to inform them like what his supposed to do as their lookout. However… he grinned mischievously.
Best friends were the bestest friends, he'll be doing them a favor they'll thank him hard for.
'This is for your own good guys, totally not to make sure I survived.'
Without a word, he turned and walked briskly in the opposite direction, his pace quickening with each step.
Realizing their lookout was suddenly gone, only to find him suspiciously walking away faster and faster. Paul's jaw dropped, feeling a creeping sense of doom.
He cursed, urgently looking up.
"Damn it, Hey Aron, get down quickly! Hurry up!" His voice was a whispered shout.
However, Aron scoffed in the same tone.
"Didn't I say to not disturb me, it's opening!"
"What's opening?"
He smirked, not pulling his widening gaze away from the window. Aron gasped. "...The gate to heaven." His ires narrowed further, he inhaled in shock. "O-oh my-"
Paul was dying of envy. But at that moment, he heard the approach of hell — steady steps echoing, getting louder as they go.
That's when the big man realized that he struggled all this time for this greedy bastard to swallow the juicy fruit whole. His not getting a share of it, not even a picture for doom is near!
Aron was brought to reality by a weightless sensation, feeling nothing under his feet.
"Eh?!"
Then... His finally noticed.
Nonchalantly walking through the hallway, like an innocent person would. Kai heard a high-pitch screaming sharply in the distance. Making him chuckled.
***
"Sup."
Kaiser casually greeted his friends, who looked like they just ran a whole marathon. Huffing and sweaty, leaning on their knees and gasping for air.
Eventually, Paul pierced him with a resentful gaze.
"Damn you, Kai! Do you know just how big the guard is?! Gods, his freaking bigger than me."
On the other hand, Aron seemed to be content with himself as if every trouble was worth it. Eyes a drift to his memories, a smug, satisfied grin never leaving the pervert's face.
Paul sighed deeply, aware that Kai wasn't much of a talker, let alone one to argue with. Furthermore, they're the one who dragged Kaiser in that stupidity, so his not one to blame if they got caught, but themselves. Fortunately, they all survived. Even though his the sole loser here who gained nothing despite his efforts.
The big guy grunted. "Let's just leave at that, no point beating ourselves over this."
Kai smiled slightly. That's why they prefer hanging out with these guys, they're reasonable. Putting his phone in his pocket along his hand, he walked out, saying.
"The guard will recognize you two if we stay here."
"Yeah, I agree. There's just the three of us here! We should get out of here as soon as possible before we're seen." Aron briefly looked around, before replying as he hurried to follow.
Paul trailed behind them, as well. "Were to, geniuses?"
Kaiser sighed. "To the event hall. Let's blend with the masses there until they cool down, better yet, until the event is over. That way, I doubt the guards would ever find you two."
"I knew you'll figure out a leeway for us, that's why I'll always love you above all my girlfriends, me dear Kai." Aron reached out for a hug, only to meet Kai's gripping palm.
Then, Aron turned partially serious. "But... You sure about that? I mean, you're not wearing a graduation gown and hat. Isn't that the reason why we're wandering here instead of sitting obediently there? I'm gonna be honest here, we're okay not attending the ceremony, there's no medal for all of us to receive, anyway. So, how about let's just hide here?"
Paul nodded.
"I'm fine with that, too. But I'm still upset that you didn't tell us you can't afford it. We've been together for years, why didn't you ask us for help, Kai? We'll make it happen, somehow."
Kaiser was an orphan, relying solely on government compensation to support his studies which ended a month earlier than expected, probably pocketed by some greedy official. Hence, robbing him the budget to pay the required gown and hat for graduation in the last moment and an entire month budget for meals and bills.
His barely getting by with the government support. Now that it's gone, his left to fend for himself.
No parents, money for rent, bills and food. Kai was a completely homeless person now, but no one knew yet except him. For some reason, he didn't want anyone to know how bleak his situation is. Perhaps he didn't want to ruin their graduation with something gloomy.
'Let me enjoy my life for one more day.'
Acting as if free of problems, he put on an okay mask.
"I'm not originally planning to attend this dumb event, we all know there's no awards or anything at all for us except diplomas in that stage. So why bother. However, I forgot I paid for the freaking serving here, there's no way in hell I'll let them take my money without tasting the snacks they used it for!"
He tapped Aron by the shoulder, giving him a knowing look.
"That's why I'm counting on your thick face, my guy. Show me the bottom of your shame!"
His friend can't help but chuckle, as though Kai said something funny.
"Who said there's a bottom?" Responded Aron without a shadow of doubt.
A collective mischievous grin forming on their faces.
The three were obviously up to no good again as they walked down the hallway, discussing their new plan of action.
***
Moments later, Kaiser watched in amusement as his two friends descended upon the display of food meant for the graduating students.
The university is an elite institution filled with wealthy, high-achieving students, had contributed to set up an impressive spread on a wide table: an assortment of snacks, drinks, desserts, and side dishes, designed to satisfy anyone hungry enough to help themselves in the various choices, despite their allergies, whatever it may be. However, most students hesitated, not wanting to seem greedy in such a prestigious environment for they had pride to uphold because most of them are from affluent families, including Aron and Paul with a few exceptions like Kaiser who got in through hard earned scholarship.
But that didn't stop Paul and Aron. They were dominating the spread as planned. Aron grabbed anything he saw—packaged snacks, drinks from the cooler, cake, even side dishes meant to be plated instead of hoarded. He even emptied a container of rice into his stash. Everything, even bringing multiple plastic bags to hoard it all. Incredibly, he didn't bat an eye at the disapproving stares from the other students. If there was one thing Kaiser knew well about Aron, it was his shamelessness knows no bounds. Aron came from a bit messed up business related family, where he was taught nothing about shame, for it only hindered negotiations. Even Kaiser had to admit he couldn't compete in that department with Aron.
Any other student would have tried to stop the shameless bastard by now, but Paul's presence was enough to keep them at bay. His large, muscular frame wasn't just for show. Paul had a reputation as a tough guy no one wanted to mess with, and with his martial arts skills and background in a military family, none dared touch the plunderer his guarding. Though, a tinge of red can be seen on the tough guy's ear, feeling shame for his gluttonous friend.
Kaiser chuckled to himself, watching as his friends continued their assault on the buffet, oblivious and undeterred. As for him? Well, Kaiser was the type to blend in the background, avoid the masses and simply lived like an average student, unsociable yet more confident than he looks. If there's anything special about him, is that, his a bit whitier than average—one of the main reasons Paul and Aron stick with him, ever since helping them solve some serious predicament. Giving him two friends instead of none.
He was then distracted by a noticeable rise of praises concentrated to the stage at the entry of a delicate young lady guided by her personal attendant.
The auditorium was large, with a high ceiling supported by countless steel bars to house a capacious space where the ceremony is happening. Light rained down from expensive lighting attached above, while myriads of voices buzzed all around which grew louder as the inspirational figure received her awards, who achieved great academic results despite being blind.
Even the usually indifferent Kai can't help but admire the achiever.
"It's the top student turn, huh? It's going to be extra lively soon!" Aron shouted for his friend to hear through the noises.
As though as proof of his words, the students began moving forward to see their idols closer, quickly forming a crowd near the stage. The dining table was strategically positioned opposite of the stage, so they're far behind at the moment. But thanks to the giant broadcasting screen for everyone to see: guardian, parents, siblings and other attendees, they had no problem watching.
Kai sat on the now empty back area, where rows of sets were left empty. Followed by Aron and Paul, who each carried heavy bags of goods as they slumped beside him, enjoying the view of the cheerful masses in their desolate seats while they snacked on their bountiful harvest.
They surely get the worth of what they paid for.
"Hey Aron, since we have more than we could swallow, why don't we throw a party at your dorm tonight!? Graduation only happens once, we're going to party all night long!" Suggested Paul.
"Good idea, these bags would last us the whole night. How about we compete on who eats the most, huh! Kai, you in, too buddy?!"
He gave a simple nod. "Yeah."
Kai listened as they planned their night, which only stopped when the surrounding applause got noticeably louder and cheering rose up a notch.
All of this was because of the entry of another particular student. As he climbed the stage, praises rang all around, especially coming from girls that shouted their admiration to the handsome guy with bright blonde hair and an enchanting smile that seemed to befriend everyone. It was Gail, a rich and talented young man everyone admired and served as the student council president.
Paul clicked his tongue. "Handsome bastard, not only did god give him that... That damned face, but what's with the riches and sharp mind?! Where's justice in that?"
Kai commented calmly.
"And here's us, the average Sons of society."
"I don't get these people, I'm more charming than him though? Above that, I can make you laugh harder! Watch me Kai, I'll show you my ultimate stripping technique!" Said Aron, tears of envy dropping from his eyes.
"Please don't do that, you might leave all of us traumatized."
However, their bitterness soon disappeared as a goddess descended on the stage to claim her honor. The cheer was louder and claps were wilder because this time. It was the boys that sang praises. Hazie's silky pink hair flutters softly as she walks with elegance under the blinding spotlights. Each step made the male students hearts beat faster, their cheers of admiration got louder. Even more when her mesmerizing eyes dyed in lovely pink gaze warmly at the sea of students, coupled with a perfect smile.
Such a lively reaction for the school's most beautiful learner that represented their pride in numerous events is expected from the crowd. Furthermore, she's by far the most perfect lady they have ever seen. A great figure and charm that naturally suited all proportions, hailed from an elite family holding unimaginable wealth. She's known to excel at every subject, sports included while maintaining a reputation of a delicate lady serving as class A president.
All these traits allowed her to achieve the highest honor that seemed impossible to attain for most - Flawless badge, awarded only to students that made zero mistakes and earned the highest mark in every task.
Therefore, earning another thunderous praise from everyone. So loud that it's deafening.
"She's so cute I can die! Ahh, please let me die in her embrace!" Heart was pumping in Paul's eye, expressing his exaggerated admiration. Just like other male students, some even perform wild tricks as if they had lost their mind.
They're just so happy though, to finally graduate and for their goddess hard earned achievement. Which is everyone's pride, because their batch mate had accomplished the impossible.
Aron was saying nonsense beside him.
"For your information, I'm Hazie's ex-boyfriend, she confessed to me once in elementary. No! In highschool!..."
But it fell in deaf's ear, for Kai was in a trance right now as he gazed at the joyous celebration before him. He was smiling, but halfheartedly.
Because his thoughts were preoccupied by a realization. The first in line to the stage was class F, the last and lowest class there is, where delinquents were discarded with little hope of passing the school year.
Yet here they are - albeit, remnants, they still graduated after pushing through the trials of academic studies. Still, compared to the shining stars, his like a small meteor in the galaxy. Tiny and lightless, so did his talent. Even though they skipped climbing the stage, no one noticed them.
Noticing his friends gloominess amidst the celebration, Aron asked.
"What's the matter Kai? Running out of energy? Here, grab some soda, it's the best fuel we have right now." Aron offered Kai a soda he previously shook, failing to hide his anticipation for a funny outcome.
Kai accepted and nonchalantly opened it in Aron's direction, spraying it at the prankster instead. As he did, Kai said wistfully in a calm tone that could barely be heard in all the laughter of Paul and Aron cursing.
"Nothing, I was just thinking about what comes after this."
But Paul heard him and leaned forward to ask.
"Okay genius, so what comes after this in your mathematical calculation? Do we become nation presidents or something?"
Kai chuckled.
"Maybe, not sure. However, for me, I'm more likely to begin working Instead of entering college."
Kai was only relying on pension to continue studying, lacking financial support was also the reason why his stuck in Class F, where tuition and budget requirements to graduate are way lower than other sections. Also to save himself from troublesome discrimination and be with the only two people that genuinely cared about him. Albeit, whimsical, moronic, and rash at times, they're good people.
"Huh! Why is that?"
Kai gazed at the stage, feeling melancholic at the sight of the professional professors and exalted students being congratulated by their teachers and affluent parents.
Honestly, he felt envy of everyone. Not only do they have what he longed for, and didn't have his worries. They're also blessed with talents, even the shameless Aron possesses outstanding traits such as brimming confidence and socializing skill. Paul, although lacking a bit of intelligence, he was really good at combat coupled with a warrior strength and determination.
While Kai... Had none.
A grin twisted on his lips.
"Why, cause it's the same at the end of it all. We study, then study some more before working in offices until death caught us. A boring and peaceful life devoid of danger, wouldn't you agree?"
"Then why not apply in a training camp with me, there's lots of excitement there! cool guns, loud bombs fires and war! I think you have the potential to be a tough soldier Kai! I'm still considering it, but are you in or what?"
He stayed silent for a moment, then stood up to stretch his stiff bones.
"I don't know yet. Anyway, nature's calling, I'll be in the comfort room for a bit, don't swallow all the snacks."
Kaiser casually waved them bye as he left. Because of the trouble they made earlier downstairs, his only options were the bathroom on the second floor to avoid the alerted guards. But due to the size and his unfamiliarity to the place, it took him some time to navigate until finally finding the stairs leading up. There, he saw a kid, hugging multiple vehicle toys as he looked around the corners, as if searching for something.
'Where the heck are this kid's parents? Aren't they worried he might get lost?' He thought. Kai would have probably helped the kid if nature isn't urging him to feed it sh*t.
'Just wait for me, I'll dumb it all on you.'
Kaiser passed the kid and hastily climbed into the stairs. However, that's when the unexpected happens. One of his shoes
stepped on something, rolling? Making him slipped. The next thing he knew, Kai was floating midair and time seemed to slow down. Life flashed before his eyes, which isn't much, really. For someone as misguided as him, Kaiser's potential was spent on barely making a living as an underage orphan, leading him to live more in lies, arduous labor and dark days, more than he could count. Relying on baseless entertainment as solace to his dim world.
Kai's days were spent either on difficult work or scrolling, nothing more.
His not the brightest person. Therefore, haven't really done anything worthwhile in life because his focus was more on survival than living... It wasn't a pleasant life, littered with regrets and pain.
Was he going to die
Is this the end?
'I haven't even pooped yet...'
Strangely, Kai wasn't that against it. However... If he had another chance, he probably won't waste it, he'll strive to become better... A more, meaningful person living a purposeful life... maybe?
But ending it all here isn't bad, either. To be finally at peace.
In his last, brief moment that felt like eternity despite lasting an instant. Kaiser saw a glimpse of the step he slipped from. There, on the step's edge stood a little truck toy. A smug sticker of a cartoon expression was plastered on its windshield, grinning mockingly, looking down at him like a villain who had won.
'The f*ck?'
Was his life so miserable that it was ended by a truck toy? At least give him a normal truck, actually, it would be a blessing if his final moment were spent on tranquil fall rather than being looked down upon by a freaking toy!
Everything turns black.