Kane pushed open the door to their small room, a cozy space shared by three teenage boys. The walls were plastered with posters of bands, sports teams, and a few goofy sketches they'd made together. A couple of mismatched beds filled the corners, and a small desk cluttered with schoolbooks and snacks dominated the center. The familiar smell of worn-out sneakers and the faint scent of cologne hung in the air, making Kane feel right at home.
His two friends were already there.
Leo, the loudmouth, sprawled across his bed, animatedly gesturing as he recounted his latest crush. His wild, messy hair bounced with every exaggerated motion, and his laughter echoed off the walls. "So, I told her she looked like a goddess in that math class! She just stared at me like I was crazy!"
Kane chuckled, rolling his eyes as he dropped his skateboard by the door with a thud. "You really need to tone it down, Leo. You're going to scare her off."
Liam, the calm and collected one, was sitting cross-legged on his bed, earbuds in, focused on a book. He looked up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Leo, maybe she thought you were just trying too hard. You know, subtlety works wonders."
Leo scoffed, waving a hand. "Subtlety? Who needs that? I'm a romantic!"
Kane laughed and leaned against his desk, enjoying the banter. "Romantic? More like a disaster waiting to happen."
"Shut up, Kane," leo shot back playfully, his voice a mix of mock offense and amusement. "You'll see. I'll win her over with my charm."
Kane glanced at Liam, who simply shook his head, a smile barely visible as he returned to his book. The contrast between Leo's loud energy and Liam's calm demeanor was comforting, a balance that made the room feel lively yet grounded.
"Alright, I'm heading to take a bath before dinner," Kane said, glancing between them. "Try not to scare off any more girls while I'm gone, okay?"
"Pfft, I'll leave the girl-scares to you, my friend," Leo quipped, grinning widely.
"Good luck with that," Liam added, not looking up but clearly amused.
As Kane left the room, he felt a warm sense of belonging wash over him. In this small, chaotic space, filled with laughter and friendship, he knew he had found his place.
****
Kane stepped out of the bathroom, a refreshing chill still clinging to his skin. He wrapped a towel around his waist and couldn't help but smile at the sight of Leo and Liam still bickering over some trivial matter.
"I'm telling you, pineapple belongs on pizza!" Leo insisted, throwing his hands up dramatically.
"Only if you want to ruin it!" Liam shot back, unflappable as always, a teasing grin on his face.
"Boys, boys, what are we fighting about now?" Kane interjected, settling onto his bed.
Leo turned, a glint in his eyes. "Kane! You just missed the epic debate of our time. Are you team pineapple or team 'never in a million years'?"
Kane chuckled as he reached for a small, weathered box tucked beneath his bed. "I'd rather not be part of this culinary tragedy. But I had quite the adventure today…"
As he recounted the chase through the market, dodging vendors and narrowly escaping Andy's attempts to catch him, Liam laughed heartily. Leo was wide-eyed, listening intently as if it were the greatest story ever told.
Kane finished his tale, flopping back onto his bed, and opened the box. Inside lay the only possession his parents had left him: an old compass, its brass surface slightly tarnished but still gleaming. He felt a pang of nostalgia as he picked it up, turning it over in his hands.
But something else caught his eye—a parchment lying underneath the compass, he had never seen this parchment ever and he frequently opened the box anytime he missed his parents. His curiosity piqued, he pulled it out. The map was crudely drawn, with jagged lines and strange symbols, but one location was clearly marked with an "X."
"Guys, check this out!" Kane exclaimed, spreading the map on his bed. "It looks like it points to a spot nearby!"
Leo leaned in closer, his brow furrowed. "What is it? A treasure map?"
"Looks like it," Kane replied, excitement bubbling in his chest. "We should totally check it out tomorrow since it's the weekend!"
"Count me in!" Liam said, already looking intrigued.
Just then, the door swung open, and Leo's crush, Sophie, popped her head in, her face lighting up. "Hey, dinner's ready, boys!"
Leo's eyes sparkled, and he straightened up, trying to appear as suave as possible. "Sophie, you're like a ray of sunshine! Are you sure you're not cooking dinner just to brighten our day?" Leo began
Sophie rolled her eyes, but a blush crept onto her cheeks. "Uh, thanks, Leo. You're ridiculous."
"Ridiculously charming," he shot back, a grin plastered on his face.
"Right…" she said, stifling a laugh. "Anyway, come eat before it gets cold!"
Leo stood up, puffing out his chest. "You know, I could always save you a plate—just in case you want to join us later?"
Kane snickered, watching as Sophie's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. She turned to leave but paused at the door, shaking her head with a playful smile. "Keep dreaming, Leo"
As she walked away, Leo looked back at Kane and Liam, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "Did you see that? She's totally into me!"
"Into you or your ridiculousness?" Liam quipped, chuckling at Leo's stupidity.
Kane shook his head, laughing. "Let's just get to dinner before you scare her away for good!"
With a final glance at the map, they all headed toward the dining area, excitement bubbling at the thought of their adventure ahead—and the ongoing hilarity that was life with Leo.
****
The dining hall was alive with chatter and laughter, filled with the aroma of homemade dishes wafting through the air. Four large tables stretched across the room, each populated by kids grouped by age. The youngest were at the first table, with exuberant six- and seven-year-olds. The second table was filled with slightly older kids, while the third table hosted pre-teens. At the far end, the fourth table was where Leo, Liam and Kane were headed, the table of sixteen year olds and above.
As they entered, Leo's eyes lit up at the sight of an empty seat next to Sophie. "I'll race you!" he declared, darting ahead of Kane and Liam. He barely reached the table when another boy, Ryan, swooped in, flashing a confident smile. He was taller, with tousled hair and an easy charm that had already made him popular.
"Mind if I join you, Sophie?" Ryan said smoothly, plopping down in the seat right next to her.
Leo's face fell, a mix of surprise and annoyance flashing across his features. "Uh, actually…" he started, but Ryan's presence was firm, and Leo knew he was outmatched at this moment.
Kane and Liam exchanged amused glances as Leo reluctantly turned away, sulking slightly as he returned to the other side of the table. The whole table erupted in laughter, and Sophie couldn't help but blush, a smile creeping across her face as she glanced at Leo's exaggerated pout.
"Hey, come on, Max! You're not going to let Ryan steal your thunder, are you?" Kane teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Leo rolled his eyes, a playful grin breaking through his disappointment. "I'll show him! Next time, I'll just have to wear my charm armor!"
As the laughter settled, Ms. Eldridge entered the room, her warm presence commanding attention. "Alright, everyone, let's take a moment to give thanks for this meal," she announced, leading a brief prayer. The room quieted, and heads bowed in respect.
With the prayer complete, the plates were filled with steaming food. The boys dug in, sharing bites and joking about Leo's "love rival" as they enjoyed the meal. Leo, ever the dramatist, recounted his failed attempt to sit next to Sophie, embellishing the story and making his friends howl with laughter, even Liam who was often immune to Leo's joke was laughing profoundly this time around.
After dinner, the group finished their meals and pushed their chairs back, their stomachs full and spirits high. Kane glanced at the clock, noting how late it was getting. "Alright, let's head back," he said, the thought of tomorrow's adventure buzzing in his mind.
As they walked back to their room, the atmosphere was light and lively, each boy they came across teasing Leo about his unfortunate encounter. Once inside, they flopped onto their beds, laughter still echoing as they reminisced about the day.
Kane settled into his own bed, the map tucked safely under his pillow. Excitement coursed through him, knowing that the next day held the promise of adventure, mystery, and perhaps some unexpected surprises. With that thought, he closed his eyes, ready for whatever awaited them in the morning.