The school day seemed to drag on endlessly as Caius anxiously awaited the weekend when he would face his final test with the Panthers. The weight of the upcoming challenge hung over him, but he tried his best to focus on his classes and maintain a sense of normalcy.
At school, Caius found himself gravitating more towards the Panthers, particularly Bennet, who had become a close friend. During lunch, he sat with Bennet and a few other Panthers at their usual spot, feeling a sense of belonging that was both comforting and empowering.
As he settled into his seat, Bennet leaned in with a grin. "Ready for the big weekend, Caius?"
Caius nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I'm ready. I've been preparing all week."
The conversation flowed easily among the group, but Caius couldn't help but notice Bianca glancing over at him from across the cafeteria. She seemed confused and worried, likely struggling to understand his sudden shift in social circles. Despite their recent distance, Caius still cared about his old friends, but he knew he couldn't afford any distractions.
After school, as Caius was gathering his things from his locker, he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Caius, can we talk?"
He turned to see Bianca standing there, her expression earnest and slightly pained. "What is it, Bianca?"
"I just wanted to apologize," she said, her voice soft. "For everything. I know we've been distant, and I know you're going through a lot. I miss our friendship, Caius. I want to make things right."
Caius sighed, feeling a pang of emotion. "Bianca, I appreciate that. But things are different now. I've found a place where I belong, and I need to focus on that. And If I need to be honest being distant was your choice not mine."
"But Caius, we're your friends," Bianca insisted, her eyes pleading. "We care about you, and we want to help. It's just that-"
"I know you do," Caius replied, his tone firm but not unkind. "But right now, I can't afford any distractions. I have to do what's best for me and my family. Maybe one-day things will be different, but for now, I need to focus on my path."
Bianca's shoulders sagged in defeat, her eyes filled with sadness. "I understand, Caius. Just know that we're here for you, no matter what."
"But you weren't, Bianca," Caius said, offering a small, bittersweet smile. "Take care."
As he walked away, Caius felt a mixture of relief and regret. He hated pushing his friends away. But he knew it was necessary for the path he had chosen. Even though he told himself they were no longer his friends and he wouldn't forgive them, he cared about them even with the fact they judged him because of his family's past. Of course, he chose not to dwell too much into this, with the evening's final test approaching, he needed to be fully committed to proving his loyalty to the Panthers.