The hallway was quiet except for the sound of Luca's shoes tapping against the floor.
"Seriously, what is going on? I knew I took a bit longer a while ago, but is that the reason why you're acting like this again?" Luca's voice carried a mix of frustration and confusion as he caught up with Harmony.
Harmony turned to look at him, her expression calm but distant. Her eyes, however, showed no emotion, just like before.
"Again? I don't think I treated you very differently, though."
"You did. This is how you treated us from the very beginning. You… you slightly changed, but now you're reverting—"
"Mister Atkinson…" Harmony interrupted, her voice sharp yet steady.
She stared directly into his eyes, unwavering.
"Let me tell you now, your kindness? I don't need it. What you offer? I don't want it. And a piece of advice—be careful with your kindness. It might bring pain to those you wish to protect, rather than support."
Harmony's tone grew colder, though her voice remained calm.
"Let's end this charade of being friends. Please stop getting close to me. I don't want any more unnecessary trouble."
After those words, she turned her back, leaving him standing there, watching her retreat into the distance.
Luca stood there, completely lost in his thoughts. He stupidly stayed in place even though Harmony's figure had long disappeared down the hallway.
"I did warn you that the child did not need your kindness," a voice said from behind him.
He turned to see Larissa stepping out of the clinic. She must have heard everything. In her hands was the coat Luca had lent to Harmony earlier.
"Here," she said, handing it to him.
Luca accepted the coat and immediately noticed that it was damp.
"She told me she could have washed it herself since, in the end, she did borrow it from you. But she wanted to cut off everything that connects her to you. So, she asked me to wash it instead and apologize for asking me to do so," Larissa explained.
"What happened?" Luca asked, his voice tinged with worry.
Larissa shook her head, "I'm not entirely sure. She came here a bit wet, her temperature had risen, and her clothes were cold. I told her to go home. She wanted to refuse, but I insisted. If her fever rises any more, she wouldn't be able to function for days. She's on her way home now."
Luca sighed, "I just helped—"
"Don't continue that sentence," Larissa interrupted sharply.
"I might really berate you if you do."
Luca pursed his lips, unsure of how to respond.
"That young lady is right. You are misplacing your kindness. With how you try to help everyone, how are you supposed to prioritize those who truly need your help?" Larissa's tone softened slightly, but her words remained firm.
Luca lowered his head in thought as Larissa placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Look here, Shawn…"
She used his real name, causing him to look up at her.
"…that girl once said you are lucky to have been born into the family you were born into. And I agree. Many wealthy families focus solely on outcomes and riches, forgetting the happiness of their children. Your family's different. But at the same time, we should have guided you better in how you show your kindness."
Luca remained silent, listening intently.
"You're genuine, but how would others know that your kindness is limitless and genuine for them, too? How would they know you wouldn't prioritize someone else over them when the time comes?"
Larissa sighed, "That's how it is with that young lady. The reason she refuses to accept your kindness is that she doesn't want to be hurt by it later."
Luca didn't respond immediately. His mind was racing with thoughts, replaying everything that had happened.
"Have I ever hurt you? Or my parents? Or my sister?" he finally asked, his voice quieter.
"No. Because your family is always your priority. But when it comes to others, think about it. Your friends, those you wish to befriend, how do they feel about your kindness? Is it always clear who you prioritize?"
Her words lingered in his mind as he walked back to his room. His friends noticed his somber mood but chose to give him space for now.
On their way home, one of them broke the silence.
"How's Harmony?"
"Still sick," Luca replied shortly.
"And between you two? What happened?"
Luca let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly.
"I pushed her away," he admitted.
"What do you mean?" Kenneth asked, his brows furrowing in concern.
Luca took a deep breath and explained everything that had happened.
When he finished, Gabriel shook his head.
"I know," Luca said before Gabriel could even say anything.
"That's why I told you sometimes I wonder if I'm even your friend," Gabriel said bluntly.
Kenneth and Justin were stunned by his frankness.
Gabriel turned to them, his expression asking if they thought any differently. The two exchanged glances before shaking their heads slightly.
Luca's excessive kindness often caused discomfort, even among his closest friends. Though they knew he was genuine toward them, it sometimes felt like their bond wasn't unique. He treated acquaintances with the same attentiveness and care, making it hard to feel special.
"You want to befriend her, but you left a sick girl alone. What were you thinking?" Gabriel's voice was filled with disappointment.
Luca's lips tightened into a thin line. He had no defense.
"You really need to think things through on your own for now," Gabriel added before walking ahead.
Justin and Kenneth hesitated for a moment before following Gabriel, leaving Luca to walk home alone.
Bitterness welled up in his chest as he thought about everything that had transpired. He couldn't help but wonder what he was trying to achieve with the trait he'd once been so proud of.
Was his kindness really worth it if it pushed people away instead of bringing them closer?
Luca sighed, the weight of his own thoughts pressing down on him. For the first time, he questioned whether his way of helping others was truly the right path.