The Chance of Freedom (REWRITTEN!)

We have a lot more in common than you would be calm with

Mary waved at her friend and patted on the chair next to her, "Jade! Sit here!" Jade walked over to the group and sat down beside Mary. Jade could sense the tense yet sad atmosphere around the small group, "Uh... Did something happen?" "Yeah," Arii replied, "Apparently, that kid over there-" pointed at Zynair who is now staring out the window, "Came over to buy something and Jae took the liking of him." "What a softie." Jade commented and received a glare from Jae.

Jae sighed, "I feel pretty bad for the kid ok?" she explained, "I could see bruises on his neck when he came up there." and her face darkened, "Even scars across his face." The group went silent.

———————————⨝————————————

Staring out the window gave Zynair a moment of peace. He felt free and alive after getting out of that "house". He's very proud of the achievement that he achieved. He looked back at the bottle of water and noticed that it is already empty. He still feels pretty hungry after eating the doughnut.

He wanted more.

He checked his wallet and he only has 5 dollars left. Sighing, he decided to buy something cheaper. He stood up and walked over to the counter and saw the cashier, Jae, lost in her thoughts. He also could feel stares from other people and it made him shiver nervously. 

He walked up to the counter, "Hello." he said and Jae immediately looked at him with a soft smile, "Hey kid." "Um... Can I have one slice of banana bread please?" he asked and pulled out his remaining money, "Also a bottle of water too."

Silence engulfed them as Jae looked at him. Their eyes locked in along with other people. He felt overwhelmed at the attention he was getting. Taking in 3 deep breaths, he waited for Jae's answer.

"What's your favorite pastry kid?" Jae asked kindly. Zynair looked back at her, confused, "I- Why?" "I just want to know." she replied and shrugged. Nobody in Zynair's life would ask him something nice and wholesome as this. Nobody ever spoke to him kindly or ask him the things he likes. It made his heart flutter.

He noticed a short brunette placing her hand over Jae's shoulder, "What Jae meant here was," she started to explain, "she wants to buy you something sweet kid." and smiled at him. Zynair began to wave his hands dismissively and nervously, "No no no!" he said, "Y-you don't have to miss!" and blushed from embarrassment then looked away.

Jae giggled, Ariia laughed, Mary smiled, while Jade observed Zynair. He knows that he shouldn't accept the offer since it's very embarrassing and would make him feel terrible but seeing the sincerity in Jae's eyes, he knows that she wants to help him.

[It's because you're pathetic Zynair.]

Shut up.

"Seriously though," Jae said, interrupting his thoughts, "What's your favorite pastry?" Zynair looked back, "Um... I- I haven't tried any pastry except for the glazed bread." He saw the group's eyes widen and in shock, "YOU HAVEN'T TRIED ANY PASTRY?!" The girl with long black hair and pink streaks asked in a shocked voice. 

Zynair looked at the girl, "I- I haven't..." and looked down. The group feel bad for the kid so they all were thinking of one thing, "You should try our famous pastry in here." Arii suggested. The group nodded while Zynair declined, again, "I- I don't have any money for that." then felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw a black-haired girl with round glasses behind him, "It's our treat." she said with a small smile.

"AWW JADE IS GETTING SOFT!!" the long-haired girl teased and received a glare from her. Jae smiled, "Stop teasing Jade, Mary." she said as she slightly shook her head, "Arii, can you fetch our famous Almond Cherry Fudge?" Arii nodded and walked into the room behind them. Zynair blushed in embarrassment, "You really don't have to do this." he shyly said, "I insist and you don't have to pay for anything." Jae smiled.

Arii returned with a plate of Almond Cherry Fudge and walked towards the kid. She gave him the plate, "You will love it. It's Jae's most famous pastries in this town!" she informed him with a proud tone as she placed her hands on her waist. Zynair thanked her and Jade guided him to the group's table.

Zynair sat between Jade and Mary and looked at the fudge on the plate. He picked one up and bit a tiny piece. The teen's eyes sparkled in surprise, "IT TASTES SO GOOD!!" he exclaimed, receiving laughter from the group. "I told you so!" Arii replied happily and Mary handed him a bottle of water, "Make sure to drink up after eating."

As the kid ate the pastry, the group looked at each other with a knowing look. They all decided to adopt the kid and take care of him.

He deserves a better home and it's with them.