LABEL x LEVEL

PROLOGUE

It had been a month since Melody's parents passed away. At only eight years old, she found herself in the care of her Auntie, living in a house filled with shadows and grief.

Visitors came and went, offering condolences and support, but Melody remained distant, lost in her own world of sorrow.

On that particular day, she sat alone in the lanai, her gaze fixed on nothingness. Her eyes, weary from unshed tears, refused to cry any longer. The weight of her loss consumed her, leaving her feeling empty and numb.

As the soft breeze rustled the leaves, a little boy, about the same age as Melody, approached and took a seat beside her. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and empathy as he looked at her, and he offered a gentle smile.

"Hi," the boy said softly.

Melody glanced at him, but her gaze quickly returned to the void before her. The boy didn't seem discouraged and he even sat beside her. He simply smiled wider, trying to capture her attention.

After a moment of silence, the boy got up and disappeared. Melody wondered where he had gone, but she didn't have to wait long.

Within minutes, he returned, clutching a tiny cake in his hands. He placed it on the table before her, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Happy birthday!" The boy exclaimed, his voice filled with childlike cheerfulness.

He started singing a clumsy rendition of the birthday song, and Melody felt something stir deep within her.

A surge of emotions overwhelmed her, and tears welled up in her eyes. She had almost forgotten that it was her birthday.

Unable to contain her grief any longer, Melody began to cry, her sobs echoing through the lanai. The little boy's face turned pale with worry. He hurriedly placed the cake on the table and rushed to Melody's side.

"W-What's wrong? W-Wait. . . W-Why are you crying?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. But Melody couldn't find the words to explain her pain. Instead, she clung to him, her tears flowing freely.

The little boy wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

"It's okay," he whispered gently. 

"I'm here for you. We can be friends, and you can tell me everything. I promise, I'll always be there for you."

And so, a friendship was born—a promise sealed by the little boy's heartfelt words.

From that day forward, the bond between Cedric and Melody grew stronger. They became inseparable, sharing secrets, dreams, and the innocent joys of childhood. 

They faced the challenges of childhood together, supporting each other through thick and thin.

As they grew older, their friendship deepened. They faced the ups and downs of adolescence side by side, navigating the complexities of school, crushes, and the ever-changing world around them.

They celebrated each other's successes and offered solace in times of disappointment.

In their teenage years, Cedric and Melody discovered new dimensions of their friendship. They became confidants, sharing their fears, aspirations, and the intricate tapestry of their emotions. 

They were there to lend a listening ear, offering support and understanding when life seemed overwhelming.

Through it all, Cedric and Melody developed an unbreakable bond—a connection that transcended the ordinary. They were each other's rock in times of turmoil, a comforting presence in a world that often felt chaotic.

Their friendship had become an anchor in a sea of uncertainty—a constant source of love, support, and unwavering loyalty.

Cedric and Melody knew that no matter what obstacles they encountered in life, they could always count on each other.

But as the winds of change whispered of trials yet to be faced, a lingering question remained:

Would their bond withstand the challenges yet to come?