LIFE - BLOOD

Episode 2

The cafeteria buzzed with conversation and clinking utensils. Kaius slid into the chair beside Dax, who was listlessly pushing food around his plate.

"Hey, are you okay?" Kaius asked, concern etched on his face.

Dax forced a smile, "I'm fine, just a little tired."

Kaius's eyes narrowed. "Okay, okay, I see you."
He grinned mischievously. "So... how was your date?"

Dax expression transformed, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "It was amazing. She's more interesting than I thought. I had a great time."

Kaius beamed with pride. "Awww, that's splendid. I'm so proud of you! Thought you were gonna cancel."

Dax's smile faltered, his eyes dropping. "Yeah, why would I do that?"

Kaius chuckled, teasing. "First reasonable thing you've done. I'm very proud of you!"

Dax playfully shoved kaius, laughter dancing in his eyes. "That's mean!!!"

But their jovial moment was short-lived. Kaius's gaze drifted to the nearby table, his expression darkening.
"Oh shit..."

Dax followed his gaze, his face tensing.
"What?"

The bullies swooped in, their taunts piercing the air.
"What do we have here? Ouuuuuu... isn't this queer? Two boys having lunch, staring into each other's eyes... what are you gonna do next? Kiss!"

Kaius's face burned with embarrassment and frustration. "Please... leave us alone."

The bullies snatched Kaius's plate, their mocking laughter echoing. "Thanks for the food! " they scurried away, leaving kaius and Dax stunned.

Dax's anger boiled over, his face red with rage. He shot up from his seat, but Kaius grasped his arm, holding him back.

"Hey, hey.... It's okay! No need to get worked up. I wasn't hungry anyway."

Dax shook off kaius's grip, his eyes blazing.
"Get off me!" He stormed off, leaving kaius calling after him.

"Dax! Dax! C'mon man!"

But Dax vanished into the crowd, his anger and hurt lingering like a shadow.

The closing bell rang, and Kaius rushed out of school, searching for Dax. But Dax was already getting into an Uber.

"Dax! Dax, man..." kaius called out, but the car sped away.

Kaius palmed his forehead, confused. "What's he so mad about? Did I do something wrong?"

After a dull walk home, Kaius entered his living room to find his parents' gloomy faces.

"Good evening," kaius said, sensing tension.

His dad commanded, "sit down!"

Kaius dropped his bag and sat. "Is there a problem?"

A piece of paper hit the table. "Explain this?" His father said, his voice stern.

Kaius read the paper, realizing it was his last semester's report card.

His father stood up, rage burning in his eyes.
"When did you become this dumb!"

Kaius looked puzzled. "What?"

"Don't Make Me Repeat Myself!" his dad bellowed.

Kaius laughed nervously. "You've got to be kidding me. I got one B... one B and that was in art class. I tried my best; thought you'd be happy for me."