Part I: Nicely

At the edge of the school yard, Zak hangs out by the gate. The afternoon sun in Utah gives everything a warm vibe, but Zak's world is often colder.

Zak, who comes from an orphanage background, often finds himself on the outskirts of social circles. However, there's a notable exception – Daphne. She adding color to his life.

As the school day ends and lockers close, Zak sees Daphne carrying a bunch of papers.

A breeze rolls through, making her hair dance. She throws up a hand to fix it, then shoots Zak a smile. The sun's giving her white outfit a glow, making her look fresh, kinda like moonlight.

Zak's hooked, thinking everything in the world is just a backdrop for Daphne.

"What's up with the stare-down? Didn't I tell you to bounce?" she asked.

"I got some stuff to handle too."

"Got it."

Daphne hands Zak some of the papers, saying, "Zakky, check these at home. It's the paperwork I grabbed from Mr. Howe."

Zak takes it, then hesitates before saying:

"Daphne..."

"Yeah?"

"It's nothing, I just can't handle being away from you." This time, Zak isn't playing it cool.

Daphne locks eyes with him, saying, "Me too."

"I got something to share."

Zak takes a deep breath. "I'm gunning for Stanford."

"Huh?" Daphne's confused but can't hide her excitement. "Didn't you say you were headed to Connecticut for college? Why the sudden love for California?"

Zak's got the answer ready. If Daphne asks why, he's gonna say...

Thump, thump, thump...

His heart's pounding, watching Daphne graze her fingers.

It's a move Daphne pulls when she's expecting something she's been looking forward to.

That just messes with Zak even more. He goes, "Because... I have feelings for you."

Finally, Zak pours out his feelings, letting out a sigh that's a mix of relief and unease. He keeps his eyes on Daphne, trying not to miss any emotion.

But all Zak sees is Daphne widening her eyes, and he can't quite figure out what she's feeling.

Daphne stays quiet for what feels like a long time to Zak.

"Zakky..." Daphne's voice breaks the silence.

"Yeah..." Zak notices his throat is dry.

"What do you like about me?" Daphne asks with a hint of shyness.

Zak is overwhelmed by the many things he likes about her – her looks, personality, kindness, and how she treats him.

"There are so many things about you that I like. You're perfect in my eyes."

After saying this, Daphne goes silent again.

"What do you want, Zak?" Daphne's tone is soft, as if she'd agree to anything.

"I... " Zak, thinking there's no need to hide now, says, "I want to be your boyfriend. Do you agree?"

"Zak..." Daphne pauses, holding his wrist gently. Her touch is warm and soft.

Daphne looks up at him, her eyes a bit misty with a touch of pink in the corners.

Daphne is delicate and easily teary-eyed. Zak regrets being a bit too quick, but he eagerly waits for her answer as she holds onto his hand, a sign that...

Daphne speaks in a soft voice, "Zak, we're still..."

Zak stops breathing.

Maybe not wanting to hurt him, after a while, Daphne softly says, "Can't."

Zak is surprised, feeling a buzz in his head, blood rushing. After struggling to speak for a while, he asks, "Is it because you don't like me?"

Daphne tightens her grip on his wrist, bites her lip, looking confused.

"Daphne..."

Suddenly, Daphne hugs him.

Zak stiffens, not sure how to breathe.

Each breath is filled with Daphne's scent.

Daphne rests her head on his neck, saying softly, "Zak, please don't be upset."

Her actions are gentle, but her words are sad.

She says no to being his girlfriend but comforts him with a hug, showing that she only sees him as a friend.

Zak forces a smile.

As Daphne lets go, she looks at his disappointed face.

Daphne is sad, lowers her hand, and strokes his.

Their closeness might make others think Daphne agreed to be his girlfriend.

Zak stays quiet, both feeling embarrassed. Daphne seems like she wants to say something but stops, finally letting go of his hand. "I'll go home first."

Zak doesn't know what to say, just feeling like a failure.

Watching Daphne leave quickly, Zak feels completely powerless.

After going back to the orphanage and showering, Zak can't sleep. The scene of confessing to Daphne plays in his mind all night.

Daphne says no.

Daphne doesn't like him.

If she doesn't like him, why does she treat him so nicely?

If she doesn't like him, why be so gentle in saying no?

This is the first time Zak has felt so uncomfortable.

Zak doesn't sleep all night. Early the next morning, his eyes are tired, his body exhausted, but he can't sleep at all.

Zak was lying on his bed when he heard a commotion outside, an unusual event at the orphanage.

Intrigued, Zak stepped out and noticed a black Bentley parked by the gate, exuding an air of luxury.

A man in a black vest stood beside the car, tilting his head and locking eyes with Zak.

Zak hadn't anticipated that, within just an hour, he would find himself seated alongside that man in the dean's office.