Rayan stepped into the bustling restaurant, the aroma of spices and sauces filling the air.
He looked around, determination written all over his face.
"Alright… I have to do this. For Mom later," he murmured to himself, straightening his back.
He walked up to the counter, trying to hide his nervousness.
"Excuse me… I'd like to apply for a job here," he said with as much confidence as he could muster.
The cashier, a middle-aged man, raised an eyebrow and looked at him.
"How old are you? Do you have an ID?"
Rayan swallowed hard, fingers gripping his bag strap.
"Not yet… but I can work hard, learn quickly… I really need a job," he said, half hoping it would be enough.
The cashier shook his head.
"Sorry, kid. No ID, no work. That's the restaurant's rule. Come back when you're old enough and have proper identification."
Rayan nodded quietly, a little frustrated but holding back his disappointment.
"Hmph… so annoying," he muttered, stepping out.
Outside, he took a deep breath and stared at the evening sky.
"At least I tried. I'll find another way later. For Mom, I'll make it work," he said to himself.
Even though he failed this time, his resolve remained unshaken.
Rayan walked down the street, his movements still random and carefree on the surface, but underneath, a deep sense of responsibility and determination for his mother drove every step.
At Liana's house — Evan's study group
Liana sat in the living room, in front of a table crowded with books and notes.
Evan sat beside her, occasionally glancing at her notes and offering suggestions in his calm, gentle voice.
A few other group members were gathered around as well, each with their own laptops and textbooks.
The atmosphere was serious but warm. Liana occasionally smiled as she watched Evan diligently helping, correcting some problems and explaining concepts clearly.
"Okay, Lia, if we divide the chapters, I'll take chapter two. Can you focus on chapter one?" Evan asked.
Liana nodded.
"Got it, Evan."
They started working together, writing notes, discussing points, and exchanging ideas.
A few small laughs erupted when someone made a typo or a silly mistake.
The front door opened, and her father's footsteps echoed down the hallway.
"Liana… I'm home!" he called out.
Liana glanced up from her notes and smiled briefly.
"Hi, Dad," she replied.
He removed his shoes, hung up his work jacket and bag, and glanced toward the living room.
He saw Liana and her friends intently studying.
A small, half-proud, half-curious smile appeared on his face.
"Wow… a study group, huh? That's good…" he murmured as he put his bag on the rack.
Liana lowered her head for a moment, then returned to focusing on Evan and the others.
The living room was quiet and warm, bathed in soft yellow light. The table still held books and notes from their group study.
Suddenly, a loud knock echoed at the door.
Liana looked up, startled.
"Who could that be…?" she murmured.
Her father glanced toward the door with curiosity, while Evan and the rest of the group paused, their attention drawn to the unexpected visitor.
Rayan appeared in the doorway, carrying a large bag and a tray full of homemade pastries.
"Hi… I brought these," he said cheerfully, though there was a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Liana's eyes widened.
"Ray?! At this hour…?"
Evan and the other group members stared in surprise, not expecting Rayan to show up like this.
Liana's mother, who had been preparing tea, quickly came forward with a warm smile.
"Rayan! Oh my, you brought pastries your mom made? Come in, dear. What a thoughtful boy!"
Rayan smiled faintly, setting the bag down beside him.
"Yes, Mom… my mom said these are for everyone. To make… everyone happy," he said, bowing slightly in politeness.
Liana looked at him, surprised but smiling.
A warm feeling filled her chest—seeing her usually chaotic, random friend suddenly so thoughtful and kind.
Evan smiled faintly, curious but respectful, keeping his focus on his notes.
The other group members gasped and chuckled at the tray of pastries.
"Wow… Ray, you never said you were good at bringing treats," one of them teased lightly.
Rayan shrugged casually, but his eyes kept flicking toward Liana, silently saying, "All of this… for you."
Rayan glanced at Liana's father with a casual smile.
"Oh, sir… just got back from work?"
Liana's father hung his jacket and nodded.
"Yes… tired, but still standing."
Rayan patted Liana lightly on the shoulder, then looked toward the large room.
"In this big house… there's a room to watch TV, right? I want to watch the game."
Her father raised an eyebrow, then smiled faintly.
"You want to watch soccer? Mind if I join?"
Liana's eyes widened, glancing between them.
"Wow… unusual. Dad's actually excited. He's usually so cold to everyone, especially Rayan," she muttered quietly, barely believing it.
Rayan just shrugged casually.
"Who cares, Lia. Come on, sir, let's watch!"
He moved to the sofa, set down the snacks he had brought on the table, and cheered loudly as the game started on the TV.
"Goal! Come on, sir, cheer with me!"
Her father smiled faintly, sitting beside him, watching Rayan—so random, so full of energy.
Evan and Liana's friends watched from the other side, slightly impressed by the sudden camaraderie between Rayan and Liana's father.
Liana could only look at them, a small smile tugging at her lips.
The house felt warmer, livelier—so different from usual.
Rayan occasionally tapped her father on the shoulder or raised his hand whenever his team scored.
"Come on, sir! Cheer louder!"
Liana's father chuckled, joining in with small cheers.
Liana covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, watching her father's rarely seen side: warm, playful, and fully enjoying the simple moment.