The countdown to the Heldale Field Festival had officially begun.
Every hallway in Heldale High buzzed with preparation — students painting banners in the art room, practicing routines in the gym, rehearsing chants behind closed doors. Excitement crackled in the air like static before a storm.
Kant stood in the open locker room with a half-zipped blue and white brigade jacket draped over his shoulder. The Heldale Brigade Boys uniform still smelled like new fabric and spray paint. His role was simple — help lead the team, make the crowd cheer, and keep smiling like everything was perfect.
"Yo, Kant," someone called from the hallway. He turned to see a petite figured boy with ginger hair walking towards him.
Tam.
He was the only real friend he had that didn't care if he was the Golden boy of Heldale and the mayor's son and often teased him about being too coordinated and focused.
"You hear? Grendale High is coming to the festival this year."
Kant frowned, glancing up. "Grendale?"
"Yeah, apparently they're merging festivals this time around. Some unity collaboration or whatever. Their cheer squad's even performing with ours at the opening."
Kant gave a tight nod and muttered, "Cool," before returning to his locker.
Tam then moved closer to him and whispered in his ears. "I heard their girls there were the bomb".
Kant then looked at him with an irritated expression." Yeah sure, that's your favorite part of every event.
"I could link you up with some hotties if you're interested". Tam replied, licking his bottom lips with a wide grin.
" Thanks but no. The last thing I need is getting involved in your little Casanova exploits ". Kant removed the jacket and slung it into the locker. His white singlet clung to his smooth pale skin and toned arms.
Tam rolled his eyes and said "Ok,Ok. I get that this isn't your thing but let me know once you change your mind ". Tam slapped his shoulders in a playful manner and stormed off.
The locker room returning to still silence but something in Kant's chest pulled tight, like a string about to snap. That was Tam's life and not his. He wouldn't even be able to get romantically involved with girls even if he was straight. His actions and decisions were somehow already mapped out by his father's expectations and he couldn't do much to alter a difference.
However, he didn't think much of Grendale. There was nothing special about that topic. It was just another name. Another town. Another school.