"Alex , how do you keep getting more handsome? Standing next you puts a lot of pressure on me."
Mark was a shy kid, but around friends, he could really loosen up- a classic example of what people call "quietly bold."
Alex gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Mark, do you want to date pretty girls?"
"Uh, of course!" Even though Alex's abrupt question made him a bit uncomfortable, he answered honestly.
"Then work honestly and make money. Money impresses girls a lot than a handsome face does."
"Hmm, make sense!"
Mark thought for a moment, then asked, "So, does that mean when I have more money, I'll be more popular than you?"
"As if!" Alex looked shocked. "Because in the future. I'll be both handsome and rich!"
"Damn, he outdid me again!" Mark thought, feeling frustrated.
Just then, the bright yellow school bus pulled up.
Screech! The doors opened.
"Hop on, boys."
"Good morning, Mr Paul."
"Morning', sir."
Alex greeted the driver politely, followed by Mark, who blushed and muttered a quiet greeting, barely audible.
After saying hello, Alex turned to bus, smiling with his hands on his hips. "Hello, everyone! How's it going?"
"Hey, Alex!" came the chorus of replies, mixed with light laughter, showing that young Alex was clearly well-liked.
"Alex, can tell us about the Kung Fu Panda story again?" a red-haired girl with bangs and light freckles called from front row.
"Alright, Lindsay, but I hope you won't be bugging me during class for more stories."
"I swear, I won't!"
The bus fell quiet, with only Alex's lively voice breaking the silence.
"... Don't be fooled by the peaceful look of po's village. 'Valley of Peace.' In reality, it's a hidden martial arts haven! Besides having five kung fu masters, there's even a grandmasters, there in secret..."
"To defeat the evil villain Tai Lung, the 'Valley of Peace' held a special competition. The winner would represent the valley to drive him away. Who would've thought that Po, who couldn't do anything right, would win by sheer accident, shocking everyone..."
The children, especially the little girls, listened intently, their gazes filled with admiration.
Mark, sitting nearby, was envious.
The bus soon reached the school, and one by one, the kids got off.
Since Alex was responsible for keeping things orderly, he was the last to leave.
Mark, his loyal sidekick, followed close behind.
"Lindsay is so pretty, and she seems to like you." Mark said enviously in a low voice.
"I know!" Alex said.
"Olivia's pretty too, though all boys like her, she talks only to you."
"I know that too."
"So, what are going to do about it?"
"Don't waste a good girl; don't turn down a bad one . In other words, I want them all!"
Mark was shocked. "Aren't you worried those jealous guys will try to beat you up?"
Alex chuckled," I welcome their challenge."
Mark stared blankly at his friend, wishing he could be in his shoes. Why was it that his friend always so confident in anything he does.
He also want to be like that full of confident.