Aiden, a twelve–year-old boy about to turn thirteen, was obsessed with football. His biggest dream was to own a Zétryx, a superhuman ability some players awakened through natural talent or intense training. Above all, he dreamed of joining the prestigious Apex Academy and one day playing for their team.
While sitting in class, he drifted off, imagining himself playing on an international stage.
Aiden: "..."
He suddenly snapped back to reality when something tapped his desk. As his senses returned, he saw his teacher standing right beside him.
Aiden: "S-Sorry…"
He muttered awkwardly. Despite his apology, the teacher punished him by making him stand until the end of class.
After school, Aiden headed home.
Aiden: "..."
Someone called out to him from behind. He turned around and saw his best friend, Axel, waving and running toward him.
Axel: "Phew, finally caught up…"
Axel was panting heavily.
Axel: "I heard you got punished for sleeping in class."
He laughed, clearly teasing Aiden.
Aiden: "The class was boring to death… I didn't really have a choice."
He sighed.
Axel: "Can't argue with that."
They kept talking as they walked. After a few minutes:
Axel: "This is where I leave you, buddy."
He said, patting Aiden's back.
Aiden: "Yeah, see you tomorrow."
Aiden continued on his way.
At Home
Aiden: "Mom! Dad! I'm home!"
Nelly: "Welcome back, sweetie! How was your day?"
His mother asked as she prepared dinner.
Kevin: "Welcome home, son!"
His father greeted him from behind a newspaper.
Aiden: "It was fine, Mom."
Nelly: "Glad to hear that."
Aiden noticed his little sister reading in the living room.
Aiden: "Well if it isn't my adorable little sister."
Kelly: "Oh! Big brother! You're home! How was your day?"
She asked while hugging him.
Aiden: "Not gonna lie, it was boring."
Suddenly—
Nelly: "Aiden! Go wash your hands and come eat!"
Aiden: "Okay, Mom!"
He washed up and took Kelly's hand.
Aiden: "Come on, let's eat together."
After dinner with his family, he went up to his room.
The Next Morning
At 7:30 AM, Aiden woke up suddenly, rushed to the shower, put on his uniform, and dashed downstairs. His parents were in the living room.
Aiden: "Morning, Dad! Morning, Mom!"
He headed straight toward the door.
Nelly: "Aren't you having breakfast?"
Aiden: "I'm late today! I'll eat tomorrow!"
He ran outside, only to realize the bus was already gone—so he sprinted all the way to school.
Twenty-five minutes later:
Aiden: "Made it… just in time."
He slipped into the building and hurried to class. But soon enough, he got distracted again, staring out the window at kids playing football.
Axel nudged him with his elbow.
Axel: "Trying to get punished again?"
Aiden: "I really want to play right now."
Axel: "Yeah, doesn't look like that's happening."
The bell finally rang for lunch.
Cafeteria
While eating at their usual table with friends:
Axel: "Hey Aiden, what academy are you aiming for next year?"
Other friends: "Yeah, which one?"
Aiden: "Apex."
To be continued…