The following days pass normally.
Mike becomes the top student. Popular—but distant. He helps no one except Tommy.
One friend is enough.
On the weekend, inside the storage room he calls his bedroom, Mike finally succeeds.
After countless attempts, he assembles a working phone.
He stares at it.
Jeff would never buy me one.Good. I don't need him.
He pulls out a small device—something like a bug.
If I can plant this on Jeff's phone… someday I'll find something useful.For now—focus on the laptop. Portable. Easier to hide.
Weeks later, during break, Laurel approaches him.
"You're Mike, right? The top student. I'm Laurel."
She offers her hand.
"Hey. Do you need something?" Mike asks.
Tommy jumps in.
"Don't mind him—he's blunt, but cool."
Laurel laughs nervously.
"You sound like my uncle."She looks at Mike. "Could you help me with homework after school? My parents are busy."
Mike meets her eyes.
"I train after school. No time."
Her expression falls.
"Not even once?"
"No. My coach won't allow it."
She nods sadly and walks away.
Tommy groans.
"She's the cutest girl in class! Afraid her dad will arrest you?"
Mike smirks.
"Maybe he'll arrest you someday."
After school, Mike notices Laurel walking alone—same direction.
So that's why she asked, he realizes.She didn't want to be alone.
Suddenly, four boys appear.
A bigger one steps forward.
"Well, well. The perfect student walking alone."
Laurel stiffens.
"Leave me alone. My dad's a cop."
The boy—Derek—grabs her wrist.
"You insult us in class and now you're scared?"
Two others block her path.