The Red Fox of Westbridge

Adrian’s curiousity

It was their 9th grade year, and the school auditorium was full of students, teachers, and proud parents. The awarding ceremony had already begun, the stage lights bright as names were called one after another.

Soon, the announcer’s voice echoed through the hall.

“Second Honor — Adrian Reyes."

Adrian stood up confidently, fixing his uniform with a relaxed smile before walking toward the stage. The crowd clapped as he received his medal and certificate, flashing his usual charming grin before stepping down.

From the middle row, Marcus suddenly cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted,

“That’s our guy right there!”

Some students turned to look, whispering and laughing.

Adrian returned to his seat just as the announcer continued.

“First Honor — Theo Alvarez.”

Theo slowly stood up.

Unlike Adrian, he looked a little nervous under the spotlight. He walked quietly to the stage, accepting his award with a shy nod as the applause grew louder.

Back in their row, the three boys were already clapping wildly.

Julian, never able to stay quiet for long, suddenly stood up again and yelled proudly,

“THAT’S OUR FRIENDS OUT THERE!”

Before the teachers could react, Marcus added loudly with a teasing grin,

“Ladies, they’re gay!”

Laughter burst from nearby students.

Caleb immediately grabbed both of them and yanked them back into their seats.

“Will you two shut up?” he whispered harshly. “I don’t want us getting punished again! If we get detention, we won’t be able to play later. I swear I’ll kill you both.”

But Julian and Marcus were already laughing, still clapping loudly.

A few teachers shot them warning looks, motioning for them to settle down.

Moments later, Theo returned to their row, greeted by pats on the back and quiet congratulations.

For the five of them, it was just another normal day.

A loud, chaotic, happy moment shared by friends who believed nothing could ever break their bond.

——

After the ceremony ended, the auditorium slowly emptied as students flooded the hallways with their medals, certificates, and proud families. Laughter, cameras, and congratulations filled the air.

It was time for pictures.

In one corner of the hallway, Adrian stood beside his uncle. His uncle worked at the school as one of the janitors, still wearing his simple uniform while holding Adrian’s medal with obvious pride.

“Stand a little closer,” the photographer said.

Adrian’s uncle smiled widely as the camera clicked. He looked happier than anyone else there.

Across the hall, Theo was with his family. His mother stood beside him, her arm gently around his shoulder, smiling with quiet pride. Next to her was Theo’s younger sister, a Grade 7 student who had just transferred to the school that year. She looked up at her brother with admiration.

While the photographer prepared another shot, Adrian happened to glance their way.

When Theo’s family posed for their photo, Adrian stood nearby in the background of another frame. His expression was calm—but there was something slightly cold in his eyes as he looked toward Theo.

Meanwhile, Caleb stood beside his father.

His father was a business executive, dressed sharply but clearly distracted, tapping on his phone while Caleb waited awkwardly beside him.

“Ready for the picture,” the photographer called.

Only then did his father quickly put the phone aside and step closer to Caleb. They faced the camera, the flash going off before the man immediately reached for his phone again.

On the other side of the hallway, Julian stood happily between his parents. His family owned several small businesses in town—a bakery and a few mini-stores. They are cheerful people.

Their warmth was obvious.

Not far from them stood Marcus.

Instead of parents, a well-dressed butler approached him quietly and handed him an envelope.

Marcus opened it.

Inside was a neatly printed letter from his father.

“Congratulations.”

Just that.

Marcus’ jaw tightened slightly, irritation flickering across his face.

But before the moment could grow heavier, Julian’s mother noticed him standing alone.

“Oh Marcus, come here,” she said warmly.

Julian quickly pulled him over. “You’re not standing there like a statue. Get in here.”

Julian’s parents stood beside Marcus as if he were their own son, gently guiding him into the frame. Marcus tried to hide his discomfort, but a small smirk formed as the camera flashed.

Then Theo and Adrian joined them. And later, they grabbed Caleb, and all five boys stood together, their families just behind them.

“Alright everyone,” the photographer said. “Last one!”

The five friends gathered close, shoulders bumping as they grinned at the camera.

The flash went off.

None of them knew it then—

but that photograph would become the last picture of their friendship before everything began to fall apart.

——-

“Wait—I’m going to pee!”

Caleb suddenly ran down the hallway, slightly hunched as he tried to hold it in.

The others burst out laughing as he disappeared around the corner.

Their parents had already gone home. It was March 2024, and the recognition ceremony marked the end of their Grade 9 year, preparing them for Grade 10 in June.

Now only four of them remained in the quiet hallway near the library, waiting for Caleb to return.

Julian leaned against the wall, casually teasing Marcus about something from earlier. Marcus fired back with his usual sarcastic comments while Theo listened quietly, occasionally smiling at their jokes.

Adrian, however, slowly drifted away from the group.

He walked a few steps down the hallway without really thinking about it. It was strange—almost like something was pulling his attention toward the guidance office window.

He stopped.

Then slowly leaned forward to take a small peek inside.

And that’s when he saw her.

Inside the office stood a girl he had never seen before.

For a moment, everything around him seemed to slow down.

She had red hair, soft and slightly wavy. A few faint freckles scattered across her pale skin, glowing softly under the sunlight coming through the window. Her eyes looked gentle—almost too innocent.

She stood very still, her hands calmly folded together, like someone quiet and fragile.

Yet there was something slightly strange about her presence. A subtle, almost unnoticeable stillness that felt… off.

Then she lifted one finger and traced along the dusty glass of the window.

Slowly.

Carefully.

She drew the letter M.

Adrian watched without blinking.

He had never really cared about girls before. Most of his life revolved around training, studying, and spending time with his friends. Romance had never interested him.

But at that moment—

For the first time—

Adrian found himself staring at a girl with a curiosity he had never felt before.