The bright light made Kiko dizzy. It was blinding, and though they were strongly threwn, he forced himself to stay awake and see what had happened. However, the invisible impact was too powerful that he succumbed and laid flat on the ground.

Kiko had always felt the need to do the best in eveything he did. He was not the best in everything, he knew that, so there was no point in doing something he could not be any good. He also knew who was the best in everything - his brother Jackson.

How did he know that? Simply because Jackson was admired in all aspects. He was the kind that could make all girls turn their heads. He was in first year high school, tall, good-looking, and smart in everything. He was pretty brilliant in science and super quick in math. He read a lot so he was remarkably knowledgeable in history, geography, and current events. He was also athletic. Despite being just a freshman in Subangdaku Rural High School, he was an indispensable player in the school's basketball, volleyball, and track and field varsities. Above everything else, he could sing really well. He was not the singing contest type, but he could melt any heart once he sang ballad and jazz.

And Kiko always felt a pang of envy and sadness everytime he was compared with his brother. When he was younger, people did not see any potential in him. He was an introvert boy who would rather sulk in his room and draw random shapes in his pads than basking under the sun and play with other kids.

"Why does Kiko keep locking himself up in his room? Is he that shy? What future awaits him if he is like that?"

"Look at his brother. He is very reliable!"

"Is Kiko not like any normal kid?"

"No wonder he is not good in school, he is not doing any good with his time."

"Why is he not like his brother?"

Kiko always heard those words, and though he kept telling himself not to be affected, he was still hurt each time people insulted him. It was as if people enjoyed stabbing him continuously. At a young age, he was deeply wounded.

He did not hate Jackson. It was not his fault that he was the perfect son, but there was always a pressure for Kiko to do well. Not to mention that he bore his father's name - Francisco Banting, Jr. So when he got older, he strived to be perfect in the things he did best. He needed people's approval, especially his parents. He did not have to surpass his brother, he just need to be in equal footing with him. So when he was in third grade, he abandoned his shy self and became the annoying Kiko.

He became outspoken and cheeky. He played sports but he was not really into them so he crossed them out from his "excellence" list. He also did not perform satisfactorily in his academics (he was either in the second or third section) so they were also disregarded. However, Kiko had interest in writing poems, essays, and short stories. He kept notebooks of his literary outputs. So when he auditioned as a writer in the school's publication, he was instantly accepted. That gave him a lot of confidence, so much that he ran as president of his class and as officer in other clubs in school. And yes, he won them all.

He might have ruled the election results but Kiko felt that most of the kids were not sincere in voting him. They did not believe in him. They just voted him to see when he would fail and to prove they were right - that Kiko was good for nothing.

Yet, Kiko countered their expectations, proving them all wrong. He turned out to be an effective student leader. He was hard-working and meticulous. His projects were accomplished on time and with pleasing results, like their classroom Christmas tree, donations for victims of fire, and tree planting activity in the school. By and by, he gained everybody's respect and they followed him. Still, the kids kept their distance from and Kiko remained alone with himself most of the time.

It was in fourth grade when he became friends with the trio. Jamie and Tonton submitted a couple of poems to the school publication and requested at least two must be published. Kiko, being critical and perfectionist, was blown away with their demand. He was not also impressed with their works and rejected them outright. The boys argued and they ended in a funny tussle.

"You know what, I think you are cool," Jamie said after they were sent to the guidance counselor's office.

"Did not expect that you have a good punch," Tonton complimented, his left eye beginning to darken already.

Kiko flashed a big smile despite the sore in his left cheek. He felt great having a fight with other boys. It was two against one. That very day, they became friends. Nonetheless, two poems from Jamie and Tonton appeared in the school paper.

Kiko knew that the duo were popular in school and he felt honored to be part of their circle. He finally had friends and it was like being at home at last. Kiko could not be any happier and he would do anything to keep and protect their friendship.

Then one day, he found himself waking up to a distressed place. Subangdaku was ashen and devastated. On the ground were his three friends, lying in a pool of blood....

Kiko jolted to the vision. It was scary and the dizziness he felt earlier instantly evaporated. He felt like he was suspended between dreams and reality. It was unbelievable and shocking, he remained motionless.

Later, his eyes surveyed the surrounding. It was still night and the blinding spectacle up in the heavens had finally ended. It happened only minutes ago but it felt like years in the dreamworld. He needed to see his friends. He turned around and saw a broad silhouette approaching.

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"Bogart," his whispered, happy to see his wobbly body moving around. And for certain, he believed that no harm could have happened to his friends.