The sun hadn't even risen yet.
At 5:00 a.m., the city was quiet, wrapped in a pale blue stillness. Inside the sprawling estate of the Lee family, one light flickered in the backyard gym. Jalen stood shirtless, sweat glistening off his toned body as he threw clean, sharp punches into the morning air. His breath was controlled. His rhythm, perfect.
Three months of training under Gun had reshaped his body into a weapon. But Jalen never let it get to his head he knew there were always bigger fish in the water.
And today, one of those fish might show up.
DG.
The thought of meeting him made Jalen push harder. One last set. One last sprint. Then he hit the shower and suited up.
By 7:30 a.m., he arrived at school, duffel bag slung over one shoulder, dressed casually but clean. The buses were already lined up in front of the building, students buzzing with excitement over the school picnic. A trip to the amusement park wasn't something anyone wanted to miss.
"Jalen! Over here!" a familiar energetic voice called.
Joy.
Jay's younger sister bright, bubbly, and completely unfiltered. She waved him over, holding a seat next to her on the bus. He chuckled lightly and walked over, sliding into the seat beside her.
"You're really coming with us, huh?" she said with a wide grin. "I thought rich kids like you got helicopter rides."
"Well look who's talking knowing who your dad was I thought you'd have bought the amusement park," Jalen replied smiling.
"They keep me humble." she said.
She laughed and talked nonstop as the bus pulled away from the school, students cheering from the windows. Halfway through the ride, one of the teachers stood up at the front.
"Alright, quiet down everyone. Before we get to the park, there's something I want to say."
The students quieted.
"This entire event transportation, park rental, even the food was generously sponsored by one of our own. A sophomore, Jalen Lee."
Every head turned.
Joy's eyes widened as she turned toward him. Jalen gave a sheepish shrug, scratching the back of his neck.
Jalen gave a small nod. "Guess the cat's out."
The bus erupted into applause. Some students whistled, others clapped louder than needed, but it wasn't mockery. It was genuine. Even the teacher looked impressed.
Jalen just smiled slightly, gazing out the window to hide his faint embarrassment.
Minutes later, the buses pulled up to the front gates of the private amusement park. Flags waved, music played softly over the speakers, and a staff of workers in uniforms stood ready to welcome the students.
Jalen stepped off the bus, the sun now shining full over the colorful entrance.
Somewhere in the crowd, he knew, DG was probably watching.
Let the day begin.