Max got back to school with full confidence.

He asked Allan, who had shared both weal and woe with him, to be a witness.

But the next day, Max's confidence faltered a little when he saw Tristan walking into LACC's basketball court. It was like a wind blowing across the smooth surface of the lake, a flaw in the water suddenly appeared.

Allan served, and Max jumped up and grabbed the ball. Allan cheered for his quickness. Tristan didn't change his face.

Even when Max ...