The next morning, Leo woke up with an unfamiliar feeling. His mind kept going back to the little boy from the mall, the way he hid behind him, the way he spoke, and the way he smiled so freely.
It was strange. Leo was not someone who got attached to people easily. But that small boy had somehow stayed in his thoughts.
As he stood near the hotel window, he suddenly remembered something.
"I go to Aacharya Kids School," the boy had said proudly.
Leo frowned slightly, then gave a small sigh.
"I'll just visit once," he told himself.
Soon, he arrived near the school. Children were running around, laughing and playing. The colorful walls and cheerful noise felt completely different from his usual world.
And then he saw him.
The little boy was sitting on a small bench, kicking his legs happily. The moment he noticed Leo, his eyes lit up.
"Cute little boy," Leo said with a small smile.
The boy immediately ran toward him.
"You came!" he said excitedly.
Leo crouched down slightly.
"Of course. Didn't you say we are friends now?"
The boy nodded seriously. "Best friends."
Leo chuckled softly.
They spent some time playing near the small park area. The boy kept talking about toys, cartoons, and school, while Leo simply listened. For some reason, just sitting there felt peaceful.
A feeling Leo had never really known before.
When it was time to leave, the boy waved both hands excitedly.
"Come tomorrow also!"
Leo paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay."
As he walked back to the car, he felt something strange inside his chest.
He didn't understand it.
But he knew one thing.
He wanted to see that boy again.