Sandra was working her last shift in the flower shop that day. She had sent her resignation letter to the owner a few days ago, feeling she couldn't commit to the job anymore with everything going on in her life.

Klang!

The bell to the shop chimed as a customer entered. Sandra welcomed them with her usual greeting and smile.

"Welcome to Madtown's Flower Shop!"

It was Kwanghee.

"Girl, what's happening with you? I couldn't catch you on campus anymore," Kwanghee said, hugging Sandra.

It had been a while since they hung out. Sandra had been very busy lately.

"How are you?" Sandra asked her friend as they sat down.

The noise from the TV played faintly in the background. She served him a cup of hot tea.

"Well, busy as usual with football practice for the spring tournament. How about you? I couldn't keep up with your 'stay away from me for now for my own safety' thing, so I came here instead. How have you been?" Kwanghee asked, sipping his tea.

Sandra shrugged and vaguely glanced at the program on the television. "Gathering my thoughts so I don't lose my mind," she replied, her eyes now focused on the TV.

Reporter Terry Johnson was on the screen.

"Madtown U Madness!" began Terry's segment.

"Turn up the volume, Dar," Kwanghee said, tuning into the news.

Sandra did so. She turned up the volume.

"According to our reliable source, corruption exists at Madtown University. Students who preferred to remain anonymous have come forward to confirm it. Is it time for this decades-old private university to have new management? Multiple complaints of bullying are in the spotlight. Last year, a tragedy occurred because of bullying at Madtown U. Is there more to the story than we've been told? The truth usually lies somewhere in the middle..."

"The elites picking on ordinary students are being investigated. Is this the end of the university's reputable facade? Is it a haven for learning or a trap for the vulnerable?"

Sandra swallowed the lump in her throat. Reporter Terry Johnson chose to speak to the public rather than be silenced, just as she expected.

The public wouldn't take this issue lightly. Investigations would continue. This might be the end of Madtown U. Sandra wanted this to happen—Madtown U needed fixing.

"On the rumor side that might disappoint the ladies, there is a rumor about a prominent member of the Mad KingZ Fraternity, Timothy Oliver Pete Williams VI aka TOP, and his true sexuality. Is he gay or not? Our network is open to hearing his side. Madtown U Madness, isn't it?..."

Reporter Terry Johnson continued her other segment, but Sandra wasn't listening anymore. Her heart pounded heavily against her chest.

Sandra had just revealed TOP's sexuality to all of Madtown City. It didn't matter if it was presented as a rumor. Everyone would be questioning TOP now. What must Officer Williams be thinking?

Sandra bit her lip. First Ted, now TOP. Would she continue to do this to every member of Mad KingZ?

Sandra shook her head. After this with TOP, she would rest her case. This was her graceful act toward TOP. This was what he deserved for acting like he didn't know her brother—that Kevin didn't exist.

TOP hadn't even mentioned this crucial part in the court hearing last year. TOP was determined to bury the memories he had with her brother in his grave, and that angered Sandra.

Now she had revealed his lies. Serves him right, she thought. The students who bullied her brother would be revealed soon as well. She would make sure they faces consequences.

After this, she would rest. She promised herself. She would leave this mad town.

"Wow, that was intense!" Kwanghee exclaimed as commercials started playing on the TV.

Sandra looked at him, curious. Kwanghee seemed bothered. "You didn't have an idea that TOP is gay?"

Kwanghee shook his head. "I noticed he stares at me longer than usual, but I thought it was because we are friends and I was with you most of the time, so I dismissed it quickly. But, man, wow..." He sounded amazed. "TOP knows how to hide his sexuality very well, if it's true."

Sandra scoffed. "It's true. I saw him kissing Kai from the Basketball Club."

Kwanghee's eyes widened. "With Kai?" He looked thoughtful. "I know Kai is gay. He was Thor at last year's Halloween Party." He then looked sullen. "But whoever gave the information regarding TOP's sexuality is cruel."

Sandra raised her eyebrows. "Why would you say that?"

Kwanghee looked at her seriously. "It's no one's business to reveal someone's sexuality like that, especially on a national TV, even as a rumor, Dar. That's just cruel. I have a hard time telling my family about mine. Imagine how hard it must be for TOP, with a police officer as a father. That's rough, girl."

Sandra's throat dried up. She closed her eyes, controlling the anger rising in her chest.

She then opened her eyes and looked at Kwanghee, her lips pursed. "TOP deserves it for hiding he had a relationship with my brother, who killed himself last year, probably because of him. That's not only cruel but also evil." She blurted out loud, surprising Kwanghee.

"What are you talking about, Dar?" Kwanghee asked, confused.

Sandra's breathing was still heavy from her outburst. "I am the eldest sister of Kevin Grace, the Madtown U student who killed himself last year because of school bullying. TOP had a relationship with my brother before his death. TOP deserved to be shamed on TV."

Kwanghee's jaw dropped. "You are...what?" He looked at her in disbelief. "Wait. Were you the one who told the reporter about TOP being gay too?"

Sandra nodded. "Yes, I contacted her and told her the truth."

Kwanghee shook his head at her. He seemed to be looking at her differently now as he took a step back. "I can't believe this. First, you're telling me you are someone else, and also you're the one who did that to Williams?"

It might be too late to take back what she just revealed to Kwanghee, but she knew this time would come eventually. She felt sad looking at Kwanghee now. "He killed my brother, Kwanghee. They killed my brother," she said slowly.

Kwanghee was shaking his head as he reached the door. "I can't believe you...I don't even know you anymore," he said, hurrying out of the flower shop.

Sandra felt sad watching him leave. She had lost her only friend.

---

Kidrey was anxious as he watched the news on the television. He was at the fraternity house when the disturbing and absurd segment was broadcasted.

"What the hell," Kidrey thought as he grabbed his phone and searched for TOP's number. He dialed it and tried to call him.

Kidrey couldn't believe what he had just seen. No matter how the news presented it as a 'rumor', it was broadcasted with malice towards his co-member. Whoever was behind this didn't know what was coming.

'He will pay,' Kidrey thought, angrily.

Kidrey was furious with the turn of events. First, Ted. What happened to Ted wasn't even settled yet. Now, TOP as well. Is there someone out there targeting Mad KingZ? CODE denied involvement, and Kidrey was starting to believe them. Now this...

Kidrey clicked his tongue, getting impatient with TOP not picking up.

The news must have already reached the eldest member of the fraternity, who was probably even madder.

Kidrey knew how TOP could be blinded by emotions and act impulsively.

Whether it was true or not about TOP, Kidrey didn't care. TOP was still his comrade. Kidrey just had to make sure he was OK and out of danger.

Someone was targeting them, that's for sure, but who?

'Son of a bitch.'

Kidrey angrily stopped trying to contact TOP. He threw the phone on the couch and harshly turned off the TV with the remote.

After a while, his phone rang. Kidrey quickly picked it up, expecting it to be TOP.

"Dear leader."

Kidrey's eyes widened. He didn't expect the person on the other line.

"Ted," Kidrey said, surprised.

Ted was finally awake.