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"Thank you for granting me this interview, Madam Mayor."

"All to help a young reporter and future voter."

"Of course. Then tell me. Three years ago, you received a letter from a local doctor complaining about the lack of schools for students with special needs and physical difficulties. Is that true?"

"Oh yeah. That letter opened my eyes. I always took pride in the fact that, even if Royal Woods wasn't a very big city, I almost vacillated between calling it a city or a town, and I always said this was a good place to live. I'm ashamed that I thought in such an ostentatious way. But I was always thinking about the residents who would vote for me, so I got to work and started contacting some companies that had happily invested in our town and that had gone unnoticed for a long time."

"This caused an exodus of large companies that turned this place into what it is today."

"That's right, young man. I never knew who the boy the letter was talking about was. But if it weren't for that, we wouldn't have progressed as far as society and wouldn't have the economic bubble we live in today."

"What happened to him was sad. But he is definitely a local hero."

"That's all. Thank you for the interview, Madam Mayor."

"You're welcome, young man. Don't forget to vote for me when you're old enough to do so."

This concludes the video.

"Now to finish. You may be wondering where the rumor came from that turned Lincoln Loud, the local hero he was supposed to be, into a criminal. Well, the answer is right here," he glared at Chandler, who looked embarrassed. "Chandler McCann. Is it true that three years ago you created multiple accounts and used them to spread rumors about Lincoln Loud, causing him to be suspected of being a criminal and suspected of being a threat to public welfare?"

Chandler wanted to disappear; if he had any trace of dignity and respect from others, he would definitely lose it now.

The boy sighed and replied, "Yes, I did." From his bag, he took out several cell phones, showing different accounts. They were all from three years ago and showed the messages that started the rumors.

"You do realize that spreading harmful rumors about a person and creating multiple accounts is illegal. Correct?"

"Yes, I knew that. But at the time, I didn't care."

"Why did you do that? Why would you create rumors about someone you'll never see again?"

"I was... bored. I thought it was funny then. Now... I feel like a big idiot." At that moment, everyone saw something they never expected. Chandler started crying.

"Lincoln. Is there anything you want to say to Chandler for everything he put on you?"

Lincoln walked over to Chandler and extended his hand. "Admitting our mistakes is the hardest thing, but that doesn't make you any less of a man. On the contrary, I'm proud of you, Chandler."

Chandler wiped his snot away with the sleeve of his jacket and then shook Lincoln's hand.

"And there you have it. Two boys so different from each other, with rivalries in the past. One of them started rumors that tarnished the good name of a guy who only wanted to save his sister at the cost of his own life. Now they've both reconciled as good friends? Only time will tell."

"Clyde McBride was with you. The truth has come to light."

At the end of the first half of the school year, Lincoln, Clyde, and Chandler left the classroom. Once outside, the three boys started talking.

"Good. It went well, guys. Thanks for your cooperation. By the way, how are you, Lincoln?"

"Actually... I feel fine. You were right, Clyde. Telling the truth feels good."

"Hi Link"

"Huh? Yes Chandler? What's going on?"

"I... I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for being... you know... such a... Jerk all these years. If it wasn't for you and your friends, that crazy Japanese guy would have killed me and my gang. Or well... those who are still among us"

"Yes. The police are still investigating the crime scene, so if there is evidence that leads them to Hideki, they will find it. I wanted to cover this story too, but the police wouldn't let me."

"And what are you going to do now, Chandler? Half of your gang is dead; the other half is in the hospital, and the police have closed your hideout."

"I suppose I go back to classes more frequently. Gang life takes up a lot of my time."

Suddenly, the conversation was interrupted by the sound of the speakers.

"Chandler McCann! Report to the principal's office immediately!"

Chandler swallows hard. Something told him he would have to answer the principal more often. "This is going to get bad."

Lincoln pats him on the shoulder to calm him down. "Real men bear the consequences."

"Just in case, I want to thank you for forgiving me. Despite the jerk I was to you"

"Don't worry. Lincoln and I aren't the spiteful type."

"Okay, just in case," Chandler pulls out his phone and deletes videos. "Tell Christina not to worry about the videos anymore."

"What videos are you talking about?"

"It doesn't matter. They're no longer there; she'll understand."

"Okay... I guess this is goodbye. Thanks for everything." Chandler leaves for the principal's office to face his fate.

"I'm amazed at how quickly he changed in just a few days," Clyde said.

"Sometimes, a near-death experience is necessary to open our minds. I know from experience."

"You mean you have an experience like this, Lincoln?"