The hallway we walked through was bustling, with other groups touring at the same time. Upperclassmen passed by—some greeting us, others barely looking. The school was huge… modern, yet it felt warm.
We arrived at a large multipurpose hall with high ceilings and huge sunlit windows. At the far end, a big sign read: St. Edenia Gymnasium.
"This place is used for PE classes, arts events, and inter-class competitions. You'll come here a lot!" the student council senior explained.
Kids started scattering around, checking out neatly arranged sports equipment in the corner. Some tossed balls, others snapped pictures.
"Raeya, let's take a photo together!" Ilenna invited.
I laughed softly. "Okay."
We posed and took a photo with the indoor court in the background. As we giggled at the picture, I caught a voice from a nearby group.
Mira.
She was standing at the far end, in a different group. She stood slightly apart from her teammates. No one approached her. But she didn't seem to mind. Her posture was calm, her eyes scanning the room like a hawk.
I couldn't help but stare.
"Something's up?" Ilenna whispered, noticing where I was looking.
I shook my head. "Just… curious."
Ilenna gave me a look, then smiled. "I get it. But be careful, okay? People say she has a short fuse."
I nodded slowly. Deep down, I felt… maybe there was more to Mira than just anger.
After the gym, we headed to the third floor—the library. Its walls were glass, the floor made of warm wood, filled with tall shelves and pastel-colored beanbags. Everyone gasped in awe.
"Wow… this place is… beautiful…" I whispered.
"Just like in a drama!" squealed another girl.
"I could live here forever!" cried Ilenna, hugging a random book off a shelf.
We were asked to sit and note down the club schedules and info. A few student council members began presenting various extracurriculars—from journalism, robotics, arts, music, to debate and martial arts.
As the Q&A session began, Ilenna and I whispered excitedly about which clubs we wanted to try.
"I'm going for drama and journalism," said Ilenna.
I smiled. "I think I'll try the art or illustration club."
"Perfect match," Ilenna winked.
As we prepared to leave the library, I turned toward Mira. For a second, our eyes met. There was something in her gaze. I couldn't quite read it. Not hostility… but not warmth either.
I quickly looked away and walked beside Ilenna.
This first day... was full of surprises.
But one thing I knew for sure: even though I came here as "the scholarship kid," without a big name or family legacy, I just wanted to be Raeya—simple, honest, and not alone.
And maybe… I didn't have to be alone anymore.
♛┈⛧┈┈•༶
The first few days at St. Edenia Academy had been filled with a packed schedule of orientation activities, yet each one left a lasting impression. From school tours and introductions to the rules and facilities, to various group games that brought together students from all kinds of backgrounds. Though I was nervous and unfamiliar with it all at first, I slowly began to feel a little more accustomed to this new school environment.
That morning, the sky over Virelia was clear, with the sun hanging shyly behind a veil of thin clouds. I stood in front of the main gates of St. Edenia Academy, my breathing slightly unsteady. Today... was my official first day as a middle school student in Class 1.
My hand clutched tightly onto the folder I'd been holding since yesterday—the one with my class schedule and room info. Class 1-1. And yet, somehow, for the umpteenth time, I found myself frozen in the middle of a long hallway split into two directions. A small voice in my heart whispered: Am I... lost again?
Suddenly, a friendly voice snapped me out of my daze.
"Sweetheart, are you looking for Class 1-1?"
I turned my head. It was the school guard who had helped me before. He stood there in a navy uniform and a cap.
"Yes, sir… I'm kind of confused about the way," I replied, embarrassed.
He chuckled gently. "Come with Mr. Joren. You're early again this morning."
We walked through a bright corridor lined with tall windows. The school was still quiet, with only a few students walking past here and there. When we finally stopped in front of the classroom labeled 1-1, my heart began to race.
"Good luck today!" said Mr. Joren with a kind smile before walking off.
I nodded and thanked him, then took a deep breath and slowly pushed open the classroom door. Only a few students had arrived. Some were sitting quietly with their heads buried in books or phones, while others chatted softly in small groups.
I chose a seat in the second row from the front, third desk from the left. Since seating hadn't been assigned yet, I figured it was fine. My heart pounded as I sat down. Everything felt unfamiliar. The room felt too big, too new… too quiet for someone like me, who was used to hiding behind the shadow of family status.
My eyes scanned the room. A girl was sitting alone in the far right corner. I wanted to go over and say hi—to try being the "normal Raeya" no one knew. But… I'd always been the one approached first. Making friends wasn't exactly something I'd ever learned to do on my own.
You can do this, Raeya, I whispered to myself.
Just as I was about to stand, two girls in neatly pressed uniforms with elegant hair buns walked in, followed by a handsome boy… whose mannerisms were surprisingly flamboyant.
"Oh! Is this seat free?" one of the girls asked, pointing to the desk in front of mine.
I nodded. The three of them quickly sat down, then turned to me with cheerful smiles.
"Hi! You're new too, right?" asked the one with long golden curls.
"Yeah," I answered softly.
"I'm Vallene Avelaine, but just call me Val. This is Chessa Mirane, and this…" she gestured toward the boy.
"I'm Renzy~! But everyone calls me Rere," he said in a sing-song voice.
"Nice to meet you," I said nervously, trying to be polite.
"Are you a scholarship student?" Chessa asked carefully.
I hesitated, unsure if her tone held mockery—but their eyes were genuine and curious.
"I am…" I replied honestly.
"Wooow, that's amazing!!" Val squealed, giving my shoulder a light pat. "Getting into St. Edenia on a scholarship is really hard. You must be super smart!"
My cheeks burned. "Not really…"
"My dad's the head of the Education Department," Chessa said casually. "And Vallene's dad is the Senate Chair at Virelia University."
"I'm the child of a five-star restaurant director!" Renzy added dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. "But scholarships here are super prestigious~ Don't feel small, dear~"
They laughed, and I smiled with them. Maybe… maybe I could have friends.
Not long after, heavy footsteps echoed into the room. A woman walked in with a warm smile.
"Good morning! I'm Ms. Elora, your homeroom teacher. We won't have any heavy lessons today—just some introductions to get to know each other. We'll also be drawing lots for your permanent seating."
The room buzzed with murmurs. A few more students entered.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
A tall girl with chin-length hair strode in without a greeting. Her eyes were cold and sharp, and she walked in without acknowledging anyone.
The room instantly fell silent. All eyes turned to her.
Mira.
"That's Mira Lysette Devon," Val whispered to me. "Her dad was a high-ranking official… but he got arrested for a huge corruption scandal."
I said nothing. Mira's presence was striking. A beautiful face, dark eyes full of shadows, and a stride that seemed to defy the world.
"The school already warned about being late," Ms. Elora said calmly. "Please head to the teachers' office after this."
Mira scoffed and walked straight to the empty seat in the back row, laying her head down on the desk.
Wait… is she sleeping?
The teacher began handing out seat draw slips. My hand was cold as I unfolded mine… B5-L2. Fifth row from the front, second seat from the window.
I got up and walked… only to realize who was sitting next to my assigned seat.
Mira.
I froze, uncertain, afraid. But I decided to sit anyway. This wasn't the time to judge someone based on rumors.
Still, as the teacher began speaking, Mira just kept sleeping.
"Mira," Ms. Elora called. "Please pay attention up here."
No response.
I glanced at her, hesitant.
"Mira… excuse me… the teacher is calling you," I whispered softly.
No reaction.
Gathering my courage, I lightly tapped her shoulder. But her hand swatted mine away harshly.
"Don't touch me," she muttered coldly, not even turning her head.
I froze in place.
Ms. Elora sighed. "Mira, please pay attention. This is your first day in class."
Mira finally sat up, her expression cold and threatening. Her eyes… sharp and icy, like they could pierce through me. I quickly looked away, my heart pounding.
She started paying attention at last, and things returned to normal.
But deep down, I knew… my days at St. Edenia were not going to be peaceful.