Chapter 1 : Got a Problem?

"Listen to your teachers, okay? If anything comes up, call Dad. If you run out of money, just let me know and I''ll transfer some to your card..."

Stephen Martinez ended the voice call on his social media app and followed the principal to the far end of the third floor, outside his new classroom.

"This is Junior Year Class 1. Be friendly with your classmates, and if you don''t understand something, ask the teacher..."

This guy nags just like Mr. Martinez, Stephen muttered to himself as he walked into the classroom from behind the principal.

The juniors at Lush High School had just gone through a brutal class placement exam. The students in Class 1 were all ranked in the top 50 of the entire grade. They were slumped over their desks, looking exhausted. Someone whispered, "Kelvin''s here," and everyone immediately sat up straight, eyes fixed on their books.

The principal, Frank Hernandez, loved to catch students slacking off during class. He''d stand by the back window and drag any offenders to his office for a long lecture.

"Alright, you can drop the act," Frank said, seeing through their pretense. He quickly walked to the podium, worried that Stephen might find a seat on his own.

"This is Stephen, a transfer student from Celest Affiliated High School. He''ll be joining you for classes from now on," Frank introduced Stephen and then took the opportunity to remind the students of their competitive environment.

"Class 12 is supposed to have 50 students. With Stephen joining, you''re now 51. That means someone will have to move to another class after the next exam."

The students groaned, their eyes burning with intensity as they looked at Stephen. He felt a lump in his throat, unsure whether to swallow or spit it out.

You told us to be friendly, and now you pull this?

Frank scanned the room for an empty seat and finally pointed to the only vacant spot by the window.

"Everyone, continue your self-study. Work hard so you don''t get bumped out."

The lazy atmosphere in the classroom vanished. Frank nodded in satisfaction and let Stephen walk down the long aisle to the last row by the window.

The student sitting by the aisle didn''t seem to notice Stephen until he tapped on his desk. The student looked up, annoyed.

He barely lifted his head, his eyes rolling up to reveal mostly the whites. His slightly droopy eyes made him look particularly menacing, and his long bangs covered his eyebrows, exposing a small scar on his brow bone.

"Got a problem?"

The cold tone echoed in the back of the classroom, catching the attention of several students, though none dared to turn around.

Clearly, this guy hadn''t been listening to Frank. Stephen pointed to the seat next to him.

"Kelvin... Mr. Hernandez told me to sit here."

Kelvin squinted at Stephen for a moment before realizing he was the new transfer student. He scooted his chair forward, creating a gap behind him.

Stephen saw that Kelvin expected him to squeeze in from behind. With a sigh, he tossed his bag onto the seat and carefully maneuvered through the narrow space, trying not to touch Kelvin''s back.