''
I finished writing my report on the company's financial status and set my pen down. A sudden noise echoed near our teacher's desk. Beep-beep, beep-beep, the timer grew louder with every passing second. Madame Samaeki stood watching the class with unwavering attention. She waited for the sound to stop, then announced in an authoritative tone:
— "Stop, put your pens down. Your time is up."
I gave my work one last glance. It was finished, and I felt calm. I hadn't felt any pressure during the exercise, unlike some of my classmates who seemed to struggle to finish on time. I allowed myself to breathe easily, observing the others in the room. No one seemed panicked. After all, we were at Onkawa, a prestigious institution where excellence was the standard. Here, everything was under control.
Madame Samaeki began collecting the assignments, inspecting the students like a general reviewing her troops. At this school, the rules were strict, and any violation could lead to severe consequences. Smoking, eating outside the cafeteria, skipping classes, fighting, bringing alcohol, or using cheat sheets were all strictly forbidden. The regulations were not just imposed—they were enforced with relentless rigor.
I remembered an incident from two years ago when some students had snuck cigarettes and food into their dorm rooms. They had been caught red-handed by the dorm monitors, and their punishment had been exemplary. Not only were they expelled from the university, but their families were also blacklisted. Their lineage, their name, and their reputation were tarnished forever. Onkawa had erased them from its history, treating them like parasites. No other school or company would accept them afterward. It was said that being expelled from Onkawa was like a social and professional death. No one would associate with you again, for fear of being tainted by your disgrace. It was an unspoken rule here: never cross the line.
I sank back into my seat, watching the other students quietly gathering their belongings. Everything seemed perfectly in order, as usual. Discipline was woven into the very fabric of this place. Even if some appeared comfortable, I knew better. I had to always keep an eye on the rules. One mistake could be fatal.
— "Alright, you may leave. It's almost noon," Madame Samaeki said with a quick glance over the class. Then she added: — "This afternoon, we'll have a sports session. Basketball. Keep the same groups."
The students replied in unison: — "Yes, Madame."
The bell rang, and everyone slowly started getting up from their seats. I packed my things carefully into my bag, taking one last moment to double-check that everything was in order. I wasn't in a hurry. I wanted to observe a bit more, to study the behaviors around me. But before I could finish preparing, someone suddenly hugged me from behind.
I turned around quickly and saw Mia Atlehi, Saya's cousin. She wore a wide smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine mischief.
— "I didn't expect you to be such a hard worker. You looked so focused during the exercise."
I paused for a moment before answering, my thoughts racing. I hadn't expected her to come talk to me, but her comment made me smile inwardly. She had a positive opinion of me—that was a good sign. This girl could definitely be useful. I replied, trying to sound a little shy but sincere:
— "Ah, well, I tend to get very focused when I'm working."
Nikolas, Saya's boyfriend, turned toward me and gave me a friendly slap on the back. He was tall, imposing, with a presence that naturally commanded respect. I hadn't expected that kind of gesture from him.
— "Relax, man. For a new guy, you did pretty well," he said, placing his hand on my shoulder.
I was slightly surprised. I had always thought Nikolas was just the popular type—the kind whose only skills were his looks and his family connections. I had pictured him as an athlete without much substance, just a product of his parents' network. But here he was, showing a different side. Sometimes appearances were deceiving. I wondered what he would do if he knew what I really thought of him, but I couldn't afford to show it. A smirk played on my lips.
— "What's making you smile like that?" Nikolas asked curiously, as if genuinely interested.
I replied lightly, trying to stay as relaxed as possible:
— "Ah, I was just thinking about a YouTube video I watched yesterday—it was hilarious."
I saw him raise an eyebrow, intrigued, but before he could ask more, another group joined us.
Saya Atlehi, accompanied by Isabella Cruz, approached with confident strides. Saya, as always, seemed sure of herself, her gaze almost calculating. She flashed me a sly smile before speaking:
— "Alright, we're eating at the cafeteria today. Jessy, are you coming with us, or heading outside?"
I thought for a second. Going to the cafeteria with them? It could be a perfect opportunity to get closer to them, especially Saya. Of course, I wasn't going to miss such a chance.
Breaking the silence, I answered with a relaxed, casual tone:
— "Of course, I'll join you."
The group moved toward the exit, everyone getting ready to enjoy a little break. But I knew my motivations were different from theirs. It wasn't just a lunch break for me. It was a chance to weave connections, to learn more about those who could help me with my future plans.
As we crossed the classroom door, I took a moment to observe my group. Saya seemed deep in thought, Isabella was already chatting with Mia, and Nikolas walked alongside me. I knew that everything I said, everything I did, mattered. Every word, every gesture could bring me one step closer to what I was after.