"That was... wow," she breathed, clearly impressed. "I can't believe you just did that! Felix Riether—like, he never lets anyone touch him. You've got some serious guts."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool, though I could feel the weight of the crowd's scrutiny. "It was just a dare. Nothing more," I replied, but even I could hear the uncertainty in my voice. Deep down, I felt a flicker of something new—a spark of confidence that had been absent before.

But as the game continued, the thrill quickly turned sour. The silver-tie girls, still reeling from my audacity, began to whisper amongst themselves, shooting me venomous glances. One of them, a girl with sharp features and an even sharper tongue, decided to take her shot.

"Did you really think kissing Felix would make you one of us?" she sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. "You'll never fit in here, scholarship girl."

"Actually," I shot back, unable to contain my defiance, "I think it's clear I just made a bigger impression than any of you could manage in a lifetime."

Gasps rippled through the group, and I could see some of the boys looking impressed, even amused. But the girls, led by the sharp-featured one, were fuming. "We'll see how long that lasts. Just remember, this place has a way of bringing people down."

"Maybe," I countered, "but I'm not here to play your games. I'm here to make my own rules."

Sunny clapped a hand over her mouth, stifling a laugh at my boldness. It felt good, standing my ground like that, even if I was still trembling inside.

[ next day ] 

I stood outside the classroom, my heart racing with nerves. This was it—the moment I had to face the students who had already judged me before I even walked in. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open.

"Class, may I have your attention?" The teacher called, her voice cutting through the chatter. "I'd like to introduce our new student, Faerie. She's joining us as a scholarship recipient."

Immediately, I felt a wave of stares and whispers. Just as I thought I could get through this moment without incident, a girl in a red tie piped up from the back. "No need to introduce her! Seems like everyone knows this new whore!" Laughter erupted, and I felt my face flush.

I clenched my fists, refusing to let their words break me. "At least I'm not a spoiled brat with nothing better to do than throw insults. What's the matter? Jealous that I'm here on merit while you coast by on your parents' money?"

The laughter faltered, and the room fell silent. I locked eyes with the girl, her smirk quickly fading. "I might be a scholarship student, but that just means I'm smarter than you'll ever be. I earned my place here, while you're just another trust fund baby playing dress-up."

Her face turned red, and she opened her mouth to retort, but I didn't give her the chance. "So why don't you run along back to your little clique and keep pretending your daddy's money makes you special?"

The tension in the room was thick, but I could feel a hint of satisfaction bubbling within me. The other students shifted uncomfortably in their seats, unsure how to react.

"Alright, everyone, let's settle down," the teacher said, clearly trying to diffuse the situation. She gestured for me to take a seat.

Sunny waved at me from her desk near the front. "Come sit with me!" I moved to join her, still feeling the weight of the stares but more determined than ever.

As the class began, I glanced back at the girl who had insulted me. She was fuming, but I just smiled sweetly, knowing I'd made my point.

Felix, sitting at the back, hadn't laughed, his expression unreadable. But when our eyes met, there was a flicker of something in his gaze—interest, maybe.

I settled in beside Sunny, heart still racing. I'd stood my ground today, and I wasn't done yet. I was here to prove that I belonged, no matter how many feathers I had to ruffle along the way.

The game had begun, and I was ready to play.