—The Next Day —
Maya was finally ready for her first day at Crestwood Academy.
Although it was a prestigious high school, students were allowed to wear whatever they wanted. Still, she couldn't help but feel out of place.
She dressed in her usual style — oversized jean trousers and a loose top, paired with a pair of newly bought but cheap sneakers. Her brown hair was tied into a messy bun, and a faded scarf was wrapped loosely around her left palm. It wasn't anything important; she just liked the comfort it gave her.
She slung her cross-body bag over her shoulder and paused in front of the cracked mirror hanging on the wall.
Sometimes she felt she looked nothing like other girls her age.
Only her naturally pretty face betrayed her femininity.
With a quiet sigh, she stepped out of her small room into the living area.
Her mother stood by the tiny table, carefully spreading butter over a few slices of bread — the last of what they had.
Maya was already moving toward the door when her mother called softly,
"Maya… your breakfast."
"I'm not hungry, Mum. Daniel can have it," she replied quickly, avoiding eye contact as she stepped outside before her mother could insist.
The early morning air was cool as she stood by the roadside, waiting for a cab.
Her stomach growled painfully, and she pressed a hand against it with a faint, bitter smile. She was starving. But if she had stayed to eat, there wouldn't have been enough for everyone.
This wasn't the first time she had sacrificed her share for her younger brother. And it certainly wouldn't be the last.
She would do anything for her family.
They had to survive.
They still had to find a way to bring her father home from prison.
A loud honk jerked her back to reality as a yellow cab pulled up beside her. A tear slipped silently down her cheek before she could stop it.
Quickly wiping her face, Maya climbed into the cab.
—Few Minutes Later —
— Crestwood Academy —
The cab finally came to a stop in front of the massive iron gates…
Maya slowly pushed the door open and stepped out.
For a moment, she forgot how to breathe.
The towering gates stretched high into the sky like a barrier between two completely different worlds. Beyond them stood elegant buildings with glass windows reflecting the bright morning sun. Perfectly trimmed lawns spread across the compound, and students walked confidently along paved paths, laughing as though life had never been difficult for them.
And maybe it never had, Maya thought bitterly.
Her fingers tightened nervously around the strap of her bag.
This place was overwhelming.
Luxury cars lined the drop-off area, their polished bodies gleaming. Girls in stylish outfits and boys with effortless charm moved in groups, radiating a confidence Maya had only ever seen in movies.
For a brief second, insecurity crept into her chest.
But she quickly lifted her chin.
No.
She hadn't fought this hard just to feel small on her first day.
Taking a steady breath, Maya walked through the gates. Cabs were not allowed into the inner parking lot — only a few scholarship students ever used them anyway. Each year, the school selected just one outstanding candidate.
This year, that person was her.
As soon as her foot crossed the entrance line, a strange feeling settled inside her — excitement tangled with fear… and something dangerously close to destiny.
A security guard stopped her briefly, checking the identity tag hanging around her neck before nodding and allowing her in. Since there were no uniforms, that was how students were recognised.
Maya stepped fully into the compound and finally saw the full beauty of the school.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
As Maya continued walking deeper into the compound, the noise around her slowly grew louder. Laughter, chatter, the clicking of expensive heels against polished floors — everything felt strangely overwhelming.
She spotted a large fountain at the center of the courtyard and instinctively drifted toward it, hoping to catch her breath. Crystal-clear water sparkled under the sunlight, creating tiny dancing reflections on the marble tiles.
For a moment, she allowed herself to simply stand there.
Students passed by in small groups, their conversations floating into her ears like fragments of a world she didn't fully understand.
"…my dad just got me a new car…"
"…we're flying to Paris this weekend…"
"…Noah's party was insane…"
Maya swallowed hard.
Her reality felt miles away from theirs.
She lowered herself onto the cool edge of the fountain, staring at her reflection in the rippling water. Her baggy clothes, simple hairstyle, and nervous eyes made her feel painfully visible — like she was wearing a sign that screamed outsider.
A breeze swept across the courtyard, lifting loose strands of her hair.
She closed her eyes briefly.
You didn't come here to fit in, she reminded herself.
You came here to win.
Slowly, she straightened her back and stood up again, determination settling firmly in her chest.
Whatever this place threw at her… she would survive.
She always did.
Just then, a sudden wave of excited whispers rippled across the courtyard, drawing her attention toward the parking area…
The inner parking lot alone looked like a luxury car exhibition.
Is this really a high school… or an automobile company?
She was still walking and staring when she noticed a large crowd gathered at one side of the parking area. Students stood frozen, whispering excitedly among themselves.
She ignored them at first — until someone suddenly grabbed her arm from behind.
"Are you blind? Didn't you hear that Noah Kingston has arrived?" a sharp female voice snapped.
Maya turned slowly, scanning the girl from head to toe. Her outfit was overly revealing, her heavy makeup almost mask-like, and bright blue extensions fell over her shoulders.
Who even dresses like this for school?
What is she? A stripper?
"Don't just stand there staring like an idiot," the girl continued impatiently. "Go apologise to Noah."
"For what exactly?" Maya shot back, irritation already rising. "And who the hell is Noah?"
The girl's expression shifted to surprise.
"Oh… you're new. Wait — a scholarship student?" she said, pulling her hand away as though she had touched something unpleasant. One of the girls behind her quickly handed her a handkerchief.
"Ugh… I can't believe Brittany touched her," another muttered with disgust.
Maya scoffed.
"Look, I don't know what your problem is, but find someone else to deal with it. I'm not interested."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. One of the girls moved as if to chase her, but Brittany lifted a manicured hand to stop her.
"I guess we'll just have to organise a proper welcome party for her," Brittany said with a slow, meaningful smirk.
Maya continued walking, noticing more students standing stiffly in place.
Weirdos, she thought.
Her thoughts were abruptly cut off when someone collided hard into her shoulder.
Gasps rippled through the air.
Annoyed, she looked up — and her eyes widened instantly.
Standing in front of her was the same arrogant boy from yesterday.
"You?" they both said at the same time, pointing at each other, anger flashed across their eyes like burning fire ready to consume…