Entering the cafeteria, Han enjoyed the use of space when they created the middle school. He looked at the high ceiling with the exposed ductwork with the matte black paint. On his right side was a large window that nearly reached the top. The window was placed in a way that would let in the maximum amount of light when students were eating their lunches, so currently there was a significant shadow cast by the rising sun. Seeing several groups of students sitting around tables and benches, the feeling was similar to hanging out at a nice restaurant instead of a cafeteria he remembered. Back in his previous life, there were long tables parallel to one another for students to sit. It was a standard looking setup and nothing mind-blowing.

Glancing over, Han saw that several students were already lining up to order some breakfast. There was a line for those who wanted the simple meal that was provided through government subsidies and the other for those whose parents paid a little extra to give their kids some options. Instead of being limited to just eggs, bacon, juice and milk, those who spent more were able to order omelets, grab some fruits, and coffee at the mini coffee stand.

"Hey, Han!" He heard Alex's voice call out to him.

Claire tugged on his sleeve and pointed, "Alex is sitting over on a bench."

Seeing where Alex was sitting, he yelled, "The girls and I are going to grab something!" Alex gave him a thumbs up, so Han followed after Claire and Hannah.

The two girls headed went over to the line allowing more selections, instead of going to the subsidized line. Han stood next to them and looked at the other students waiting in line.

"What are you getting?" Hannah asked him.

"I'm just going to grab a bottle of milk," he answered.

Claire lightly smacked him on his shoulder with the back of her hand. "You should get one of the juice smoothies. They taste a lot better than just milk."

"I'm good. Getting milk is all I need." He smiled and shrugged one of his shoulders.

As the line moved and they reached the register, Hannah said, "I'll have a yogurt and Apple-Spinach smoothie."

The lady at the register inputted the order into the display. Looking up and smiling at Hannah, the woman said, "That'll be five credits, student."

Hannah placed her wrist that had a bracelet on it and held it over a scanner for a couple of seconds. The scanner had a small screen which pulsed a red light, but after retrieving the necessary information, the screen changed to a bright solid green color. "Thank you," Hannah said to the lady and walked to the side to wait for Claire and Han.

When the lady turned to look at Claire, Claire said, "I'm going to have a Strawberry-Maple smoothie and an apple." Lifting her hand and indicating with her thumb at Han, she said, "He'll have a Strawberry-Banana smoothie." Seeing the display pulse red, she quickly placed her wrist that had the bracelet on the scanner. After it turned green, she grabbed Han's hand and pulled him out of the line to where Hannah was waiting.

"What did you do that for?" Han asked Claire once she released his hand.

Turning her head to Hannah, Claire asked, "can you believe this guy and just wanting to get some milk?" Looking at Han, Claire said, "just getting milk is boring and I know that you only have a small allowance you earn from mowing the lawn."

"Just because your parents well off don't mean that you should be spending their money. You should be more frugal." Han sighed.

Claire waved off his advice and concern and walked over to the where the apples were displayed at grabbed the one at the top. Hannah followed after her, after grinning at Han. Next to the stand where the smoothies were made was the fridge with several items, such as yogurts, which Hannah grabbed before standing next to Claire to wait for their smoothies.

Han just looked at how the two of them were casually chatting as always, especially Claire who occasionally glanced at Han when she thought he wasn't looking. Being that Claire came from a family where her dad was a doctor, he knew that it made her feel self-conscious around him. She would often pay for things, instead of letting him use his allowance he saved up. He chuckled at how she always tried to look out for him, considering he could just make precious metals appear out of thin air, so money didn't mean anything to him.

When he started fourth grade, his dad suggested he mow the lawn to earn a couple of credits for him to use on whatever he wanted. "Son, a man needs to be able to take care of himself before he gets married. You're at an age where you need to practice in becoming the bread-winner. I know you and that Alex kid visits the mall, so having credits will help you to learn the meaning of being the provider." His dad told him on one of their family vacations to the national park.

Han knew that if his dad heard that he let a woman pay for him, his dad would lecture him for hours. The few times the four of them went to Han's house, he noticed that whenever his dad looked at Claire, his eyes would darken, likely due to thinking about her dad and how much a doctor brought home.

Walking over to where the two of them were standing, Han watched the lady behind the counter begin placing three containers on the prep-station. One by one, the woman added the various ingredients to each metal holder. Grabbing three lids that had sharp blades sticking down, she secured each cup and grabbed the three containers and turned around to where the blending device was. Flipping each one and inserting them into the machine, the familiar whirring noise could be heard.

In a few moments, there were three metal cups with straws in them being presented. "Enjoy your smoothies, students," the smoothie lady said to them.

Each one of them grabbed their cups and headed towards where Alex was waiting for them. Reaching the bench where Alex was sitting, Han sat next to Alex and pulled out the mini table and cup holder that each bench seat had.

Alex noticed the metal cup and looked at Han and grinned. "I see that your wife is looking after you again?"

"I was just planning on grabbing milk to drink, but Claire didn't think that was appropriate," Han lifted both hands palm up.

"How do you expect to concentrate on the test today with just milk," Clair retorted sitting down next to Han.

"Alex, did you want a smoothie," Hannah asked as she sat down next to him.

Alex smiled and shook his head, "I doubt that a smoothie is what's going to get me the grade I need for this test."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"That's why I told you to study, instead of going to the mall and goofing off," Hannah nagged him.

"Now who has a wife looking after him?" Claire teased.

"It's not my fault that reading comics is more fun than reading the textbook," Alex said, tilting his head back and sighing.

Han grabbed the metal cup and took a sip, enjoying the strawberry-banana flavor. Even though he had a big breakfast, he still enjoyed drinking the smoothie. It had a sweet and smooth taste to it, tasting fresh compared to the what modern companies sold on the parallel Earth. This world was more conscious about what was used in their product, though they still used synthetic ingredients just in a more thought out manner.

"Aren't you glad that you got to drink that smoothie," Claire interrupted his thoughts.

Placing the cup back down, Han said, "I didn't say that I disliked the taste. You freely using your dad's money is what has me concerned."

"My dad already knows that I buy you things, so it's not like I'm hiding it." Claire countered.

"I guess I was overthinking it," Han said, smiling at Claire. "Thank you for the smoothie, Claire."

"As long are you know who to thank," Claire said as she looked away likely blushing.

While they chatted with one another, there was a light bell noise to indicate that first period would be starting soon. Students in the cafeteria began gathering their things and heading off in groups towards their respective section.

"I don't feel like heading to history class," Alex grumbled.

"You should have signed up for Chemistry, as we did," Hannah said.

Alex shuddered at Hannah's words. "I'm okay with taking my basic Chemistry course during the fifth period. You guys are too hardcore for me, with the academic path you're mapping out. I'm better at the computer-related courses anyways."

"I'll see you at Intro to Computers at the second period," Han said to him.

"I wanted to take that course, but my schedule is pretty full already. I may take it during ninth grade at the high school." Claire sighed.

"I'm in the same boat," Hannah agreed.

"Both of your dads work over at the Hospital, so it's understandable for you guys to have similar classes." Han nodded his head.

Claire took a deep breath, "both of our dads think women becoming doctors is something the industry needs, so they keep pressuring us to follow their footsteps."

"I don't know how I could deal with that. Making video games on the computer sounds way more fun." Alex stated.

"You just like playing video games," Claire said, not buying what Alex was saying.

Alex stood up and stretched, "you make that sound like a bad thing?"

Han grabbed his cup and turned the table and cupholder back to their original position, and stood up. Walking to one of the walls, he spotted a sign with the words, "Cups Only," and a place to deposit the cups. Inserting his cup, he heard it slide down the chute, where it would be sprayed with water and automatically stacked for the staff to take it to the wash area to have it sanitized. Han thought it was smart how they did that, eliminating the time needed to soak dishes.

He spotted the three of them heading towards the main hallway that wrapped around the center building, allowing students to access their grade section. Catching up with them, Han listened to Claire and Hannah talking about their classes. Aside from the Chemistry and Computer classes, his schedule was pretty average regarding difficulty. He shared two classes with Claire and Hannah, Chemistry and math, while he shared two classes with Alex, Math and Computer science. For the fourth and fifth period, he had English and gym, respectively.

Having gym during the fifth period allowed him to take his time cleaning up before his sister walked past the middle school. A part of him was thinking about stopping by tryouts for the football team, for those who missed the summer tryouts. It was a little late for him to show up, but seeing the poster last week made him consider it.

"You guys want to stop by the mall after school?" Alex asked them when they were in the hallway, on their way to the fifth-grade section.

"I'm going to pass," Han answered.

"We can walk with you and Jennifer since the mall is on the way," Alex offered.

"It's okay. I'm going to head to the tryouts after school for the football team." He answered.

Clair looked at him, asking, "you're joining the football team? When did you decide this?"

"I saw the poster hanging up near the entrance and thought it would be interesting," Han said nonchalantly.

"That just sounds like way too much work," Alex shook his head in disbelief. "How about the two of you," He asked the girls.

"I can go. I'll just hang out for a little bit and then head over to the bookstore and study." Hannah said, looking at Alex.

Alex slumped his shoulders in defeat at hearing Hannah's plans. "I'm guessing you're going to drag me to study, huh?"

"I'm glad we have an understanding," Hannah grinned. "You coming along, Claire?" She turned her head towards Claire.

"I'm going to watch Han try out for the team," Claire said.

"You know you don't need to do that," Han advised her.

She ignored his words and continued saying to Hannah, "I'm going to see if sports is the area he'll apply himself in."

Hannah giggled at Claire's words, "I don't think I've seen Han put in effort into anything, especially with him taking Chemistry with us." Leaning forward to look at Han, she asked, "are you going to turn out to be some MVP of the football team?"

"You guys are enjoying this aren't you?" He said dryly.

"Maybe I should join the cheerleading team?" Claire wondered, tilting her head while pressing her index finger to her cheek.

Hannah burst out laughing at Claire's comment. "I wonder what your dad would think of that?" She laughed even harder.

Claire also began laughing alongside Hannah, the two of them enjoying the idea of her taking time away from the plan she laid out with her parents to cheer for guys running into one another.

"I just think it would be nice to try out something I don't have experience in, especially with not having a plan for the future. Even if I don't do well, I think there will be some benefits." He casually mentioned.

Reaching the fifth-grade section, they turned into the hallway and made their way to the elevators. Kids were walking past them, some going into the stairwell instead of waiting for the elevator or going towards their class on the first floor. There were already people waiting for the elevators, so they didn't have to wait long before the sound of the bell chime was heard, and the doors opened.

"I'm going to head to class, so I'll see you next period, Han," Alex said to him and waved at the girls before merging into the crowd of students.

"I hope he's going to be okay for the test in third-period," Hannah said sounding concerned.

Claire placed her arm on Hannah's shoulders and said, "Even though we tease him, Alex is a pretty smart guy so getting a B on the test won't be difficult." She grinned wolfishly, "If he manages to get lower than a B, then we'll make him go through studying hell to make sure he passes."

Hannah appeared a little better hearing Claire say such things and nodded her head.

With the number of students waiting, they had to wait for two more elevators before being able to reach the third floor. After successfully squeezing out of the cramped elevator, Han headed towards his locker with both Claire and Hannah behind him. School officially starting for the day meant that the hallway was crowded with students either heading to their lockers or heading to class.

Reaching his locker, he smoothly used his combination to open the door. Grabbing his Chemistry book and a notebook he used in the class along with some supplies, Han closed his locker and headed to class. Entering the classroom, Han saw that half the class were already sitting at their desks. In the back of the room were the various instruments that they used for understanding the material. Considering the fact this was a middle school, Han was impressed with the level of equipment the school provided them. It looked like a mini lab at a university, instead of something that belonged in a grade-school environment.

Seeing that there were several seats near each other open in the corner of the back row by the window, Han headed over there. Navigating his way through the rows of desks, he grabbed the corner seat laying his stuff on the table. Claire sat next to him, and Hannah sat in front of her.

"I don't understand your love of the back row," Claire sighed.

Leaning against the wall, Han answered, "I just find it more relaxing. The other seats along the wall are next to the window so you can't do this." He reached up and tapped the wall he was leaning against.

Hannah seeing the annoyance in Clair's facial expression said, "It's not good to stress about it. Han has always been this way, so there isn't a point trying to change it."

"I know," Claire sighed in exasperation.

Han leaned his back, resting his head on the wall. Closing his eyes, he relaxed waiting for class to begin. "I don't know why you guys are so concerned about where I'm sitting, considering I have a B+ in this class, just below having an A-."

"Which is why it's frustrating how you seem so cavalier about everything, instead of focusing on school work. You talking about joining the football team is completely random. With your abilities and more studying, you can aim for a prestigious school and have your life all ready for you." Claire said.

"Sometimes having life planned out too far isn't a good thing. You can plan all you want, but then fate could release something unpleasant on your path and shatter it all." He casually said with his eyes closed.

It felt like Claire was going to retort but was in interrupted by a voice, "Looking at all of your expression, I'm seeing that you guys were missing being in school." There was an audible groan from the group of students.

Han opened his eyes and noticed and looked to see Mr. Samworth grinning. This was the typical reaction of all students at this age, so Han found it entertaining though he kept such sentiments to himself.

"Wow!" Mr. Samworth exclaimed to the class. "Since you guys are that excited, let's start the class off with a Pop Quiz!" He pretended to celebrate as if everyone would enjoy having to do such a thing. "I'm sure that you guys made sure to read the chapters we went over the past couple of weeks since the beginning of the fall semester." From his bag, Mr. Samworth pulled out a stack of papers, likely the Pop Quiz everyone would be working on. He went around the teacher's table and began distributing the quiz to each row.

Lifting his hand and stretching it out, Han yawned before turning to the student sitting in front of him with the item in question. The student had a look of annoyance, likely due to having to deal with a quiz at this point and having to wait for Han to take the despicable thing out of his hand. "Thanks," He told his classmate, who rolled her eyes.

Placing the sheet down in front of him, Han made sure to write his name first before looking at the paper. Back on the other Earth and this version, Han had numerous occasions where such lack of attention to detail cost him points. He would then have to deal with Claire lecturing him for the entire day, while Alex and Hannah grinned. Sometimes he thought that they were meant for one another, the way they enjoyed him getting in trouble.

Looking at each of the questions, Han saw that they were all fill in the blank type questions. This fact was why many of the students disliked Mr. Samworth, cause they all learned this truth from the upperclassmen. The first question was, "What type substance(s) did the ancient civilizations mistake as an element?" Without needing to think about the answer, Han wrote down, "water." Considering the semester was still early the need to use his powers was overkill, especially at this level. His eyes moved to the next question, which was, "An atom is made up of [blank], [blank], and [blank]."

Each of these problems was relatively easy and likely didn't need much time to think about the answer. It wasn't until Han was at the last question where he smiled, feeling that many of the students may have forgotten which one was the right answer. "[Blank] is the most common isotope of [blank] and used to define [blank]. This is then used as a baseline to measure the atomic mass of other [blank]." Aside from him remembering Mr. Samworth say this line precisely during class, it was relatively easy to use the clues in the sentence itself. Considering there were twenty blank answer lines, making each one half a point, Han decided to place three incorrect answers randomly. Three wrong answers would allow him to maintain his current grade in the class.

Seeing that he was one of the last people to complete the quiz, he turned his page over to indicate that he was finished with the mini-test. Glancing over at Claire, he saw that she was looking at him with eyes that seemed to say, "what took you so long?!" He merely smiled at her and turned to the side so he could lean against the wall.

Shortly after, Mr. Samworth said to the class, "It looks like everyone is finished so those who are still working on the quiz, I'm going to have to ask you to turn your pages over." Looking around at the class, he said, "Please pass your quiz to the person in front of you, and I'll be collecting them. Make sure that you write your names, so you get credit."

Han leaned towards the girl sitting in front of him and gave her his quiz. She merely took the exam and handed it to the student sitting in the front row. The teacher gathered the stack and moved to the next row to repeat the process. After collecting all the quizzes, he walked to the table and took out a manila envelope. Opening the envelope, Mr. Samworth inserted the items inside and sealed it. Sticking the container into his bag and moving it aside, he looked at the classroom and asked, "Who can explain what a mole is and how this concept is connected to the unit of measurement known as the Atomic Mass Unit?"

The moment Mr. Samworth said, "Atomic Mass Unit," several of the students cried out in frustration.