In the vibrant embrace of a beautiful Monday morning at Grand Empire Academy, the air buzzed with the lively chatter of students.

Yet amidst the cheerfulness, a tense and unsettling scene played out, casting a dark shadow over the day.

Three unmistakable figures stood out. Nicole and Bucky grinned mockingly, their eyes glinting with cruel satisfaction, while Paul stood stunned, reeling from a punch that left him breathless.

"Hey, watch it, you two! What the heck was that for?" Alen's voice cut through the air as he watched the scene unfold from behind the school gate.

His heart pounded with fury and frustration.

"I could jump in now and beat the heck out of them, but Nicole being there complicates things too much," he thought, gripping the bars of the gate tightly.

Every fiber of his being screamed for action, but Alen knew this wasn't just a simple fight. It was a calculated humiliation, a public display meant to crush Paul and anyone who dared to stand with him.

He knew escalating things further would only make the situation worse.

"Huh!! am in so much disbelief, just who the hell just punched me," Paul said, touching his cheek.

"You freaking bastard, who the heck do you think you are to punc__" Paul yelled as his rage boiled up, but it instantly dropped, quickly changing into a horrifying mix of overwhelming fear and despair.

His voice faltered, and his heart sank as he locked eyes with Bucky, whose face bore a devilish smile engraved into Paul's memory like a haunting portrait.

The traumatic shock sent shivers down his spine, flashing a haunting memory in an endless loop as if his own mind aimed to plunge him into the depths of insanity.

"Oh no, now that I can't ignore that," Alen said, alarmed by the unmistakable bulging veins on Paul's hand and the mask of dread on his face.

He swiftly stepped back, using the wall for leverage to perform a parkour side jump onto the wall, pulling himself over the gate.

"You monsters! now even in my school, you still haunt me..." Paul yelled internally barely containing his anger, biting down on his lip so hard that blood trickled.

"I'm gonna freaking kil__," Paul's internal rage erupted as he said while about to leap forward to attack blinded by rage, but before he could finish, Alen dashed in front of Paul covering him, enveloping Paul in a hug.

In a low, urgent whisper, Alen said to him.

"Paul get a hold of yourself man, we're in school, so Calm down, or else you want to fall for Nicole's trap, if you don't want that, get yourself together, deal with this, and look at him properly, I still don't understand what you going through but get up and show them who they messed with," Alen whispered to Paul to calm him down.

"That's all I can do for now, It's up to you whether you give in or not," Alen said, stepping back, feeling concerned about Paul's next move.

"Sigh!!, I guess you're right, I can actually see his ugly face more better now. And you two now I think about it what're you gonna do to me anyway, we're in school after all,"

"And you know you're the supreme student council president so it's gonna be pretty bad when all the students come out for assembly to see the scene of the supreme student council president bullying her classmate alongside a delinquent" Paul smirked with a quick change in mood into a confidently composed mood to hold in his anger.

"Huh?" Nicole exclaimed, confused by Paul's words.

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Alen moved closer, trying to keep a straight face, "hmm Paul, it's 9 o'clock. We're late for the assembly," he said, barely holding back a giggle.

"What, how the heck are we late? Shit, look what you caused, I am out of here!" Paul yelled pointing at Nicole, immediately dashing off with Alen, leaving Bucky and Nicole in utter confusion.

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NICOLE POV:

"What the heck is wrong with that fool? He just ran away like that, thinking it would solve his problem," I said, my tone filled with irritation.

"Well, if it's that little brat you want me to deal with, then this will be a piece of cake. Don't worry too much, I will make sure he regrets messing with you, as long as you follow your end of the bargain. So what should I do now?" Bucky said to me, cracking his knuckles and grinning.

"I couldn't care less what you do now, as long as you don't involve me or tarnish my name, and you get the job done. But don't you dare forget to be careful? Never even think about betraying me. I have limits you dare not cross."

"Crossing them is just a fool's path that leads to nowhere but endless misery," I said, my tone icy and threatening, sending shivers down his spine.

"Yes, ma'am. You can trust me with this job," Bucky said, bowing his head to me. His fear was visible, sweat dripping down his face.

"Better, now get to class. I have work to do; I'll be back in class soon," I said as I walked away.

"Fool," I uttered, a malevolent smile burning on my face.

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we skipped forward in time as I walked down the school hall with students greeting me; I could sense the fear in their eyes as I passed by.

"What an idiot. He'll do anything for me as long as he's scared. That kind of stupidity will always make him weak in my eyes," I muttered as I walked into the empty council room.

I settled into my seat near the window, facing the huge glass window opposite the room, which held the magnificent view of the front of the school.

"Sigh! It’s been two weeks since I started high school, and it feels just as exhausting as my previous role. I still can't quite grasp the extent of power I have as the supreme student council president," I mutter to myself, staring out the window.

This role is the ultimate authority, overseeing all the schools in Tenkai city. Beyond academics, it regulates student life, discipline, and extracurricular activities. It even exerts control over the city's gang networks, always trying to subdue them.

I pause, feeling the weight of my responsibilities pressing down on me.

At its helm, this role holds unparalleled influence, far beyond what I ever imagined. I have the power to convene influential gatherings, act as a leading officer in the special forces protecting the city, and manipulate the complex hierarchy of school and gang politics.

"Yet, with all this power, it's still the lowest authority within this stupid city's government," I added smiling while feeling the irony of my situation.

“Sigh! That's all my mother told me about this role,” My mother's words echo in my mind, a constant reminder of the power this role holds and the suffocating restrictions that come with it.

She spoke with such conviction, promising that if I followed her instructions, I might have a chance to meet my dad again. That possibility alone should be enough to drive me, but why does it feel like a chain around my neck?

I looked out the window and saw a group of students down below from the window interacting with each other; it seemed like they were having fun, as their laughter could be visible. I closed my eyes trying to banish the ache gnawing at my chest. I craved a normal school life, like everyone else.

Just once, I'd like to feel the freedom of an ordinary day, to laugh with friends without the shadow of my father’s absence looming over me. But I know that’s not my reality. Not with my dad gone, especially Not with the chaos I tend to bring wherever I go.

"Normal isn't an option when people only see my darkness, when fear is the only expression they have for me.l,"

I glance at my reflection in the window, seeing not just my face but the turmoil roiling within. There's a decision made in that reflection. No matter how twisted my path may be, no matter how much fear I incite, I will endure it all. For a chance to talk to my dad again, I'll bear any burden.

"But Paul all you're just doing now is annoying me, I didn't even get what he was talking about that time on the rooftop but now out of nowhere he's started his foolish games with me,"

"I just can't stand it. not only did the info on him show how much of a major treat as a gang leader, but now as a freaking pest, I could just beat him up but it would stain my name, not to mention how strong he is," exhausted and frustrated I said as my mind wonder.

"But no matter what nothing escapes my hate, I will kick you out of this school, I will force you to leave of your own will or make sure there's a reason to expel you, even if it's the last thing I do," Nicole said with anger as she clenched her hand tightly.

Soon after, the next period bell rang.

"Seems like am already late for morning class today, sigh!!," I said ending my inner monologue as I had to leave the office.

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    THIRD PERSON POV (NARRATOR POV)

Within the expansive classroom, Paul, Alen, Leo, Lola, and Nicole settle into their usual seats, ready for another day of lessons.

The room boasts an air of academic sophistication, with its ample space accommodating rows of sleek desks arranged meticulously.

"Psst Alen, hey Alen, answer me," Paul said, kicking Alen, sitting next to him in the last row of the class.

"What the heck do you want, dude? Can't you see we're in class?" Alen replied annoyed.

"Don't forget the free lunch from that bet earlier, because break is in 30 minutes…" Paul whispered.

"What!, how the heck do you even remember that? Damn, I guess that punch didn't do enough damage to you, focus on the class, and please take note," Alen replied looking back at his note.

"What did you just say? If you must know, I allowed that punch to touch my face so I could act a little dramatic," Paul said making an annoyed face.

"Yess! So says Mr ' I'm gonna freaking kill you, ''' Alen said, laughing.

"Don't you dare mock me," Paul replied, pointing his finger.

"What you gonna do punch me? I'd like to see you try," Alen replied, grinning while looking at Paul.

"Why you," Paul said, clenching his fist as he forced a smile.

"Will you two just shut up already we're in the middle of class. Some people are trying to listen to the teacher," Leo said, turning his head back towards Paul as he sat in front of him.

"And I am trying to make an important transaction here, which is equally important, so zip it," Paul said, a frown present on his face.

"Hey. Young man over there, you either keep quiet or leave my class," the teacher said, annoyed.

"But... but... I wasn't__"Leo said confused.

"Hehe hehe," Paul and Alen chuckled quietly, as a vain bulged from the teacher's bald head, immediately without hesitation, shot a piece of chalk their way; the swift throw struck fear into both Paul and Alen, who quickly straightened up, trying to look innocent amidst their suppressed laughter.

"Arghhhh morons," Nicole exclaimed internally.