Another day at school. Ugh, it sucks. I have to go to that place and deal with all those people with their messed-up personalities. Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't hold back, but the circumstances won't allow it. If I get discovered, it'll be over.

"Hey, Tinashe, wake up!" my mom called as she passed by my room. I was already half-awake, having spent the night cramming for the stupid exam.

"Dwayne, come on in. Your friend is still sleeping in his room. Go ahead and wake him up," she said to my best friend as he arrived.

"Don't worry, I've got this," Dwayne replied confidently. He barged into my room. "Hey, let's go, man! I don't want to be late today. Last time, Josh nearly gave us a whole week of detention."

Why are people like this? Why do they enjoy tormenting others? How can they be so shameless as to bully those weaker than they are? Does it bring them pleasure? Never mind. I can never understand the minds of others and why they act like this.

I looked out over the school grounds, sighing. I at least expected the teacher to come call for me, but I guess that won't happen.

"Hey," a voice called from behind me, coming from the door that led to the roof. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in class?"

I turned around to see Ashylene standing there.

"How are you, Ashylene?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

She smiled.

"Let's go to class, Tinashe," she said, her smile warm and genuine.

I paused for a second, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

"I left class because I already know the stuff they're teaching today," I said, returning her smile.

I can't get her involved in my problems. It's good how things are now, and I don't want to change that.

"Ugh," I groaned, dragging myself out of bed and heading for the shower. "Who cares about all this? School sucks." I quickly showered, ate, and headed out the door.

As we arrived at school just before the bell rang, Dwayne nudged me. "So, what do you think about her?"

"Who are you talking about?" I replied, genuinely confused.

"Come on, man. Stop pretending you don't know. Ashylene, the new girl from the Void family."

"Oh, her. I guess she's alright," I said nonchalantly, glancing to the side where I saw one of the twins, Ashylene's sister.

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Dwayne suddenly stopped in front of me, blocking my path. He squinted his eyes and leaned in. "Who the hell are you, and what have you done with Tinashe?" he demanded.

"What do you mean? You think I like her, don't you?" I asked, feeling a bit defensive.

"Hmph, you've been watching too many sigma male videos. That stuff just makes you act weird," he said, shaking his head.

"Whatever," I muttered irritably, picking up my pace.

As we walked down the corridor, Dwayne eventually caught up to me, still interrogating me. We entered the classroom, where I saw Jane, Dane, some other guy whose name I couldn't remember, and the new twins.

I glanced at Jane and thought, "Damn, she's pretty," before heading to my seat. Dwayne dropped his bag on his chair and turned to me.

"Hey, let's go to the bathroom," he said.

"Why would I follow you to the bathroom?" I replied, giving him a disgusted look.

"Seriously? Yesterday, I walked you there, and now it's disgusting when it's my turn?" Dwayne shot back, raising an eyebrow and looking genuinely annoyed.

He turned around and left the classroom as I scoffed. He's so sensitive; he'll get back at me for this next time.

"Hey," I heard a voice behind me.

I turned and saw one of Ashylene's twin sisters.

"Damn," I thought, recognizing her as the more confident twin.

"Y-yeah, what's up?" I asked, taking a step back.

"How did you get into this school?" she asked, leaning closer, her eyes boring into mine.

Her sudden boldness caught me off guard, and I took another step back. She paused, noticing my reaction.

"So it's true. You really are the weakest person in this school. You don't even have the guts to talk to me," she said, smirking.

"Hey, what are you doing with that loser, Sarah?" a voice boomed from behind me. I turned to see Jerry, the school's towering bully.

He loomed over me, his eyes filled with disdain. "You know, your height suits your personality," he sneered, grabbing my head and ruffling my hair like I was some kind of pet.

I clenched my fists, my blood boiling with rage. My heartbeat quickened.

"Aww, look at that. He's getting angry," Sarah laughed.

Jerry leaned in, staring into my eyes, his brow raised. He nudged me back, making me stumble a couple of steps. I stopped and looked at the ground, trying to control my anger.

"Ah, you can't even look at me properly. You're such a coward. But I'll give you this: you've got guts trying to go after Jane," he said, glancing over at her.

I looked at Jane, feeling a mix of embarrassment and determination. This wasn't over.

Jane looked at me, then glanced at Dane. He caught her look and rose from his chair with a smirk.

"Well, in the end, it amounted to nothing," he said, striding toward me.

"Do you think any sane girl in this school will give you a chance?" he whispered, leaning in close.

"You're a loser. You're only here because you can shock people with your cute ability. Remember, no girl in this school or any other will like you. Even those without chosen abilities see you as nothing. You belong nowhere in this society," he sneered, looking around.

Everyone in the class began giggling. "That is so true," I heard whispers. "I even heard that his mother was left by her husband because of him," others murmured.

The atmosphere in the room shifted, isolating me. I felt a sharp sting in my chest, a heavy weight, and my anger rising.

I walked out of the classroom as the laughter followed me. Just before I reached the door, I glanced back at Jane. She was smiling.

"So, you really are like the rest of them," I thought, turning away and heading upstairs.

As I walked down the corridor, a group of boys a year younger bumped into me, sending a high burst of shock through my body. I fell to the ground.

"Look at this loser," they said, laughing at me.

It seemed the arrival of the twins had made me a target. They were expected to replace Dwayne in the top 10, leaving me vulnerable.

"Breathe," I reminded myself, taking a deep breath. I found myself on the roof of the school.

Hmph, no one was sent to call me back. The top 10 had gone to a meeting with other elite schools for the chosen. Without Dwayne, no one came to find me this time.