Chapter 3

She wanted me to go to vocational school, so I did.

From the very first day at vocational school, I was the center of attention.

And it wasn't just at my school. Students at Delsphere High School were talking about me, too.

Everyone had something to say. Some even joked that I must've studied myself into madness to end up in a place crawling with delinquents.

And honestly, they weren't far off. This place was nothing like I'd imagined.

Within a month, I'd seen it all—smoking, drinking, fights breaking out like clockwork. Booking a room was practically a daily ritual, and the chaos only escalated from there.

To keep my distance, I let them believe what they wanted and sharpened the image myself, becoming the perfect stereotype of a nerd.

Before long, people lost interest in me, and I became an invisible presence at school.

They probably thought anyone who got into Delsphere High but ended up here had to be out of their mind.

And honestly, I was starting to think they were right.

Through the school window, I could see Delsphere High School's sprawling athletic field across the street.

Their field stretched so wide that, with the basketball courts included, it felt like it could easily engulf our entire school.

Why? Why was I stuck here?

Gradually, as I got used to this life, I became just an empty shell.

Every day after school, I'd put on my headphones, listen to music, and shut out the world.

But even so, I couldn't escape the inevitable.

There were a few convenience stores right outside the school gates, where students from both Delsphere High School and the vocational school gathered all day.

An argument must have broken out.

Soon, students from both schools were shouting at each other.

I only caught the gist of it.

"What's so great about Delsphere High School? Your top student is here in our school," someone taunted.

He was using me to stand up for his school and for his failure.

I felt nothing, nor did I care to respond.

But just as I took a step forward, I heard someone sneer. "Only idiots go to your school. Who in their right mind would ever choose that dump?"

I never expected to get pulled into their argument, let alone hear my name thrown into the mix.

"Hey, Janet. You hear that?" one of the vocational students jeered. "Those Delsphere High guys just called you an idiot. Why not go up against him and prove who the real academic ace is?"

I found myself face-to-face with a group of boys descending the steps.

The guy who'd called me an idiot stood in front of the group, looking right at me.

When he saw me, he looked visibly embarrassed.

Clearly, he hadn't expected to get caught trash-talking me to my face, let alone discover that the so-called academic prodigy was just a small girl like me.

Knowing this wouldn't end unless I said something, I slowly removed my headphones and looked around.

Suddenly, it felt like I was standing in the center of a coliseum, and all eyes were fixed on me.

A Delsphere High student called out, "Hey, Janet. You're the top of tenth grade, but our guy Harry here is the twelfth-grade genius. How about a little academic showdown?"

Another chimed in with a laugh, "What a shame. This could've been a friendly match between fellow alumni, but one of our own went and joined the enemy."

I looked over at Harry Simmons. He was definitely the type who'd turn heads. With that face, he probably drew attention wherever he went, especially from the girls.

"Hey, sorry about that. I didn't mean to trash-talk you like that." Harry apologized to me, but honestly, I couldn't care less.

Just then, a girl with a ponytail ran up and slipped her arm through Harry's. "Harry, what are you up to now? I thought we had plans to catch a movie later."

Harry shrugged her off and said, "Rain check. I'm going to play basketball later."

The girl pouted, tugging at his arm. "So, what is it—me or basketball? Don't make me go tattling to Mom."

Harry sighed in defeat. "Fine. No basketball today, happy now?"

He turned to me and said, "How about a match? You can choose the time. Call it compensation for your reputation."

"Compensation for what?" The girl, Harry's sister, shot me a curious look.

Everyone awaited my answer.

But honestly, even with all this drama, life was still bitter as ever. Some things just never change.

"Not interested. Don't have time," I said, my voice flat and empty.

With that, I left all the drama behind and slipped my headphones back on.

Harry's sister's sharp voice rang out behind me. "How cocky! Who does she think she is? What's going on, Harry?"