Chapter 16: First Day of School

The rest of the summer had been a whirlwind of self-discovery for Yuqi. Between exploring the books and scrolls in her mother’s chest, adjusting to her transformed body, and reconnecting with her family, she’d hardly had time to think about the impending school year. But now, as the first day of sophomore year dawned, the nerves that she’d pushed aside all summer hit her like a freight train, leaving her with a lingering sense of self-doubt.

Yuqi spent longer than usual getting ready that morning. Her closet, carefully curated over the summer, was filled with options, but none of them seemed right for the occasion. After much deliberation, she settled on a pleated plum skirt and a lavender blouse with lace accents paired with her favorite black ankle boots. The outfit felt like a good balance—confident without trying too hard.

She studied her reflection as she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse. Her longer hair framed her face, which was softer and rounder than before her transformation. Her eyes held a mix of determination and anxiety. She smoothed her skirt one last time and took a deep breath.

“You’ve got this,” she said, her voice steady but soft.

Downstairs, the comforting smell of breakfast greeted her. Her mom stood at the stove, flipping pancakes, while Kelly was already at the table, her phone in hand and a half-eaten pancake on her plate.

“First day, huh?” Kelly said, glancing up as Yuqi entered the kitchen. Her smirk was as sharp as ever. “Trying to impress the whole school?”

Yuqi rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. “Just trying to survive.”

Their mom turned, placing a plate of pancakes in front of Yuqi. “You’ll do more than survive, sweetheart. You’ve come so far this summer. Just take it one step at a time.” Her words were a comforting reminder of the supportive family dynamics that had been a constant source of strength for Yuqi.

Yuqi nodded, pouring syrup onto her pancakes. “Thanks, Mom.”

Kelly leaned back in her chair, her grin widening. “You know people are going to be staring at you all day, right?”

Yuqi shot her a glare. “Thanks for the reminder.”

“It’s not a bad thing,” Kelly added, holding up her hands defensively. “You look great. Own it.”

The ride to school was quiet. The familiar hum of the car filled the silence as Yuqi stared out the window. The streets, lined with trees just starting to lose their summer green, passed in a blur. Kelly sat in the backseat, humming along to the radio, while their mom occasionally glanced at them through the rearview mirror.

As they pulled into the school parking lot, Yuqi’s stomach churned. The courtyard was already bustling with students, their voices blending into a chaotic hum. Groups of friends reunited after the summer, sharing stories and comparing schedules. The energy was palpable, but to Yuqi, it felt overwhelming, the school environment pressing in on her from all sides.

Their mom parked the car and turned to look at them. “You’re both going to do great today. Remember, take it one step at a time.”

Kelly opened the door, stepping out with her usual confidence. Yuqi followed more hesitantly, clutching her bag tightly as she adjusted the strap on her shoulder.

“See you later, Mom,” Kelly said, waving as she closed the door.

“Thanks, Mom,” Yuqi added, her voice quieter.

Their mom smiled warmly. “Have a good day, girls.”

As the car pulled away, Yuqi stood frozen for a moment, taking in the scene before her. The school was the same as it had always been, but everything about it felt different now. She glanced at Kelly, who was already striding toward the main building with her head held high.

Kelly turned back, raising an eyebrow. “You coming, or are you planning to stare at the parking lot all day?”

Yuqi took a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah, I’m coming.”

Yuqi stepped onto the school grounds, trying her best to project confidence. Her boots clicked softly against the pavement as she walked, her head held high despite the ball of nerves twisting in her stomach. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling courtyard, where students clustered in groups, exchanging summer stories and comparing schedules.

She immediately noticed the looks.

Some were curious—lingering glances from students who seemed to be piecing together the unfamiliar face with something they couldn’t quite place. Others were more intense, filled with an open admiration that made Yuqi’s skin prickle. A few simply glanced her way and moved on, offering polite nods or brief smiles.

Yuqi tried to keep her composure. Her fingers tightened slightly on the strap of her bag, but she maintained a bright, easy smile as she acknowledged those she passed. A friendly nod here, a soft “Hey” there—small gestures that helped her feel grounded, even as her heart raced.

Kelly walked beside her, exuding her usual aura of confidence. It was as if the attention Yuqi was getting didn’t faze her in the slightest.

“You’re doing good,” Kelly said under her breath, a slight smirk tugging at her lips.

“Thanks,” Yuqi replied, her voice low but steady. She wasn’t sure how convincing she sounded, but she was determined to keep up the facade.

The main doors loomed ahead, and Yuqi steeled herself for the chaos inside. She could already hear the hum of voices and the clatter of lockers.

As they stepped through the entrance, the noise grew louder, and Yuqi felt the weight of even more eyes on her. She focused on her breathing, reminding herself that she belonged here just as much as anyone else.

The hallway was a whirlwind of motion—students leaning against lockers, chatting in groups, exchanging schedules. Yuqi caught a few more glances as she walked by, her smile never faltering.

A couple of boys near the water fountain whispered to each other as she passed, their eyes trailing her for a moment too long. Yuqi’s cheeks burned, but she refused to let it show. She straightened her posture, her steps confident and deliberate.

“Eyes forward,” Kelly muttered, though there was a faint trace of amusement in her tone.

“I’m trying,” Yuqi hissed back, her lips curling into a brief grin despite herself.

As they turned the corner, Yuqi spotted Elliot, Ian, and Stan standing near their usual spot by the lockers. The sight of her friends brought a rush of relief, and she waved to them, her nerves easing slightly.

“Morning!” Elliot called out, his grin wide and genuine.

Ian gave a small wave, his expression still slightly awestruck. “You made it.”

“Barely,” Yuqi joked, joining them.

Stan looked her up and down, then nodded approvingly. “Looking good, Yuqi. New year, new you, huh?”

“Something like that,” she replied, laughing softly.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the day. Students began to disperse, heading toward their first classes. Yuqi glanced at her schedule and smiled at her friends.

“Guess I’ll see you guys at lunch,” she said, tucking the paper into her bag.

“Good luck,” Elliot said, giving her a thumbs-up.

“You’ve got this,” Ian added.

As Yuqi headed toward her first class, the hallways grew quieter, the earlier chaos fading into the rhythm of the school day. She could still feel the occasional glance, the weight of curiosity and admiration, but she held her head high.

She didn’t just belong here—she was ready to thrive.

Yuqi stepped into her first class of the day—Trigonometry—feeling a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. Math had always been her favorite subject. Numbers, equations, and formulas didn’t care about appearances or whispers in hallways. They just were, and Yuqi found comfort in their simplicity.

Yuqi stepped into her Trigonometry class, her nerves slightly heightened as she scanned the room. Most of the seats were already filled, and she immediately noticed that the majority of the students looked older. It wasn’t a surprise—Trigonometry was typically a junior-level class. Yuqi had always been strong in math, moving through courses faster than her peers, but sitting in a room full of upperclassmen made her feel the weight of being a year younger.

She chose a desk near the middle of the room and carefully set her bag down. A couple of juniors glanced her way, their eyes lingering with curiosity. Yuqi kept her expression neutral, giving a polite smile before pulling out her notebook and pen.

The teacher, a tall woman in her mid-thirties with sleek dark hair and a sharp, professional outfit, stood at the front of the room. She wrote her name on the board neatly, using looping handwriting: Ms. Foster.

“Good morning, everyone,” Ms. Foster said, her voice carrying easily over the low chatter of the class. “Welcome to Trigonometry. Before we get started, let’s take care of a little housekeeping.” She picked up a clipboard from her desk. “I’m going to take roll, and when I call your name, just let me know if you prefer to go by anything else.”

Yuqi sat up straighter, her fingers lightly gripping her pen as Ms. Foster began reading the names.

“Abrams, Mark?”

“Here,” a boy near the back mumbled.

“Bellamy, Claire?”

“Here.”

The roll call continued, and Yuqi could feel the glances from some of the juniors, subtle but present. She focused on her notebook, tapping her pen lightly against the page.

“Allen, Yuqi?”

“Here,” Yuqi said, her voice steady.

Ms. Foster glanced up briefly, giving Yuqi a quick nod before moving on. If she noticed anything unusual about Yuqi’s presence in the primarily junior class, she didn’t comment on it, for which Yuqi was grateful.

When the roll call was finished, Ms. Foster set the clipboard down and stepped to the center of the room. “Alright, now that we know who’s here, let me introduce myself. I’m Ms. Foster, and I’ll be your teacher for this course. Trigonometry is one of my favorite subjects to teach because it combines algebra, geometry, and analytical thinking. It’s challenging, but if you put in the effort, I promise you’ll learn much this year.”

Yuqi felt a slight sense of relief. Ms. Foster’s tone was firm but encouraging, and the precise structure of the class already felt like something she could handle.

“Before we dive in, I’d like to get a sense of where everyone is. Let’s start with a warm-up problem. Take out a sheet of paper and solve this.”

Ms. Foster turned to the whiteboard and wrote: Find the sine, cosine, and tangent of 30°, 45°, and 60°. Provide exact values.

Yuqi’s eyes lit up as she read the problem. This was familiar territory. The unit circle had been drilled into her memory long ago, and she quickly got to work, jotting down the answers with ease.

Around her, the sound of pencils scratching against paper filled the room. She noticed some of the juniors glancing at each other, exchanging confused whispers. A boy sitting diagonally in front of her turned slightly, his notebook still blank.

“Do we need to memorize these?” he whispered, his voice low enough that Ms. Foster wouldn’t hear.

Yuqi leaned forward slightly. “Yeah, but for now, just think about the triangle ratios. For 30°, sine is 1/2, cosine is √3/2, and tangent is 1/√3.”

The boy blinked at her, clearly impressed. “Oh. Thanks.”

Yuqi smiled faintly before returning to her work.

“Alright,” Ms. Foster said after a few minutes. “Let’s go over the answers together. Who can tell me the sine of 30°?”

Yuqi’s hand shot up almost instinctively.

“Yes, Yuqi?”

“Sine of 30° is 1/2,” Yuqi said confidently.

“Correct. And the cosine?”

“√3/2.”

“Excellent,” Ms. Foster said with an approving nod. “Nice work.”

Yuqi felt a small rush of pride, though she tried to keep her expression neutral. She caught a couple of her classmates glancing her way, some with mild surprise, others with quiet admiration.

The rest of the class passed smoothly, with Ms. Foster introducing the syllabus and outlining what they’d cover over the semester. By the time the bell rang, Yuqi felt more settled. Math had always been her safe haven, and despite the new dynamics of being in a class filled with juniors, she was confident she could hold her own.

As she packed up her things, the boy from earlier caught her eye and gave her a slight nod. “Thanks for the help,” he said quietly.

“No problem,” Yuqi replied with a polite smile before heading out into the hallway.

The buzz of students between classes filled the air, but Yuqi felt a flicker of pride as she made her way to her next class. The first hurdle of the day was over, and it had gone better than she expected.

After the confidence boost of Trigonometry, Yuqi made her way to her next class, English. The stark difference in her enthusiasm for the two subjects was almost comical. Where math felt like a puzzle she could solve, English often felt like a riddle with no clear answer.

The classroom had a quieter energy than her math class, with students already seated and flipping through notebooks or staring at their phones. Yuqi found a seat near the back, hoping to keep a low profile. She pulled out her notebook and a pen, glancing at the whiteboard where the teacher had written their name in neat, looping handwriting: Mrs. Carter.

Mrs. Carter was already at her desk, organizing a stack of books. She was an older woman with graying hair pulled into a loose bun and glasses perched on the edge of her nose. She looked up as Yuqi entered, giving her a brief smile before returning to her papers.

The bell rang, and Mrs. Carter stood, addressing the class in a calm, measured voice. “Good morning, everyone. Welcome to English 10. I’m Mrs. Carter, and I’ll be guiding you through this year as we explore literature, writing, and critical thinking.”

Yuqi barely stifled a groan. Critical thinking always sounded straightforward but often left her second-guessing every word she wrote.

“We’ll start with some introductions,” Mrs. Carter continued. “I’d like everyone to tell me your name, one thing you enjoy reading or writing about, and what you’re looking forward to this year.”

Yuqi’s stomach sank slightly. She hated these icebreakers. Still, she listened as the first student started, giving a polished answer about their love of writing poetry. The following student mentioned fantasy novels. The chain continued, with answers ranging from historical fiction to fanfiction, until it was Yuqi’s turn.

“I’m Yuqi Allen,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I don’t really enjoy reading or writing much, but I guess… I like math-related puzzles. And I’m looking forward to improving my writing this year.”

Mrs. Carter smiled warmly. “Thank you, Yuqi. Growth is always a good goal.”

The introductions wrapped up, and Mrs. Carter began passing out the syllabus. “This year, we’ll be focusing on analytical essays, creative writing, and a variety of classic and contemporary literature. To start, we’ll be reading To Kill a Mockingbird. I hope you all brought your copies today.”

Yuqi pulled out her slightly creased paperback, glancing nervously at the opening pages. She’d skimmed the first chapter at home but hadn’t been able to concentrate much. Still, she wasn’t overly concerned—reading aloud wasn’t her favorite, but she could manage.

“Let’s begin by reading the first two pages aloud,” Mrs. Carter said. “I’ll start, and then we’ll go around the room.”

The teacher began with a smooth, practiced cadence, her voice filling the room as she read the opening lines. The following student continued without hesitation, passing the task down the row. Each voice carried the words confidently, and Yuqi felt herself relaxing slightly as the chain moved closer to her.

When it was her turn, Yuqi took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the text quickly to prepare herself. She started reading aloud, her voice steady at first. But then something shifted.

The words on the page seemed to blur and twist, and without realizing it, Yuqi’s speech transitioned into a flowing, melodic cadence. The classroom grew quieter, and she noticed the faint shuffle of someone turning in their seat. She glanced up briefly but kept reading, unaware that her English had transformed into the Dragonic language she’d been studying all summer.

By the time she finished her passage, the room was dead silent.

Yuqi blinked, looking up at Mrs. Carter, whose expression was one of polite but apparent confusion.

“Is English your second language?” the teacher asked, her tone cautious.

Yuqi’s eyes widened. “No, I’ve spoken English my whole life.”

Mrs. Carter adjusted her glasses, still staring at Yuqi. “Then… what language were you just speaking?”

The blood drained from Yuqi’s face as realization dawned. Oh no.

“I… I’m sorry,” she stammered, her voice faltering. “I’ve been learning my biological parents’ language over the summer, and I must have… switched to that without realizing it.”

Mrs. Carter’s expression softened slightly. “I see. Well, that’s certainly unique. But let’s try to stick to English during class, alright?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Yuqi replied, her face flushed with embarrassment as she sank into her seat.

The students around her exchanged puzzled looks, some leaning in to whisper to each other. Yuqi stared at her notebook, her mind racing. How could I let that happen?

The class continued, but Yuqi found it challenging to focus. Occasionally, she felt someone’s gaze linger on her, and her cheeks burned anew. By the time the bell rang, she was the first to gather her things and head for the door, eager to escape the awkwardness.

Stepping into the hallway, Yuqi let out a long breath. English had always been challenging, but now it felt like a minefield.

She clenched her fists lightly, steeling herself for the rest of the day. Get it together, Yuqi. You can’t afford to slip like that again.

After the awkwardness of English, Yuqi was relieved to see PE listed as her next class. Physical activity wasn’t exactly her favorite, but it felt like a chance to clear her head after the strange turn of events in the previous class.

She stepped into the gymnasium, the faint smell of polished wood and faintly stale air filling her nose. Students were already scattered across the gym floor, chatting in groups or tying their shoes as they waited for the coach to arrive. Yuqi glanced around, spotting a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces.

“Alright, everyone, bring it in!” a loud, authoritative voice called out.

The gym teacher, Coach Daniels, strode onto the floor. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a whistle hanging around his neck and a clipboard in hand. His presence immediately commanded attention, and the chatter died down as students gathered in a semi-circle.

“Welcome to PE,” Coach Daniels said, his voice booming across the gym. “This year, we’re focusing on building strength, endurance, and teamwork. Today, we’re starting with fitness assessments. We’ll be testing your baseline abilities, so don’t worry about impressing anyone—just do your best.”

Yuqi lined up with the rest of the class as Coach Daniels explained the series of activities: push-ups, sit-ups, a 40-yard dash, and a standing long jump. She felt a twinge of nerves. Physical fitness had never been her strong suit, but she resolved to do her best and not draw too much attention to herself.

The push-ups were first. Students dropped to the floor in rows, counting out repetitions as Coach Daniels moved among them. Yuqi followed suit, lowering herself into position.

She started tentatively, expecting to struggle after a few reps. But as she continued, she realized she wasn’t even breaking a sweat. Her arms moved effortlessly, her muscles feeling stronger than she ever remembered.

“Thirty!” someone nearby huffed, collapsing onto the floor.

Yuqi blinked. She was already at fifty, and her arms still felt fresh.

“Uh… Yuqi?” Coach Daniels said, stopping in his tracks as he noticed her. “You planning to stop anytime soon?”

She froze mid-push-up, realizing the entire row had stopped, leaving her as the only one still going. Embarrassed, she sat back on her heels, glancing up at Coach Daniels. “I, uh, didn’t realize I’d done that many.”

A few students exchanged glances, whispering to each other.

“Well,” Coach Daniels said, scratching his head. “Impressive start. Let’s move on.”

Next came the sit-ups, which Yuqi completed with the same ease. Her core strength seemed boundless, and by the time they reached the 40-yard dash, she was starting to feel a strange mix of pride and unease.

“Alright, Allen,” Coach Daniels called as it was her turn to run. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Yuqi lined up at the starting line, her heart pounding. When the whistle blew, she took off, her legs propelling her forward with a speed that startled even her. The wind rushed past her face as she crossed the finish line in what felt like the blink of an eye.

The coach stared at the stopwatch, then at her.

“That’s… five seconds flat,” he said, his voice laced with disbelief.

Yuqi’s eyes widened. “Is that good?”

“That’s faster than most of the football team,” he muttered, shaking his head.

The murmurs around her grew louder, and Yuqi felt her cheeks flush. She hadn’t meant to stand out so much—it just happened.

The final test, the standing long jump, only added to the spectacle. When it was her turn, Yuqi crouched slightly, pushing off the floor with what she thought was a normal amount of force. She soared through the air, landing several feet beyond the farthest mark anyone else had reached.

A stunned silence followed.

“Allen,” Coach Daniels said, walking over. “What are you eating for breakfast? Superhuman cereal?”

Yuqi let out a nervous laugh, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Just pancakes, Coach.”

The rest of the class seemed to buzz with energy, students shooting her curious glances as they finished the assessments. Yuqi tried to downplay her accomplishments, but her mind was racing inside. She hadn’t expected to be this strong or this fast.

As the class wrapped up, Kelly appeared near the gym door, having finished her own assessment. She raised an eyebrow at Yuqi.

“Heard you turned into a track star out there,” Kelly teased.

“Not on purpose,” Yuqi muttered. “It just… happened.”

Kelly smirked. “Well, congrats on making everyone else look bad.”

Yuqi rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. As they walked out of the gym together, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her newfound strength was more than just a coincidence.

By the time lunch rolled around, the rumors about Yuqi had already spread like wildfire. Her slip into another language during English class and her near-superhuman feats in PE had made her the topic of whispered conversations throughout the school. Walking into the cafeteria with Kelly, Yuqi could feel the weight of countless eyes on her, the murmurs barely concealed as students pointed or turned their heads to watch her pass.

Yuqi clenched her tray a little tighter, her stomach twisting. “They’re all staring at me,” she muttered to Kelly.

Kelly shrugged, unfazed. “Yeah, well, you kind of gave them something to talk about. They’ll get over it.”

Yuqi wasn’t so sure. She could hear snippets of conversations as she moved through the line—words like “new girl,” “crazy strong,” and “what was she even speaking?” floated in the air around her. By the time she got her food, her nerves were on edge.

She looked over at Kelly, who was already heading toward a table with her friends.

“Hey, you’ll be fine,” Kelly said, glancing back at her. “Sit wherever you want. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Yuqi bit her lip, scanning the room. Most tables were packed with groups of students chatting and laughing. She spotted an empty table near the corner of the cafeteria and made a beeline for it, hoping to avoid any further attention.

She sat down, setting her tray in front of her and staring at it for a moment. The noise of the cafeteria seemed to swell around her, the whispers and giggles cutting through her thoughts.

“Hey, Yuqi!”

She looked up to see Elliot, Ian, and Stan walking toward her, their trays in hand. Relief washed over her as they sat down at the table, their presence making her feel a little less like she was under a spotlight.

“We heard about PE,” Elliot said, grinning as he plopped into the seat across from her. “Six seconds on the 40-yard dash? That’s insane.”

“And the long jump,” Ian added, his eyes wide. “You’re like an Olympic athlete or something.”

Yuqi groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Don’t remind me. I didn’t mean to stand out like that.”

Stan chuckled, nudging her shoulder. “Too late for that. You’re officially the most talked-about person in school right now.”

Yuqi let out a long sigh, her appetite fading as the weight of their words settled over her. Before she could respond, a loud voice cut through the cafeteria noise.

“Hey, new girl!”

Yuqi turned her head to see Trevor, the starting quarterback and captain of the football team, striding toward her table with a cocky grin. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with the confidence of someone used to getting what he wanted.

Elliot muttered under his breath, “Oh great. Here we go.”

Trevor stopped in front of Yuqi, leaning casually against the edge of the table. His grin widened as he looked her over.

“So, you’re the one everyone’s talking about,” he said, his voice loud enough for half the cafeteria to hear. “I saw what you did in PE. Pretty impressive for someone so… petite.”

Yuqi frowned, her discomfort growing. “Thanks, I guess.”

Trevor didn’t seem to notice—or care—about her unease. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping into what he probably thought was a charming tone. “You know, someone like you deserves to be with someone at the top. Why don’t you save yourself the trouble and just say yes to being my new girlfriend?”

The table fell silent. Elliot, Ian, and Stan exchanged wide-eyed glances, clearly stunned by Trevor’s audacity.

Yuqi’s face twisted into a mix of horror and disbelief. “What?”

“You heard me,” Trevor said, his grin never faltering. “You’re going to be my new girlfriend. It’s obvious, right? I mean, look at us. We’d be perfect together.”

Yuqi shot up from her seat, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Her voice rang out, sharp and angry, cutting through the noise of the cafeteria.

“Hell no!” she yelled. “I won’t be your girlfriend. Get the hell away from me!”

The entire cafeteria went silent, all eyes turning toward their table. Trevor looked taken aback, his grin faltering for the first time.

“Whoa, whoa,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “No need to freak out. I was just saying—”

“I don’t care what you were saying,” Yuqi snapped, her voice firm and unwavering. “I’m not interested. Leave me alone.”

Trevor stood there for a moment, clearly trying to decide whether to push further or back off. Finally, he shrugged, his cocky demeanor slipping back into place.

“Your loss,” he said, turning and walking away with a casual wave.

As the cafeteria slowly returned to its usual noise, Yuqi sat back down, her hands trembling slightly.

“That was… intense,” Ian said after a moment.

“Yeah, but also awesome,” Elliot added, grinning. “You totally shut him down.”

Yuqi let out a shaky laugh, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “I just want to get through one day without something ridiculous happening.”

Stan chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

Yuqi sighed, picking at her food. The day wasn’t over yet, and she had a feeling the rumors were only going to grow.

The cafeteria buzzed with whispers and giggles as Yuqi sat back down, still trying to steady her hands after the confrontation with Trevor. The moment had clearly drawn attention, and she could feel the weight of dozens of curious eyes on her.

A few tables over, a group of girls burst into laughter, not bothering to keep their voices down.

“Oh my god, did you see her face when he said that?” one girl said, stifling a giggle.

“I can’t believe she turned him down like that,” another chimed in, her tone somewhere between admiration and disbelief.

Yuqi’s cheeks burned, but she kept her gaze focused on her tray, pushing her food around with her fork.

Trevor, meanwhile, stood near the cafeteria doors, his jaw tight and his posture stiff. Clearly, he wasn’t used to being rejected, let alone in such a public way. He turned back toward Yuqi, his eyes narrowing slightly as the laughter from the girls reached him.

“She really just turned him down,” someone nearby whispered, the disbelief in their voice palpable.

“Trevor never gets turned down,” another added.

Trevor’s expression darkened as he walked back toward Yuqi’s table. Elliot, Ian, and Stan all tensed, their eyes darting between Trevor and Yuqi.

“Uh, Yuqi,” Elliot said under his breath. “He’s coming back.”

Yuqi looked up just as Trevor stopped in front of her again. The cocky grin he’d worn earlier was gone, replaced by a mix of frustration and disbelief.

“You know,” he said, his voice lower and sharper now, “most girls would kill for the chance to go out with me. What’s your problem?”

Yuqi blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in his tone. “My problem?” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I don’t want to go out with you. That’s not a problem—that’s my choice.”

Trevor scoffed, crossing his arms. “Choice? Seriously? You don’t even know me.”

“And I don’t want to,” Yuqi shot back, her confidence growing despite the knot in her stomach. “You can’t just walk up to someone and decide they’re going to be your girlfriend. That’s not how it works.”

The girls at the nearby table burst into another round of giggles, clearly enjoying the exchange.

“Oh, man,” one of them said, her voice carrying over the din. “She’s got him good.”

Trevor’s face flushed, his frustration mounting. “You think you’re better than me or something?” he said, his voice a little louder now.

“No,” Yuqi said, her tone icy, and loudly rebuked him. It's just that you are obviously a self-centered ass, and I want nothing to do with you.”

The cafeteria fell silent again, the tension between them thick. It seemed like Trevor might argue further for a moment, but then he stepped back, letting out a sharp, humorless laugh.

“Fine,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Good luck finding anyone who’ll put up with that attitude.”

He turned on his heel and stalked out of the cafeteria, leaving a trail of whispers and muffled laughter in his wake.

Yuqi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, her hands gripping the edge of the table.

“That was amazing,” Ian said, breaking the silence at their table.

“You just took down Trevor,” Stan added, shaking his head in disbelief.

“That guy’s been untouchable since, like, middle school.”

Elliot grinned. “You’re officially a legend, Yuqi.”

Yuqi groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I don’t want to be a legend. I just want to get through lunch without more drama.”

The giggles and whispers continued around the room, but Yuqi forced herself to focus on her friends, grateful for their presence. Even as the attention lingered, she resolved to push through the rest of the day.

But deep down, she knew this wasn’t over.

As the whispers and laughter continued to ripple through the cafeteria, Yuqi barely had time to catch her breath before Kelly appeared at her table. Her sister leaned casually against the edge, her arms crossed and a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Okay,” Kelly said, loud enough for Yuqi and her friends to hear. “You are officially the most popular girl in school right now.”

Yuqi groaned, resting her head in her hands. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

Kelly laughed, shaking her head. “Not even a little. You just turned down Trevor, the king of this school, in front of everyone. Do you have any idea how many girls would have thrown themselves at him without a second thought?”

Yuqi lifted her head, giving Kelly a tired look. “I don’t want to be popular. I just want people to leave me alone.”

“Well, too late for that,” Kelly said, shrugging. “Seriously, though, you should’ve seen the look on his face. He’s probably never been rejected before. Most girls just…” She paused, raising an eyebrow for emphasis. “You know, up and spread for him.”

Elliot choked on his soda, coughing as Ian and Stan burst into laughter.

“Kelly!” Yuqi hissed, her face turning bright red. “Could you not say stuff like that?”

“What?” Kelly said, feigning innocence. “It’s true. Half the girls in this school would die to date him, and you just told him to get lost. That’s big news.”

Yuqi groaned again, slumping back in her chair. “Great. Just what I needed—more attention.”

Kelly grinned, clearly enjoying her sister’s discomfort. “Hey, look on the bright side. At least everyone knows you’re not an easy target. That’ll shut some of them up.”

“Or make things worse,” Yuqi muttered.

Kelly leaned down, giving her sister a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Relax. You’ve got this. If anyone gives you a hard time, just let me know. I’ve got your back.”

With that, Kelly straightened up, tossing a playful wink at Yuqi before heading back to her own table.

Yuqi shook her head, exhaling slowly. “She’s impossible.”

“She’s not wrong, though,” Elliot said, still grinning. “You made a statement today. No one’s going to forget it.”

Yuqi gave him a weary smile. “I just hope they move on to something else soon.”

The cafeteria gradually returned to its usual rhythm, the buzz of excitement about Yuqi slowly fading as students moved on to other topics. But as she sat with her friends, Yuqi couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the attention she was going to face.

After the chaos of lunch, Yuqi was relieved to head to her next class: Physics. Science had always been one of her strongest subjects, second only to math, and she found comfort in the logic and experimentation it offered.

She stepped into the classroom, which smelled faintly of chalk and chemicals, and immediately noticed the older students filling most of the seats. Like her Trigonometry class, this one was predominantly juniors and seniors. Her presence as a sophomore in an upper-level class drew a few curious glances, but Yuqi had already grown somewhat accustomed to it.

The walls were lined with posters of famous scientists, from Einstein to Curie, and shelves stacked with lab equipment glinted under the fluorescent lights. A series of complex diagrams were scribbled on the whiteboard, giving the room a purposeful, academic feel.

Yuqi chose a seat near the front this time. She knew that in a subject like physics, being close to the action made it easier to engage with the material. As she settled in, she pulled out her notebook and textbook, arranging them neatly on her desk.

“Welcome to Physics,” a deep voice said from the front of the room.

Yuqi looked up to see Mr. Hartman, a tall, wiry man with sharp features and a neatly trimmed beard. He exuded an air of intense focus, but the faint smile on his face softened his otherwise serious demeanor.

“This class will challenge you,” he continued, his eyes scanning the room. “But I promise, if you put in the effort, you’ll come away with a new way of understanding the world.”

He paused, his gaze landing on Yuqi briefly. There was no judgment, only mild curiosity before he continued.

“Let’s start with introductions. Name, grade, and what you hope to gain from this class.”

The chain of introductions began, with students sharing a mix of excitement and trepidation about the subject.

“I’m Alex, a junior,” said the boy two seats over from Yuqi. “I’m hoping this class will help me prep for engineering school.”

When it was Yuqi’s turn, she felt the weight of the room’s attention settle on her. She sat up straighter, keeping her voice calm and steady. “I’m Yuqi Allen, a sophomore. I’ve always loved science and look forward to learning more about how the world works through physics.”

There were a few murmurs at the mention of her grade, but Mr. Hartman gave an approving nod. “Good. Curiosity is key in physics.”

Once introductions were done, Mr. Hartman jumped into the first lesson, starting with Newton’s Laws of Motion. As he outlined the concepts on the board, Yuqi felt herself relax, her mind quickly grasping the material.

“For a quick warm-up,” he said, turning back to the class, “let’s test your understanding with a question: A car accelerates from rest at a constant rate of 3 m/s². How far does it travel in 5 seconds?”

Yuqi’s hand shot up before anyone else’s.

“Yes, Yuqi,” Mr. Hartman said, looking intrigued.

“37.5 meters,” she said confidently. “Using the formula d=12at2d = \frac{1}{2} a t^2d=21​at2, where aaa is 3 m/s² and ttt is 5 seconds, you get d=12×3×25d = \frac{1}{2} \times 3 \times 25d=21​×3×25.”

Mr. Hartman smiled, clearly impressed. “Correct. Well done.”

There was a ripple of surprise through the room. Some students exchanged glances, while others looked at Yuqi with newfound interest.

“Alright,” Mr. Hartman continued, “let’s keep that momentum going.”

The rest of the class involved solving similar problems, and Yuqi found herself entirely in her element. She finished the exercises quickly, occasionally glancing around to see other students still scribbling away.

Toward the end of the period, Mr. Hartman announced they’d be doing a group lab next week. “This will be your chance to apply these principles in a hands-on setting. Be ready to work as a team and think critically.”

As the bell rang, Yuqi gathered her things, feeling a small swell of pride. She knew she had stood out, but in physics, it didn’t feel as overwhelming as it had in her earlier classes. Here, she was confident in her abilities, and that confidence carried her out of the room with her head held high.

After the mental workout of Physics, Yuqi was ready for something less intense—or so she thought. Her next class, Social Studies, was held in a spacious room with walls decorated with maps, portraits of historical figures, and quotes from the founding documents of the United States. At the front of the room, a large American flag hung next to a whiteboard where “Welcome to U.S. Government!” was written in bold letters.

Yuqi found a seat near the middle, noticing that this class was more balanced in terms of age. There were sophomores like her, but a few juniors filled the back rows, chatting as they waited for the teacher to arrive.

The bell rang, and a tall man with a neatly trimmed mustache and a slightly rumpled suit jacket entered the room. He carried a stack of textbooks under one arm and a steaming mug of coffee in the other. Setting the books down on his desk, he surveyed the room with a warm but tired smile.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Mr. Grayson, and this year, we’ll be diving into the Constitution, the structure of the federal government, and how everything works—or, in some cases, doesn’t work.”

A few chuckles rippled through the room.

Mr. Grayson picked up a stack of handouts and started passing them down the rows. “We’ll begin with the basics, but by the end of the year, you should all have a strong understanding of not just what’s in the Constitution but how it impacts your daily lives. Spoiler alert: It does, in more ways than you think.”

Yuqi flipped through the packet as it landed on her desk. The first few pages outlined the three branches of government, key amendments, and a timeline of significant historical events related to the Constitution. She made a mental note to go over it more thoroughly later.

“For today,” Mr. Grayson continued, “we’re starting with the preamble. Open your textbooks to page three.”

Yuqi opened her book, her eyes landing on the familiar words:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

“As we read the preamble,” Mr. Grayson said, “I want you to think about what each phrase means. What do you think the framers were trying to say? And more importantly, what does it mean to you today?”

Yuqi took notes as he began breaking down the preamble line by line, explaining its significance and inviting students to share their interpretations.

“What does ‘establish Justice’ mean to you?” he asked the class.

A few hands went up, and students shared ideas about fairness, laws, and equality.

“And ‘insure domestic Tranquility’?” he continued.

Yuqi hesitated, then raised her hand.

“Yes, Yuqi?”

“It sounds like they were trying to make sure the country stayed peaceful, especially after all the fighting during the Revolutionary War,” she said, her voice steady.

“Exactly,” Mr. Grayson said, nodding. “The framers wanted a government strong enough to maintain order but not so strong that it threatened individual freedoms. That balance is one of the central challenges of any government.”

The discussion continued, and Yuqi found herself increasingly engaged. While social studies hadn’t always been her favorite subject, Mr. Grayson's presentation made it feel relevant and alive.

At the end of class, Mr. Grayson assigned the first homework of the year: to write a short reflection on what the preamble meant to them personally. As Yuqi packed up her things, she realized she was actually looking forward to it.

Yuqi’s final class of the day was one she had been looking forward to: Coding. The idea of solving problems through logic and creativity appealed to her, much like math and science. She stepped into the room, which was lined with rows of desktop computers, their screens glowing softly under the fluorescent lights. Posters of programming languages—Python, Java, and C++—decorated the walls, alongside a few motivational slogans about innovation and critical thinking.

The teacher, a young woman in her early thirties with short, spiky hair and rectangular glasses, stood at the front of the room. She was tapping away at her own computer, the large monitor behind her projecting a colorful welcome screen: “Welcome to Coding 101: Logic, Language, and Creativity.”

“Good afternoon, everyone,” the teacher said, looking up and giving the class a warm smile. “I’m Ms. Harper, and I’ll be guiding you through the wonderful, sometimes frustrating world of programming. This year, we’ll start with Python, one of the most beginner-friendly and widely used programming languages, and build up to more complex projects by the end of the year.”

Yuqi couldn’t help but smile. She had dabbled a little in coding over the summer, using online tutorials to learn basic Python syntax. She wasn’t an expert by any means, but she was excited to dive deeper.

Ms. Harper handed out a syllabus and a cheat sheet of common Python commands and syntax. “Let’s begin with a simple exercise. Log into your assigned computer—your usernames and passwords are on the sticky notes on your desks—and open the program I’ve pinned for you. We’re going to write a straightforward script to print your name and a fun fact about yourself.”

Yuqi logged in quickly, her fingers flying over the keyboard. Once the program opened, she followed Ms. Harper’s instructions, typing in Python:

print("My name is Yuqi Allen.")

print("Fun fact: I love solving puzzles!")

She clicked “Run,” and the output appeared on the screen precisely as expected. A small sense of satisfaction bubbled up inside her.

As she glanced around the room, she noticed some of the other students struggling, their brows furrowed as they tried to troubleshoot errors. The boy sitting beside her leaned over slightly, his screen still blank.

“Uh, hey,” he said, his voice hesitant. “I think I messed something up. Can you take a look?”

Yuqi turned toward him, her eyes scanning his code. “You forgot the quotation marks around your name,” she said, pointing to his line. “Try adding those like this.”

“Oh, got it,” he said, quickly fixing the error. When he ran the program, and it worked, he grinned. “Thanks! That was way easier than I thought.”

“No problem,” Yuqi replied with a smile.

Ms. Harper moved around the room, checking on everyone’s progress. When she stopped by Yuqi’s desk, she nodded approvingly. “Nice work, Yuqi. You’ve got the basics down already.”

“Thanks,” Yuqi said, her confidence growing.

Ms. Harper introduced a few more basic concepts as the class continued, including variables and simple arithmetic operations. Yuqi followed along easily, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she completed each exercise.

By the time the bell rang, she had written several small scripts, each one more complex than the last. She logged out of the computer and packed up her things, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

As she left the classroom, Yuqi couldn’t help but smile. The day had been filled with challenges and surprises, but ending it on a high note made her feel like she could handle whatever came next.

The school day had been long, filled with highs and lows, but Yuqi felt a sense of accomplishment as she headed toward her locker to grab her things. The hallway was alive with chatter and the shuffle of students eager to head home, but Yuqi moved at her own pace, reflecting on the day.

When she reached her locker, however, the satisfaction she’d been feeling evaporated in an instant.

Scrawled across the front of her locker in bold, black Sharpie was a single, ugly word: "SLUT."

Yuqi froze, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at the crude letters. Her chest tightened, a lump forming in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes. She could feel the sting of humiliation burning in her cheeks, and despite her best efforts to hold them back, the tears began to fall.

The hallway noise faded into the background as she stood there, her mind racing. Who would do this? Why? She hadn’t done anything to deserve this—she hadn’t even been at school long enough to make enemies.

A few students nearby noticed the scene, their whispers carrying just enough for Yuqi to catch snippets of their words.

“Is that her locker?”

“Who would write that?”

“She’s crying… should we say something?”

Yuqi felt her legs weaken, and she leaned against the locker next to hers for support, her hand covering her mouth as she tried to stifle a sob. She wanted to disappear, to escape the crushing weight of the stares and whispers.

“Yuqi?”

The familiar voice made her turn slightly. It was Kelly, her face a mix of confusion and concern as she pushed through the crowd to reach her sister. Her eyes landed on the writing, and her expression immediately darkened.

“What the hell?” Kelly muttered, stepping closer to the locker. She turned back to Yuqi, her voice softening. “Who did this? Did you see anyone?”

Yuqi shook her head, unable to speak through her tears. Kelly put an arm around her, glaring at the few students who were still lingering nearby.

“Alright, the show’s over,” Kelly snapped. “Go find something else to gawk at.”

The crowd quickly dispersed, and Kelly turned her attention back to Yuqi.

“Hey,” she said gently. “It’s going to be okay. We’re going to figure out who did this, alright?”

Yuqi nodded weakly, though her tears continued to fall.

Just then, Elliot, Ian, and Stan came hurrying down the hallway, their faces full of concern.

“We heard someone say something was written on your locker,” Elliot said, stopping short when he saw the word. His jaw tightened. “What the hell is wrong with people?”

Ian stepped closer to Yuqi, his voice soft. “Are you okay?”

Yuqi wiped at her tears, sniffling. “Not really,” she admitted, her voice trembling.

Stan clenched his fists, his usually easygoing demeanor replaced by anger. “Whoever did this is a coward. They didn’t even have the guts to say anything to your face.”

Kelly turned to the boys, her tone sharp. “One of you go find a teacher or the principal. This needs to get reported.”

“I’ll go,” Elliot said immediately, jogging down the hallway.

Kelly turned back to Yuqi, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll get this cleaned up, I promise.”

Yuqi nodded again, though her chest still felt heavy. The word on her locker might have been just ink, but its weight was crushing.

The principal’s office was a stark contrast to the chaotic hallways. The room was quiet, the walls lined with certificates and framed motivational posters. Yuqi sat stiffly in the chair across from Principal Keller, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Kelly sat beside her, arms crossed, and her expression was thunderous. Elliot stood behind them, his jaw set as he watched the conversation unfold.

Principal Keller, a balding man with wire-rimmed glasses and a tired expression, glanced down at the report form on his desk. His tone was calm but carried an undercurrent of dismissiveness.

“Well, Yuqi,” he began, his voice measured. “I understand this is upsetting, but sometimes these things happen in high school. Students can be… thoughtless.”

Yuqi blinked, her throat tightening as she processed his words. She had hoped for understanding, for reassurance, but his tone felt anything but comforting.

“I’ll make sure the janitor cleans your locker and removes the graffiti,” he continued, scribbling something on the form. “But, Yuqi, I have to ask… Are you sure you didn’t unintentionally give someone the wrong idea?”

Yuqi’s heart sank. “What?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Principal Keller adjusted his glasses, leaning back in his chair. “It’s just… with how you’re dressed and the attention you’ve been getting today, perhaps someone misunderstood your intentions. High school boys can be impulsive.”

Kelly shot to her feet, her face red with anger. “Are you serious? You’re blaming her for this?”

Elliot took a step forward, his voice sharp. “She didn’t do anything wrong. Someone wrote a disgusting word on her locker, and you’re acting like it’s her fault?”

Principal Keller held up a hand, his expression placating. “I’m not assigning blame, but these situations can be complicated. The important thing is that we address the problem and move on.”

“Address it?” Kelly snapped, her voice rising. “You’re not addressing anything! You’re sweeping it under the rug!”

Yuqi’s eyes burned with fresh tears. She looked down at her lap, her chest tightening further with each word. She had come here for support, but instead, she felt dismissed—like her feelings didn’t matter.

“We’ll have the locker cleaned by tomorrow,” Principal Keller said, his tone final. “And I’ll remind the student body about respecting each other. Let’s focus on moving forward.”

Yuqi stood abruptly, her voice shaking as she said, “Thank you, Principal Keller,” before turning and leaving the office. She couldn’t bear to hear anymore.

Kelly and Elliot followed immediately, both still fuming. Once they were in the hallway, Kelly put a hand on Yuqi’s shoulder, her anger softening into concern.

“Yuqi,” Kelly said, her voice low. “Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

Yuqi nodded weakly, her tears falling silently. “I just… I just wanted someone to care,” she whispered.

“We care,” Elliot said firmly, stepping closer. “You didn’t deserve any of this, and we’re not going to let it slide.”

Kelly pulled Yuqi into a hug, holding her tightly. “You’re not alone in this, okay? We’ll figure out who did this. You’ve got us, no matter what.”

Yuqi nodded again, though the ache in her chest didn’t ease. She wanted to believe them, but the principal’s words lingered in her mind like a poison, making her question everything.

Yuqi unlocked the front door with trembling hands, her chest tight as she stepped inside. The familiar scent of her home—lavender air freshener mixed with the faint aroma of whatever her mom had made that morning—should have been comforting, but it wasn’t. Not today.

She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, staring blankly at the floor. She had tried to hold herself together on the ride home, Kelly sitting beside her, fuming silently, but the weight of the day was unbearable now that she was alone.

Her mom appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Hi, sweetheart. How was—”

The words died on her lips the moment she saw Yuqi’s face.

“Yuqi,” her mom said softly, stepping closer. “What happened?”

Yuqi shook her head, the tears she’d been holding back finally spilling over. “It was awful, Mom,” she choked out. “Everything about today was awful.”

Her mom wrapped her arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Oh, sweetheart,” she murmured. “Tell me what happened.”

Yuqi clung to her, her words tumbling out between sobs. She told her mom about the whispers in the hallways, the humiliation in English when she accidentally switched languages, the cruel word scrawled on her locker, and the principal’s dismissive response.

Her mom’s grip tightened as she listened, her expression hardening with every word. By the time Yuqi finished, she was furious.

“He said that to you?” her mom demanded, her voice sharp. “That you might’ve given someone the wrong idea? How dare he?”

Yuqi sniffled, pulling back slightly. “I just… I thought it would get better, but it’s like everything is falling apart. I didn’t want this kind of attention.”

Kelly came through the door a moment later, her face still flushed from anger. She set her bag down and crossed her arms. “Mom, that principal is useless. He practically blamed Yuqi for what happened.”

Her mom’s eyes blazed. “I’ll be calling the school first thing tomorrow. This is unacceptable.”

“Mom,” Yuqi said weakly, “what if it just makes things worse?”

Her mom crouched slightly, looking Yuqi in the eyes. “Sweetheart, none of this is your fault. You deserve to feel safe and respected, and I won’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. Do you hear me?”

Yuqi nodded, though the ache in her chest didn’t subside.

Kelly sat down on the couch, gesturing for Yuqi to join her. “Hey,” she said, her voice softer now. “You’re not alone in this, okay? Me, Mom, Dad—we’ve got your back. And so do your friends.”

Yuqi hesitated, then sat down beside her sister. “I just… I thought today would be better. I thought I was ready.”

“You are ready,” Kelly said firmly. “People suck sometimes, but you’re stronger than this. You proved that when you stood up to Trevor, and you’ll prove it again.”

Their mom nodded, sitting on Yuqi’s other side. “Kelly’s right. This was just

one day. Tomorrow is another chance. And we’ll take it one step at a time.”

Yuqi wiped her eyes, her tears slowing. Their words didn’t erase the pain of the day, but they were a reminder that she wasn’t facing it alone.

As she leaned against her mom and sister, she let herself believe, just for a moment, that things might get better.