The classroom was silent except for the scratch of pens against paper. Rows of students hunched over their exam sheets, the tension thick enough to choke on. Sara bent over her paper, determined to focus.
She had studied hard for this test, pushing aside the gnawing anxiety from Emily's constant shadow. If she could prove herself here, it would be one more step away from Grace's doubts, one more reason to hold her head high.
But in the back of her mind, she felt it — Emily's stare, sharp as a blade.
An hour later, when the exam ended, Sara placed her sheet neatly on the teacher's desk. She felt relieved as she stepped out into the hallway. But the relief didn't last long.
A voice rang out, cutting through the chatter. "Miss Sara Chen, stay where you are."
Sara turned to see Ms. Lin, the strictest teacher in the school, striding toward her with a folded sheet of paper. Behind her, Emily stood with a too-innocent smile, hands clasped behind her back.
"This was found under your desk," Ms. Lin said coldly, holding up a crumpled note. "Answers to today's test."
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Sara's heart dropped to her stomach.
"That's not mine!" Sara's voice trembled.
Emily stepped forward, feigning concern. "Ms. Lin, I noticed it when Sara bent down earlier. I thought it was strange, but I didn't want to interrupt during the test."
A chorus of murmurs rippled through the students.
Sara's face burned. "She's lying! I never saw that paper before."
But Ms. Lin's eyes narrowed. "Cheating is a serious accusation, Sara. You will come with me to the office."
By the time they reached the office, Lina and Ryan had caught up.
"This is ridiculous," Lina snapped, glaring at Emily. "Sara would never cheat."
Emily's mask of innocence didn't waver. "I only told the teacher what I saw."
Ryan stepped closer, his calm voice edged with steel. "Funny. I was sitting behind Sara the entire exam. She never looked at a single note."
Ms. Lin hesitated, frowning.
Lina smirked. "And if we're pulling receipts, I saw Emily whispering with her little fan club before the test started. Who's to say they didn't slip the note?"
Emily's smile faltered. "That's outrageous."
"Is it?" Ryan asked smoothly. "Because if we check the handwriting, I'm sure we'll find it matches someone else's."
The teacher glanced down at the paper, visibly torn. "I… will have the handwriting compared. Until then, Sara, you'll remain under review."
Sara's chest tightened, fear clawing at her throat. But then Daniel appeared at the doorway, his expression calm but commanding.
"With all due respect, Ms. Lin," Daniel said, his voice steady, "Sara's integrity is known to everyone here. If you punish her without proof, it'll stain not only her reputation but the school's as well."
The teacher blinked at his confidence. Around them, whispers spread, many students nodding in agreement.
Finally, Ms. Lin exhaled. "Very well. I will investigate thoroughly before making a decision. Sara, you may go for now."
Sara's knees nearly buckled with relief.
Outside the office, Lina looped her arm through Sara's. "See? Told you we'd clear this mess up."
Ryan adjusted his glasses. "Emily's schemes are getting reckless. She's desperate."
Sara looked at them both, her throat tight with gratitude. "If it weren't for you…"
"You don't need to thank us," Lina said firmly. "Friends don't let friends fight battles alone."
Daniel's gaze lingered on her, quiet but protective. "This is only the beginning. They'll keep pushing, Sara. You need to be ready."
Sara met his eyes, and for the first time, she felt the weight of his warning. This wasn't just petty bullying anymore — it was war.
Behind them, Emily watched from down the hall, her smile twisted as she muttered under her breath.
"So you've found your little army, Sara? Fine. Let's see how long they can protect you."