It was December, 2025. It was my first day as a STEM student, and I was in my first year. I didn't really expect to get close to many people at the school I was transferring to. After all, I was just a transferee.
It was going to be another year full of nosebleed academics. I transferred to a school called Veritas Academy. They said it had a lot of successful graduates. Maybe that's what will make me smart, too.
I'm Yuri Casanova, by the way. Nothing special about this introduction. I just really like mysteries and stuff. Challenging my mind feels better than playing lame, simple games. I never liked any of those since they're just a waste of time and boring.
I'm not really the type who has fun, I don't even celebrate much since I rarely feel like it. I'd rather read, watch, or play mysteries. That's more intriguing.
My childhood wasn't very good. Since I was 12, I'd already been experiencing mental problems. I don't know if I'm just built differently or if I'm insane. That's just how it is.
While I was thinking about those things, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I heard a woman's voice speaking.
"Hey, boy! Wake up!" said the woman.
"Yeah, five more minutes," I replied.
"You've been saying 'five minutes' for a while now. Get up already!" said the woman.
I turned toward her and saw a girl with brown hair, a wolf cut, and glasses.
Oh, it's Charlotte.
Charlotte Denver - my roommate and one of my closest friends. She's a third-year college student, also a drama writer, publishing great books across the country. She's the one who pays our rent, too. We're basically siblings at this point.
"Yuri! Get up already!" said Charlotte.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm up," I replied.
I stood up from where I was sitting - yes, sitting. I apparently fell asleep while advance-studying for this school year's topics. I don't want to see any failing marks on my card.
I went to my room to get my uniform. The school gave us their signature uniforms: a dark blue blazer, a long-sleeve white shirt, and a dark blue necktie.
Wait. This uniform looks familiar... Didn't I see it in that mystery novel I was reading?
Anyway, I put it on. I didn't take a bath since I already did last night - I was just too busy with advance studying.
When I went out again, I saw food on the table - sunny-side-up eggs with a side of ham.
"Oh, eat up," said Charlotte.
I grabbed a plate, spoon, and fork, scooped up some rice, sat down, and started eating. Charlotte did the same.
"How was your advance study?" asked Charlotte.
"Stressful," I replied.
"Of course it is! It's only the first day and you're already advance-studying. It's just starters, you know."
"You'll never know, maybe we'll have second-day lessons right away."
"You're so dramatic, kid."
"Like you don't know me already."
"I don't know about you. Your stuff's already packed on the sofa. Hurry up or you'll be late."
"Okay, done."
I stood up, placed my plate in the sink, and washed my hands. I went to the sofa to grab my bag and put on my socks.
Ah, my necktie - I forgot to wear it.
I picked it up and faced the mirror, trying to tie it.
Ugh, this is so hard!
"What's wrong?" asked Charlotte.
"The necktie. It's hard to tie."
"Here, let me do it."
She came closer and helped me tie it.
"Wow, you're 17 and you still don't know how to tie a necktie," said Charlotte.
"Sorry. We don't do this in the mountains," I replied.
"Didn't Aunt Jodie teach you?" asked Charlotte.
"Mom did, but I forgot," I said.
"I figured," Charlotte murmured.
After fixing my tie, I slung my bag over my shoulder and grabbed my shoes from under the cabinet.
I opened the door, but Charlotte suddenly stopped me.
"What is it?" I asked.
"What time will you be back?" she asked.
"They said classes end at 6:50, so maybe around 7:10 or 7:15," I replied.
"You better be. I'll tell your mom if you're late."
"Jeez, you're harsh. Alright, bye."
"Wait!"
"What now?"
She quickly approached me and handed me my glasses - I had astigmatism.
"Here, your glasses."
"Ah, right."
"There. Wear them. That's what you get for using your phone too much."
"Yeah, yeah."
Then, she did something unexpected - she wrapped her arms around me tightly like I was a teddy bear.
"Be good, okay?"
"Yes. Don't worry. Hey, don't finish your novel until I get back!"
"Can't make that promise."
"Ugh."
"Just kidding. Bye."
"Bye!"
I left and went downstairs out of the apartment. I didn't walk to school since I didn't want my new uniform to get dirty.
The ride wasn't long, and soon, I arrived at the school. At the gate, a guard was inspecting everyone's bags - he did it properly, even checked my pockets.
This school seems pretty good, I thought.
"Kid, you're new here, right?" said the guard.
"Yes, sir. Why?" I asked.
"New students go to the court first for orientation."
"Ah, okay, thank you, sir!"
He nodded, and I went to the court. There, I saw many students standing in lines, both boys and girls. I lined up too, just to hear what they'd say in front.
Then, I saw a man on stage. He was tall, slender, wearing the same uniform, and holding a microphone. His hair was messy and his skin slightly tan.
"Hello everyone. I'm the President of the Student Council. My name is Jeremiah King. I'm glad to meet all you first years. This is Veritas Academy - meaning Truth Academy. Many students succeed here, and I hope you will, too. I hope there's no trouble and that everyone respects one another. Don't worry - whatever your problems are here, we'll solve them. Academics? Personal problems? Even if someone has a crush on you? All solvable! I wish you all the best. Good morning!"
Another man in a suit approached him - probably in his 40s.
"Hello, I am the principal of this school. You can call me Mr. Frank. To all first years, I'd like to propose a little competition, even though it's only your first day," he said.
Two students came up carrying a box covered with a towel or curtain. They unveiled it, revealing a shining trophy. It reflected the stage lights like a prism - it looked luxurious.
"Whoever can prove themselves more skilled and intelligent than the rest, without cheating, may take this trophy home. I encourage you all to do your best and earn this award. Once again, good morning, everyone!" said the principal.
All the students clapped - so did I. I didn't expect the speech to be that long and flashy. I noticed students taking pictures and some papers posted on the wall.
That must be the master list.
I took my phone and snapped a picture of it. My classroom was in Building Fyodor Dostoevsky.
What a ridiculous name for a building, isn't it?
I didn't think twice and just went there. I didn't expect it to be so beautiful - bright paint, clean floors and walls, not a speck of dust.
My room was on the second floor, Room 201. I went up and counted the numbers above the doors.
210, 209, 208, 207, 206, 204, 203, 202... Ah, 201.
When I entered, there were only five people inside. Not everyone had arrived yet. Just as I stepped in, a girl approached me.
"Hi! You're in STEM too?" she asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah," I replied.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Rosemary Hoffman!"
"Nice to meet you too! I'm Yuri Casanova."
"Sit here," she said, pointing at a chair.
"Oh, thanks!"
Wow, didn't expect people to be this friendly.
I sat down and took out my phone to pass the time. I didn't have mobile data, so I put it back and instead grabbed my book - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, one of the greatest mysteries.
While I was reading, a boy came up and sat across from me.
"Hey, what are you reading?" he asked.
"Ah, a mystery novel," I said.
"Mystery? Like detective stuff?" he asked.
"Yeah, pretty much," I replied.
"If you like that, you should join the Poirot Club," he said.
"Poirot Club?" I asked.
"Yeah. It's the school's Detective Club. My older brother told me about it when he studied here. I'm Francis Ross, by the way. Nice to meet you!"
"I'm Yuri Casanova. Nice to meet you too. So, what's the Poirot Club?" I asked.
"The Poirot Club is this school's Detective Club. They solve the mysteries that happen here. My brother once consulted them, and they solved it fast. I remember one of the solvers was named Xian," he said.
"Xian?" I asked.
"Yeah. He was one of the skilled members. But nowadays, fewer people join," he said.
"Hmm. Poirot Club, huh..." I murmured.
The teacher arrived, and class started. Just as Charlotte said, it was all starters - nothing heavy yet. When recess came, I went out to eat.
"Wait, Yuri! I'll come with you!" Francis called.
"Francis, oh, it's you," I said.
"Heading to the canteen?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"I'll come along," he said.
"Can you show me the Poirot Club later?" I asked.
"Sure. You planning to join?" he said.
"Yeah."
"Ah, okay," he replied.
As we walked to the canteen, someone blocked Francis's path - a big guy with a scar on his right hand. He was a student too, wearing the same uniform.
"Hey, Francis. So it's you," said the man.
"Watt, it's you," Francis replied.
The man bowed slightly and stared at Francis for a while.
"Since your brother's not here anymore, I'll take it out on you," said the man.
"Please, not now. I'm with a new student," said Francis.
"I don't care! But fine. I'll give you time. Be ready later," said the man.
He left, bumping Francis's shoulder on the way out.
"Who was that?" I asked.
"Watt Montgomery. One of my brother's old enemies. My brother used to get into fights - always picking on gang members," he said.
"Why not report him?" I asked.
"He's got connections," he replied.
I didn't say anything more. We just went to the canteen.
"What are you getting, Yuri?"
"You first."
"Okay."
He went to one of the vendors and started chatting.
"Auntie Maria! How are you?" he said.
"Francis! You've grown so much! You're starting to look like your brother!" said the old lady.
"Oh, come on, Auntie. Just one biscuit, please," he said.
"Biscuit again? You're just like your brother - always buying biscuits," she said.
"That's just how it is. This is Yuri Casanova, my new friend," he said, pointing at me.
"Hello," I waved.
"Hello, I'm Maria Donovan. Nice to meet you. You? What will you have?" she asked.
"Just juice, please," I said.
"Ah, juice. Okay."
I paid and got my juice, poked the straw in, and drank.
"Why juice?" Francis asked.
"No reason. Just better to stay hydrated," I replied.
"Ah, okay. Thanks, Auntie Maria!"
"Take care, boys," she said, waving.
We left the canteen and walked back toward the building, chatting along the way.
"So why do you want to join the club?" Francis asked.
"I've always wanted to solve mysteries. It challenges the mind," I said.
"Ah, I see," he said.
As we returned to the building, we saw Rosemary.
"Oh, Rosemary, there you are," said Francis.
"Hi, Yuri! Hi, Francis! Where are you two going?" said Rosemary.
"Back to the room, but I'll show Yuri the Poirot Club first," said Francis.
"Poirot Club? You're joining, Yuri?" she asked.
"Yeah," I said.
"Nice! That's great! Anyway, I'll head to the canteen. Bye!" she said.
"Bye!" Francis and I said together.
She waved as she left, and we waved back before heading to the building.
Poirot Club. Here I come!