The next morning, the campus felt different.Not because the sun shone brighter.Not because the air changed.But because whispers had already begun.Xian knew it the moment he stepped through the school gates.Eyes followed him.Not curious but judging. He walked past the fountain near the entrance when he heard it."That's him.""The transfer student.""The one sitting with Hana yesterday."He kept walking.Head slightly lowered. Steps steady.He had learned something growing up — humiliation only wins if you react.Inside the classroom, the atmosphere thickened.Marcus Villareal leaned lazily against Hana's desk, speaking loud enough for others to hear."You should be careful, Hana. Not everyone befriends you for pure reasons."Hana closed her book slowly. "What are you implying?"Marcus smirked. "People know your family's name. It attracts… opportunists."The word lingered.Xian had just entered.He heard it.He didn't look up.Instead, he calmly walked to his seat at the back.Bianca turned in her chair. "I heard he's on scholarship."Another student added, "Probably trying to secure his future early."Soft laughter spread across the room.Hana's fingers tightened around her pen."That's enough," she said firmly.The room quieted.Marcus raised an eyebrow. "You're defending him?""I'm defending basic decency."A small silence followed.Xian stared at his notebook.He didn't want her fighting for him.That would only make things worse.The teacher entered, breaking the tension.But tension never really disappears.It waits.At Lunch Break.The cafeteria was divided — not officially, but socially.Athletes near the windows.Academic scholars by the bulletin board.The wealthy group at the center tables.Xian bought the cheapest meal available and scanned for an empty seat.There weren't many.Before he could sit alone, someone placed a tray across from him.Hana."You don't have to sit here," he said quietly.She tilted her head. "Why?"He forced a faint smile. "You'll start another rumor.""Let them talk."He studied her expression.She wasn't pretending.She truly didn't care.And that scared him more than the mocking."You shouldn't make enemies because of me," he said.Hana leaned slightly forward. "Are you an enemy?""No.""Then I'll choose where I sit."From across the cafeteria, Marcus watched.His jaw tightened.Bianca whispered something to him.Marcus stood up.He walked toward their table.The room subtly shifted its attention."You're making this difficult, Hana," Marcus said casually, though his tone wasn't."Difficult for who?" she asked."For him."Marcus looked at Xian."People might misunderstand."Xian met his gaze calmly."I understand perfectly," Xian replied.Marcus leaned closer. "Do you?"Silence.The unspoken message was clear.Know your place.Hana stood up."Marcus, stop."He stepped back slightly, raising his hands in fake surrender."Relax. I'm just concerned."He returned to his table.But his eyes never left Xian.After Class.Rain poured heavily that afternoon.Students gathered under the entrance roof waiting for drivers.Luxury cars lined up outside.Umbrellas opened.Laughter echoed.Xian stood near the edge, checking his phone.No messages.No ride.He would walk home.Again.As he stepped into the rain, someone grabbed his wrist."Wait."Hana."You'll get soaked.""I'm used to it."She hesitated, then opened her umbrella wider."Walk with me to the gate.""That's unnecessary.""I insist."They walked side by side.Close enough to feel each other's warmth.Far enough to pretend it meant nothing."Why do you let them talk to you like that?" she asked softly.He kept his eyes forward. "Because arguing won't change their minds.""You deserve respect."He almost laughed."Respect isn't given equally."She stopped walking.He stopped too."For me, it is," she said.Their eyes met.The rain grew heavier around them.For a second, the world narrowed to just the two of them.Then a black luxury car stopped in front of the gate.The window rolled down.Mr. Yang.His sharp eyes landed on Xian first.Then Hana."Get in."The tone wasn't loud.But it carried authority.Hana swallowed.She looked at Xian.He stepped back immediately."Go," he said calmly.She wanted to say something.Anything.But her father's gaze was suffocating.She entered the car.Before the door closed, she whispered—"Don't walk alone next time."The door shut.The car drove away.Xian stood there, rain soaking through his uniform.He didn't move for several seconds.From inside the car, Mr. Yang finally spoke."Distance yourself."Hana kept her eyes forward."He's just a classmate.""He is not your equal."Her heart tightened.Outside, Xian finally started walking.Each step splashing against the pavement.Cold.Heavy.But inside his chest burned something stronger than embarrassment.And that was determination.He looked up at the stormy sky."If the gap is that wide," he murmured to himself,"Then I'll build a bridge."Behind him, from under the school roof, Marcus watched with darkened eyes.This wasn't just jealousy anymore.It was rivalry.And he had no intention of losing.
