After the introduction, Chloe looked around the classroom, searching for a seat. Her eyes landed on a boy wearing a sullen expression—Jack. He didn't look too pleased about something. Chloe gave a slight smile, walked over, and said casually, "You look kinda cute when you pout like that."
The whole class went quiet. Jack, who had been slouching lazily, suddenly froze. His face turned red, and with an exaggerated burst of energy, he stood up and pointed at Nic, who had his head down on the desk.
"Listen up, everyone! This time, I'm gonna be the class star—not him!"
The classroom instantly erupted in laughter and whispers. The teacher, seeing the commotion, quickly stepped in. "Alright, that's enough! Everyone sit down and be quiet. Class is about to start!"
Chloe nodded and took an empty seat behind Nic. Resting her chin on her hand, she glanced at him. Nic didn't seem to care at all about the little scene earlier.
"Hmm... why is Jack so obsessed with him?" she murmured to herself.
Nic just let out a sigh and stayed silent.
Chloe raised an eyebrow, growing more curious about him.
---
During Recess
Chloe walked straight up to Jack, who still looked smug.
"Jack, could you show me around the school? I'm not really familiar with this place yet."
Jack grinned widely and puffed out his chest. "Of course! I'll show you all the coolest spots!"
As they left the classroom together, they passed Olivia in the hallway. Chloe immediately went quiet. Olivia's grace and beauty were striking—almost like a professional model. Chloe, who initially wanted to greet her, suddenly felt awkward and could only stare in awe.
Olivia gave a small smile and continued on toward Class E. Her destination was clear—Nic.
"Nic, wake up. Everyone's waiting for you at the club," Olivia said gently.
Nic slowly opened his eyes. The moment he saw Olivia smiling, he fully woke up. "Alright, alright, I'm up. Sorry, wasn't really in the mood earlier."
She smiled again and took his hand, causing a few students in the class to watch enviously. "Come on, let's go. The others must be waiting."
Nic nodded sleepily, but at least now he had a reason to stay awake.
---
Meanwhile, Jack was eagerly showing Chloe around the school. But someone was watching them—Jack's own friends. They didn't look too happy.
"Look at that bastard Jack, acting like he's got a girlfriend now. Forgot all about us!" one of them muttered angrily.
The three of them held up cardboard signs that read, "What do we do with traitors?!" and stood in the middle of the school courtyard.
Jack, noticing their ridiculous act, scoffed inwardly. "Idiots..."
Chloe frowned. "Who are they? And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Don't mind them," Jack said coolly. "Just a bunch of jobless lunatics."
But his friends weren't having it. They walked over and began mocking him.
"Pfft, gets a new girl and suddenly acts all high and mighty."
Jack, now annoyed, didn't hold back. "Mind your damn business, you jerks!"
Without warning, Jack punched one of them, sending him sprawling to the ground. The others froze, shocked that Jack actually threw a punch. But the one who got hit got back up and landed a blow on Jack's face. A fight broke out.
Eventually, Jack came out on top, panting heavily. Chloe just watched, clearly impressed. Jack was confused why she didn't stop the fight.
"Wow, you're pretty good. Are you the strongest in this school or something?" she asked with interest.
Jack hesitated, but his pride in front of Chloe pushed him to say confidently, "Of course! I'm the strongest here!"
What Jack didn't realize was that one of the bystanders had secretly recorded everything with his phone. The boy snuck off with a grin. "Time to spread the news! Jack's the strongest fighter in school!"
When Jack noticed, his face went pale. "Crap, this is gonna be a problem…"
---
The Rumor Spreads
The news of "Jack the Strongest" spread like wildfire across all grade levels. Many students were surprised by the claim, and most reacted with disbelief.
"Jack? Who's that? Bet he's just full of hot air," one student said.
But among them was a first-year named Zane, who took the news as a challenge. With a confident aura and sturdy build, Zane believed that the delinquent era had ended with the graduation of the older students. But now, someone was making a bold claim.
"Heh… looks like some trash is still left in this school," Zane muttered with a crooked smile.
Determined, he started asking around for Jack's whereabouts. Eventually, he found out Jack was in Class 3-E. But before he could head there, the school bell rang.
"Tch! Damn it… just wait, Jack! I'm coming for you after class!" he growled.
---
Back in Class 3-E
Jack was surrounded by curious classmates.
"Jack, did you really say you're the strongest?" one of them asked.
"Yeah, so what?" Jack replied nonchalantly.
The students looked at each other, then all turned their eyes to Nic, who was still napping at the back of the room.
"Jack... aren't you scared of Nic?" one of them whispered.
Jack, still trying to look cool in front of Chloe, scoffed and crossed his arms. "Hah! Why should I be?"
The teacher entered, and class began.
---
After School
As the dismissal bell rang, Zane appeared outside Class 3-E with one of his informants.
"Where's Jack?!" Zane shouted.
But before the informant could answer, Nic exited the classroom, looking drowsy and ready to go home. His path was blocked by Zane and his friend.
Nic stared at them with an uninterested expression. "Move."
Zane, not recognizing him, smirked arrogantly. "Hah? I don't care who you are. I'm not moving."
His informant quickly whispered, "Z-Zane! Don't mess with him. That guy's no ordinary student. He's way more dangerous than Jack."
Zane frowned, skeptical. "Then why the hell did Jack say he's the strongest? That doesn't make sense."
Recklessly, Zane tried to throw a punch at Nic.
But—
With a single swift move, Nic grabbed Zane's arm and hurled him into the classroom. Zane's body crashed into desks and chairs with a loud thud. The whole class went silent.
From the back, Chloe's eyes widened. "Wait, isn't he just that lazy guy who sleeps all the time?"
Zane's informant broke into a cold sweat. Realizing they had poked the wrong person, he immediately bowed to Nic. "Please go ahead! We're so sorry, Senior!"
Nic sighed and walked off without another word.
---
Back Inside
Zane lay on the floor, stunned. He felt like a crumpled piece of paper tossed into the trash.
"I... I got thrown like a ragdoll?! Who the hell is he?!" he thought, shaken.
Still aching, Zane got to his feet and stared at Jack.
"So you're the one who claims to be the strongest in school?!"
Jack scoffed. "Yeah, what about it? Wanna fight?"
Zane, always up for a fight, grabbed Jack by the collar and hit him without hesitation. Chaos broke out as the other students scrambled away.
Chloe watched with interest. "Hmm... this is getting fun."
Jack didn't just take it—he fought back. They exchanged blows until a teacher finally showed up after getting a report. Unfortunately for Jack, by the time the teacher arrived, he was already beaten up. Zane had only a few scratches and now grinned smugly.
"Tch. You're nothing," Zane mocked, crushing Jack's pride.
Jack tried to retaliate but was held back by several students. In the end, both boys were sent to detention.
---
Meanwhile, On the Way Home
Nic yawned and stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked home. His thoughts wandered.
"Hm… my clothes are getting kinda worn out. I should buy some new ones."
Completely unfazed by the chaos that had erupted at school, all Nic wanted was to enjoy the rest of his peaceful day.
To be continued...