---
The bell rang, signaling the end of Corporate Law class. The sharp chatter of students filled the room as chairs scraped and books shut. Erica and her group of friends strutted out in their polished shoes, laughter trailing behind them like perfume.
As they passed Andria's desk, one girl casually knocked her pile of books to the ground. Another followed, sliding her hand across Andria's neatly stacked pens and notes, scattering them like fallen leaves. One by one, each of Erica's friends contributed to the act, smirking as though it were a ritual.
Andria froze. Her fists tightened as her precious notes—hours of work—tumbled to the floor. She stood abruptly, her voice sharp and trembling, "What are you doing?!"
But her protest only met silence. Erica and her friends kept walking, ignoring her as if she were invisible. Their laughter grew fainter until only the sound of her pounding heart remained.
Pissed, Andria knelt to gather her things. She swallowed hard, forcing her tears back. Just as she reached for her last notebook, another hand appeared. Gentle but firm, it lifted the book and placed it on the desk.
Andria looked up. Anitta.
Her calm smile softened the storm brewing in Andria's chest. Anitta glanced at the pages, eyes widening slightly.
"You wrote your notes so neatly… everything's marked and highlighted," she said almost admiringly.
Andria managed a small smile. "Yes. Do you… want to copy?"
Anitta shook her head. "No, I've done mine already." Her gaze turned apologetic. "Sorry, girl… for what my friends did."
Andria stayed silent for a moment before replying, her voice steady though her eyes betrayed the sting of humiliation. "I don't blame you. I know they're just trying to annoy me. But I'm not as weak as they think."
Anitta's lips curled into an approving smile. "That's the spirit."
---
The Canteen Path
After lunch, the canteen was nearly deserted. Andria was the last one to leave, as usual. Her tray was empty, her bag heavy with notes she had rushed to complete.
The path back to her classroom was narrow, shaded by an old bridge overhead. As she hurried, she nearly collided with someone. A tall boy in uniform stood planted firmly in her way.
Andria blinked, stepping to the side. He didn't move.
"Could you… please move?" she asked politely, tilting her head upward.
It was Harry—a boy from her class.
Suspicion clouded her tone. "What now? Do you want to bully me too?"
Harry chuckled, his voice low. "No. I don't have that much boring time." He tilted his head and smirked. "Anyway, my name's Harry."
Andria smirked back dryly. "Okay… so you blocked my way just to say your name?"
He leaned closer, his breath brushing against her ear. "No… You're not worth bullying."
The words stung, but before she could react, he brushed a strand of hair from her face. Instantly, Andria slapped his hand away.
Harry only smiled wider, whispering, "You're worth more than that. I mean… your beauty."
Andria gasped, her body stiffening as his eyes locked with hers. Then came the words that made her blood boil.
"Be with me… what do you say?"
Her palm cracked against his cheek before he finished his smirk. The sound echoed. His eyes widened in disbelief.
Andria's glare was fierce. "My slap is the answer. Do you want me to repeat it?"
His face twisted in anger. "You… do you even know who I am?" He raised his hand, ready to strike her.
But at that moment, a group of students and teachers turned into the corridor. Harry's hand froze mid-air. Clenching his jaw, he turned away and stormed off.
Andria's breath trembled, but she straightened her shoulders and walked on.
Above, on the bridge, smoke curled in the air. A boy with glossy golden hair leaned on the railing, a cigarette between his fingers. He smirked as he watched the scene below.
"She's interesting…" he whispered, dropping the cigarette and crushing it under his shoe.
---
Silver Storm
By evening, the school entrance buzzed with noise. Students gathered in excitement, parting like waves as a group emerged. Whispers filled the air. Cheers erupted.
Andria, caught in the crowd, stumbled aside as she watched. Three tall boys and two striking girls walked in unison, every step radiating confidence. Students treated them like celebrities.
Curious, Andria leaned to the boy beside her. "Who are they?"
His eyes widened in alarm. "Shhh! Don't say it loudly. People will get mad."
Andria raised a brow, unbothered. "Then tell me."
The boy sighed. "They're Silver Storm… the most famous group in this school. Money, power, influence—no one dares oppose them."
He pointed one by one. "That bold long-haired girl? Raina—heir of Royal Group. The cute one clinging to that tall boy? Malton Group's heir. Her name's Selina. The smart guy beside them? That's Han, Lucien Group heir. And the long-haired playboy? Ronnie—Daniel Group heir. And finally…"
His voice dropped as his eyes fixed on the golden-haired boy. "…that's Jake. Emilda Group's heir."
Andria's eyes lingered on Jake, his golden hair glowing under the fading sun. A silent smirk played on his lips, as though he already knew secrets no one else did.
The Silver Storm dispersed, leaving behind whispers and stares.
At the gate, Anitta waved at her mother waiting on a scooter. Andria's heart softened as she watched their easy laughter. Then she spotted her own mother, Rosalette, waving cheerfully.
"Didn't I tell you not to come?" Andria muttered, cheeks burning.
Her mother only pinched her cheek. "You look cuter when you're angry. Come on, let's go shopping. Do you want something?"
Andria faked a smile, hiding her heavy day. She slipped on her helmet, clinging to the small warmth of her mother's presence.
---
That Night
At home, Andria rummaged through her bag and desk. Her notes—her most important notebook—was missing.
She searched every corner, her pulse racing. "I swear I packed it… where did it go?" Panic set in. "What will I do without it for exams?"
---
The Next Day
The exam came, relentless and unforgiving. Andria did her best, her mind gnawed by the missing notebook.
After class, she asked around. "Has anyone seen my notebook?" Her voice echoed in the indifferent silence. Students ignored her, some even smirked.
Exhausted, she returned to her desk… only to freeze.
Her notebook was there. Right on top of her table.
Andria's eyes widened. She touched the familiar cover, her stomach twisting.
It hadn't been lost. Someone had taken it. Someone had watched her panic. Someone was targeting her.
Andria clenched her fists, determination replacing fear. "So… the game has begun."
---