The middle school hallways buzzed with life, but the air thickened whenever Logan Lee was near. A second-year student, infamous for his cruelty, arrogance, and dominance over everyone weaker than him. Logan ruled the school with a combination of brute force and psychological intimidation. Students trembled at his name.
Rumors followed him everywhere—of broken bones, public humiliations, and absolute control over teachers and lower-year students. Logan never fought to impress; he fought to humiliate. And now, he had noticed the new boy: Daniel Park.
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Logan Lee Observes Daniel
Logan's sharp eyes followed Daniel across the hallway. Eleven years old. Small, tidy, and seemingly ordinary. Yet, there was something unnerving about the boy. Calm, composed, walking as if he owned the hallway. Logan's lips curved into a smirk.
"Perfect," he thought. "A little weakling who thinks he can walk around here without being taught a lesson."
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First Interaction
Daniel reached his classroom when Logan appeared, leaning against the doorway like a predator on watch.
"Hey, new kid," Logan sneered loudly, attracting the attention of nearby students. "Look at you… glasses, tiny frame, acting like you belong here. Tell me, do you even know how weak you look?"
Daniel stopped, adjusted his spectacles, and turned his head to meet Logan's gaze. His small smile was cold, almost eerie, like a predator sizing up prey.
"I may look small to you," Daniel replied calmly, his voice steady and precise, "but you should know appearances are deceiving. And arrogance… is always the first weakness of a fool."
Logan blinked, momentarily thrown off, then laughed loudly. "Hah! Weak little kid trying to talk back? You really think words can scare me?"
Daniel tilted his head slightly, eyes glinting behind his glasses. "Scare you? No. I'm not here to scare. I'm here to make you regret underestimating me. Remember that."
The hallway fell silent. Students who had been watching exchanged wide-eyed glances, sensing the dangerous shift in tension.
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The Silent Warning
Logan stepped closer, sneering down at Daniel. "You've got a big mouth for a kid who looks like he could be lunch for a third-year bully."
Daniel's small smile deepened, cold and calculating. "I don't care about your threats, or your so-called power. But if you ever cross the line again, I will make sure it's you who regrets it… not me. Consider this your first warning."
Logan's smirk faltered slightly, the arrogance in his eyes flickering at the icy calmness behind Daniel's words. He had met many weaklings, yes—but this kid spoke with the confidence of someone far beyond his years.
For the first time, Logan realized Daniel wasn't just another scared lower-year student to humiliate. He was something else entirely. Something dangerous.
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Tension in the Hallway
Other students watched nervously. Even those who respected or feared Logan instinctively took a step back. The air was thick with anticipation, as if the hallway itself held its breath. Logan, towering and experienced, stared Daniel down—but the boy's small frame, cold eyes, and cruel smile unnerved him.
Logan smirked one last time, though his tone had changed slightly, tinged with cautious respect. "Alright, new kid… I'll be watching you. Don't think I'll let this slide."
Daniel simply nodded, his expression unreadable. "I'll make sure every mistake you make is your last."
The stage was set. The first confrontation was over words, but both knew the real battle—the battle of power, cunning, and ruthlessness—was just beginning.
Chapter End.