Whispers floated through the classroom like static.
"That bitch Claire... how the hell is she still not in jail?"
The girl sitting beside the speaker leaned in, her eyes flickering toward the door.
"I know, right? And she threatened all of us. We can't tell anyone or—"
"—She'll come after our families," someone else muttered, their voice barely audible."I'm scared to even say her name out loud..."
A heavy silence followed. Not a breath dared break it.
In the back row, a girl with short, fiery red hair sat still as stone. Her fingers dug into the desk, nails pressing crescent moons into the wood. Her jaw clenched tight.
Because of that bitch... I can't even deal with these cowards myself.
Her fingers scraped against the desk with a soft, dangerous sound.
Uncle told me to stay out of it. Threatened me like I was just another pawn in his game...
She exhaled sharply, barely containing the fury rising inside her.
Fine. I won't lay a finger on you, Claire. But don't get too comfortable...
A crooked smirk curled her lips as her eyes darted to the whispering girls.
My "pets" — the ones I keep loyal with cash — they'll be more than happy to rip your smug little faces apart.
Her gaze gleamed with venomous promise.
So keep whispering. Keep pretending you're safe.Let's see how long that lasts...
The door slammed open.
Five girls strutted into the room like they owned it — tight, revealing uniforms clinging to them, tattoos on proud display, eyes daring anyone to speak.
Instantly, the classroom fell silent. Even the air seemed to freeze.
Claire leaned back in her chair, smirking as her eyes scanned the group. Her gaze settled on the girl in front — a towering presence with bright yellow hair, caked-on makeup, and a gaze that could cut glass.
Without saying a word, the leader lifted her hand and pointed… straight at a girl with long black hair and glasses sitting quietly in the corner.
The girl stiffened, saw the gesture… and nodded obediently, retreating to her seat like a ghost.
The rest of the gang silently took theirs too.
Emily — the girl with the glasses — lowered her head. Sweat began to bead on her forehead.
The tension was unbearable.
Then—creak.
The door opened again.
A middle-aged man stepped in, adjusting his glasses.
"Good morning, students. Today, a new student is joining us. Please give her a warm welcome."
All eyes turned to the doorway.
A girl stepped in, dressed in a neatly pressed male uniform.
She had short black hair, a slim, composed figure, and piercing red eyes that shimmered like rubies under the classroom lights.
Gasps rippled through the room.
"Wow, she's beautiful..."
"And cool... Is that really a girl?"
Lucy heard the whispers and smiled sweetly.
But when her gaze landed on Claire—her expression twisted.
The corners of her lips stretched into a wide, feral grin.
Claire locked eyes with her… and immediately stiffened. A strange shiver ran down her spine. Her brow creased.
Why is she smiling at me like that…?
As if reading her discomfort, Lucy tilted her head—then softened her grin back into an innocent smile.
"Hello, classmates," she said warmly. "My name is Lucy. It's nice to meet you all."
The teacher gestured toward the only empty seat—next to the girl with glasses.
"Lucy, please sit beside that student. The seat's free."
Lucy nodded with a polite, "Thank you," and walked gracefully to her place.
She took the seat beside the trembling girl.
Emily sat stiffly, her hands clenched on her lap, her head down.
Lucy leaned in a little, voice kind.
"Hello. My name is Lucy."
Emily jolted like she'd been shocked.
"O-oh, h-hi… my name is Emily…"
Lucy gave a small laugh. "Hey, why are you stammering? I'm not that scary."
Emily's eyes widened. She quickly shook her head, flustered.
"N-no! Y-you're beautiful! I'm not scared, I'm just… I-I don't usually talk to new people…"
Across the room, Claire's smile returned.
But this time, it was twisted with amusement and something sharper.
She leaned back in her seat, arms folded, eyes watching Lucy like a hawk.
Oh? So she knows how to make friends this quickly...
Too bad she picked the wrong one.
Heh.