Chapter 1
“Ting! Ting! Ting!”
The tiny bell hanging on the front of a blue bicycle rang loudly as the boy riding it pedaled non-stop.
“Hey! Don’t go too fast! Wait for me!” a girl shouted from behind, also riding her bike—hers was bright yellow.
“You move too delicately! You know we need to hurry!”
“It’s still early! We’re not even late, Ben!” France complained, trying her best to pedal faster.
Both bikes had baskets in front. France’s basket held her bag and a few books, while Ben’s carried his bag and rubber shoes.
“That’s not what I meant—”
“Piiiiiiiiipppp!!!!”
A loud, deafening car horn sliced through their conversation. The two immediately turned their heads.
A luxurious car sped past them. The driver leaned out of the window, released a mocking laugh, and drove off—leaving a thick, dark cloud of smoke right in front of them.
"Hkk! Hkk! Hkk!" They gagged in unison as the smoke hit their faces.
“You okay, France?” Ben asked, worry clear in his voice.
“I’m fine,” she replied, though irritation was written all over her face.
“Ugh! This is so annoying! They’re always so arrogant!” France snapped.
“I told you, right? We need to be fast. If those nepo baby kids catch up with us again, we’re doomed,” Ben said, shaking his head.
They continued biking toward Wilson Academy, the school where they study.
A prestigious school.
A royal school.
Only for the rich.
You might be wondering—how did Ben and France get in?
Just as you’re thinking… yes, they’re poor.
They’re best friends—
Franceinne Pretto, the smart one.
Ben de Guzman, the skilled basketball player.
Using their talents, they were granted a full scholarship at Wilson Academy.
Every morning, this was their routine:
Bike to school together.
Try to arrive early.
Try to avoid the arrogant, rich classmates…
especifically the infamous Fearless Four.
They pedaled even faster. They were so close now—just a little more.
They could already see the entrance of the old school building. Yes, old. Very old. A century-old structure that was still unbelievably beautiful.
Ben let France ride ahead so he could watch over her—worried they’d get harassed again by the rich kids in their flashy cars.
And then—
Three luxurious cars sped past them, one after another. Lamborghini. Same model. Different colors. They passed so close it was as if they were trying to push them off the road.
The third car stopped. The driver—smirking—peeked out.
“Better luck next time.”
Followed by loud, mocking laughter.
The two froze.
They recognized that voice.
Georginna Ortega.
One of the Four Cats.
Knowing them… that line meant trouble.
They looked at each other.
“Aaaaaahhhh!” France screamed.
Ben stiffened. "What the--?!" he muttered as he looked down at his mud-covered uniform.
“Oh no,” France said helplessly as she stared at her blouse.
“Where’d all this mud come from?” Ben asked. Their clothes were splattered all over.
But the answer was obvious.
They turned to look at the road.
A pothole filled with dirty water.
The cars had driven through it on purpose—just to splash mud on them.
“So annoying!” Ben grumbled, running a hand down his face.
“How are we supposed to go inside looking like this?” France asked.
“We have no choice. There’s no time to go home and change. We’ll explain and borrow uniforms from the supply office.”
“But, Ben… it’s embarrassing! They’ll laugh at us for sure.”
“You heard me already, right? WE HAVE NO CHOICE.”
Ben hopped back on his bike. France had no choice but to follow.
As they walked their bikes, a noise above made them stop. They looked up.
A helicopter was descending.
Lower… lower…
It landed in the open area in front of the school. Students immediately swarmed toward it.
“Wow. Who rides a helicopter just to go to school?” France said as they parked their bikes.
“Forget it. It’s actually good for us. Everyone’s distracted. We can pass through the hallway without anyone noticing,” Ben said.
“Fine, let’s go,” France replied.
They quietly slipped through the crowd. Ben was right—no one noticed them. They made it through the hallway unseen and hurried to the supply office to borrow uniforms.
Meanwhile…
A glamorous girl stepped out of the helicopter, escorted by two ladyguards. She waved dramatically, smiling like a celebrity as students cheered.
She was Gabriella Buenavista Wilson. The queen of Wilson Academy. She had the looks that could captivate any guy.
She had charm.
She had fame.
She had money.
She had everything.
Everything except—
A GOOD ATTITUDE.
"Go on. Look at me. Die from jealousy, all of you." She sneered inwardly while throwing mocking glances at the students surrounding her.
And this is where it all begins.
