2 Leon Czhainnehart

Since his day started uneventfully, he decided to just proceed with his routine exercise and jogging as he ruminated his humble life so far.

Today marks the start of the new semester as Leon Czhainnehart enters his second year in high school. Leon goes to a prestigious school called White Excelsior Academy. It was originally an all-boys private school until the late 2000's but converted into co-ed system. There were apparently only two ways to enter this school and it was one, from a benefactor or sponsor through recommendation system or two, through an entrance exam. He was the latter. He entered White Excelsior Academy through a scholarship program since there was no way he can afford to pay for the ridiculous tuition fee.

Leon decided to enroll since it was conveniently in close proximity from where he currently resides, which cuts his transportation expenses and because the academy offers laddered system for college and even specialty schools. Of course, it would be good in his resume if it includes finishing from a well-known school so his chances in landing a good job is also increased.

He ranked first on the entrance exam. Even the recommended students must take the exam for formality and it was an easy exam for Leon. It was nowhere near what he expected, but being a scholar student made him vulnerable from all the bullying and abuse of rich brats who think they are better than others just because they have more money and resources – exactly the kind of people Leon hates.

'I never thought bullying is still a thing, even for people whom I thought to be elites or should-be-elites in the future, but, I guess this disease would be wherever you go,' he thought.

In his first year, Leon spent his time building his reputation by studying hard, acing exams and doing favors to get the attention and trust from his teachers since he knew it would make his school life a lot easier. Even though he gathered popularity as a so-called teacher's pet, it didn't exactly matter to him as long as the benefit outweighs the consequence. He may not have friends, but as long as the teachers are on his side, he knew he's safe. He only needed to do what they want and that was easy enough for him. Leon believed that getting a recommendation for college would make his life considerably easier. He also believed that everything he does is something necessary for his future, that is why despite everything, he maintained his confidence and stood tall against the abusers, not letting them get the best of him in any situation. His defiance earned him a boost in popularity despite him being 'poor', according to the school's standards.

Since the death of both their parents, Leon and his older sister Lean was exposed to a lot of adults, bad adults who wanted to take away what little inheritance their parents left them. Funds which should have been obviously for their future. Every single one of those gold digging bastards (Leon insisted to call them as such), kept debating and arguing over who would feed or take care of the siblings. Leon felt like they were treated just like abandoned animals. He knew by then how despicable the world works but it also taught him how to be responsible and tactful in these kinds of situations. 'After all, nobody can help me but me,' he thought.

Lean Czhainnehart, Leon's sister, quit school early and worked to sustain finances for the both of them. While Leon got involved in whatever part time job he can partake, despite being underage as he lied in his identification cards and resume, Lean insisted that he should focus on academics alone, but, told her that he should do it any way he can in order to lessen some of the burden. Lean made him promise that he wouldn't neglect his studies. He even advised his sister that she should come back to school after he finishes high school and gets a proper job. Leon and his sister have been living independently for the longest time since their parents death and the least they could do is help each other out.

"Enough daydreaming.." Leon said as he reached back to his house and started to think what to prepare for breakfast for both him and his sister. He also decided to cook a boxed lunch as he had lots of time in his expense anyway.

He decided to take a short shower and prepared his neatly ironed uniform and shoulder bag before starting his cooking preparations. After a little less than an hour, Leon finished cooking meals for the both of them using leftover materials from their refrigerator.

As he was satisfied with his work he started putting on his uniform, white long sleeved shirt, black tie and a white vest which is where the school crest and a WEA icon is deftly located on the right side of the chest. His long leg covered with a tailored white trousers and finally black leather shoes.

'The weather's fair for June, I surely hope today's opening ceremony goes by without a hitch,' he thought.

Stepping out of the house, it was already 7:15 in the morning. He unlocked his bicycle from the chain and pedaled his way to school. It usually takes ten to fifteen minutes to arrive. But today, Leon decided to take things easy, inhaling the fresh air and admiring his never-changing neighborhood. He passed by a couple neighbors who where chatting away from each other happily, some cheerful chirping of sparrows caught his attention too.

He also passed the neighboring park which is obviously empty that early in the day. Children with their parents would fill up the place once their classes are done. He often see it when he is going home from school. The littlest details now ingrained in his mind as he was faithful to his routine since he started high school. The normality and the peace made Leon feel at ease even though he might have had a harsh childhood or might get in trouble because of the bullies yet it did not faze him. His goal was clear from the get-go, all he wanted was to live his life normally and peacefully, to be able to provide sufficiently for his only family and to continue living as his mother told him before she died, as if to continue their forsaken legacies, 'I must live a good life for me and for my sister as well.' Leon thought.

There was nothing he wanted more in life and there is nothing he would not pay in order to protect that.