Lesson 1

Kai

Finally, Ash raised his chin, as if deciding that his next words were valid and justifiable. I almost convinced myself that despite the determined look on his face, he had clenched his jaw as he spoke, as if almost hesitant to admit what he was about to say. His voice was also softer than I expected it to be, but that was probably because of the small space rather than my delusions that he was at all embarrassed about what he was saying.

“You took my place as top student.”

It took a moment for his words to completely register in my mind. Then I just stared in utter astonishment. He was mad at me because I had surpassed him academically? I blinked a couple times, trying to see if I was imagining things. Surely someone with such a perfect life couldn’t possibly be this petty. Or could he? He suddenly slumped down in his chair, surprising me with how much he looked like a pouting five-year-old glaring at the floor.

“You hate me because I already know the material?”