chapter 7

I made my way to my usual spot at the school cafeteria, hoping to find some peace and quiet during lunch break. As I sat down with my food, I noticed a girl staring at me from across the room. She had long, curly brown hair and a friendly smile on her face. I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious under her gaze.

After a few minutes, she got up from her table and walked over to me. "Mind if I sit here?" she asked, gesturing to the empty seat next to me.

I shrugged, not sure what to make of this sudden interaction. "Sure, go ahead," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"My name's Olivia," she said as she sat down. "I've seen you around school before, but I don't think we've ever officially met."

"I'm Lin Wu," I said, offering a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Olivia."

We ate our lunch in silence for a few minutes before Olivia spoke up again. "So, what do you like to do for fun?" she asked.

I shrugged again, feeling a bit uncomfortable with this line of questioning. "Not much, really. Just the usual stuff, I guess."

Olivia didn't seem deterred by my lack of enthusiasm. "Well, I'm part of the school's drama club. We're actually looking for new members, and I think you'd be perfect for it!"

I was taken aback by her sudden suggestion. "What makes you say that?" I asked, skeptical.

Olivia smiled again, undeterred. "You seem like a really interesting guy, Lin. I bet you have a lot of hidden talents that you're keeping under wraps."

I wasn't sure what to make of her compliment, but something about her earnestness made me feel a bit more at ease. "I don't know," I said hesitantly. "I'm not really a drama guy."

Olivia didn't seem to be discouraged by my response. "Well, if you ever change your mind, we meet after school in the auditorium. Just come check it out sometime."

I nodded, still unsure what to make of this new girl who seemed so determined to be my friend. But as I watched her walk away, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about what this drama club might have to offer.

As I left the cafeteria, I noticed Linda watching me from across the room. She looked a bit annoyed, and I wondered if she'd overheard my conversation with Olivia. As much as I didn't want to hurt her, I knew I couldn't let her hold me back from making new friends.

I made a mental note to talk to her later and explain that I wasn't trying to push her away, but for now, I had bigger things to worry about. As I walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the thought of exploring this new opportunity. Who knows what I might find in the world of drama?

But as I turned a corner, I bumped into someone, sending me stumbling back a few steps. I looked up to see a tall, muscular guy glaring down at me.

"Watch where you're going, loser," he growled, before shoving past me and disappearing down the hall.

I felt my blood boil with anger at his words. Who did he think he was, talking to me like that? But before I could do anything, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey, don't let that guy get to you," Olivia said, looking up at me with a sympathetic expression. "He's just

jealous that you beat him. You were amazing out there today."

I shrugged, trying to brush off the hurtful comments. "Thanks, but it's not a big deal. I'm used to it."

"You shouldn't have to be," Olivia said firmly. "No one deserves to be treated that way. But you know what? You just proved them all wrong. You're not just some poor kid from the wrong side of town. You're a talented fighter, and you've got more heart than anyone else out there."

I smiled at her words, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Olivia had a way of making me feel like I was worth something, like I had value beyond my bank account. And for that, I was grateful.

As we walked back to the locker room, I caught sight of Michiel standing off to the side, a look of annoyance on his face. I tried to ignore him, but Olivia saw him too.

"Who's that guy?" she asked, nodding in Michiel's direction.

"Just some guy from my class," I muttered. "We don't really get along."

Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"It's a long story," I said, not wanting to get into the details.

"Well, I'm here if you want to talk about it," she said kindly. "And if you ever need someone to have your back, you can count on me."

I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for my new friend. It was nice to know that I wasn't alone in this school, that there were people who saw me for who I was and not just my family's money.

As we reached the locker room, Olivia turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Hey, you know what would be fun? A victory party! My place tonight, what do you say?"

I hesitated, not sure if I was up for a party after the long day. But then I thought about how lonely it could be to spend another night cooped up in my mansion, with no one to talk to but the butler.

"Sure," I said with a grin. "Why not?"

Olivia cheered, slinging her arm around my shoulder. "Awesome! It'll be a blast, I promise. And who knows, maybe we'll even make some new friends."

I chuckled, feeling more optimistic than I had in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up for me at this school.