Chapter 1: school first day

Ginah had been excited yet nervous about her first day at her new school. She had moved to the city with her family just a week ago, and though she was used to being the new girl, she didn't expect the overwhelming attention she received.

From the moment she introduced herself in class, everyone was captivated. She answered the teacher's questions with ease, impressing even the top students. Her confidence and intelligence made her stand out, but what truly turned heads was her beauty—long, silky hair, sharp eyes, and a natural elegance that made her seem almost untouchable.

It wasn't long before she realized not everyone was pleased with her presence. While the boys admired her, the girls in her class whispered behind her back. They gave her cold stares, and some even openly rolled their eyes when she spoke. Raha and Diya, two of the most influential girls in school, were the worst. They saw Ginah as a threat to their popularity and decided they had to put her in her place.

At lunchtime, Ginah walked into the cafeteria, balancing her tray as she searched for a place to sit. The chatter around her felt suffocating, and she could hear bits and pieces of cruel whispers about her.

"Who does she think she is?" Raha sneered, flipping her perfectly styled hair.

"She's acting like she's better than us," Diya added with a smirk.

Deciding they had enough of her, the two girls followed Ginah as she walked toward an empty table. Just as she set her tray down, Raha suddenly bumped into her from behind, making her food spill all over the table. The cafeteria fell silent for a moment before quiet snickers echoed around the room.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry," Raha said mockingly. "Guess being perfect doesn't mean you have balance, huh?"

Diya giggled. "Maybe she should go back to wherever she came from."

Ginah clenched her fists, trying to hold back her anger. She refused to let them get to her, but before she could respond, a calm yet firm voice cut through the tension.

"That's enough."

Everyone turned to see Miya, a senior known for her fearless attitude and sharp wit. She was well-respected, and though she didn't usually get involved in petty school drama, she wasn't one to stand by and watch bullying happen.

"Are you two really that insecure?" Miya raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. "Picking on someone just because they're smart and pretty? That's embarrassing."

Raha scoffed. "Stay out of this, Miya."

"Or what?" Miya stepped closer, her presence alone making the two bullies shrink back slightly. "Unlike you two, I don't waste my time being jealous of people. If you have a problem with her, maybe you should focus on bettering yourselves instead of acting like spoiled brats."

The cafeteria buzzed with murmurs. Raha and Diya, clearly embarrassed, exchanged glances before storming off without another word.

Ginah let out a quiet breath of relief. She looked at Miya, unsure of what to say.

"You okay?" Miya asked, her tone softer now.

Ginah nodded. "Yeah… thanks."

Miya smiled. "No problem. You should sit with me and my friends."

That day, Ginah realized that not everyone in school was against her. With Miya on her side, maybe things wouldn't be as lonely as she had feared.