Erin Kim's POV
My name is Erin Kim, a 17-year old student in Hillside Academy. Well, not just any student though.
Being a child prodigy, the school has presented me with various challenges and competitions, to which I always place first. In fact, I believe (and many others do to) that I was the reason why H.A. had it good all these years. I was always a "special child", having an IQ of over 180 or so. Despite my abnormally convenient intelligence, I was unable to find joy in many things.
My family took good care of me.. and spoiled me to the point that I no longer needed to work hard on anything. As a result, I was prone to getting tired easily... and anything that was considered as "hard work" would cause lung problems.
They also protected me to the point where I was unable to find friends. I mean, I had SOME girl friends... but never any guy friends. They always taught me that boys mean bad news... but through my years of research, I have found their opinions invalid.
For one, both male and female humans are needed in order to preserve and prolong the survivability of the species, and with my special condition, I needed to find someone who is strong enough to take care of me, as I have already understood that my parents won't be alive forever.. and that my life is better off with people who I trust rather than people my family pays to protect us every day.
Second, I was told at a very young age that I needed to gain experience in ALL fields. Isn't social activity important as well?
Throughout elementary, I was confounded in an all girl's academy... but when I reached highschool, I literally had to beg for my parents to allow me to attend a "normal" school for once. They agreed, but only if I promised not to hang around any of the male species.
I was okay with it. Looking at them would also be benefitial for my training.
I had been watching too much TV lately without my parent's supervision, and as such have learned different hidden rooms life has to offer.
In a series regarding Romance, both the male and the female lead is said to have had "feelings" for each other. It is up to me to investigate what feeling this is. There had been instances where I secretly hang out with guys... but never did I ever experience this "feeling" they are always crazy about. Despite that, I have managed to secure valuable information regarding the male species.
For example, most of them go for physical appearances (the other aspects of the human mind is of no concern to them). I figured that out when I was just starting highschool, where I dressed and looked plainly. After getting to know most of my male peers, I "asked" some of them out as tests that would either support or disprove my theory. Most (if not all) have proven this theory correct. As such, I have adapted the way of presenting oneself, in which I can be regarded as appealing to the eyes. This experiment proved successful, as a number of males now talked to me in a more... suggestive.. manner.
I had multiple people who could serve my purpose well.
Jake Grant, the Academy's top Chess-player. Just your average joe in terms of academics, but the way he strategizes in each of his games are amazing. You might think these are all good qualities, but everyone at school knows Jake is a jerk.
Derek Smith, the Academy's award-winning model. His overall appearance is great, and besides being labeled as one of Hillside's most influential people, he is also the Academy's ace-taekwondo player.
William Pierce, the Student Council President and the guidance councillor's lapdog. Besides being second only to me academic-wise, his logic and reasoning skills are off the charts. Rumor has it that he once helped the local police solve some difficult case in the past year.
And of course, Lucas Winthropt. Only son of the wealthy Winthropt family, he has been trained to be physically fit. Lucas turned down the offer of basketball captain in order to focus on his career as a track and field player. Lucas is mostly away for trainings and competitions and such, but the academy pays it no heed; because he, like me, is a prodigy.. in terms of sports anyway.
I was going to wait for the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with one of these guys... but it seems like the situation presented itself to me.
"Miss Kim." The principal, Owen Lawson, says as I enter his office. "Do you have any idea why I called you in here today?"
"I don't have any recollection of doing anything wrong." I told him.
"You didn't do anything wrong." He reassured me. "If you had, you'd be visiting Gina Sawyer, the guidance councellor."
"I guess."
"The reason why I called you out here today is because Lucas Winthropt has returned from Europe after winning that Grand 'running' Competition or something." Principal Lawson informs me.
"So?"
"He has missed a two week's worth of class, and I'd be getting into a lot of trouble if the William's boy would fail the semester because of it."
"I have done my research on him." I told him. "His average per semester is fine."
"His family would beg to differ." Principal Lawson tells me. " 'If it weren't for all those competitions, Lucas would've been first place academically', they said."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Since you're this school's top student and of course, its flawless role model, you wouldn't mind tutoring him, would you?" He tells me.
"What's in it for me?" I said. "I have already enough medals as it is, and my family isn't struggling in any way, much less financially. What would I expect you'd give me in return?"
The principal smiles. "If I recall correctly, there was this one wish you always had in that cold heart of yours."
I looked at him straight in the eye. "You know about it too?"
"My dear, I know everything about my students." Principal Lawson exclaimed. "Especially when it involves... money."
I stood up. "Fine. I'll do as you say."
"Brilliant." Principal Lawson snaps his finger. "Mr. Winthropt is at the guidance office as we speak. You may introduce yourself to him if you wish and inform him of your role."
"You have to keep your promises, Principal Lawson." I told him. "You know I hate liars as well as my parents do."
"Don't worry, miss Kim." Principal Lawson tells me. "I am a man of my word."
...
I exit the room and head straight to the guidance office, where Gina Sawyer, along with her watch dog William Pierce, can be seen talking to Lucas.
"Good Morning, Mrs. Sawyer." I said as I entered the office.
"Why, if it isn't the school's mascot." William teases me.
"Silence, William." Councillor Sawyer tells him. "What can I do for you, Miss Kim?"
"I am here to inform Mr.Winthropt about me tutoring him for the week." I said. "Principal's orders."
Councillor Sawyer nods. "You hear that, Lucas? Miss Kim here is going to help you with your studies."
"Is it a wise choice, though?" William says. "Principal Lawson clearly isn't aware that Miss Kim here is a Miss. In fact, I feel like I should be the one tutoring Mr Winthropt instead of this young lady."
"William, clearly you jest." Councillor Sawyer smiles at him before looking at me. "Miss Kim here is said to have been incapable of feeling. Some say she's a robot of some sort. Have you heard about her taking Muay Thai?"
"Er.. No-"
"I do not believe that Mr Winthropt would do any harm to the young lady, but if she should encounter any danger along the way to his house, I am sure that she can handle herself just fine." Councillor Sawyer says. "Isn't that right, Miss Kim?"
"Yes, Mrs Sawyer."
"And besides, we all know the Winthropts." Councillor Sawyer tells us. "They only want what is best for their son, and who else than Miss Kim?"
William grits his teeth whilst looking at me.
"Well, unto the main event, I suppose. Lucas, I have already given you the things you should study in order to take those tests that you missed." Councillor Sawyer says. "I shall also be giving a copy to Miss Kim here. As she is surely unfamiliar of the way to your house, kindly accompany her."
"Yes, Councillor." Lucas speaks up.
"Don't worry about your parents, Miss Kim." Councillor Sawyer looks at me with a smile. "I will inform them of your whereabouts right after this."
I nod. "May I go now?"
She nods. "Kindly meet up with Mr Winthropt after school."
I look at Lucas for a moment before turning my way towards the door.
"I shall beat you one day, I assure you. Until then, enjoy your spot at first place." I can hear William saying.
I smile.
With the differences of our abilities, it seems like I'm going to be enjoying first place for a long time.