My name is Akira, and I'm just another student at Raymond Public School, blending into the crowd. I've got fair skin, messy Prussian blue hair that never stays in place, and sapphire eyes hidden behind dark glasses. Life has been anything but easy for me. Born into a poor family, the weight of it all often feels suffocating. But I push through—for my mom and my little sister, both of whom give me the strength to keep going. My mom works tirelessly to provide for us, and I'm determined to help lighten her load. No matter how tough things get, I'll keep moving forward. Because they need me to.
I don't have many friends. Most days, I keep to myself, focusing on one thing—getting out of this life and into college. I've seen how education changes lives, and I'm not going to let anything stand in my way. It won't be easy, but it's the only way to make something of myself.
It was just another day in class. The room buzzed with the usual noise—students chatting, laughing, passing notes. I took my usual seat at the back, near the red curtain. It always gave the room a warm glow when the sun hit it just right. The window was cracked open, letting in a cool breeze that made the papers on the desks flutter. Outside, the sports team was practicing, their shouts and movements a stark contrast to the quiet in my head.
I leaned my head on my desk, letting the hours drift by in a haze. The teachers came and went, their words barely registering. The lessons blurred together, but I didn't mind the quiet. It gave me time to think.
Then, the science teacher stepped in, breaking the silence. "Stop looking like you're about to fall asleep," he barked, his sharp voice pulling me out of my thoughts. "It's time for your science test."
A surge of excitement shot through me. This test could lead to a scholarship. A scholarship meant a way out of my current life, and maybe it could take some pressure off my mom. I glanced at the test paper once it was handed to me. It was easy—too easy. But that felt like a victory in itself.
When the results came in, I had the highest score. The eyes of my classmates followed me, surprised by my success. But it didn't bother me. It was just one small win on my long journey. I still had a long way to go.
Later that evening, after school, I overheard some students excitedly planning a karaoke night. I couldn't help the feeling of envy that tugged at me. They had a carefree life, full of fun and friends. But I didn't have the luxury of distractions. I grabbed my things quietly and slipped out of the classroom, the cool evening air a reminder of everything I still had to do.
Walking home, the quiet streets felt oddly comforting. The sounds of my neighborhood brought me a sense of peace, even if it wasn't much. When I got home, my sister greeted me with her usual bright smile.
"How was school?" she asked, her energy infectious. "I did a project today, and I got the highest marks!"
"That's awesome," I replied, ruffling her hair. "You're always full of surprises."
Just then, Mom walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. "How was your day, Akira?" she asked, her voice warm, as always.
"It was fine," I said, trying to keep my exhaustion from showing.
"Did you have a bath yet?" she asked.
I hesitated. "Not yet."
She sighed. "There's no hot water again. You'll have to take a cold one. I'm sorry."
"It's fine, Mom," I said, though I couldn't hide how much it bothered me.
The cold water hit me like a shock, waking me up. It was uncomfortable, but strangely, it brought peace. It was the one time I could be alone with my thoughts, no distractions, no interruptions. Just me and the cold.
I stood under the stream, my mind drifting back to my childhood. The kids who used to tease me still echoed in my mind. Back then, it hurt. But now, I saw it differently. Those struggles had shaped who I was today. I was still here, still fighting. And I was stronger than I had ever thought.
After the bath, I stood in front of the mirror, drying off. I took a deep breath, looking at my reflection. I wasn't weak. I was still standing. And no matter how tired I was, I had to keep going. The books on my desk were calling me, and I knew I couldn't afford to slack off.
Mom's voice came from downstairs. "Akira, dinner's ready!"
I closed my books, stretching out my stiff muscles. The smell of food filled the house, comforting and familiar. When I entered the kitchen, Mom had already set the table. In the middle sat a steaming bowl of vegetable stew. It wasn't much, but it was enough.
"Dinner's ready, Akira," Mom said, her voice filled with warmth.
My sister was bouncing around in her seat. "Guess what, Akira! I got another prize today! I got the highest score on my project!"
"That's amazing, sis," I said, smiling. "I'm proud of you."
She grinned, nudging me playfully. "I want to be like you, working hard for everything I dream of. We'll make it, right? Together?"
Her words made my heart ache, but I smiled and nodded. "Yeah, together."
After dinner, I returned to my room, my mind already drifting to the mountain of work waiting for me. I told myself I'd study for just a few minutes, but those minutes turned into an hour. The quiet of the night surrounded me as I poured over my notes. Exhaustion pulled at me, but I kept going. Each hour of studying was a step closer to my dream.
The next morning, I left the house early, the cool air greeting me as I walked to school. My thoughts were heavy, but as I passed by the corner of my street, something unusual caught my eye. A black limo was parked, sleek and mysterious. I slowed my pace, drawn to it.
There, sitting inside, was a figure with coffee-colored hair, his back turned. Something about the stillness intrigued me. I blinked, convinced I was imagining things.
"Maybe I'm just tired," I muttered, shaking my head.
But the image stayed with me, nagging at me, as I continued to school. "How could there be a rich person in this neighborhood?" I thought. It didn't make sense. The limo seemed out of place, like something from a world I could never be part of.
But I couldn't shake the feeling.
The next moment, the limo door opened, and a boy stepped out. He was breathtaking. Coffee-colored hair, sharp features, and a confidence that radiated from him. He seemed like a prince—no, a king—stepping out of a different world.
I stood frozen, watching as he made his way across the school grounds. Students around me gawked, their jaws dropping in awe. But not me. I had more important things to focus on—my future.
As I walked into class, the whispers followed me. The new boy had arrived, but my eyes were set on a different prize: my dreams, my future, the life I was determined to create.
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