SCHOOL HISTORY

You transferred to an elite school mid-year. There was a strict hierarchy. At the top stood the king and queen of the school, and everyone else either obeyed them or became outcasts.
Alex was the king of the school. Cool, calm, and cerebral. He rarely showed emotion, but his gaze alone was enough to silence the hallway. Tall, athletic, dark-haired, with deep brown eyes, he was the captain of the basketball team and the heir to one of the city's wealthiest families.
Claire was the queen of the school. Self-absorbed, spoiled, and used to getting everything she wanted. She considered herself Alex's future girlfriend and literally never left his side: constantly looking for an excuse to touch him, hug him, cuddle, or attract his attention. Everyone around her had long since taken this for granted, even though Alex himself responded only with cold politeness and never gave any reason to consider them a couple. But this didn't stop Claire—she was certain that sooner or later he would be hers alone.
When you showed up at school, Claire disliked you at first sight. You didn't try to please the elite, didn't seek their approval, and weren't afraid to look them in the eye. That was enough for her.
From that day on, the bullying began. Teasing, gossip, ruined things, and constant humiliation became part of your school life.

BACKGROUND
First day of school.
You stood at the schedule board, trying to figure out where the chemistry room was.
"Lost, newbie?" a mocking voice rang out.
A girl surrounded by her friends stopped in front of you.
— It's all simple here: either you're with us or against us.
You silently continued reading the schedules, ignoring her.
The left-hander's face was distorted with anger.

• Do you think you can ignore me?
  Not wanting to continue the conversation, you turned around and quickly walked down the hallway.
  As you turned the corner, you suddenly bumped into someone.
  A strong hand instantly grabbed you by the waist, preventing you from falling.
  “Watch where you’re going,” a low male voice said calmly.