The classroom door creaked open, and the noise that had filled the room moments before quickly faded.
The teacher stepped in, his sharp eyes scanning the students as he made his way to the center of the room. His usual strict demeanor hadn't changed, and that alone was enough to make everyone sit up a little straighter.
Just as he set his books down on the desk, the door swung open again.
Cole and his group strolled in, completely unfazed by the tension in the room.
Their presence carried the same undeniable confidence as always. Some students stole quick glances at them, some in admiration, others in irritation but no one said anything.
Faith watched them out of the corner of her eye, but only for a second.
Cole took his seat, his posture relaxed, as if he had no interest in whatever was about to happen.
Faith looked away.
The classroom was silent now.
The teacher, satisfied that he had their attention, cleared his throat.
A New Challenge
"Your test is coming up soon."
His voice was firm and steady, carrying the weight of authority.
"You all know how important it is. The grading system in this school is not like the ones you see in regular schools. It is highly competitive, and that's not changing anytime soon."
Faith sat up a little straighter.
The atmosphere in the classroom grew heavier.
"In order to make things even more challenging," the teacher continued, "the school board has decided to implement a new rule. Starting this term, there will no longer be an 'E' grade."
Murmurs rippled through the class.
Faith's brows furrowed.
The teacher did not pause.
"From now on, your grades will be categorized as A, B, C, D, and F. This means that if you score less than a 'D,' you have completely failed the subject."
A few students groaned.
Some whispered amongst themselves, exchanging worried glances.
But the teacher wasn't finished.
"Remember," he continued, "your individual grades don't just affect you. They affect the entire class. Your overall performance determines your class rank."
That got everyone's attention.
"You have already lost your previous position as Class A. You are now Class B. And if you are not careful, you may fall even lower."
Faith's jaw tightened.
"You all remember what happened last year, don't you?" The teacher's gaze swept across the room. "Class B dropped all the way to Class D. Meanwhile, Class D climbed to the top spot."
The classroom was completely silent now.
Everyone knew what had happened.
"One person's performance can influence the entire class ranking," the teacher continued. "So, if any of you are thinking about slacking off, I suggest you reconsider."
Faith's Thoughts
That's right.
We have to rank up this year.
This school thrived on competition.
The ranking system was unforgiving. If even one person in the class scored below 55%, the entire class's standing could be affected.
Faith leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling for a brief moment.
Last year, Class D collapsed. Their ranking plummeted so drastically that some students even had to repeat the second year.
Meanwhile, Class A rose to the top.
And as for her own class…
They had dropped one rank.
But why?
Nobody failed. At least, not to Faith's knowledge.
So how had they still fallen behind?
Her brows knitted together.
Maybe the other classes just scored higher?
No… that doesn't seem right.
Class C was always obsessed with maintaining their position. They didn't aim for the top, but they never fell below their rank either.
That meant someone in our class must have scored lower than expected.
And it wasn't just academics that affected rankings.
Sports, competitions, and extracurricular activities all played a part.
Either way…
We have to do better.
More Responsibilities
Faith was snapped out of her thoughts when the teacher spoke again.
"Aside from your academic performance, you will also be assigned a gardening project this semester."
A few students groaned.
Faith let out a small sigh.
More work.
"Because of the current weather conditions," the teacher continued, "you may be using a greenhouse instead of an open garden. The school will make an official decision soon."
There was some quiet murmuring throughout the classroom.
"However," the teacher added, "one thing is certain. Your class will be responsible for growing vegetables that require a lot of effort and care. You will be divided into groups."
Faith exhaled.
Yet another responsibility.
But before she could dwell on it, the teacher moved on to the next topic.
"Next month is also your excursion. The class representative must submit the chosen location by the end of the day."
The murmuring grew louder this time.
Students exchanged suggestions with excitement.
A hand shot up in the air.
"Wait," a student asked, "does that mean our test is before the excursion?"
"Yes," the teacher confirmed.
The murmurs slowly died down.
A Teasing Remark
Alex, who had been resting his chin on his hand, suddenly grinned.
"Looks like you've got a lot on your plate, class rep."
Faith sighed. "Don't remind me."
Stephanie giggled. "Don't worry, we'll help you out."
Faith smirked. "I expected you to."
Alex stretched his arms lazily. "Which is exactly why I'm going home."
Faith rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable."
A Conversation With Abdullah
Just as Faith was gathering her things, Abdullah approached her desk.
He crossed his arms and looked at her seriously.
"Don't listen to everyone's random suggestions about the excursion," he said. "Pick a place that will actually help us. A greenhouse or a farm would be a smart choice. We'll actually learn something that way."
Faith blinked.
That… actually made a lot of sense.
She smiled. "That's smart."
Abdullah smirked. "Of course it is. That's because I'm smarter than you."
Before she could react, he reached out and pulled her cheeks.
"Ow!" Faith swatted at his hand, but he had already stepped away, grinning as he walked back to his desk.
She watched him go, rubbing her cheek.
And then, her eyes drifted across the room—
And met Cole's.
For a brief moment, she froze.
She hadn't even thought about him all morning.
But now, seeing him sitting there, his gaze fixed on her with an unreadable expression…
Her smile vanished.
She quickly looked away.
A small sigh escaped her lips.
"Oh. He exists. I haven't thought of him all day. That's good."
Then, her thoughts drifted to something else.
"Who was that girl with him earlier?"
She groaned, pressing her fingers to her forehead.
"Now I'm thinking about him."