As Easton and Santino step into their first class at Cypress Institution, the quiet hum of students settling in filling the air. The room is spacious, with sleek desks arranged in neat rows and sunlight streaming through large windows, casting a warm glow over the polished floors.

Easton, unfazed by the unfamiliar faces around him, casually heads toward the middle of the classroom. He spots a seat beside a student he recognizes from the earlier tour—a guy who looks relatively easygoing. Without a second thought, Easton slides into the seat, resting his backpack on the floor beside him as if he's been at Cypress for years.

Santino lingers near the entrance, his eyes flicking across the room, noting the unfamiliar faces and calculating where to sit. His gaze lands on Easton, but seeing that his friend has already taken a seat next to someone else, he hesitates. He spots an empty desk nearby and starts toward it, but before he can pull out the chair, a voice cuts through the low buzz of conversation.

"Not there!" a boy calls out with a laugh, his tone light but mocking.

Santino pauses, raising an eyebrow. "Is it taken?"

"By an invisible friend."

Santino's eyes narrow slightly, but he plays along, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Oh! Enjoy his company." He shoves the chair back toward the boy with a controlled push, the legs scraping against the floor with a sharp squeak, before he's turning away to find another seat.

As Santino moves through the rows, he spots an empty desk behind two boys. One of them is Alex Thorne, who, along with another student, is leaning back and facing away from their desks as they chat lazily. When Santino approaches, Alex's attention shifts to him, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. A slow grin spreads across Alex's face, an expression that's both amused and slightly predatory, as if he finds it entertaining that Santino would choose to sit behind him.

There's a charged moment where it seems Alex might say something—his sharp gaze flicks over Santino, wondering if this new kid will be a source of amusement or annoyance. He doesn't move, doesn't even stand up properly, just watches as Santino drops into the seat without hesitation. The atmosphere between them is thick with unspoken tension, Alex's smile widening slightly as if he finds the whole situation amusing.

But before anything more can be said or done, the door at the front of the classroom swings open, and the teacher strides in, cutting through the low hum of conversation. The room falls into an almost instant silence as the students turn their attention forward, the brief moment of one-sided tension between Santino and Alex fading as focus shifts to the lesson ahead.

Santino sits back, his expression unreadable, but he's keenly aware of the attention he's drawn.

Dressed in a crisp blouse and tailored pants, the professors presence commands attention, though the students at Cypress are used to excellence and don't easily impress.

She pauses at her desk, scanning the room with a discerning eye. Her gaze lingers on Santino and Easton for a moment longer than necessary, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She's heard about the new scholarship students, and the challenge they represent seems to invigorate her. After all, Professor Valdés thrives on pushing boundaries and proving that even the most privileged students can learn something new.

"Good morning, class," she begins, her voice warm yet authoritative. "Before we dive into today's lesson, I'd like to acknowledge that we have some new faces among us." She turns her attention to Easton and Santino, her smile widening. "As many of you know, we've welcomed a few scholarship students from Darwin Academy. I'm sure you're all eager to meet them."

The room buzzes with renewed interest. Some students exchange looks—curiosity, disdain, or mere indifference. Easton sits back in his chair, unaffected by the attention. Santino crosses his arms, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

Valdés steps forward, gesturing toward Easton first. "Why don't you start us off? Introduce yourself, and tell us a bit about who you are."

Easton's eyes sweep the room with cool detachment before he slowly rises to his feet. There's an effortless confidence in the way he carries himself, as if he's not just introducing himself to a classroom but taking command of an audience. His reputation precedes him, but he's not one to let that speak for him—he likes to control the narrative.

"Easton Rhodes," he says, his voice smooth and steady. "From Darwin Academy. You've probably heard the name before." There's a hint of arrogance in his tone, but it's tempered by an easygoing charm. "I'm here because I didn't have much choice after the fire, but don't worry—I'll make the most of it. I like to keep things interesting, and I'm sure Cypress won't be any different."

His words hang in the air, as if he's already scoped out the room and found it wanting. A few students raise their eyebrows, while others exchange knowing glances. Valdés doesn't react, though the glint in her eyes suggests she finds his bravado amusing.

"Thank you, Easton," she says with a nod, turning her attention to Santino. "And now, your turn."

Santino stands, unfolding his arms as he looks around the room, eyeing up the students as much as they are him. He's more casual than Easton, but there's an edge to him.

"Santino Teuscher," he begins, his voice carrying a hint of an accent from his time in Spain. "Darwin Academy, like Easton. But unlike him, I'm not here to just get by—I'm here to enjoy myself." He grins, an almost mischievous smile that makes a few students shift in their seats. "I like meeting new people, trying new things, and I'm not afraid to push a few limits to see where they lead."

There's a pause as he glances toward Alex, who's still leaning back in his chair with a faintp smile. Santino holds his gaze for a moment, the challenge clear in his eyes, before returning his attention to the rest of the class.

"So, here's to new experiences," Santino finishes, shrugging as he sits back down.

The room is quiet for a moment, as if processing the presence of these new students who don't quite fit the Cypress mold. Valdés claps her hands lightly, breaking the tension.

"Thank you, Santino. Thank you, both of you," she says, her smile lingering. "I expect nothing less than excellence from all of you—new and old students alike. Let's see how well you can rise to the occasion. It's always interesting to see new faces here at Cypress, so I hope you both take full advantage of what this institution has to offer."

She moves to the center of the room, her heels clicking against the polished floor, and turns to address the entire class. "Now, before we dive into today's lesson, there's one more thing I'd like to remind you all about—especially for our new students. You see, Cypress isn't just about grades. Here, we strive for excellence in every aspect."

There's a noticeable shift in the room as the Cypress students sit up a little straighter, their attention fully on Valdés. She continues, her tone one of pride and subtle challenge. "Every year, Cypress chooses its best student. The one who stands out not just academically, but in all areas of school life. This student is awarded the Cypress Trophy, and the trophy is rather ugly, but it's powerful in its own right."

She pauses, letting the significance of her words sink in. "Holding that trophy during any one of your school years practically guarantees you a place among the most elite circles. Important people—employers, industry leaders—are always watching, and they're very interested in the student who earns that title. This is more than just a trophy; it's a ticket to an even brighter future."

Easton's eyes narrow slightly, taking in the information. He knows what it means to be at the top, but this is on another level. Santino, on the other hand, remains composed, though the mention of this award clearly piques his interest.

Valdés smiles knowingly at them. "I tell you this because, whether you're aware of it or not, you're now part of a competition. If you're looking to reach the top of your class, you have something to aim for."

"And how do you win it?" she asks, turning her gaze across the classroom. "Can anyone tell me?"

Several hands shoot up, and Valdés's eyes scan the room before settling on Cilla, who sits poised with a raised hand.

"Yes, Priscilla?" Valdés calls out.

Cilla clears her throat before speaking, her tone measured and confident. "To win the trophy, you need to excel in both curricular and extracurricular activities. The more you participate and stand out, the better your chances. Cypress offers a broad range of programs like photography, chess, Chinese, debate team, and so on."

Valdés nods approvingly. She turns to the projector, clicking a remote to bring up a list on the screen at the front of the classroom. "Exactly. The trophy is not just a symbol of academic excellence but also of overall engagement and performance. The more you involve yourself and excel in diverse areas, the stronger your candidacy for the award."

She gestures toward the list on the screen. "So, take a good look. Find activities that interest you and excel in them. The path to the trophy is through demonstrating excellence across the board."

The screen displays a list of the extracurricular activities available at Cypress, each one designed to cultivate a different skill or interest. The Cypress students glance at it, some already mentally calculating where they stand in the competition, while Easton and Santino take it in for the first time.

After a brief silence, Valdés nods to herself, seemingly satisfied with her announcement. "That will be all for now. Let's move on to today's topic."

After the lesson, Easton and Santino step out of class, their conversation a mix of disbelief and curiosity as they navigate the bustling hallway. Easton is shaking his head with a half-laugh, "This school is seriously intense. I've never seen so much going on in one place."

Santino runs a hand through his hair, glancing around with a skeptical eye. "Yeah, it's like everyone's on a mission. The pressure here is something else."

As they continue down the hallway, they reach the end, where a glass wall separates them from a small, exhibit-like room. The room is stark, save for a single podium bearing a trophy. The trophy is elegant but understated, its inscription barely visible from their distance.

Easton nudges Santino's shoulder, directing his attention. "Check it out. I think that's the trophy Professor Vee mentioned."

Santino squints at the trophy, his expression one of mild surprise. "Huh. Not as flashy as I thought it'd be."

Easton chuckles. "Yeah, it's kind of lowkey. Interested in going for it?"

Santino considers the trophy, his face thoughtful. "I mean, could be cool. But I'm not exactly eager to put a target on my back right away like that."

Just then, a figure approaches with purposeful strides. They walk over, their presence commanding attention. Their confident demeanor contrasts sharply with the hum of the busy hallway. They stop in front of the boys, glancing at the trophy with an almost casual air.

"A choice of interest," Miles says smoothly, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. He nods toward the trophy behind the glass.

Easton raises an eyebrow, "What?"

"Miles," he responds. "I'm the current holder of that trophy."

Santino's gaze sharpens, intrigued by Miles's air of authority. "So you're the one to beat."

Miles nods, the smirk on his lips becoming more pronounced. "You know, it's not just a trophy—it's a mark of distinction. You'll find that maintaining it requires more than just talent."

Easton leans against the wall, crossing his arms. "Yeah? What's your angle?"

Miles tilts his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. "You know, I've been around here long enough to get the hang of things. I saw you talking with Lillian DuPont earlier. She's second in line for the trophy, but even she knows she's got her work cut out for her if she wants to catch up to me."

There's a brief silence as Easton and Santino take in Miles's words. Miles's arrogance is palpable, but there's no denying that he's got the skills to back it up. He's clever, determined, and clearly enjoys the thrill of competition.

Santino's curiosity is piqued. "So, you're saying there's more to it than just being good at school?"

Miles's eyes glint with a mix of challenge and amusement. "Exactly. Standing out here means excelling in everything—from academics to extracurriculars. The trophy isn't just about being the best in class; it's about being the best overall. Lillian's got her sights set on it, and I'm sure others do as well."

Easton and Santino exchange a glance, the weight of Miles's words settling in. Miles continues, his tone now more reflective. "In this environment, making an impression is key. It's not just about being good—it's about being exceptional in every aspect. And that requires dedication and a bit of strategy."

Miles steps back, the smile still on his face. "Consider this a friendly piece of advice. If you're serious about going for the trophy or even sticking around, you'll need to bring your A-game, and then some. You're going to need it."

With that, Miles turns and begins to walk away. Easton and Santino watch him go, absorbing the gravity of his words.

Santino breaks the silence, his tone contemplative. "Well, that was . . . I need a snack."

AUTHORS NOTE ━━ okay alex will get more speaking lines soon i swear omg. balancing 7 characters is nawttt easy for the first few chapters pls give me a bit so i can introduce evb smoothly 😞😞😞 kisses

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