Chapter 1
At first, Leonard Starling never imagined that she and Evelyn Cloud would become so close. To her, Evelyn was just a familiar face—one of the many students at Briarwood High. With over a thousand students in her grade alone and twenty-four science classes, it was easy for someone like Evelyn to slip into the background. Leonard had managed to avoid the pressure cooker of the advanced science track. She was happily situated in a parallel class, where the atmosphere was lively and engaging, filled with the constant chatter of her peers. In this environment, the whirring of ceiling fans added to the soundscape, stirring up crumpled tests and lunch receipts. Students often clustered together, joking and laughing, their camaraderie palpable even when the teacher walked in. Evelyn sat quietly at the back of the room, wearing her thick black glasses, projecting a studious aura that made her seem out of place. Most would find it hard to form an impression of someone like Evelyn, someone who was almost invisible in the busy atmosphere of high school. But they had crossed paths occasionally under less formal circumstances, especially late at night. Between the bike shed and the cafeteria, there was a patch of grass that buzzed with activity after evening study sessions. Vendors set up shop just outside the school gate, offering late-night snacks like crepes with egg, savory grilled sandwiches, candied fruit, and roasted sweet potatoes. The bellies of hungry high school students exchanged cash for food, defying the school rules that prohibited such transactions. However, it was a minor infraction, one that the administration mostly overlooked—they preferred to catch couples sneaking off together. Leonard thought there was nothing wrong with a good student indulging every now and then. That was the first impression she had of Evelyn after they were placed in the same class. As time passed, Leonard got to know Evelyn a little more, although their conversations seldom veered beyond discussing homework. In contrast, she had memorized details about her desk partner, Fergus Child, including specifics about his aunt’s purebred dog. Briarwood High resembled the typical public high school found in the vast expanse of The Grand Trials. Classes ran from six in the morning to ten at night, with a few breaks scattered here and there. Multiple tests and practical evaluations were frequent, almost as if the school wanted to start counting down the days until the Grand Trials the moment students set foot on campus. Despite the pressure, Leonard consistently ranked first in her class, never faltering in subjects like politics and geography. It felt like she was navigating a video game, where easy and hard levels blended seamlessly. The friendly students, her class's NPCs, were undoubtedly warm; she could almost predict how they would extend their hands in friendship. They invited her for lunch, speculated over the best dining options, and linked arms with her on gym days for casual chats under trees. After classes, they would ride home together, much like any friends would. Her life mirrored the routine of high school—always the same, day in and day out. Evelyn, on the other hand, ranked second in their class and occasionally asked Leonard for help with schoolwork, which felt perfectly natural. After dinner, Leonard would stroll back to the classroom, her milk carton in hand, and find Evelyn sitting beside her, offering a shy smile. Fergus, however, always seemed to vanish right before the evening study session, returning only when the first group assignment was underway. He was the epitome of the kind of top student that Oldman Wainwright, their new homeroom teacher, adored. With his pale complexion, drooping eyes, and gentle demeanor, Fergus exuded an innocent charm. His glasses only adorned his face during class, heightening his clean and scholarly vibe. Although he occasionally spoke Mandarin, his slight accent set him apart. Leonard had spotted him on occasions when other students playfully teased him. When the teasing happened, he would bow his head as if admitting his guilt. Fergus's timid personality made him stand out further. Oldman Wainwright always commanded attention, his brisk movements silencing the classroom effortlessly before evening lessons. But Leonard paid him little mind, continuing to tackle the questions on her paper regardless of the teacher's presence.
Chapter 2
Evelyn Cloud glanced calmly upward, returning her seat to Fergus Child as she half-squatted next to Leonard Starling, quietly listening until she finished. Then, she leisurely tapped her bell before making her way back to her seat. He was nothing like the insufferably clueless boys at Briarwood High, who could only chatter about girls and video games or show off their skills on the basketball court. Instead of the usual obsessions over hairstyles and sneakers, his look was straightforward and practical—average in every sense. He seemed like someone who was easily figured out. … The thought surprised Leonard Starling as soon as it crossed his mind. Not long after Leonard joined the junior class, Oldman Wainwright, the math teacher, quickly noticed Leonard’s knack for finding ways to slack off. The thirty-something math teacher had only been a homeroom teacher for a short time and had already seen one class graduate. He firmly believed in “hard work over talent”—but then again, Leonard Starling seemed to embody the exact opposite of “hard work.” He could comfortably glide through the rigorous academic standards of the top nine schools with just a bit of effort; with determination, he could even aim for the prestigious universities. The high school teacher feared that his students would one day regret not putting in the effort, so he was always trying to motivate them to strive for their best. When Evelyn Cloud posed another question, Leonard was lethargically scribbling through a boring test paper. He understood most of the solutions with just a glance, but he didn’t want to let the teachers down. So, with a sense of duty, he took the time to write down each step carefully. “I’m all done with this one,” he subtly indicated. His efforts hadn’t gone unnoticed, as Leonard showed understanding in response, spreading his palms together, “A good person will be blessed for life.” Evelyn had a slightly better grasp of the material; her steps were always detailed, prompting Fergus to benefit from her notes. While he struggled with math and English, he marked problems for her to double-check. Language arts was his weak point, but thankfully the workload usually wasn’t heavy, and Leonard could manage. He was a very useful resource. Thus, after the homecoming meeting in early December, when his parents predictably didn’t show up, Leonard was left to chat with Oldman Wainwright in the math office as his stand-in guardian. When the teacher suddenly asked if he would like to sit closer to Evelyn Cloud next time, he eagerly agreed. It was too perfect; it felt like a sleepwalking dream. He didn’t mind the unspoken school rule against mixed-gender seating, suggesting their arrangement would be just fine— playing the angles in his favor: Evelyn, being half a head taller and slender, would sit in front to block his habitual dozing off. Evelyn showed no sign of objection to this arrangement. During the chaotic moment of rescheduling seats, infused with the scents of the cafeteria, he squeezed from his corner with books clutched under his arm. The heat was cranked up in the Briarwood winter, and with no open windows, the classroom felt stifling. Many boys, bubbling with energy, wore casual T-shirts under their school jackets. In stark contrast, Evelyn always kept it simple in her short-sleeved school uniform, fastened with two buttons. He took a seat in the bustling atmosphere as if he were wading through a crowded market and turned to him when Leonard poked him with his pencil from behind. “What’s up?” Without her trademark black-framed glasses, her long, delicate eyelashes framed her eyes. The slight droop at the corners which should have given her an innocent aspect somehow added a hint of allure. Her two buttons completely undone, the black collar accentuated her fair complexion. Leonard's gaze trailed from her jaw to her neck, then to her collarbone, finally landing on a small patch of pale skin at her chest. Suddenly, the heat made his throat dry. — Now it was time to dive into something fresh. I don’t want to write about your typical “top student in grade rivalry, romantic entanglements, and coming-of-age adventures” in a high school story. Yet, I also aim for something beyond ordinary— a narrative peppered with quirky, smart kids, not straying too far from the familiar high school landscape that exists in any setting.
Chapter 3
Sitting behind Evelyn Cloud in class, Leonard Starling couldn't help but pick up bits and pieces of his life. For instance, it was clear that he was from Southern Glen and had just transferred to Briarwood High from the local school. He lived with his grandmother, Agnes, but the distance made it impractical for him to walk to school. The last time they held a long-term meeting, it was Mrs. Wainwright who came in to speak on behalf of his parents, who apparently worked out of state. This made sense; it explained why he seemed disinterested in fashionable sneakers and clothes. Leonard guessed that his allowance was probably meager, having often seen him ordering plain broth in the cafeteria. As for sports, he wasn't into basketball but preferred soccer. The thrill of soccer didn’t attract many fans at Briarwood; at least not in their class. He would sometimes rush out during dinner to kick around the ball for a while, only to dash back with his hair still damp from exertion, barely grabbing a few bites of bread before pulling out his notes. If she were to poke him then, she could catch a glimpse of him without his glasses; his eyes, gleaming with exertion, had a sparkle reminiscent of moonlit water, soon to be covered by Evelyn’s hair. And on another note… certain aspects of him were notably impressive. She had no intention of staring at her classmate, but one day when Evelyn turned to discuss a physics problem, she happened to bend down to retrieve a dropped pen. Distractedly, her gaze drifted under the desk, landing on the space between his legs that caught her attention. The light gray school pants, made from subpar fabric, snugly wrapped around his long legs, showcasing more than a hint of arousal. Leonard paused for a moment, slowly straightening up. His expression was unreadable as he mused over the internet rumor that "high school boys get harder than diamonds." “What’s up?” Evelyn Cloud was patient, her clear blue eyes focused on her. Yet, despite the desk's cover, the involuted excitement was evident. She shook her head and turned back to the problem at hand, though her eyes a few times wandered back to Evelyn. She noticed how he shifted from a slightly hunched position to sitting up straighter, letting out a subtle sigh of relief. Leonard felt like he had opened the door to a new world, secretly observing Evelyn Cloud. Unwanted excitement seemed to be a standard experience for high school boys; he often found himself awkwardly leaning on his desk, crimson blush creeping across his ears, waiting for his body’s response to subside. Sometimes, when called on to answer questions, he would clumsily lift up his textbook to cover the evidence. This must have been a torment, he thought. She sometimes poked him afterward, seeing the faintly downcast eyes, a mix of relief and self-loathing. Remembering her thoughts on Evelyn, she noted: he could be on the verge of interesting behavior, a useful tool for her, and… quite manageable. Whether it was in personality, his home situation, or this leverage that wasn’t quite proof yet, it certainly had her feeling restless. After New Year’s, Leonard began attending evening classes for a biology competition. Each week meant an evening study session. Briarwood High wasn't known for its competitive prowess; it was more focused on their standardized state tests. Only about a dozen students would make it through the preliminaries, and among the non-honors classes, Leonard was the sole representative. As everyone knew, high school boys often had trouble keeping their wits about them. Leonard was used to the indulgence from Fergus and his friends, arriving at class holding a fruit-flavored milk with a straw in one hand and a roasted sausage shared by a girl from the adjacent aisle in the other, while his books went awkwardly tucked under his arm without even a single pen to write with. His school jacket hung unevenly, half-mast and exposing a gray sweater underneath that read, "Studying is Exhausting." He oozed a vibe of laid-back, casual student life, completely unfazed.
Chapter 4
Leonard Starling strolled into the classroom, completely unaware of any impropriety. She headed straight for an empty seat. Oldman Wainwright, the teacher, shifted his gaze from her to the other students in the advanced placement class, hesitated for a moment, and then launched into his lecture. After a filling meal, boredom set in, and the hypnotic drawl of Oldman Wainwright had Leonard poking at her textbook with a bamboo skewer for amusement. When her hand slipped, the skewer flew and landed in front of her desk partner, a classmate from freshman year. Julian Winter paused, confiscated the skewer, and tossed her a pen. In the cramped alchemy lab that served as their supplementary class, the long table created significant space between them. The black ink of the pen moved across the white surface of the desk, colliding with Leonard's book as she picked it up. Leonard had a cute little smile, complete with tiny canine teeth. Julian, however, a tall and straightforward guy, turned away, suddenly feeling dizzy under the harsh fluorescent lights. As the class ended around nine, Leonard and Julian made their way back to the Hall of Wisdom. She was still writing when he handed her a tiny basket, performing what seemed like magic. The basket was no bigger than his thumb and held a mint candy. Julian had crafted the little basket out of bamboo skewers and paper strips, a skill she found surprising given his rough demeanor. He tossed it to her but his eyes were glued to the other students around, grumbling, “It’s not that great. Just throw it away if you don’t want it.” “Your class is really full of people,” Leonard yawned as she received it, casually remarking. Attending supplementary classes meant missing out on night study sessions which could lead to falling behind in assignments and the pacing of the advanced class. She had expected at least a few cautious students who wouldn’t put all their bets on competition. Julian tucked his pen into his uniform pocket, lightly stroking it as he gazed towards Fergus, deliberately avoiding looking at her. “It's alright. We get a break from some assignments. Oldman said he’d make some exceptions for the competition students. It’s actually pretty good.” “An exception from assignments?” Leonard’s eyes widened with interest, whatever fatigue she had before gone in an instant. “Is there really such a good deal?” If she hadn’t seen the light in others’ eyes, she could have tolerated the dark in her own world. Leonard felt a pang of bitterness. She knew that Oldman was eager to squeeze out more of her potential so she wouldn’t slack off anymore. Such perks would never happen for her, yet she couldn’t help but yearn for them. Now, while she could borrow some homework from Evelyn Cloud, she was fully aware of her insatiable nature. Deep down, she accepted this flaw with twisted resolve. As a thorough individualist, she followed her instincts and was indifferent to moral conventions that most held dear. So, if it meant satisfying her own desires, using her innocent male classmates as tools was hardly a problem to her. That vague, unnameable thought, which thrived on taking advantage of others, peaked after she discovered that Evelyn was particularly talented at mimicking handwriting. It was the third day after finals. They would be reviewing their tests before winter break. The mid-morning exercise was canceled, and Evelyn Cloud began discussing a physics problem that they both got wrong. Their ideas quickly unraveled on the correction sheet. They still needed to copy the answers into the test sheet since Oldman would check them. Leonard scribbled absently, getting momentarily distracted when a friend from another class called her out to chat. When she returned, she found that Evelyn had already written down the answers. She smiled apologetically, still feeling a bit shy. “You seem quite unhappy writing this...” ...This was the least of her issues. He really was... very useful. With Evelyn’s regular desk partner absent, Leonard took the opportunity to grab the pen and paper and slid over beside her. Their large group was close to the door and window, and outside, sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds chased each other down the bustling hallway of Briarwood High. Evelyn was cornered in her seat, feeling a bit tense as she curled up by the window. Under the teacher’s watchful eye, they maintained an appropriate distance, appearing as though they were deep in discussion about difficult topics. Leonard initiated the conversation, but her topic was anything but relevant. “Is your family having financial difficulties?” “...Yeah.” Leonard licked her lips, “Do you often have those, uh, teenage urges?” Evelyn, sporting her round glasses, looked shocked as her ears flushed crimson. She instinctively drew back in her chair, trying to compact herself. Leonard seized the moment and playfully pressed against her thigh. It felt like hitting pause. With a gentle squeeze, she silently noted how solid he felt. Her gaze remained directed at the physics problems, her heart racing, feigning calmness. “How about we make a deal?”
Chapter 5
The transaction went smoothly. It was December 27th, just a hint of snow swirling in the air. Evelyn Cloud walked out of the hospital alongside Leonard Starling and took the bus for two stops until they arrived at the Briarwood Public Library. With the year coming to an end, the library felt warm and inviting, though it was mostly empty. The quaint two-story building didn’t see too many visitors that day. Outside, the occasional sound of firecrackers echoed, providing the only backdrop to their quiet afternoon. They sat across from each other, having exchanged their health check reports, marking the first step in their arrangement. After completing this initial task, Leonard began to work on the winter assignment that wasn’t technically his, with Evelyn overseeing him. Leonard spun his pen between his fingers, his gaze lingering on the physics textbook that had sat unopened for far too long. Coming all the way to the city center for a study session didn’t feel quite right, not when his focus was elsewhere. With one hand, Evelyn held the pages down like a flower blossom, then gracefully rotated the book 180 degrees, sliding it across the table toward Leonard. She shifted to sit beside him, whispering insistently, “Talk to me.” This wasn’t part of their official agreement; it was merely a routine they had developed. Evelyn pulled out a blank sheet of paper, ready to tackle the problem sets. As she leaned in closer, her left hand slipped under the hem of his sweatshirt, playfully brushing against his abdomen, right between his thighs. Evelyn Cloud remained silent, her eyes cast downward as if studying the questions. Though she didn’t protest, the tension hung thick in the air. The moment her fingers made contact with the warmth of his skin, she could feel the muscles tighten beneath her touch, heat radiating from him. It might have been the warmth of the library that encouraged the lack of layers underneath his sweatshirt. It was the same for his lower half; the elastic of his joggers revealed nothing more than loose-fitting boxers. Her soft hand glided in, like a serpent winding around something slowly rising beneath it. This was far too easy to be misconstrued. “... Do we still need to talk?” he whispered, his voice husky and uncharacteristic of the usually confident Leonard. “Yeah, I didn’t get the second question.” She bit her lip, needing to focus, even amidst this distraction. Leonard propped his chin on his hand, tilting his head to regard her with wide, innocent eyes. His left hand continued its journey, stroking upwards, his arousal reflecting the carelessness of their situation. Evelyn had an acute ability to gauge sizes based solely on her touch, thinking ahead to what dimensions of protection they might need later. Amidst her thoughts, she mused over how this sensation could verify the saying “harder than diamonds.” “...Alright. Let’s start with the first question. Speed using the work-energy theorem, the radius is…” What radius? All of his attention felt consumed by her hand. She had cupped his masculinity, knowing every width and measurement without error. “The second question, once you find the radius, determine the center to draw the trajectory…” What center? Her fingers danced lightly over the tip, slick with warmth, capturing more than he was prepared for. “...mm, calculate the magnetic field width based on geometric relationships, then find the angle...” Evelyn tightened her grip, her hand working delicately, teasing him with soft touches that elicited soft sounds of slipping moisture against the growing desire.
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