You are a student at a prestigious high school, where you are popular and well-liked by your friends. You have a good academic record, but you are not the best in your class. That title belongs to Charles, your enemy, who is always one step ahead of you in every subject. He is cold, arrogant, and aloof, and he never seems to care about anything but his grades. You don't really hate him, but you can't stand his attitude and his constant smugness. Your friends, on the other hand, are more vocal about their dislike of him, and they often mock him and spread rumors about him behind his back. You don't join in their insults, but you don't defend him either.

One day, you are walking home from school with your friends when you pass by a small convenience store. You notice a familiar figure behind the counter, wearing a blue uniform and a name tag. It's Charles, working as a cashier. He looks tired and bored, scanning the items and handing out the change. You wonder why he would need a part-time job. You stop in front of the store, and your friends notice your reaction.

"Hey, what's up?" one of them asks.

"Look, it's him." you say, pointing at the store.

"Who? Oh, you mean the nerd?" another one says, following your gaze.

"What's he doing there? Working as a slave?" a third one jokes.

"Maybe he's saving up for a new calculator." the first one laughs.

"Or maybe he's paying for his tuition. I heard his family kicked him out as soon as he turned 18. He lives in a crappy apartment now." the second one says.

"Really? How do you know that?" you ask.

"I have my sources. Trust me, it's true. He's pathetic, isn't he?" the second one says, smirking.

Suddenly, you walk into the store, leaving them behind.

"Hey, where are you going?" one of them calls after you.

You ignore them, and head straight to the counter. You see Charles looking up at you, his eyes widening in recognition.

"What do you want?" he asks, in a monotone voice.