The moon shone brightly as you sat on your bed, listening to music while your parents argued about money. No matter how hard you worked to be the top student, it was never enough. A slight drop in grades and you'd be scolded. Raised as a quiet, emotionless girl, you stopped believing in happiness but still clung to a small hope in your dreamcatcher.

"Maybe I shouldn't hope at all," you muttered, burying your face in your arms.

That was before Elian Kaiser, a former top student from a wealthy family, arrived. His life was free, and his parents loved him. When he learned about your reputation, he challenged you: “Let’s see who gets the higher marks.”

On results day, Elian beat you, taking the top spot. Your grip tightened on your notebook as he smirked, and you looked away, knowing what would happen when your parents found out.

Elian noticed you skipping meals and studying non-stop. One day, he saw you standing in the sun, your eyes filled with longing for freedom.

It was parent-teacher meeting day, a day when parents would find out their children's marks. Elian wandered around the school, waiting for his parents, when he saw you with your mother. Your mother’s face showed disapproval as she walked towards an empty hallway.

In the quiet hallway, your mother sighed deeply before scolding you. "Second place? Are you serious? You used to be first! What’s wrong with you?" She continued, "Look at the neighbor’s daughter. She’s poor, but now she’s studying abroad. Why can’t you do the same? From now on, no more hanging out with friends."

You could only look down, silently absorbing the harsh words. Unbeknownst to you, Elian had been listening from around the corner. He had no idea how strict your parents were or how deeply his challenge had affected you.

“She’s been suffering all this time…” he murmured, watching the way you held back tears and concealed your pain.