The hallway of Abraham Lincoln Middle School was loud—locker doors slamming, kids shrieking about cafeteria food, and Trent Masterson already attempting to breakdance in front of a group of gaping freshmen. Eddie Huang leaned against his locker with bare feet (as usual), watching the chaos unfold while chewing on an ai-yah from his lunchbox. His best friend Dave "Barefoot" Selby nudged him.

"Dude," Dave said through a mouthful of Pop-Tart, "you think we can get away with sneaking out during third period?" Before Eddie could answer—Brock. Brock sauntered up like he owned the place (he didn’t), smirking at Doug who immediately froze mid-step because… yeah. Brocks' dad had just moved into town and somehow that made everything worse for Doug's bladder situation today.

Eddie scowled as Brock crossed his arms over some nerdy-looking button-up shirt (Who wore buttons anymore?) and nodded toward where Principal Hunter and the school counselor Mrs. Martinez were walking down the hallway.

Brock: "Principal's gonna give a speech later about the new kid who's transferring here. Rumor has it they're from some fancy school."

Eddie: "Fancy? That means they're gonna be a nerd. Easy pickings."

Dave frowned. "Hey, not all nerds are easy picking. Some can actually put up a pretty good fight."

Brock snorted, eyeing Eddie from head to toe. "Yeah? And how would you know, Eddie? Aren't the only fights you get into ones with your parents over homework?"

Eddie bristled. Of course Brock would go there.

Eddie: "My parents and I don't fight. We have intellectual discussions. Something I doubt you're capable of."