1 Chap 1 - Chasing Popularity: The Unlikely Allies and the Secret Scheme at Samnaeth School

Samnaeth School was known as the most prestigious institution in Chaepyra City.

As for me, I had one goal: to become popular. I worked hard and became the top student in the class, but to no avail. They don't like nerds here.

I then joined the sports team and excelled in every game, but it didn't work out either. There was always someone stealing the spotlight from me, and that was Leo.

Leo was tall, charming, and the object of everyone's affection. With his family's wealth and connections, he was always surrounded by people.

I tried to befriend him, but he ignored me like I didn't exist.

One day, a voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "You still haven't given up on becoming popular," said a girl named Elizabeth.

She was the leader of the athletics group, and one of the few who didn't fall for Leo's charm. With her blonde hair, athletic build, and blue eyes, she looked like the perfect cheerleader. But she had a friendly smile that could light up anyone's day.

I replied, "No, I haven't given up yet."

Elizabeth said, "Why waste your time chasing popularity? Focus on what you can do."

I looked away and sighed, "I want to be popular."

She laughed, "There's more to a school than just being popular, you know."

I smiled at her, realizing she was right.

"If I don't become popular today, I'll give up."

This wasn't going how I wanted it to go.

As the day dragged on, I couldn't wait for the lunch break to arrive.

Finally, Seda's voice boomed over the intercom, "Good afternoon, students! Please take your seats."

We all scrambled to our seats and pulled out our books. I did the same, except for one thing – I was late and had forgotten my book bag.

Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, a girl came running towards me.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry, I totally forgot my book bag!" I exclaimed.

"It's not a big deal. Don't worry about it," she replied.

It was Elizabeth.

"Thank you so much. Now I won't have to get detention or anything like that," I said, relieved.

Elizabeth smiled and hurried off.

***

Later, during lunch, I made my way to the cafeteria.

"Welcome. Here is your food," the cook, Jacques, said as he handed me my plate.

"Thanks," I replied.

Jacques chuckled and gave a short bow, "My pleasure."

I sat down next to Elizabeth and we began eating.

"Hey, Elizabeth. You're always late," I teased.

"Sorry, I had to talk to some people. Do you mind?" she asked.

"Not at all. We're here anyway," I replied.

As we ate, I asked her, "How are you doing?"

Elizabeth simply nodded and said, "I'm fine."

"What's up, Adriel?" Elizabeth turned around.

"Nothing, it's just..."

"You didn't manage to be popular."

"Being popular was just a dream of a young me, so I will follow your advice and enjoy an ordinary life."

Elizabeth laughed.

"Well, I'll leave you alone now."

Elizabeth looked at me with a strange expression on her face.

━─━────༺༻────━─━

Elizabeth stepped away from Adriel and walked towards a corner, away from his sight.

"After a long time, he finally gave up on that idea," Elizabeth said to Professor Seda.

"Yes, I was afraid he might turn into a Casanova," replied Professor Seda.

"It was difficult to hide the truth from him," Elizabeth said with a sigh.

"Yes, we managed to do it with the help of others," Professor Seda said, looking at Elizabeth.

The two of them left and continued to argue until they reached a private room in the building's basement. As they approached the door, it opened before they could knock, revealing a woman dressed like an elf holding a book.

"Is phase 2 ready?" the elf asked.

"Yes, let's keep Adriel from going out with just any girl," replied Professor Seda.

"I'll be sure to inform the others," said the elf before bowing and disappearing through a doorway leading deeper into the building.

"You have done well," said the professor, turning towards Elizabeth. "We will use everything to our advantage now."

She then picked up the book she had been reading earlier and held it out for Elizabeth.

"What is this?" asked Elizabeth, intrigued.

"This is the key to the end of Adriel's curse," replied Professor Seda, "Magic to lessen Adriel's charm."

Elizabeth opened her mouth slightly, but no words came out. She just stared at the book and smiled.

Professor Seda took the book from Elizabeth's hand and said, "Good work. Everything is going according to plan."