Every Monday morning at Gwangju Science High School, there is a routine class meeting to summarize the class’s status from the previous week, review learning achievements, and make a rough plan for the coming week’s studies. The homeroom teacher is a middle-aged woman of about forty, named Susan Foster. She usually wears black-rimmed glasses and dresses all in black, which makes her seem a bit old-fashioned, but she is actually very kind and approachable.

“Now, let’s have the class study representative, Henry Thompson, present his personal study plan.” After finishing her summary, Susan Foster stepped aside and gestured for Henry Thompson to come forward.

Sparse applause sounded from the audience. Although Henry Thompson was an excellent student, he wasn’t very popular in the class. After George Clark’s “publicity” after class last Friday, rumors had been circulating privately that Henry Thompson was part of a “socially vulnerable group.”

“Uh… well, to be honest, I’ve been pretty busy these past couple of days and forgot to write this week’s study plan…” Henry Thompson cleared his throat and suddenly blurted this out.

“Busy with your part-time job, I bet.” Sitting in the back row by the window, David Foster winked at George Clark and muttered in a low voice, which immediately drew a round of quiet laughter from the class.

“Yeah, it’s a part-time job, actually.” Henry Thompson curled his lips into a smile and replied nonchalantly. Although he had taken on a sponsorship account, he had no intention of re-entering the professional esports scene. Strictly speaking, it really was just a part-time job.

“Hey, have you noticed that Henry Thompson has been acting a bit different lately?” Sitting next to Jessica Bennett, her deskmate Sophia Thompson nudged her with her elbow and whispered.

“Different? How so?” Jessica Bennett instinctively looked up at Henry Thompson standing on the podium. The nine o’clock winter morning sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting a glow on Henry Thompson’s face, highlighting his slightly upturned lips and that flower-boy smile.

Jessica Bennett gently lowered her head and breathed into her palm, the white mist swirling between her chest and the powder-blue floral scarf. Suddenly, she felt a bit warmer.

Chapter 8: The Past Is Not Like the Wind

After class, Susan Foster called Henry Thompson to the office.

“Xianghe, your part-time job must be tiring lately. At your age, you’re still growing, so you need to make sure you get enough rest. If you have any difficulties, remember to talk to your teacher.” Sitting at her desk, Susan Foster spoke with some concern. “And also, don’t pay too much attention to what your classmates think. You’re so smart—if you work hard, I believe you won’t be any worse than any of them in the future.”

“It’s fine, teacher. I haven’t taken any of that to heart.” Henry Thompson replied with a faint smile.

Susan Foster looked up at the most talented student in her class and realized that, compared to before, he really had changed a bit.

In her memory, Henry Thompson had never cared much about others’ opinions, but that was because he buried himself in his studies, cutting off communication with the outside world—more like a form of avoidance.

But now, looking at Henry Thompson’s bright, cheerful smile, Susan Foster didn’t know the reason, but after so many years in education, she could clearly sense a change in his mindset. His disregard for others’ opinions was now truly from the heart, not the self-isolation of before.

“As long as you’re okay. If you need any help, remember to let me know.” Susan Foster said.

“Okay, thank you, Ms. Kim. I’ll head back to class now.” Henry Thompson said, about to turn and leave.

“Oh, right, Xianghe, wait a moment. I heard from Jessica that you’re the only one in our class who hasn’t joined a club yet. I know you’re busy with your studies, but you should also balance work and rest.” Susan Foster suddenly called out to Henry Thompson. “Don’t all you boys like esports? I think that club would be a good fit.”

“Uh, alright, I’ll go register with the class president when I get back.” Henry Thompson couldn’t help but feel a bit speechless. A teacher encouraging a student to play esports—well, maybe that only happens in this parallel world’s Korea.

During the lunch break, most of the students had gone to the cafeteria. Henry Thompson walked over to Jessica Bennett’s desk and slipped the application form to join the esports club under her books.

“Hey, what’s that? Is it a love letter?” Sitting in the back row, David Foster was watching an esports livestream on a tablet with George Clark. He happened to look up and see this scene, and nudged George Clark with his elbow.

“Hm?” George Clark had been completely absorbed in the livestream and looked up in confusion.

“It was Henry Thompson. I just saw him slip a piece of paper under Jessica’s books. Do you think it’s a love letter?” David Foster nodded in Henry Thompson’s direction.

“That bookworm? Hah, as if he’d dare. Like a toad lusting after a swan.” George Clark said, taking off his headphones and walking over to Jessica Bennett’s desk, where he pulled out the application form.

“Hey, bookworm.” George Clark walked over to Henry Thompson, waving the form and sneering, then put on a mock-polite tone. “Oh, sorry, is that a bit rude? Then should I call you part-timer? Socially vulnerable person?”

“Excuse me, do you need something? I’m not interested in what you call me.” Henry Thompson put down his book and replied with a faint smile.

“Cocky, aren’t you? Tell me, bookworm, do you even know how to play esports?” George Clark mocked, waving the application form in his hand.