C1 New-kid

As the first bell rings, signaling the start of another school year, a young boy named Fulsin stands outside the classroom, adjusting his threadbare backpack and wringing the sleeves of his second-hand sweater. His dark hair is disheveled, and his face is pale from lack of sleep. He glances around nervously, feeling the weight of his poverty-stricken life bearing down on him. Fulsin has been living in a rundown apartment with his single mother and younger sister for as long as he can remember. His father left them years ago, and they've been struggling to make ends meet ever since.

Their situation is made even more difficult by the fact that they live in a wealthy neighborhood, where everyone else seems to have more money than they know what to do with. Fulsin's classmates constantly remind him of his poverty, teasing him mercilessly about his second-hand clothes and shabby appearance. They call him "charity case" and "welfare kid," and sometimes even go as far as to push him around or steal his lunch money. Fulsin has learned to keep his head down and avoid confrontation, but it's not easy. He hates being poor, and he hates the way everyone looks down on him. The first day of school was always a mix of excitement and dread for Fulsin. This year outside of school was no different. As he walked down the familiar hallways of his underfunded school, he couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness. His family's small, run-down apartment seemed like a world away from the pristine halls of this institution. His stomach churned with anxiety as he wondered how he'd manage to keep up with his studies and stay ahead of his bullies.

Fulsin had been dealing with poverty since he could remember. His mother Dera worked long hours at minimum-wage jobs, barely scraping by to provide for him and his younger sister. The lack of resources at home meant that Fulsin had to rely on the library for everything from food to shelter. It was at the library that he discovered his love for learning, but it also made him a target for the other kids at school.

As he made his way to his first-period class, Fulsin couldn't help but feel a sense of relief when he saw Sara sitting at a desk by herself. She was new to the school, and Fulsin had been too intimidated to approach her so far. Sara was different from the other girls at school; she didn't seem to care about designer clothes or the latest gossip. Instead, she had her head buried in a book, absorbed in her world.

As he takes his seat in class, Fulsin steals a glance at the new girl who just transferred in. Her name is Sara, and she's unlike anyone he's ever met. She's beautiful, with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She's also dressed impeccably, wearing a stylish outfit that Fulsin is sure to cost more than his entire wardrobe. Sara seems confident and poised, unlike any of the other kids in class. She catches Fulsin staring and offers him a small smile, making him feel a bit self-conscious.

Their teacher, Mrs. Wilson their English teacher and also classroom teacher, introduced Sara to the class and explained that she had recently moved to town with her family. As the period progressed, Fulsin couldn't help but steal glances at Sara. She was beautiful, with long, wavy auburn hair and big, expressive blue eyes. But it was her intelligence that caught his attention. She seemed to understand everything the teacher said, and she didn't hesitate to raise her hand with questions or comments.

After class, Fulsin mustered up the courage to approach Emily. "Hey, I'm Fulsin. I just wanted to say hello and welcome you to our school." He stammered, his cheeks flushing red. Sara smiled warmly and extended her hand. "Thank you, Fulsin. I'm Sara Leigh. It's nice to meet you." They exchanged a friendly handshake before parting ways for their next classes.

Throughout the day, Fulsin can't help but notice Sara's presence. She's smart, always raising her hand and participating in class discussions. She seems to have no trouble with the homework assignments, either. She often helps others when they're struggling. Fulsin wonders how she can be so kind and understanding, considering the way some of the other kids have been treating her. Maybe she's just better at pretending not to care, he thinks to himself.

At lunchtime, Fulsin heads to his usual spot, a quiet corner of the schoolyard where he can eat his bland, tasteless sandwich in peace. He's about to take a bite when he feels someone sit down beside him. It's Sara. She produces a beautifully wrapped bento box from her lunch bag and hands it to him. "I noticed you were sitting alone, so I thought you might want to share my lunch," she says shyly. Fulsin is taken aback by her generosity. No thanks, He tries to refuse with a straight face, but Sara insists. "It's no trouble," she says. "Besides, it's not like I can eat this all it will only be a waste."

Sara spends the rest of lunch talking. Fulsin listens intently as Sara tells him about her family, her dreams of going to college in the capital city, and her fears about not being able to get a passing grade. He offers her little words of encouragement before bending back to concentrate on eating, and Sara finds herself opening up to him in a way he never thought possible. By the end of lunch, they've formed a bond that neither of them expected.

After school, Fulsin hesitates before joining Sara's group of other students in a study group she's organized. He's terrified that if he's seen with her, it'll only fuel his classmates' cruel taunts. But Sara gives him a reassuring smile, and he decides to take the risk. As they work together, Fulsin begins to realize that Sara isn't a rich girl looking for a charity case to feel sorry for. She's smart, and she's kind, and she genuinely wants to help him succeed.

As the school year progresses, Fulsin finds himself looking forward to their study sessions. Sara has brought little light in his somewhat darkness, and he can't imagine how his life will be with her. Together, will it bring obstacle after obstacle, and Fulsin begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, he can break free from the cycle of poverty that has defined his life for as long as he can remember.