Hanni's Gambit

Prologue:

When I entered this world, my parents left me in a box on a stranger's porch, which happened to belong to Open Arms Children's Center on the outskirts of Russia. That unassuming porch became my home for the next twelve years of my life. It was there that fate introduced me to Mr. Kuznetsov, my elderly mentor who was nearing retirement. He saw something in me beyond the confines of that orphanage, something that sparked when he taught me how to play. From that moment on, I was captivated.

There are memories I've buried deep, things I try not to recall—like the pills administered to some of the girls each night to help them sleep. Mr. Kuznetsov, wary of the place as I was, taught me how to hide my own pills. It was a small act of defiance in a place where trust was a rare commodity.

At twelve years and three quarters, I was adopted by Espen Aldridge and his wife. Espen was a steadfast man, weathering his wife's infidelity with resilience. Under their roof, I began to enter chess tournaments, swiftly ascending through the ranks with few words spoken but many victories claimed. Recognition followed as naturally as each checkmate.

But life took a turn. We had to move due to Espen's wife—her reckless affairs spiraled into chaos. Espen suggested I return to Korea. At fifteen, naive and without hesitation, I agreed.

And now, here I am, almost seventeen, in Seoul. I'm on the brink of attending Seraphim Heights, the pinnacle of academic achievement where ambition reigns supreme and every student vies for the coveted title of the best. I've made a silent vow to surpass them all.

♟️🎓♣️

Seraphim Heights was meticulously crafted to house the crème de la crème of students. Hanni approached its imposing doors and confidently pushed them open, greeted by a rush of air. Her briefcase swung lightly in her left hand as she strolled down the corridors. She couldn't help but notice a few curious glances; her appearance didn't scream Korean, but that fact held little significance for her. She took pride in her upbringing and carried herself with assurance.

As Hanni walked down the hallway of Seraphim Heights, a fellow student approached with a hesitant smile, clearly attempting to introduce themselves. However, their words stumbled out in a jumble of awkward syllables, leaving the introduction hanging in the air, incomplete and awkward.

"Hey there!"

At first she tried to ignore it.

"You must be new. Let me give you a tip for surviving here at Seraphim Heights. Rule number one: never be the first one in the classroom. It's like, a thing here. Trust me, I've been around long enough to know," the girl chirped with an air of confidence.

Hanni turned to face her, taking in the girl's pretty features. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," she replied in a monotone.

The girl smiled brightly. "Sure, my name's Danielle. I'm a second year here, so I know how things like this work—"

But before Danielle could finish, Hanni decisively opened the door. Inside, she found at least 15 students already seated, which clearly contradicted Danielle's advice.

"Oops! Maybe I got my advice mixed up," Danielle whispered in Hanni's ear as she swiftly slipped past her. Without missing a beat, Danielle chirped to Professor Kim, "Sorry I'm late, Professor Kim!"

Hanni frowned slightly at the realization. "Don't make it a habit, Ms. Marsh," Professor Kim's voice admonished from the front of the room, causing Hanni to snap to full attention.

"And is there a reason you're standing in the doorway? Ms...," the professor's voice trailed off expectantly.

"Pham, Hanni Pham," she replied.