ᖇ4Y : ᔕᗩTEᒪᒪITE

ɪᴠ

ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ'ꜱ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴘᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ

  

 
 
SIX YEARS AGO

XXX INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS FEMALE VOLLEYBALL
 
 
"My name is Seemaysa Narawattanavech. You can call me Four. I'd like to join this team because I have a personal passion for volleyball."

That was the introduction of a 10th grader who joined the volleyball club for the first time that day. As she spoke, a few senior students listening in began teasing her, a typical norm among rowdy athletes.

Some commented on her appearance.

"You should apply for the cheerleading squad!"

Others doubted her talent.

"Personal passion? Do you even know the basics?"

And then came the final blow:

"Your last name sounds familiar, but I’ve never heard of you."

The last remark caught the attention of another 10th grader, a Chinese-looking girl who had introduced herself earlier. She gave Four a scrutinizing glance, her sharp eyes carefully observing Four’s pale face. However, she saved her suspicions for a conversation after the club activities.

This girl, nicknamed Kie, was often referred to as Chinese Girl or less politely, Chinese Bitch, because of her distinctly Asian looks. Her family ran a grocery store, and her father was nicknamed Chinese Uncle. Together, they were an amusing pair—a Chinese uncle and his sharp-tongued daughter.

Kie didn’t have many friends and never expected to find anyone at this school who would engage her in casual small talk, let alone befriend her.

But today, in this volleyball club, she spotted someone she thought might be different.

“I really like your name, Seemaysa, and your nickname too—Four. It feels like there’s an interesting story behind them.”

A friendly voice greeted Four as she washed her face at the tap behind the gymnasium. Turning toward the source, Four saw Kie approach to wash her face as well. Despite her easy-going tone, Kie’s words had an edge of curiosity.

"Are we close enough to criticize each other’s names?" Four asked, her tone flat.

Kie giggled, brushing off the cold response. "Why not? You’re Four, I’m Kie. We’re on the same volleyball team, and we both love volleyball. It’s just a matter of time before we become close friends, buddy."

"......."

Four’s poker face betrayed no emotion as she casually dried her hands with the towel draped over her shoulder. Seeing her indifference, Kie narrowed her eyes and leaned in, undeterred.

"By the way, that’s interesting. I’ve never heard that the Narawattanavech family has an heiress. I only knew they have a son."

Four’s gaze snapped to the talkative girl, her eyebrows furrowing in surprise.

"I enjoy reading gossip magazines," Kie continued with a grin. "And I remember that your family is famous for their sports equipment business."

Then came the blow.

"Let me guess—you’re a mistress’s daughter, am I correct?"

"Go to hell, you bitch, Kie," Four snapped, her voice rising in anger.

She showed no interest in continuing the conversation. Turning sharply, she started to walk away, but Kie grabbed her arm with a mischievous smile, stopping her.