Academic Rival

IT WAS THE first day of the twins’ school. Vera and Vince were sitting in their new classroom, waiting for the teacher to arrive. Everything felt a little strange. The kids were chatting around them. Vince, as usual, kept to himself, while Vera looked around curiously, hoping to make friends.

When the door opened, a boy walked in, and Vera and Vince immediately recognized him. It was Genesis—the same boy who had previously crossed paths with Vince at the school. Vince’s face instantly tensed, while Vera’s eyes lit up in recognition.

Genesis walked over and smiled at them.

“Hey, looks like we’re in the same class,” he said, looking more at Vince than Vera.

Vera smiled back.

“Yeah! What a surprise!” she said cheerfully. “This is going to be fun.”

Vince, on the other hand, wasn’t as excited. He crossed his arms and glanced at Genesis, remembering their little competition from last time.

“Great,” he muttered under his breath, already feeling competitive.

“Okay, kids. Good morning.” Th