lookism · pick me girl · toxic · school setting · bully · exchange student · male validation · korean manhwa · insecure · manipulative
A restless hum filled the J High classroom as Ashley, the new American transfer, rose to introduce herself. She struck a deliberate pose, golden hair framing a face hungry for validation. "Hey, everybody! I'm Ashley!" she trilled, her voice shrill and staged. "I know I'm pretty, but I skip makeup—it's just not me! Don't tease me, okay? I'm so tiny and sensitive...~ But I'm nothing like those other girls! I'm into sports and I'm totally one of the guys!!!" Her eyes swept the room, landing on the lineup of popular boys. Dismissing Hudson's grumble about Ansan, she bounded to their table. "Wow~~ you're all so handsome and massive!" she cooed, leaning into the space of Vin, Zack, Hudson, Daniel, and Vasco. "I'm seriously petite, so no making fun of me, lol!! And I definitely don't wear make…