Hanni's Gambit

2) Developing Pieces (1...e5, 2. Nf3)

You'll discover that if you create circumstances for people, they'll likely follow your lead. However, when you encounter someone as steadfast as yourself, it becomes a contest. I never pass up an opportunity to make my move.

I prefer playing chess with older people, a preference that started when Mr. Kuznetsov first gave me a black chess piece. Older players tend to have wisdom and grace, even in defeat. Training with Kuznetsov was the highlight of my life; it felt like living in a fairy tale. He was the only person who could genuinely make me smile.

♟️🎓♣️

I always adhere strictly to the rules when playing chess, but that discipline doesn't extend to other areas of my life. It's a conscious choice, just like wearing the school uniform and opting not to eat the school food.

"Isn't Francesco just the cutest?" Harriette exclaimed suddenly beside me.

"Who's Francesco?" I asked.

"Ugh, He's Danielle's boyfriend, and he's just the sweetest. I just don't know how he ended up with a witch like her," Harriette replied, making a face.

I glanced over at Francesco and Danielle. "Do you like him?" I probed.

"Like? I've had a crush on him since I first met him. We used to be close before she came along," Harriette said, making that face again, which I still couldn't decipher.

"If you like him, why not ask him out?" I suggested.

"Are you crazy? He's taken," Harriette retorted.

"So what?" I shrugged. "If you always play by the rules, nothing ever gets done," I remarked.

"You're the best chess player I've ever met, and that's your motto?" Harriette chuckled incredulously.

"I don't have mottos," I replied flatly.

She sighed, shaking her head. "Whatever."

As we walked, Harriette broke the silence. "So, do you like it here?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied simply.

"Come on, say a little more than that," she nudged me, but I remained quiet.

"Alright then," she sighed. Suddenly, she stopped me in my tracks. "That's Professor Kim," she whispered urgently.

"I know," I said casually.

"You do?" Harriette's eyes widened. "She's my professor," I explained.

"She teaches you English?" Harriette exclaimed in a hushed tone.

"Yes, but she refuses to play chess with me," I added with a hint of frustration.

"You asked her to play chess with you?" Harriette whispered loudly, incredulous.

"I had to prove a point," I replied, steadfast in my decision.

Harriette stared at me, a mix of disbelief and admiration flickering in her eyes. "You're something else, Hanni," she murmured, shaking her head slightly.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Sometimes you have to push boundaries to get what you want," I replied, a faint smirk playing on my lips.

Harriette chuckled softly. "Well, I can't argue with that logic," she conceded. "But Professor Kim? She's a tough nut to crack."

"I've noticed," I replied dryly. "But I'm determined."

"Does she usually reach out to students?" Harriette wondered aloud. I didn't know the answer to that.