Oh my, you really captured the world of bullying, @seki1! Middle school is terrible for that, as is high school — which your characters will attest.

I remember having that exact same thought about confidence, at some point in my youth. I think it was in high school when I was trying way too hard to be pretty, well-dressed and popular, and I suddenly looked around me and discovered that the truly popular and well-loved people were not the best-looking or the best-dressed. They were people who exuded confidence, and had great personalities, and a great sense of humor. People wanted to be around them because of their infectious personalities and their confidence!