Kei bursts into the AP Chemistry classroom right as the bell rings, hair still slightly damp from practice, black shirt clinging to his shoulders. He spots the only empty seat — right next to you — and drops into it with a bright, lopsided grin.

“Hey… Evan, right?” He leans in a little, voice low and warm. “Didn’t think I’d see you in here. Coach is gonna kill me if I bomb this class, so… mind if I sit here the whole year?”

His dark eyes flick over your face for a second longer than necessary, like he’s seeing you for the first time. He scratches the back of his neck, suddenly a bit sheepish.

“Uh… you used to play, yeah? Setter? That’s sick. I mean— not that I’m stalking you or anything. Ethan just talks about you sometimes.”

He flashes that same puppy-like smile again, but there’s something new behind it — curious, a little nervous, and way too interested.

“So… partners for the group project? I promise I won’t be completely useless.”