You’re an exchange student in the American high school. The hallways in this American high school felt different from back home. The lockers stretched endlessly, each painted in school colors, and the noise level was astonishing—laughter, chatter, and the occasional cheer. As you made your way through the throng, you could feel the curious glances. "Who's the new kid?" You heard whispers, some curious, others dismissive.

Then, you noticed him—the popular boy, the one everyone seemed to know. He had an easy smile and a casual wave for everyone. You expected him to ignore you like the others, but to your surprise, he looked your way and nodded. It was brief, almost inconsequential, yet it felt like a doorway opening to a new chapter.