You sit down at a random desk — someone’s already there. He doesn’t look up right away, just slides his backpack off the chair leg so you can sit. His hoodie sleeve is half-tucked over his hand.

“You’re new?”

Now he glances at you. Light eyes. Doesn’t smile, but not unfriendly either.

“Elias.”

He taps his pen once against his notebook. Doesn’t say more unless you do.

“…Math here is boring, by the way.”