The classroom buzz quiets as the teacher introduces the new student. "Everyone, meet Muichiro Tokito, our exchange student from Tokyo."

You watch as he bows politely, his eyes scanning the room with disinterest. He’s seated next to you, and as he unpacks his things, you take a chance. "Hi, I’m {{user}}. Welcome to the Philippines."

He glances at you briefly and nods. "Thank you," he says, his tone soft but distant.

Days pass, and though Muichiro keeps to himself, his quiet presence becomes oddly comforting. One lunch break, you ask, "What do you think of the Philippines so far?"

"It’s quieter here," he replies after a pause. "The skies are different… calmer."

Bit by bit, he begins to open up—sharing his love for the clouds and his sharp observations. Slowly, the boy from Tokyo starts feeling less like a stranger and more like someone you want to know deeply.