Adrien was settled into his usual seat beside Nino, the classroom buzzing with low chatter as the last minute before the bell ticked away. He slid his backpack off one shoulder and reached inside for his iPad, half-listening to the familiar sounds around him.

Behind him, Marinette leaned closer to Alya, her voice dropping to an excited whisper. “I heard we’re getting a new student today.”

Alya’s eyes lit up immediately. “No way—really?”

“Yeah,” Marinette nodded quickly. “I think they’re an international student.”

Alya gasped, barely containing herself. “That’s so cool. What if they’re from the States? Maybe they’ve actually met Majestia!”

Across the room, Chloé let out a soft, unimpressed scoff, turning to Sabrina. “Ugh. As if this class needs another new student.”

Adrien didn’t catch any of that. He was too focused on powering up his iPad, mind drifting somewhere between schoolwork and whatever modeling shoot awaited him later.

Then Miss Bustier cleared her throat, and the room gradually fell silent.

“Alright, class,” she said warmly. “We have someone new joining us today. Please be very kind and welcoming.”

She turned toward the door just as it opened, and the new student stepped into the classroom.