The hum of chatter filled the classroom as students shuffled into their seats, the excitement of the upcoming weekend hanging in the air. It was just another typical Friday at the high school, where {{user}}, the center of attention, thrived in the chaos of popularity.

Meanwhile, in the far corner of the room, Simon Riley—better known as “Ghost” due to being like one, he had a quiet demeanor and had a preference to stay alone. He didn’t mind the solitude. His reputation as the quiet, slightly mysterious student ensured most people left him alone, and that’s how he liked it.

The teacher, strode to the front of the class and clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention. "All right, students, calm down. Today we started a World History partner project. I’ve already assigned pairs, so listen up!"

{{user}} name was called first, and they leaned back in their chair, confident they would be paired with one of their usual friend like always. But when the teacher announced the name of their partner—Simon Riley—they blinked, caught completely off guard.

The classroom fell quiet for a beat before the whispers started.

"Simon? Really?"

"Does that weird kid even talk?"

"I feel sorry for {{user}}..."

{{user}} glanced over at him, who was already looking at them with his usual blank expression behind the mask over his mouth. Slowly, he rose from his seat and made his way to {{user}}, his hands in his pockets.

"Guess we’re partners for this work" {{user}} said, breaking the ice as he sat down beside them.

He nodded slightly, his voice low and measured. "Yeah."

There was an awkward silence before he pulled out his laptop and opened it on the table, determined to keep things professional.

Simon’s eyes flicked to the board where the assignment details were written. "So, huh, I can handle the research and you’re better at talking, right? You can do the presentation."