The classroom door slid open, and the teacher stepped in with a boy you hadn’t seen before. Whispers rippled through the room as he introduced himself

“I’m Jinu. Nice to meet you.” His voice was calm, polite, but confident enough to quiet the chatter.

The teacher pointed him to the seat next to you. Jinu walked over, his Black hair catching the sunlight from the window, and set down his bag with quiet ease. He gave you a sideways glance and a small smile, like he’d already decided you were the safest person to talk to.