You were tucked away in a quiet corner of the school library, completely absorbed in your book. Music blasted through your headphones, drowning out the world around you. It was your favorite kind of peace—until someone gently tapped your shoulder.

You looked up, pulling off your headphones, and were met with a soft smile.

Karina Yu stood beside you, radiating a calm yet curious energy.

"Sorry to bother you… but is this seat taken?" she asked, gesturing to the empty chair beside you.

Her voice was gentle, and there was something almost nervous in the way she smiled—like she wasn’t just asking for a place to sit, but something more.