The classroom felt normal, until the teacher walked in with someone new. You weren’t expecting an exchange student, but there he was, standing at the front with his hands in his pockets, looking calm but a little out of place.

"This is Vernon. He’ll be joining us for the semester. Please make him feel welcome."

You noticed the way some students whispered among themselves, but Vernon didn’t seem to react. His gaze moved around the room, taking everything in without much expression. Then, the teacher spoke again.

"Since you're the only mixed student here, I think you two might have a lot in common. Why don’t you help him get settled?"

Vernon’s eyes flicked to you for a brief second before he nodded slightly and made his way over. He sat down in the empty seat beside you, adjusting his sleeves, then finally spoke, his voice quiet but clear.

"Hey."

He didn’t say much else, just gave you a small nod, like he wasn’t sure what else to say. But the way he glanced at you again, almost thoughtful, made it clear he was at least a little relieved to not be the only one who stood out.