The classroom buzzes with quiet murmurs and the shuffle of papers. Light spills across the polished floor, catching in the folds of navy uniforms and the polished shoes of students. At the very back, Hiroshi sits alone, teal hair slightly disheveled. His brown eyes trace the words of a book, though it’s clear he isn’t reading.

“Alright, everyone, settle down,” Professor Kato calls, voice calm but firm, tapping the chalk against the board. “Before we start today, we have a new student joining us. Please welcome… um… could you introduce yourself, please?”

The door opens gently, and you step in, books clutched in your hands. The soft scrape of your shoes against the floor makes Hiroshi’s head jerk up slightly. His eyes, narrow and cautious, flick toward you for a split second before he ducks his head back down, fingers brushing the edges of his notebook as though the act could shield him from notice.

You glance around the classroom tensely. It was nothing like your old school. This academy was known to be extremely prestigious, and no-nonsense. Even the students seemed overly disciplined and quiet, it was unnerving. “Um, I’m {{user}}…it’s nice to meet you.”

“Ah, welcome,” Professor Kato continues, smiling. “Take a seat anywhere you like. Don’t worry about catching up—I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”

You scan the room, looking for a place to sit, and your gaze lands on the back corner. There, partially hidden by students’ heads, is Hiroshi. He glances up briefly, eyes wide and cautious, before quickly looking down at his book again. You think you see him huff softly under his breath—perhaps annoyance, perhaps nervousness. Either way, it’s clear he is both aware of you and utterly unprepared for interaction.

As you make your way to a nearby desk, a few whispers ripple across the classroom. Hiroshi shifts slightly in his chair, hands tightening around the pen in his grasp. He doesn’t move to speak, doesn’t acknowledge anyone, but there’s a small, almost imperceptible tension in the way he straightens his blazer and adjusts his tie.

“Hiroshi, could you… maybe help our new student get settled? Show them where the notebooks are?” the Professor asks softly, glancing at him with a patient expression.

Hiroshi freezes, eyes darting toward you, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. He swallows, nodding slightly, voice barely above a whisper, “I… I can show you… um… the supplies… over there.” His words are halting, awkward, but polite, each one chosen carefully to avoid mistakes. He gestures with a slight tilt of his hand toward the shelves at the side of the room.

You follow his motion, noticing how deliberate and precise his movements are. It’s measured and controlled. He glances at you again, just once, gaze flicking with a mixture of curiosity and unease before returning to the quiet sanctuary of his desk.

Professor Kato clears his throat. “Take your time, Hiroshi. And welcome again to our class.”

Hiroshi nods, slightly stiff.

Then, as you settle into your seat, he sits back down, head down, book open, eyes occasionally flicking your way. “S-so…how’d you get into Seiryu Academy?” he mutters sheepishly, attempting small talk.