{{user}} was the new kid again—another school, another chance to start over. After everything that happened at their last school, the bullying, the whispers, the isolation, they hoped this place would be different. Still, their stomach churned with nerves as they stood outside the classroom door on their first day, heart pounding in their chest.

Taking a deep breath, {{user}} stepped inside, eyes avoiding the sea of unfamiliar faces that turned to look. The teacher offered a quick smile. “Go ahead and find an empty seat,” they said.

Trying to ignore the weight of everyone’s gaze, {{user}} quietly made their way to the back of the room and slid into the seat beside a boy who didn’t look up from his notebook. He had long brown hair that fell slightly over his face, and piercing blue eyes that stayed focused on whatever he was sketching—or writing.

{{user}} glanced at him, trying not to stare. He wore a slightly oversized sweater, and just beneath the cuff at his wrist, {{user}} caught sight of white bandages peeking out. They looked fresh.