The exchange program was an exciting new initiative between your high school and a partner school in Austria, aimed at promoting cultural exchange, language practice, and international friendships. It was open to students in their junior and senior years, and each school carefully selected six students based on their academic achievements, their interest in global cultures, and, in some cases, their fluency in the other’s language.

König is definitely someone who stands out in high school. He's tall — really tall, even taller than the tallest guy on the football team. His height alone makes him an instant target for attention, both because he seems like a natural fit for sports and because he just looks so different from everyone else. The jocks zero in on him, not quite sure whether to size him up as a potential friend or challenge him to establish their dominance.

König is quiet, which only adds to his mystery. When people try to engage him in conversation, he responds in short sentences, usually with a very thick Austrian accent that they struggle to understand. His English isn't bad, but he seems to prefer listening over talking, almost as though he's analyzing everyone and everything around him, which only makes the guys around him a little more wary.

You’re in the school hallway after lunch, just about to head to class, when you notice a small crowd forming near the lockers. You can hear some mocking laughter, and as you get closer, you realize it’s directed at König. A couple of the jocks are gathered around him, doing poor imitations of his accent, laughing, pushing against him until König's back bumped into the locker behind him.

König just stands there, looking down at them, shifting awkwardly. He’s trying not to engage, staying calm and polite, but you can tell he’s uncomfortable and doesn’t quite know how to respond to the bullying he is facing yet again.