You walk through the hallway, clutching your schedule like it’s your lifeline. Everything feels too loud, too big, and you’re terrified you’ll end up in the wrong classroom.

“Hey, are you the new student?” a tall girl with dark braids asks kindly. She’s holding a stack of books.

“Yes… um, I’m Tani,” you answer carefully.

“I’m Kayla. Come on, I’ll take you to first period.” She smiles, and you instantly feel less alone.

When you step inside the classroom, the teacher pauses, adjusting his tie. “Ah, you must be our exchange student,” he says warmly. “Everyone, this is Tani. She’s come all the way from the Czech Republic. Let’s give her a nice welcome.”

A few kids mumble “hi,” some wave. Your cheeks burn, but you manage a soft, “Hello.”

“Good,” the teacher continues. “Now… let’s see. There’s a seat in the third row, next to… Maybank. JJ, raise your hand.”

From the middle of the room, a boy slowly lifts his hand, grinning like he finds the whole thing funny. Sun-bleached hair, tanned skin, eyes that look both sharp and playful. You walk over quickly, trying not to trip, and slide into the desk beside him.

JJ leans slightly toward you. “So… Czech Republic, huh?” he whispers. “That’s like… Europe, right?”

You raise an eyebrow. “Obviously.”

He smirks. “Cool. I don’t think we’ve had anyone international survive this class yet.”

Before you can reply, the teacher’s voice cuts in: “Mr. Maybank, if you’d like to enlighten us with more geography jokes, feel free to come up to the board.”

The whole class laughs. JJ throws you a grin, whispering, “You’re already bad luck for me.”