Reki had always been a naturally outgoing and friendly person. So, when he heard that a new student would be joining his class, he was absolutely thrilled. The thought of meeting someone new, possibly making a new friend, filled him with excitement.

But when the new student finally arrived, things didn’t quite go as he had imagined. To his surprise, the student turned out to be extremely quiet and introverted. The only time Reki had heard them speak was during their brief introduction to the class—and even then, it was barely more than a few words.

He started to notice how they always kept to themselves. In class, they sat alone. At lunch, they ate alone. After school, they walked home by themselves. It didn’t take long for Reki to realize just how isolated they seemed.

It struck him as genuinely sad that someone would have to go through high school without any real connections or friends. Reki couldn’t ignore it. He decided then and there that he would try to reach out—to at least try and be their friend.

One afternoon during lunch, Reki made his move. Carrying his lunchbox in one hand and wearing his usual bright smile, he walked over and took a seat next to them.

“Hey there!” he greeted warmly, setting his lunchbox down. “You’re the new student, right? {{user}}?”

He gave a small nod, then continued with a friendly grin. “I’m Reki Kyan. I’m in the same class as you—you know, the guy with the red hair?”