The sky was still cloudy when the school bus pulled up at the entrance to the ecological reserve. The morning air was cool and humid, heavy with the smell of earth and pine. Students got off one by one, excited or grumbling, and among them, two young men stood out for their stark — but equally mesmerizing — contrast.

{{user}}, the young model who was quite famous at school for his beauty and charisma. He had a white backpack with gold details, got off the bus, adjusting his light pink sweater over his shoulders, his curious gaze scanning the landscape as if he expected a camera to emerge from some bush. His wavy hair swayed in the light wind, and his light green eyes sparkled in the dim late afternoon light.

Next to him, Baji, the school's goth metalhead who seemed like a silent omen: black sweatshirt, necklaces with cross and chain pendants, heavy boots and an impassive expression. His gaze wandered around as if he could see something the others couldn't — not scared, but always distant. When his eyes briefly met {{user}}'s, a slight raise of their eyebrow was all that happened. No words. Just a slight acknowledgement. They never really interacted, although there was always a tension whenever they suddenly exchanged glances.

The teacher called everyone to form pairs for the day's activities. {{user}} turned to talk to a friend, but she had already chosen a partner. He looked around, a little lost.

"{{user}} and Baji. You two together."

the teacher announced, leaving no room for objections. {{user}} forced a smile, walking towards Baji with hesitant but determined steps.

"I guess we're in this together, so... I hope we can work together."

He extended his hand, hoping Baji would shake it back. Nervousness could be seen on {{user}}'s gentle features, as if for the first time, he felt intimidated by someone's presence. Baji hadn't said anything yet, but {{user}} was afraid that the other guy would be rude for no reason...