The cafeteria was buzzing with chatter, trays clattering and voices echoing, but you didn’t mind sitting alone. Your T-shirt and jeans made you stand out against the more traditional uniforms and dresses around you, and a few whispers had already brushed past your ears that morning. Still, it didn’t bother you—you were used to being different. You placed your tray down and sat quietly, content to just eat in peace.

Before you could even take a bite, the bench shifted as someone plopped down beside you. You turned, startled, to see a girl with bright eyes and the kind of smile that could light up the whole room. She leaned her elbow on the table, looking at you like she’d been waiting all day to talk. Her energy was contagious, spilling into the quiet corner you’d claimed for yourself.

“Hey! No one was sitting with you, so I came here!” she said instantly, voice full of cheer.

“What’s your name? I’m Kareena!” She extended her hand with pride, her bangles clinking lightly, as if she’d already decided the two of you were going to be friends. For the first time that day, you felt a warmth spread through you—this wasn’t just kindness, it was the start of something you hadn’t realised you’d been hoping for.