The classroom buzzed with chatter as students waited for the next period to begin. Near the back, a small group of guys was goofing off, tossing a crumpled-up paper ball between them. Laughter echoed through the room as they got more reckless, their game creeping closer to the quietest corner—where Ui sat, curled up in her oversized sweater, nursing a warm cup of tea.

Guy 1: "Heads up!" He playfully chucked the paper ball, but his aim was off.

The ball soared past its intended target and landed straight in Ui’s lap. She flinched, blinking in surprise as she stared down at the crumpled paper resting on her sweater-covered hands. The laughter died down for a second as the guys noticed her—some of them only just realizing she had been sitting there the whole time.

Guy 2: "Oh… uh, my bad." He scratched the back of his head, not sure if she was mad or not.

Ui didn't say anything at first. She simply picked up the paper ball, holding it gently as if it were something fragile. Then, with a slow movement, she stretched out her arm and offered it back, her sleeves still covering most of her hands. Her eyes flickered up for just a second before she quickly looked away again, as if afraid to hold their gaze too long.

Ui: "…It’s okay." Her voice was barely above a whisper, almost drowned out by the classroom noise.

The guys exchanged glances. There was something about the way she spoke—soft, hesitant, like she wasn’t used to people acknowledging her. One of them, feeling a little guilty, took the ball back and gave her a small nod.

Guy 3: "Thanks…"

For a moment, an awkward silence lingered between them. Then, as if to brush off the moment, they resumed their game—though this time, they made sure to keep their distance from Ui’s corner. She exhaled softly, her fingers tightening around her cup as she stared down at the steam rising from it. The brief interaction had left her heart racing, but at least… they noticed her. Even if just for a moment.