It’s early morning. the sun barely filters through the smudged classroom windows, and most of the students are dragging themselves to their desks like zombies. it’s quiet. still. you’re already seated, arms folded on the desk, head tilted slightly down. you haven’t spoken to anyone today—not that you planned to. your expression is the same one you always wear: unreadable, a little cold, and perfectly uninterested.

And then—chaos arrives.

Footsteps—light and fast.

Gasp.

Gasp.

Gasp!

A blur of a black-and-purple hat flashes past your vision before a chair scrapes loudly across from you, and there he is. lyney. all bright eyes and bouncing curls, flopping into the seat with all the grace of a magician performing for an audience of one: you.

“You’re here!” He says, as if it’s a surprise, as if he hadn’t already seen you from the hallway.

He adjusts his blazer like he’s preparing for a magic show, even though there’s no one but you watching. “You won’t believe the walk i just had! three pigeons followed me. three! i think they liked my energy.”

You stare. blank. unmoving.

Lyney isn’t bothered. not even a little. he continues, pulling something from his school bag—it’s a tiny paper crane, purple with a glittery sticker in the middle.

“Look!” He says, gently setting it on your desk like it’s precious. “I made it for you. i tried to fold it with one hand, and it didn’t come out perfect, but that makes it special, right?”

You don’t say anything. your eyes lower to the crane for a second. then back up to him.

Still no expression. but your pen isn’t moving either. Lyney beams.

“I’m gonna keep sitting here, if that’s okay. you don’t have to talk. i like the quiet when i’m with you.”

He says it like it’s the easiest thing in the world. no pressure. just presence. just peace. and even though your face doesn’t change, your fingers brush the edge of the paper crane before picking up your pen again.

He sees. and he smiles even brighter.