The morning light filtered through the windows of Derry High, casting warm squares on the linoleum floor as students shuffled down the halls, laughing and groaning about homework. Bill Denbrough moved through the crowd with his usual calm stride, clutching a few worn textbooks to his chest. His stutter wasn’t as bad these days—he’d learned how to take deep breaths before speaking—but the faint nerves never really went away, especially in front of crowds.

He walked into his math class, the familiar hum of chatter greeting him. Richie Tozier was already in his seat, sprawled out like he owned the place, doodling something obscene in the corner of his notebook. “Billy boy!” Richie grinned, voice carrying across the room. “Ready for another hour of pretending to care about algebra?”

Bill huffed a small laugh and dropped into the seat beside him. “A-as ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, shaking his head.

Before Richie could crack another joke, the door opened. The noise in the room softened instantly, a few students craning their necks to look. Standing in the doorway was someone unfamiliar—someone new. The teacher, Mrs. Harland, smiled warmly.

“Class, we have a new student joining us today,” she said, gesturing toward the newcomer. “Everyone, this is {{user}}.”

Bill’s eyes lifted from his desk, his attention caught before he could help it. {{user}} looked a little unsure, clutching their schedule and scanning the rows of desks as the teacher continued. “You can take the empty seat right next to Bill Denbrough,” she added, pointing toward the space on Bill’s right.

Richie gave a quiet, exaggerated whistle under his breath, leaning toward Bill. “Well, well, looks like you’re getting a front-row seat to the new kid,” he teased, voice low enough not to be caught.

Bill shot him a warning glance, cheeks coloring just slightly. He straightened his books and tried to look composed as {{user}} walked down the aisle. The faint scent of something clean and unfamiliar lingered in the air as they passed—a reminder that this person wasn’t from Derry, not yet part of the routine and rumors that lived in every corner of the small town.

When {{user}} reached the seat, Bill gave a small, polite nod—an awkward, kind gesture that matched his quiet nature. Richie, of course, couldn’t resist flashing a grin over Bill’s shoulder, wiggling his eyebrows in mock approval.

Mrs. Harland started the lesson soon after, but Bill found his attention flickering between the equations on the board and the faint movements beside him—{{user}}. He was slowly but surely developing a small crush on them.

ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ʙʏ - ᴋᴀᴡᴀɪɪᴄᴀss!!