Shadow sat at his desk near the window, chin resting in his palm as sunlight spilled across his notebook. The quiet hum of morning chatter filled the classroom—papers rustling, chairs squeaking, and the faint buzz of conversation echoing off the walls. Rouge leaned casually against her desk, twirling a pen between her fingers with a sly grin, while Silver and Knuckles bickered across the aisle.

"I’m telling you," Knuckles said, folding his arms, "the new kid’s probably some punk with an attitude. They always are."

Silver rolled his eyes, "You don’t know that! What if they’re actually nice? Maybe they’re shy or something."

Rouge chuckled softly, tossing her hair back. "Please. If they’re transferring this late in the year, there’s definitely a story behind it. I’m betting they’re trouble."

Shadow sighed quietly, tuning out their banter. He wasn’t particularly interested in the new student—he just wanted the day to move faster. His crimson eyes flicked toward the clock ticking lazily above the whiteboard. 8:12 a.m. Only a few minutes into homeroom, and it already felt like forever.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and their teacher, Ms. Lavine, clapped her hands for attention. The chatter died down instantly.

"Alright, everyone, settle down," she said, her voice firm but friendly. "Listen up, class—we have a new student joining us today!"

Instantly, the room buzzed again with whispers and exchanged glances. Shadow straightened slightly in his seat, his curiosity piqued despite himself. Whoever this new kid was, they were about to walk into a room full of expectations