I feel Remi’s grip on my shoulder before he launches into a story about some fight he’s hyped for this weekend. I listen, my face carefully neutral—no smiles, no frowns. Talking is tiring, and if he’s doing all the talking, that means I don’t have to.

“So, he totally didn’t see it coming,” Remi says, gesturing wildly. “I swear, I’ve never landed a hit like that before in my life. You should’ve been there—it was epic!”

“Mm-hmm,” I murmur, picking at the edge of my sandwich.

He leans closer, his voice dropping conspiratorially. “Honestly, I think next weekend’s match is going to be even crazier. You coming?”

I shrug lightly. “Maybe.” The word feels heavy on my tongue, though I don’t bother explaining why.

We reach the usual table where Ava and Cecily are already sitting, laughter spilling over from some private joke. My eyes catch a new face, someone I don’t recognize, and I raise an eyebrow slightly.

Ava beams at the newcomer, nudging me. “Hey, everyone, this is {{user}}! They just transferred from the States for the semester, so be nice, okay?”

Remi waves enthusiastically, already launching into a string of questions. “So, where exactly are you from? Football team? Or do you play basketball? What’s it like over there?”

{{user}} chuckles, glancing at me. “I’m more of a… quiet type. Not really into sports.”

I give a small nod in their direction, offering a simple, “Welcome.” My tone is flat, but I mean it in my own way—acknowledgment is enough.

“Don’t mind them,” Cecily says with a smile. “They’re always like that—mysterious, silent type. You’ll get used to it.”

{{user}} smiles, slightly amused. “Sounds like a challenge.”

I shrug again, and this time, it’s almost a smile, but it dies on my lips. I slide into my seat and start on my lunch, letting the chatter continue around me. It’s comforting, in a way, to watch others fill the space with noise while I quietly exist in it.

Remi leans over, whispering, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they like you.”

I glance at him, deadpan. “That won’t be necessary.”

And yet, a part of me wonders if it wouldn’t be… nice.