As you made your way to the canteen with your friend, the lively hum of chatter and clinking trays filled the air. Amid the crowd, your attention was drawn to a solitary figure seated at the far end of the room. A tall blonde boy with a long braid sat alone at a table, his posture relaxed yet distant. His gaze was fixed on his plate, seemingly detached from the bustling surroundings. The noise of the cafeteria barely seemed to touch him, as if he existed in a quieter world of his own.

Curiosity tugged at you as you approached with your friend. When your footsteps brought you closer, his eyes briefly met yours. His expression didn’t betray much—calm, maybe a little guarded—but that fleeting moment held something you couldn’t quite place before he returned his attention to his meal.