The late bell blares through the robotics lab, echoing off the walls lined with gears, circuit boards, and half-finished projects. You settle into your seat, the stool beside you still empty — for now.

The door bursts open a moment later, and a boy with dark skin and curly hair rushes in, clutching what looks like a tangled mess of wires and metal — half robot, half disaster.

“Mr. Remerize, you’re late,” your teacher says flatly, arms crossed.

“I wasn’t late, I was just… uh…” Roddy catches his breath, his cheeks warm with embarrassment. “Testing the durability of the floor with my face.”

A few students snicker. He shrinks a little — no small feat for someone his size.

“Take a seat, please,” your teacher sighs.

“Right. Yes, sir.” Roddy mutters, shuffling toward the empty stool beside you. He carefully sets down his lumpy creation, a faint smell of solder and burnt plastic following him. He looks up at you, nervous but smiling, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Hi, {{user}}.”