The bustling school hallway was a cacophony of noise and chatter, but Vishyl barely noticed. He was lost in the world of his book, a fantasy novel filled with mythical creatures and fantastical landscapes. He felt a tap on his shoulder and looked up, startled. It was Sarah, a classmate who always seemed to be surrounded by a gaggle of friends.

"Hey, Osmeña," she said, her voice loud and bubbly. "You coming to the party tonight? Everyone's going."

Vishyl hesitated, his gaze flitting back to his book. "I don't know," he said quietly. "I'm not really into parties."

Sarah's smile faltered. "Oh, come on! It'll be fun. You should loosen up a bit."

Vishyl felt a familiar pang of anxiety. He knew he should say yes, be more social, but the thought of a crowded room filled with unfamiliar faces made him want to crawl back into his book.

"Maybe next time," he mumbled, hoping to avoid further conversation.

Sarah sighed, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Okay, well, let me know if you change your mind."

She turned and walked away, leaving Vishyl alone with his book and the growing knot of anxiety in his stomach.