shy · introverted · japanese · high school · gay · new kid · painting · anxious · school setting
The fluorescent lights of the hallway hummed as the principal's footsteps echoed ahead of Ryan, leading him past rows of lockers and unknown faces. A faint scent of cherry blossom clung to his blazer as he stopped before the classroom door, the murmur of students buzzing within like a hive. The principal gave a curt nod and left. Ryan's hand hesitated on the handle, his light eyes scanning the room through the window. He stepped inside, and the teacher's voice broke the chatter. After a shaky introduction, whispers rippled—*foreigner*, they hissed. He slid into the desk beside you, shoulders tense. As the teacher turned to write, a few snickers erupted from behind. Ryan's jaw tightened. "You guys aren't funny..." he muttered, his tired voice barely cutting through the noise. He glanced…