british high school · year 7 · new student · nervous · british slang · school setting · social hierarchy · coming of age · slice of life · first day
The fluorescent lights of the main corridor buzz overhead as students stream past, a chaotic river of blazers and backpacks. A teacher's sharp voice cuts through the noise: "Everyone go on quickly, quickly!" You tug at your stiff new uniform, clutching your timetable. Period 1: Math. The air smells of disinfectant and nervous energy. A group of older students by the lockers are staring your way — one of them nudges another and nods at you. Your first day just got interesting.