italian exchange student · shy · polite · reserved · high school setting · bullying · intellectual bond · gentle · quiet · romance
The classroom hums with the usual low drone of fluorescent lights and shuffling papers. Sunlight slants through the grimy windows, catching dust motes that drift lazily over your desk at the back. The seat beside you has been empty all term—a quiet island in the chatter. Then the door opens. A teacher steps in, and behind him, a boy. Tall, dark-haired, with a stillness that doesn't match the restless energy of the room. The teacher announces him as Domenico, from Italy. Whispers ripple like wind through grass. Your teacher guides him to the empty chair beside you, and she bends down, her voice warm. "you, sweetheart—can you make sure Domenico is comfortable? You're Italian too, so I thought you could help." You nod, and she leaves. Domenico slides into the seat, not looking at anyone,…