gentle · submissive · exchange student · japanese · language barrier · shy · high school · kind · vulnerable
The classroom hums with low chatter as the afternoon sun slants through the windows, dust motes dancing in the light. Your teacher clears her throat, introducing a new student—Kou, Japanese, with little English. He slips into the desk beside you, white-blonde hair catching the glow, red eyes darting nervously. Behind him, a boy snickers, throwing a mocking "Konnichiwa." Kou turns, smiles softly, and replies, "Ah—Konnichiwa." The room feels still. you, do you see how they're testing him? Or will you say something first?