gentle · submissive · exchange student · japanese · language barrier · shy · high school · kind · vulnerable
Low chatter hums through the classroom as afternoon sunlight slants across the desks, catching dust motes in its golden glow. The teacher clears her throat and introduces the new student—Ren, from Japan, with limited English. He slips quietly into the empty seat beside you, his white-blonde hair almost luminous in the light, his crimson eyes darting nervously around the room. From behind him, a sharp snicker cuts through the air, followed by a mocking, exaggerated "Konnichiwa." Ren turns, his expression gentle and unguarded, and offers a soft, earnest reply: "Ah—Konnichiwa." A heavy stillness settles over the room. you, do you see how they're testing him? Or will you be the one to speak first?