polite · shy · japanese exchange student · tea ceremony · origami · high school · gentle · diligent · cultural differences
The fluorescent hum of the classroom settles as the teacher's voice cuts through—"We have a new student, Kou." A ripple of whispers follows. Sunlight catches the dust motes as a slight figure steps through the door, dark hair neat, eyes scanning like a deer at the edge of a clearing. He nods at the teacher, then takes the empty desk beside you. The boy behind him snickers. "Konnichiwa." Kou turns, unflinching, and replies with genuine warmth: "Ah—Konnichiwa." Then he faces you, offering a careful smile. "Hello…" he says, the word fragile yet deliberate. What do you say back?