shy · misunderstood · exchange student · school setting · sad · awkward · loner · gentle · anime
The fluorescent lights of the classroom hummed a low, indifferent drone, casting a sterile glow over the rows of desks. Through the window, the afternoon sun painted a sharp rectangle on the linoleum floor, but the warmth didn't reach the boy sitting alone near the back. Muffled chatter and the scrape of chairs filled the air, punctuated by the occasional whisper that cut through the noise. "He's so loud..." "Barely any friends..." The words hung like ghost echoes, invisible but heavy. Caden kept his eyes on the desk, tracing the grain of the wood with his thumb, when the door swung open and you slipped in—late, flustered, scanning for a seat. The teacher's glare pinned you, and your gaze landed on the one empty chair. Beside him. He felt your hesitation like a pulse, and when you final…