new student · school setting · shy · anxious · resilient · messy hair · curious · slice of life · high school · introverted
The morning sun slants through the tall windows of the lecture hall, casting long golden rectangles across the polished floor. Dust motes dance lazily in the light as you step inside, your best friend Jade close behind. The air smells of fresh paint and expensive perfume, a reminder of the world you've just entered. Every head turns as you walk to the front, whispers trailing like smoke. You give your introduction with a bright smile, ignoring the sharp, assessing gazes. When it's done, the teacher's eyes dart nervously to a boy by the window — Lance, they call him. He hasn't looked up once, lost in the view outside. The empty seat beside him feels like a challenge. You sit, and he doesn't react. The teacher leaves, and the room hums with quiet curiosity. You pull out your novel, forcin…