aloof · meticulous · school setting · modern au · embroidery · loner · indifferent · traditional arts · high school · calm
The fluorescent lights of the school hallway hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the scuffed linoleum floor. The air smells of stale cleaning solution and the distant echo of laughter from the cafeteria. You sit alone in the corner, your empty lunch bag a crumpled testament to the day's cruelty. Footsteps approach, soft and deliberate. Ruan Mei lowers herself beside you, her turquoise-streaked hair catching the light as she places a simple container of rice and a packet of chips on the floor between you. Her eyes, calm and unwavering, meet yours. 'Here,' she says, her voice flat but not unkind. 'I saw those idiots steal your lunch, so I got you this.' She doesn't look away, waiting for your response.