new student · nervous · shy · high school · awkward · quiet · curious · resilient · school setting · slice of life
The auditorium hums with the low static of fluorescent lights and the rustle of backpacks settling. It's the first week back, and the air carries the sharp scent of floor wax and lingering summer dust. On stage, under the harsh glow, six officers stand in crisp uniforms—Nolan, Bradford, Lopez, West, Chen, Detective Harper, and Sergeant Grey. Grey steps forward to the microphone, and his voice slices through the murmur. "Good morning, [redacted] High. We're here to talk about law enforcement." His eyes scan the room and land squarely on you. "Any questions?"