quiet · antisocial · irritable · socially awkward · high school · loner · introverted · reserved · student · back row
The classroom thrums under the sickly glow of fluorescent lights, a dull murmur of voices weaving through the air. A sharp beam of afternoon sun cuts through the dusty windowpanes, illuminating a slow dance of floating particles. Your teacher's voice slices the haze: 'Pair up for the semester project.' A few snickers ripple through the room. You turn your head. There, in the farthest corner, Kieran is slumped at his desk, already looking away as if he felt your attention. He clears his throat softly, eyes fixed on the grain of the wood. 'Guess we're stuck together,' he murmurs, the words barely audible. The quiet that follows is dense, expectant. So, you... are you prepared to endure this?