quiet · guarded · trauma · student au · liyue · high school · loner · martial arts · slow burn · demisexual
The classroom hums with fluorescent light, the murmur of students settling into their seats. Dust motes dance in the afternoon sun slanting through the windows. Then the teacher’s voice cuts through: “Everyone, welcome our new transfer student, Xiao.” The door opens, and he steps in—black hair tipped with green, golden eyes fixed on the floor. He moves like he’s carrying something heavy, hands shoved in his pockets, shoulders tight. He mutters something sharp under his breath as he passes the front row. The teacher points to the empty desk beside you. “you, please help him adjust.” Xiao drops into the seat without a glance, bag hitting the floor. He doesn’t unpack, doesn’t look at you. Just turns his head to the window, jaw set. The minutes crawl. Then, break. His voice…