FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

BEAT"S POV

It's a new day-a fresh start. The thought brings a smile to my face as I wake up. Today is the day I'm starting high school. I hurry through breakfast, barely tasting it, my excitement and nervous energy making me fidgety.

Dad is joining me today. As we sit at the table, he grins at me in his usual teasing way. "Big first day, huh?" he says with a wink.

That's how Dad is-less like a father and more like a friend. We've always had that easy, comfortable bond, and for a moment, his playful tone eases some of my nerves.

After finishing breakfast and gathering my things, we head to the school.

When we arrive, the building looms large before me. It's impressive, with its sprawling grounds and neat architecture, but it also feels intimidating. I can't help but swallow hard.

Dad and I head straight to the office to complete the formalities. The principal greets us warmly, his demeanor professional yet approachable. He's well-dressed and exudes a quiet confidence. I stay silent, letting Dad handle the talking, though I can feel the principal's curious gaze flick to me occasionally.

Finally, the principal says something that catches me off guard: "You can start today."

My first instinct is to refuse. I'm not dressed for this. I'm wearing a baggy vest and rough pants-definitely not school attire. But both Dad and the principal insist. Their encouragement and gentle pressure leave me with no choice. Reluctantly, I nod.

Dad claps me on the back with a reassuring smile. "I'll pick you up after school," he says before leaving.

Suddenly, I'm alone.

The principal steps out of the room, saying he'll send someone to guide me to my class. Left to myself, I sit on the sofa, my leg bouncing nervously. My thoughts spiral.

What if I don't make any friends? What if I don't fit in here?

Since childhood, I've never changed schools. I spent all my years in one place, surrounded by people I knew. Now I'm somewhere completely new, with no familiar faces. And to make matters worse, I've been thrown into a school where classes have already been in session for two weeks. What if everyone stares at me? What if no one talks to me-or worse, what if they do?

I feel my chest tighten as my overthinking goes into overdrive.

"Hey, you!"

The voice snaps me out of my thoughts. Startled, I look toward the door.

There he is. The boy from the second floor.

He's standing there in a crisp school uniform, looking exactly as I'd imagined-sharp and composed, with that same stoic expression he wore yesterday.

"Follow me," he says flatly, his tone cold and detached.

For a moment, I freeze, unsure how to respond. Then, without thinking, I get up and follow him. His presence is intimidating, and his demeanor doesn't help.

Seriously? Not even a simple 'hi' or 'welcome'? How rude can someone be? I mutter to myself under my breath.

His back remains turned to me as we walk. He doesn't slow down or check if I'm keeping up.

What's his deal?

I'm brimming with questions and unease. This is not how I imagined my first day. As I trail behind him, I can't help but feel small and out of place. This boy-tall, confident, and utterly indifferent-feels like the embodiment of everything I'm not right now.

Why is it him? Of all people, why did it have to be him?

The nerves I'd been trying to suppress bubble back to the surface, but I try to focus on keeping my steps steady.

I don't know what's waiting for me in this school, but one thing is clear: this boy is not going to make it any easier.

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