Raine

The moment I stepped into Westbridge, the hallway went strangely quiet.

Then came the whispers.

I pretended not to notice.

Being the new student was already enough of a reason for everyone to stare, and honestly, I wasn't interested in giving them anything more to talk about.

I walked into the classroom, scanning the unfamiliar faces.

Everyone seemed busy doing their own thing.

Almost everyone.

My eyes landed on a girl sitting near the window.

She had this quiet confidence about her, like she didn't care who was watching. She wasn't trying to stand out, yet somehow, she did.

For a second, our eyes met.

She looked at me.

I looked away.

Okay.

I had been here for barely five minutes, and somehow, one person had already caught my attention.

I didn't even know her name.

And I had no idea why I was curious about her.

I took the empty seat near the back, dropping my bag beside me.

I glanced around.

Groups everywhere.

People laughing, talking, comparing schedules.

I was definitely the outsider.

Then someone from the desk beside mine leaned over.

"You're new, right?"

I nodded.

"Thought so."

Then she introduced herself to me" I'm Amy, what's your name?"

I answered her question, she smiled at me, I just gave her a nod

They gave me a quick smile before turning back to their friends.

I looked toward the window again.

The same girl was there.

She was talking to her friends now, completely relaxed, like she owned the place.

Amy was sitting with her now, 'maybe they were friends !!'

I caught myself looking again.

Why am I even paying attention to her?

I quickly looked down at my desk.

I had bigger things to worry about.

New school.

New people.

New everything.

I didn't come here expecting to get involved with anyone.

Especially not someone I didn't even know.

But somehow, I had a feeling this school wasn't going to be as simple as I thought.

The teacher entered the class and started giving us lecture, I kept my focus but somehow ended up thinking about that one sec eye contact I had just a while ago. I snapped back, I was getting annoyed by my action just now, 'what the heck, why am I even thinking like this, it happens everywhere damm'

Then the teacher called out to me,

"Alright, everyone. We have a new student joining us today."

Of course.

All eyes turned toward me again.

I stood up, giving the shortest introduction possible.

"I'm Raine."

A few students smiled. Someone whispered something to their friend.

I sat back down.

Done.

No speech. No awkward details.

Perfect.

The teacher began explaining the day's lesson, and I tried to focus.