The girls class went unexpectedly well, no unnecessary drama, just a nice welcome and some friendly smiles.
The bell had just rung for second period, slicing through the chatter that filled the air like static. The classroom, still carrying the scent of freshly wiped boards and cheap cologne, slowly settled into a noisy rhythm. Students dragged chairs across the tiled floor, swapped pens, whispered gossip, and shared snacks beneath desks.
Mr Duck just left the class not before throwing some snacky remark that got most of the class rolling their eyes at him.
They boys at the back just behaved like thsy didn't even hear him.
Ethan (Wu mingyu) The one sitting in the center leaned back in his chair with the kind of ease that wasn't laziness but confidence. His dark hair framed a sharp face that could've belonged to someone older, and his eyes carried that detached sort of coolness that said, "I've seen enough; don't bother."
Beside him sat Caleb, the one sketching lazily in a notebook, his hand moving like he wasn't even thinking about it. To Ethan's left was Leon, quieter, posture upright, face unreadable , the kind of boy who you will forget until you noticed he already has his hand squeezing your heart, so cold and detach... almost invincible. The other two, Jason and Logan, looked like opposites: Jason slouched low, chewing gum, while Logan sat up straight, emitting coldness like he is trying to freeze everything, giving him the–'i might accidentally kill you if you come too close' aura so yeah everyone just avoided his gaze.
The rest of the class watched them in fragments,stolen glances, whispered guesses, tiny smirks. Everyone knew how it went. Someone would have to ruffle them up to see if they are touchable or not, no one wants a trash anyway but they won't mind a few amusement among them, bad right? Well yeah that's how life is, never fair. New students were like rumors; everyone wanted a taste before the truth arrived.
In the second row, the one directly in front of them.Tyler turned slightly in his seat. He wasn't the type to stay quiet when something or someone caught his curiosity. He'd been watching them since they walked in that morning. Most kids would've ignored them until break time, but not Tyler. He was friendly to a fault, the kind of guy who smiled at janitors and scolded his friends for ignoring group projects.
He spun his pen between his fingers, debating for a moment, then finally turned around with his signature grin.
"Hey," he said, leaning an elbow on the backrest of his chair. His soft brown hair that seem to turn gold under the sun brushed his nose as he pushed them back, his doe like gree eyes glow in anticipation of what might come, fickles spread on his nose down to his eyes giving him a soft look.
Tyler smiled wider. "I'm Tyler. Welcome to Starlight International Academy. It's not the worst place to be. Cafeteria food's decent on Wednesdays, and Mrs. Hartley,the biology teacher will either love or destroy you depending on your handwriting.
Jason smirked, popping his gum. "Good to know."
Caleb gave a small nod. "Appreciated."
Tyler shrugged playfully. "If you need help finding your next class, or if someone tries to sell you fake hall passes, I'm around."
Jason nodded trying to blow his gum only to send it flying away while he pouted looking scandalized. That earned a quiet laugh from Tyler, though he quickly looked down, cheeks flushed.
Before the conversation could go any further, a sharp voice cut through the chatter.
"Well, well. Didn't take long for you to start collecting strays again, Tyler."
Tyler turned slightly, already knowing who it was. Derek. The self-declared king of the classroom. His uniform shirt was untucked, tie hanging loose, hair styled like he spent an hour making it look effortless. His two friends followed him Ken and Brent both wearing the same smug expression that screamed we own this place.
Tyler frowned a little when he saw Derek "what is it again Derek?" He questioned voice slightly cold with earned a raised brow from Leon before turning his attention back to the chicken pretending to be a peacock.
"Have you found your type among them already? That's why you're trying to suck up to them?" Derek said with a sinister and disgusting look. Everyone knows well except for Logan and his boys– that Tyler is gay, he likes his gender and will forever be. Most people don't have issue with this, I mean what era are we anyway but there would always be this homophobic who is an extremist among humans and Derek and his crew just happened to be them.
Tyler quickly took a look at the boys behind him and breathe in relief when they show no sign of disgust.