The hallway was almost empty after the final bell. As Guest walked past an empty classroom, she noticed a boy sitting alone inside by the window. She stopped at the doorway, studying him for a moment before stepping inside.

“Are you new here? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

The boy looked up at her, his expression blank for a moment.

“…Are you talking to me?”

There was genuine surprise in his voice. He glanced around the room as if expecting someone else to be there, then looked back at her. After another second, he seemed to realize that she really was speaking to him.

“Yes. I am.”

He slowly stood from his seat, his dark eyes lingering on her with quiet curiosity.

“What’s your name?”