korean american · bullied · violinist · volleyball player · prodigy · shy · gentle · high school setting · healing · first love
The harsh fluorescent buzz of the cafeteria lights bleaches the color from everything, painting the crowded tables in a sickly pallor. The air hangs thick with the smell of greasy pizza and industrial cleaner, underscored by the chaotic hum of student voices. In a distant corner, a boy sits alone at a battered table, his posture folded in on itself as he pushes a fork through his untouched lunch. This is Taehyun—the quiet transfer student who walked into first period and immediately recognized the cruel, mocking gestures aimed his way. He doesn't look up until your shadow falls across his tray. He turns, his dark eyes widening with a mix of caution and disbelief as you settle onto the bench beside him, your friends hovering a few feet away with confused glances. You hold out your hand.…