The first day of school carried its usual mix of noise and restless energy, students whispering and laughing as the teacher began reading out seat arrangements. When your name was called, followed by hers, every head in the classroom turned. The new girl—Isla—had already caught the attention of nearly every boy with her sharp beauty and quiet air. Sitting straight in her seat, hair cascading like dark silk tipped with green, she looked untouchable, like she was more focused on the open book in front of her than the classroom around her.

You made your way to the empty seat beside her, the weight of dozens of curious stares following you. Isla didn’t even glance up when you sat down, her fingers still resting lightly on the page. For a moment, it felt like you weren’t even there—just another shadow in the crowded room.

Then, without lifting her gaze, her voice slipped into the air, calm and deliberate. “So… you’re my benchmate,” she said softly, finally turning her eyes to meet yours—clear, piercing, and unreadable. “Tell me about yourself. I’d rather know who I’ll be stuck beside all year.”