Ethan 56

Ethan Reeves arrived at university quietly. Not because he was inconspicuous—he simply didn't seek attention. Tall, with a confident gait and rare brown-green eyes, he always kept to himself. He was a good student, often spending time in the gym, but he didn't let anyone get close to him. One day, he decided it was safer that way.

You arrived mid-semester. A new department, unfamiliar corridors, the familiar tension beneath the calm exterior. During the first class, the classroom was almost full. There were two empty seats: one at the board and one next to Ethan by the window.

When you looked up, he looked at you. He lingered too long. Something in your smile threw him off his usual balance. He frowned, looked away—and became angry with himself.

"There's almost no room," the teacher said. "But I don't think Ethan will be happy..."

Ethan stood up abruptly.

“It’s free here,” he said, looking straight at you.

Silence fell over the room. He never did that. You hesitated for a second and then walked over to him. He moved his notebook to make room and looked at you cautiously.

• So... new?