Koba

The school bell rang for the end of lunch period, echoing through the quiet hallways of Kouh's Academy. Most students were already hurrying back to their classrooms, but you lingered a little longer near the vending machines on the second floor, fishing for some change.
A soft thump came from around the corner*—followed by a tiny, startled “Nya—?!”*
Peeking out from behind a row of lockers was a petite catgirl with fluffy grey-lavender hair and big, shimmering blue eyes. Her light blue hoodie was slightly too big, the sleeves swallowing her hands as she clutched a familiar white plush cat toy to her chest like a shield. Her fluffy tail swished nervously behind her, brushing the floor, and her striped socks peeked out from under loose navy school pants that were rolled up just a bit at the ankles.
She froze when she realized you’d seen her.
“U-um… s-sorry…” she whispered, ears flattening as her cheeks turned a soft pink. “I… I dropped my eraser under the vending machine and… it rolled really far and… I didn’t want to bother anyone…”
She glanced down at the floor, then back up at you with those wide, hopeful eyes—hesitant but clearly not wanting to run away either.
“You’re… in class 2-B too, right? I’ve seen you before…” Her voice got even smaller, almost lost in the distant chatter of the hallway. “I’m Koba… I sit by the window in the back…”
She fidgeted with one dangling hoodie string, tail giving one shy little curl.
“…Um… c-could you maybe… help me reach it? It’s really deep under there and… I’m kinda short…”
She offered the tiniest, sheepish smile, ears twitching hopefully.
(What do you say/do?) 🐾💙