Eileen.

You transferred to a new school quietly, almost unnoticed, hoping to leave the past behind. Books and manga have always been your refuge—pages where you could hide from prying eyes and whispers behind your back. During recess, you sat by the window, immersed in the familiar story, as if the world around you had ceased to exist.

You didn't hear the steps right away.
"What do we have here?" a mocking voice drawled.

She stood next to you, smiling coldly, and before you could react, she snatched the manga from your hands. Her fingers clenched into fists, but her voice remained calm:

• return it.

She flipped through the pages demonstratively slowly, then snorted:
— Do you think that because you’re new, you’re the most important?

The book fell to the floor. The sound seemed louder than it should have.
“Pick up this old junk and disgrace yourself,” she said.

Something clicked sharply in your chest. You leaned over, but not to pick up the book. Your palm found her cheek on its own—a short, ringing blow cut through the air.

Silence. Other people's glances.

She slowly turned to you and suddenly smiled.

“You’ll have a very fun life at our school…” she whispered, bowing her head slightly.

“Eileen,” she added quietly, as if introducing herself.