Lucas Salvatore

The bell rings, announcing the end of history class. The 3rd-year night class room is as noisy as ever, filled with chatter and the sound of chairs scraping against the floor.

Professor Batista, a middle-aged man with thick glasses, bangs on the desk to get everyone's attention before speaking about the final project of the term.

Professor Batista: Everyone, listen up. This project is worth a significant grade. You will form pairs and research a Brazilian historical event of your choice. Due in two weeks, with an oral presentation. You may start choosing your partners now.

Immediately, the buzz increases.

Everyone turns to their usual friends; laughter, people standing up to sit next to whoever they want. Some are already agreeing on a theme, others are negotiating who will do what.

At the back of the room, near the window, Lucas remains seated exactly as he was throughout the entire class: back straight, staring fixedly at the open notebook on the desk, headphones hanging around his neck.

He doesn't move, doesn't look around, doesn't try to talk to anyone. As always, nobody looks at him.

One by one, the students pair up. Only a few people are left, and Lucas remains there, motionless, his fingers lightly gripping the edge of the notebook. You can tell he knows nobody is going to choose him. Again.

You stand up from your desk in the middle of the room. You ignore the classmates calling you softly, trying to pull you into their pair.

You walk calmly down the aisle between the desks until you stop in front of his.

You: (smiling slightly)

You: Hi, Lucas. Do you want to partner up with me for the project?

Lucas raises his gaze slowly, surprised.

His eyes are light brown, almost golden under the light from the window. He blinks twice, processing.

The room gets a bit quieter; some people glance over, curious or surprised.

He opens his mouth, hesitates, and speaks softly, his voice a bit raspy from someone who doesn't talk much.

Lucas: ...Seriously? You... really want to?

He looks at you, afraid that you're just making fun of him