The classroom was alive with the chaotic energy of first-graders—papers rustled, feet shuffled, and excited chatter filled the air. Despite the noise, Reader stood at the front of the room, feeling out of place in a neatly pressed uniform that seemed too formal for his taste. His black hair was combed back, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He wore a polite smile on his face, but inside, he was seething.
"Seriously? First grade? Again?" Reader thought, his internal monologue running wild. "I've lived through office politics, deadlines, and corporate drudgery, only to end up redoing this? If this is fate's idea of a joke, I'm not laughing."
But he kept the grin plastered on his face, one he had perfected in his previous life whenever he had to endure grueling meetings with difficult clients.
"Everyone, settle down!" came the melodic yet firm voice of the teacher.
Ms. Tena stood by the chalkboard, her presence commanding the attention of the class. She was a tall woman, with chestnut-brown hair pinned neatly into a low bun, giving her an air of elegance. Her eyes were a deep green, sharp yet warm, framed by subtle makeup that highlighted her natural beauty. She wore a beige blouse tucked into a long navy skirt, practical yet sophisticated. A pair of thin, rectangular glasses rested on her nose, adding a touch of academic authority.
Reader couldn't help but notice the way her tone balanced patience and discipline—traits clearly honed from years of dealing with energetic children. "Well, at least she seems competent," he thought, grudgingly appreciative.
"This is Reader Elison," Ms. Tena introduced, her voice clear and professional. "He's new to our class, so let's all make him feel welcome."
Reader gave a slight bow, his hands clasped neatly in front of him. "Hello, everyone," he said, his tone soft yet clear. "I'm Reader Elison. It's nice to meet you all."
The room fell into a stunned silence.
Dozens of wide, curious eyes stared back at him, mouths slightly agape. The teacher looked at him approvingly, but the kids? They weren't just staring—they were gaping.
"What's with the reaction?" Reader thought, resisting the urge to frown. "Am I too polite? Too formal? Or do I just stand out that much?"
After a beat, the whispers started.
"Did he just bow?"
"His name is so cool!"
"Why does he talk like a grown-up?"
"He's... kind of scary."
"Scary?!" Reader's polite smile twitched.
Ms. Tena clapped her hands lightly, regaining control of the room. "That's enough, everyone. Let's make sure Reader feels at home. Reader," she said, turning to him with a kind smile, "you can take the empty seat beside Erica over there."
She gestured toward the back of the classroom.
Reader followed her finger to a desk by the window. The seat was beside a girl with long, strawberry-blonde hair that fell in soft waves over her shoulders. Her round glasses made her brown eyes appear slightly larger, giving her an inquisitive look. She was hunched over a notebook, doodling something with fierce concentration, seemingly unaware of the world around her.
"Great," Reader thought as he made his way to the desk. "Not only do I have to redo elementary school, but I'm also the new kid sitting by the quiet artist. Cliché much?"
As he sat down, Erica glanced up briefly, her gaze meeting his. For a split second, Reader thought she might say something, but she simply nodded and went back to her sketching.
"Well, this is off to an awkward start," Reader thought, stifling a sigh.