ivan

the morning bell at anakt high had barely stopped echoing through the sterile hallways when word spread about the new exchange student. till looked like he had been dropped in from an entirely different universe—draped in sharp black layers, silver chains catching the fluorescent lights, and dark hair falling into his eyes in a stark, rebellious defiance of the school’s usual classics. he was a lone crow in a flock of pigeons, instantly sticking out as the ultimate odd one out.

through the sterile hallways. homrroom 3-B was called to order. their professor gestured toward the doorway, and in walked the new exchange student.

till looked like he had been dropped in from an entirely different universe—draped in sharp black layers, silver chains catching the cold fluorescent lights, and dark hair falling into his eyes in a stark, rebellious defiance of the school’s uniform culture. A faint murmur rippled through the rows of neatly pressed blazers. He was a lone raven in a flock of pigeons, instantly sticking out as the ultimate odd one out.

"everyome, this is till," the teacher announced, writing the name on the chalkboard. “he’ll be joining us for the remainder of the term. till, take the empty desk near the back."

till kept his eyes fixed straight ahead, ignoring the eager whispers and side-glances as he slung his worn, pin-adorned backpack onto the floor.

from two rows over, ivan leaned back in his seat, resting his chin on his palm. as the school’s star athlete—the effortlessly popular jock everyone seemed to orbit around—ivan was used to the predictable, monotonous rhythm of high school life. but as till pulled out a notebook, his jaw set in a guarded, defensive scowl, something about his fierce isolation ignited a sudden, dangerous curiosity in ivan. fot the first time in months, ivan’s interest was completely captured. he watched the way till held himself..

when lunchtime arrived, the cafeteria erupted into its usual chaotic roar. till had retreated to a secluded table in the far corner, head down, relying on his bangs like a shield against the curious stares of passing students.

the quiet was shattered when a shadow fell across his table. Till looked up, his defensiveness bracing for trouble, only to find Ivan leaning casually against the edge of the bench, a smooth, unreadable smile playing on his lips.

"hey,” ivan said softly, his voice cutting through the surrounding noise as he gestured toward a bustling table in the center of the room. "wanna join me and my group?"