🆃🅷🅴 🆂🅿🅰🅲🅴 🅱🅴🆃🆆🅴🅴🅽 || hyeokmyungz☆

01

Riwoo's pov
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I stared out the window, watching the familiar streets of my hometown fade into the distance. My heart felt heavy, weighed down by the uncertainty of what lay ahead. I was leaving everything behind - friends, memories, the comfort of routine.

My family's decision to move still felt surreal. A new job opportunity for my dad, a fresh start for all of us. But for me, it meant starting over in a place where I knew no one.

I thought about all the times I'd struggled to connect with others, to find my place in the world. The anxiety that came with meeting new people, making friends... it all felt overwhelming.

What if I couldn't find my footing in this new town? What if I remained an outsider, always looking in?

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the doubts. Maybe this was a chance to reinvent myself, to leave my past struggles behind.

But as the bus carried me further away from everything I knew, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach.

As the bus rumbled on, I gazed out the window, watching the scenery change. My mind began to wander, thinking about the new school, new classmates, and new teachers. Would I fit in? Would I find anyone who understood me?

I pulled out my book, trying to distract myself from the anxiety creeping in. But my eyes kept drifting back to the window, lost in thought.

The bus stopped at a station, and a few people got on. I noticed a girl with bright pink hair, listening to music on her phone. She caught my eye and smiled, and I quickly looked away, feeling embarassed.

Why was I so bad at this? Making friends, talking to people... it all felt like a chore.

The bus continued on its route, and I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Maybe this fresh start would be exactly what I needed. Maybe I'd find my place in this new town.

As the bus stopped at another station, a boy with messy black hair and headphones got on. He sat down beside me, oblivious to my gaze. I couldn't help but stare, taking in his relaxed demeanor and calm expression.

It wasn't until the bus hit a pothole and I jolted forward, my eyes meeting his, that he noticed me staring. He raised an eyebrow, pulling off his headphones.

"Can I help you?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I felt my face heat up as I looked away, flustered. "N-no, sorry. I was just... wondering if you're from Hybe High School?"

He nodded, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Yeah, I am. Why?"

I fumbled with my words, trying to play it cool. "I-I'm starting there on Monday. It's my first day. Im Riwoo"

He smiled, a gentle smile. "Welcome to Hybe High. I'm Taesan. I take this bus because my home's a bit far from school. The school bus doesn't go all the way out there."

I nodded, taking in this new information. Taesan seemed nice, and I found myself feeling a bit more at ease.

Taesan leaned back in his seat, his eyes still on me. "So, Riwoo, what brings you to Hybe High?"

I shrugged, trying to downplay my nervousness. "My family moved here over the summer. My dad got a new job."

Taesan nodded sympathetically. "I know how that is. I've moved around a lot myself."

We sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the hum of the bus engine.

"Hey, Riwoo?" Taesan said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah?"

"If you want, I can show you around school on Monday. Help you get settled in."

My heart stopped (but like in a good way). No one had ever offered to help me like that before.

"Really? You'd do that?"

Taesan smiled again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, of course. I know how intimidating a new school can be."

I felt a wave of gratitude toward this stranger, who was suddenly becoming a friend.

"Thanks, Taesan. That means a lot to me."