You And I

Chapter 1 : New Beginnings

My name is Levi, and I'm just your average high school student. Nothing too special about me, really. I go to school, hang out with friends, and keep my head down most of the time. Today felt like any other-waking up to the sound of my alarm, grabbing a quick breakfast, and heading off to school.

The walk to school was familiar, the same streets, the same bustling energy. People I recognized but didn't know by name passed by, a blur of familiar faces. I glanced at my phone. I wasn't in any rush, but I still picked up the pace. First impressions in a new class mattered, and I didn't want to be the guy who showed up late on day one.

As I neared the school, I noticed a girl sitting alone under a tree near the courtyard entrance, her attention completely absorbed by the book in her hands. Her name was Mei. I had seen her around before, but we had never really talked. She seemed quiet, always keeping to herself, but there was something about her that drew my attention.

I wasn't sure why, but I had this feeling that she wasn't as quiet as she seemed. I was about to walk past her when she looked up, her eyes meeting mine for a brief second. I gave her a small nod, and to my surprise, she nodded back, her gaze returning quickly to her book.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class, and I hurried to my classroom. As I walked in, I saw that the only open seat was next to Mei. I hesitated for a moment, then made my way to the empty desk.

Sliding into the seat, I glanced over at her. She didn't seem to notice, or maybe she just didn't care. I wasn't sure. I cleared my throat, trying to think of something to say that wouldn't sound completely awkward.

"Hey," I said, finally breaking the silence.

She looked up from her notebook, blinking in surprise. "Oh, hey."

"You're Mei, right?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Yeah, and you're Levi," she replied softly, her voice calm but distant.

"Right," I said, nodding. "So... what're you working on?"

Mei hesitated for a moment before responding, "Just some notes. Nothing exciting."

"Ah, cool," I said, feeling like I was failing miserably at making small talk. But before the conversation could continue, the teacher walked in, signaling the start of class. Mei turned her attention back to her notebook, and I tried to focus on the lesson, though my thoughts kept drifting back to her.

During the break, I noticed a boy sitting behind me who seemed pretty energetic, chatting with everyone around him. Eventually, he leaned over to introduce himself.

"Hey, I'm Ryan," he said, grinning widely as he extended his hand. "You must be new here."

"Yeah," I said, shaking his hand. "I just started this semester."

"Cool, man. I transferred here last year. It's not too bad once you get the hang of things," Ryan said, his tone easygoing.

We started talking about random stuff-sports, music, and video games. Ryan had this natural energy about him, making it easy to connect. Before long, we were cracking jokes like old friends, and I felt like I was finally settling into the new class.

As we talked, I glanced over at Mei a few times. She was quietly reading her book, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she seemed lost in whatever story she was immersed in. I wondered what she was thinking, what kind of world she was escaping to in that book.

The rest of the day passed by quickly, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. Maybe it was because I had finally started to talk to people like Ryan and Mei, or maybe it was something else entirely.

After the final bell rang, I packed up my things and headed for the door, my mind already on the walk home. As I was leaving the classroom, I noticed Mei standing by the window, staring outside at the courtyard.

For some reason, I felt the urge to say something before I left.

"Hey, Mei," I called out, causing her to turn around.

She gave me a small, almost shy smile. "Yeah?"

"I'll see you tomorrow," I said, feeling a little awkward but meaning it.

Mei's smile widened just a bit, and she nodded. "Yeah, see you tomorrow."

As I walked home, I couldn't help but think about the day. Meeting Mei and Ryan had made it more interesting than I'd expected. Something about Mei's quiet presence felt comforting, even though we barely knew each other. And Ryan? He was the kind of guy who made you feel like you'd been friends forever after just one conversation.

Today had been different. It wasn't dramatic or life-changing, but it felt like the start of something. And for the first time in a while, I was looking forward to what tomorrow might bring.