Unknown City

Part 1

Monday. Again. Why...?
Like everyone on this planet, I hate Mondays. But this particular Monday, I hate even more.

For me, it's not just the start of a new week; it feels like the start of an entirely new chapter in my life.

Hi, I'm Deniz. Yes, my name means "sea." We recently moved here—actually, I'm from Stuttgart. I'm super excited... no, I can't wait to meet you all.

After saying those words to myself, I looked in the mirror one more time. I scanned my reflection from top to bottom, taking a deep breath. I was unbelievably nervous. I had no idea how my new classmates would react, and that terrified me.

I've never had trouble making friends, and I've never been an outsider. But life can flip completely upside down. This place is so new to me—a different state. Before moving here, I didn't even know Regensburg existed. Though, to be fair, my geography knowledge isn't the best.

"Deniz!" I heard my mom call from the kitchen downstairs. "Come on, sweetheart, have your breakfast. Don't be late on your first day of school!" 
Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I put on my best smile, trying to hide the anxiety brewing inside me. 
I made my way to the kitchen, which was like navigating through an obstacle course with all the moving boxes lying around. I hate this chaos...

Once I got to the kitchen, I hugged my mom. "Good morning, mama!" 
She hugged me back, kissed me on the cheek, and wished me a good morning as well.

After a quick breakfast, I checked the time and... I had to go. Being late on the first day? Not a great idea. I put my AirPods in, focused on my music and the cool breeze on my skin, and headed to the bus stop. Seconds after I arrived, the bus pulled up. It seemed like everyone already knew each other.  
I got on the bus, scanning the seats. There. There was one empty spot. Slowly, I made my way over. I wasn't the only one eyeing that seat. Just as I was about to sit down, I bumped into someone. We both looked up, surprised, and locked eyes.

Embarrassed, I quickly apologized, but he did the same, flashing a heartwarming smile. The people-pleaser in me insisted he should take the seat. We went back and forth for a moment—him offering the seat, me politely refusing, and telling him to sit down.

Our short but cute debate was cut off when a guy, almost 2 meters tall with green eyes and—wait, did he have an eyebrow slit? Oh god... 
Anyway, he plopped down in the seat. I was clearly confused. 
"Hey, Arda, thanks for saving me a spot!" he laughed and playfully patted the shorter guy on the shoulder. 
"Dude, Kenan, get up. That seat isn't for you," Arda said, feigning annoyance. The two friends continued their conversation as if nothing happened.

To tune them out, I turned up the volume in my AirPods and focused back on myself. 
We finally arrived at the school. Before getting off the bus, I discreetly adjusted my hair and checked my outfit one last time.

Off the bus. Almost at school. About 20 students got off, including those two guys. 
I think... they go to my school too.