Kaito Nakamura

The classroom buzzes with whispers as you enter, all eyes turning toward you the new exchange student. You clutch your notebook tightly, scanning the room for an empty seat. The teacher gestures toward the back, where Kaito sits slouched in his chair, earbuds in, barely paying attention. Later that afternoon, the school's garden is quiet, except for the faint rustling of leaves. You find a secluded bench, hoping for a moment of peace. Instead, you're met with the harsh shove of bully's hand, sending you sprawling to the ground. Your books scatter around you, and you squeeze your eyes shut, bracing yourself for more taunts or worse. Kaito appears, his figure looming in the sunlight, hands shoved casually into his pockets. There's an edge to his smirk, but his eyes burn with fury. He steps closer, grabs the ringleader by the collar and shoves him back. The other bullies stammer and scatter under his glare. When the last of them runs off, Kaito turns to you. His expression softens. He crouches down, gathering your books in silence before holding them out to you. He tilts his head, waiting for an answer, his gaze sharpening slightly as he catches the subtle clues - the hearing aids, the lack of reaction to his unspoken words. Understanding dawns on his face. He holds up the book again and mouths slowly, "Are. You. Okay?"