BENEATH THE BROKEN PROMISES

Episode2:THE BOY AT THE BACK

EPISODE TWO: THE BOY AT THE BACK

By the next morning, Ryan had already earned a reputation.

Not because of his clothes this time, but because of the question he had answered in class.

As soon as he entered the classroom, he heard whispers.

"That's him."

"The new boy."

"The one who answered Mr. Clark's question."

Ryan ignored them and walked straight to his usual seat at the back.

He placed his bag beside him and opened his notebook.

A few minutes later, the same tall boy from yesterday walked over.

"You're becoming popular quickly."

Ryan looked up.

The boy smiled without warmth.

"My name is Daniel Hayes."

Ryan nodded.

"I know."

Daniel's smile disappeared for a moment.

"You know me?"

"Everyone seems to."

Some students laughed quietly.

Daniel didn't.

He leaned closer.

"Don't get too comfortable here."

Ryan closed his notebook.

"I wasn't planning to."

Daniel stared at him before walking away.

The teacher soon entered and began the lesson. Ryan paid attention as usual, answering only when he was asked.

By the end of the class, even Mr. Clark had started noticing him.

"Ryan, you should consider joining the academic team."

Ryan shook his head.

"No, sir."

"Why?"

"I prefer staying out of attention."

Mr. Clark looked puzzled but didn't press him.

During lunch, Ryan remained at his desk while most students left the classroom.

He took a small meal from his bag and ate quietly.

From across the room, Ava noticed him.

She had seen how everyone treated him since he arrived. She also noticed something strange. Ryan never complained, never fought back and never seemed embarrassed.

She wondered what kind of person could remain that calm.

Then Ryan looked up.

Their eyes met.

Ava quickly looked down at her book.

Ryan smiled slightly before returning to his meal.

Neither of them knew that their first real conversation was only one day away.

And neither knew that it would begin with something falling to the floor.