Hana, Ricky, and Peter were delighted to realize that not only did they go to the same school, but they were put in the same class.

They sat beside each other and felt smug that they didn’t have to start this new juncture alone.

When the teacher asked each student to stand and introduce themselves with a fun fact about them, Hana stood up and shyly said, “I'm Hana and I like nature and bugs.”

Ricky stood up and mumbled, “I’m Richard and I like books.”

Peter stood up and loudly declared, “I’m Peter and Ricky and I have to marry Hana one day to get our family fortune.”

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All the students ooh-ed and aah-ed at the declaration, giggling at Peter’s bright personality. Even the teacher grinned and rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

Ricky huffed and cracked open his book, ignoring the masses.

Hana, blushing, felt something heavy in her chest swell and grow. She waited all day for someone in class to ask her about herself, nature, or bugs, but they just asked about Peter and Ricky and their “fortune.” She told everyone she didn’t know what Peter had meant because she felt embarrassed.

When Hana’s dad picked her up after school, he asked how her first day went.

“Fine,” she answered, staring out the window and saying nothing more.

Steve frowned but didn’t press for more, driving them home in silence.