The days at Mizuhara International Academy were beginning to blend together for Htet, each one marked by a subtle progression. He was settling into the rhythm of school, his routines now a comfortable routine of classes, bonding time and study sessions. Yet, despite the normalcy that was slowly taking over, a certain unease lingered under the surface.

It is Thursday morning when that unease began to manifest in the form of an unexpected encounter.

---

Htet was sitting at his usual spot in the classroom, his eyes scanning over the notes from the previous lesson on chemical reactions. His concentration was broken only when the door opened, and a soft murmur of voices filled the room. Ms. Tanaka, the English teacher, entered, followed by a girl Htet hadn’t seen before.

The girl stood at the front of the class, her posture straight but her eyes darting nervously over the group of students. She wore the same uniform as everyone else, but there was a distinct air of unfamiliarity about her. She was tall, with long dark hair that cascaded over her shoulders, and a delicate face framed by large, curious eyes.

Ms. Tanaka (smiling warmly): “Class, this is Leila, a transfer student from Canada. She’ll be joining us for the rest of the semester.”

The girl, Leila, gave a small bow, her voice soft but clear.

Leila (nervously): “Hello. I’m Leila. I... I look forward to getting to know everyone.”

Class (in unison): “Welcome, Leila!”

Htet’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. It wasn’t because of her beauty, though she certainly was striking but because of the air of quiet vulnerability she exuded. It reminded him of himself when he first arrived at Mizuhara. The feeling of being lost in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and cultures.

Htet (thinking): It must be tough for her...

---

By the time the bell rang for the next class, Leila had settled into a seat near the back of the room. Ms. Tanaka gave her the task of joining a group for a class assignment, and much to Htet’s surprise, she ended up sitting next to him.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Leila (tentatively): “H…Hii, I’m sorry if I’m in your way.”

Htet (smiling politely): “No problem at all. I’m Htet. Nice to meet you”

Leila (nodding): “Nice to meet you. So..I guess we’ll be working together today.”

Htet nodded, pushing his notes aside to make room for the assignment. The topic of the day was a group discussion on cultural differences in literature, an assignment that was right up Htet’s alley, given his love for reading.

Htet (thinking): I guess this is a good chance to help her out... she might need someone to explain things.

Leila seemed a bit hesitant at first, flipping through her textbook without speaking. It wasn’t until Htet began explaining the differences between Eastern and Western literary traditions that she looked up at him, her eyes brightening.

Leila (quietly): “You really like this, huh?”

Htet (shrugging): “I’ve always found it interesting. It’s a way to understand the world, I guess.”

Leila smiled faintly, nodding as she began taking notes. Htet was surprised to see how quickly she grasped the material, her earlier nervousness melting away as she contributed to the discussion.

As they worked through the assignment, Htet felt a strange sense of camaraderie with her. It was clear that she was more than capable, she just needed a little push, a bit of encouragement.

—

By the time recess rolled around, Htet found himself walking alongside Hana, Elena, and Liam. They were heading to the courtyard, where the autumn sun bathed the campus in a soft golden light.

Hana (glancing at Htet): “So..How’s the new seatmate?”

Htet (pausing): “She seems nice... just a little nervous, I think. Kinda reminds me of my first time. I helped her with the assignment.”

Elena (thoughtfully): “It’s always tough being the new one. I remember my first days here. I felt like I was in a completely different world.”

Liam (chuckling): “Yeah, but you adjusted pretty fast, Elena. You’re basically a local now.”

Elena (smiling softly): “It wasn’t easy. But the school is welcoming, and people like Hana helped me.”

Hana (grinning): “I didn’t do much. I just kept you busy.”

Htet (teasing): “Says the one who also helped me. We won't be enjoying life here without you Hana.”

Hana just smile nervously with a hint of shy. The group just smile and enjoyed the moment. Htet found himself reflecting on their words. His own journey to adapt had been far from smooth, but with the support of friends like Hana and Liam, he was finding his way.

As they reached the courtyard, Htet spotted Leila sitting alone under a tree, her book open in front of her but her attention clearly elsewhere. She seemed lost in thought, staring out at the horizon.

Htet (thinking): Someone seems to be lost in her own world…She’s probably thinking about home... I should check on her.

—

After a moment’s hesitation, Htet made his way over to her, his footsteps barely audible on the grass. He sat down a few feet away, waiting for her to notice him.

When she did, she smiled warmly, though it was tinged with a hint of awkwardness.

Leila (softly): “Hey, um..Htet. I didn’t expect you to come over here.”

Htet (smiling gently): “I figured you might want some company. It’s not easy being the new kid. I feel you.”

Leila chuckled, but the sound was laced with a quiet sadness.

Leila (sighing): “Yeah. I’m still trying to get used to everything. It’s a lot to take in.”

Htet (nodding): “I get it. It’s like everything is different here. The food, the language... the way people act. But I promise, we will be helping you to settle in quickly. It might not be your home, but we can make it become a second home.”

Leila (glancing at him with a shy smile): “You..think so?”

Htet (earnestly): “Definitely. It’s all about finding your rhythm. It takes time, but you’ll find it. We’ll help too, you can count on us.”

There was a brief silence as the two of them sat together, the wind gently rustling the leaves above them.

Leila (softly): “Thanks, Htet. It’s nice to hear that from someone.”

Htet (smiling): “Anytime. We’re all in this together.”

—(End of Chapter 6)---