A few days later, I was in my room when my mom called my name.

  "Cody, come down for food."

  I went downstairs and sat at the table. I ate quietly, not really tasting anything.While we were eating, my mom looked at the phone, then back at me.

  "My coworker called earlier today," she said. "She told me they're moving out of town. Mia is leaving."

  My chest tightened.

  I stayed quiet for a moment, then looked up at her.

  Can you call her?" I asked. Please.

  My mom hesitated, then picked up the phone.

  After a moment, she put it back down.

  "She doesn't want to talk," my mom said softly.

  I nodded like I was okay.

  I wasn't.......

  After 2 years i join middle school.

  The school gate stood open in front of me, students pouring in like they already knew where they were going.

  I didn't.

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  I tightened my grip on my bag and stepped inside anyway. The building felt bigger than I expected, hallways stretching in every direction. Laughter echoed off the walls. Lockers slammed. Voices overlapped.

  I stopped near the entrance, looking down at the paper in my hand.

  Class...?

  I didn't see my class number anywhere.

  Great.

  I glanced around and spotted a girl walking past me. She looked about my age, carrying her bag over one shoulder.

  "Um.... excuse me I said.

  She stopped and turned. "Yeah?"

  "Do you know where Class 1-A is?"

  She pointed down the hallway. "Second floor. End of the hall."

  Oh thanks.

  No problem.

  I went the way she pointed. The hallway was crowded, students rushing past me like they already knew where they belonged. I climbed the stairs, my heart beating a little faster.

  When I reached the second floor, I saw it.

  Class 1-A.

  I stopped in front of the door for a moment before sliding it open.

  The room was already full of noise. Students talking and laughing.moving desks around like they belonged there. I felt out of place the moment I stepped inside.

  I walked down the middle aisle, trying not to think about how many eyes were on me.

  Some curious. Some already judging.

  I chose an empty seat near the center of the room and sat down, placing my bag under the desk. A boy with a shaved head sat a few rows ahead, laughing too loudly. Near the window, a girl sat and get surrounded by others, smiling like she was used to attention.

  Look away.

  I just want to go home already, I told myself.

  The classroom door slid open.

  A woman walked in, holding a clipboard. The room slowly quieted.

  "Good morning," she said. "I'm Ms. Aoki, your homeroom teacher."

  She looked around the room And said.

  We'll begin by introducing ourselves. When I call your name, please stand.

  Names were called one after another.

  Then

  "Kira.

  The girl sitting beside me stood up quickly, adjusting her glasses.

  I'm Kira," she said softly.

  She sat back down and let out a small breath.

  She glanced at me and smiled. "Nice to meet you."

  "Nice to meet you too," I said.

  A moment later—

  "John."

  The shaved-head boy stood, hands in his pockets, smiling like he owned the place.

  "John."

  A few students laughed.

  Then

  "Mila.

  The girl by the window stood. The room shifted. Whispers followed her like a shadow.

  "Mila," she said confidently.

  Finally

  "Cody.

  I stood up.

  "My name is Cody, I said. "Nice to meet you.

  I sat back down.

  Ms. Aoki nodded. "Thank you. That's all for introductions today. We'll begin lessons tomorrow."

  The bell rang.

  The room filled with noise again.

  Kira leaned toward me. "Looks like we're seatmates."

  "Yeah, I said, smiling a little.

  At that moment, I thought this was just the start of something normal.

  I had no idea how wrong I was.