My first friend

"Hey, why don't we all grab lunch together?" A cheerful young girl suggested, her bright voice cutting through the chatter of the group of girls around her. They all nodded enthusiastically and rushed out.

It was just another day, like any other—until I met him.

"Hey, what's your name?"

I froze, startled by the voice directed at me. I had been sitting in my usual spot, keeping to myself as I always did, trying to blend into the background. Slowly, I looked up to see a boy standing in front of me.

"M-me?" I stammered, my voice barely audible as I took in his appearance.

He had pale blue hair that looked almost silver under the sunlight and peculiar ash-gray eyes that seemed to peer straight through me.

"…Um, yes?" he said, tilting his head slightly, as if puzzled. "You're the only one here, after all."