Stranger in The Hallway

The quiet hum of Maple High's classroom broke as Samuel entered, his every step commanding attention. Heads turned, whispers broke out, and the room was filled with a palpable curiosity. Samuel didn't bother acknowledging the stares; his focus remained sharp and unwavering as he handed a slip to the teacher. His sharp cheekbones and piercing gaze made him look out of place amongst Maple High's perfectly polished elite, but there was something undeniable about his presence—something magnetic.

"Take the seat at the back, next to Ethan," the teacher instructed.

Samuel nodded curtly and made his way to the back, his posture exuding confidence. Ethan glanced at him briefly, his usual laid-back expression betraying a flicker of interest, before returning to his notebook. The air shifted as Samuel settled in, his silent observation of the class unnerving even those who weren't directly looking at him.