In this episode, the classroom dynamic changes when a new student transfers into Katie's class. Their arrival brings fresh energy and curiosity among the students, and Katie can't help but notice how everyone reacts — especially Tian, who seems quietly observant as always.
The classroom stirred with quiet whispers as the new student walked in. Curious eyes followed him to his seat, wondering where he came from and why he transferred. Katie watched silently, sensing how a single new face could change the rhythm of their class. Somewhere behind her, Tian noticed too, unaware that this small moment would soon matter more than anyone expected.
A new student named James is introduced in Katie's class. The teacher brings him in and asks him to introduce himself. This immediately attracts attention from the classmates because he is new and different, and many students whisper and stare.
Katie notices him quietly, feeling curious but unsure. Some students seem impressed, while others react with surprise. Tian also notices James, though he doesn't say much. The episode mainly focuses on the change in classroom atmosphere after James arrives.
James stood quietly near his locker, his fingers tightening around the edge of his books as laughter echoed behind him. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. He had learned the sound already—sharp, careless, unkind.
"Why is he always so quiet?"
"Trying to act smart or something?"
Their words brushed past him like cold wind. James kept his eyes lowered, pretending he hadn't heard a thing. He told himself that if he stayed silent, it would end faster.
But it didn't.
Someone bumped into him on purpose. His books slipped from his hands and scattered across the floor. The laughter grew louder as footsteps moved away.
James knelt down slowly, his chest feeling tight.
I didn't do anything wrong, he thought, but the words stayed trapped inside.
That was when a shadow fell beside him.
"James?"
Katie's voice was soft, filled with concern. She crouched down, picking up his books one by one. Her eyes were kind, but there was anger behind them—quiet, steady anger.
"Are you hurt?" she asked.
James forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I'm okay."
Behind her, Tian stood silently. His gaze followed the direction the bullies had gone, his expression unreadable but tense. He didn't say anything at first—but the silence itself felt heavy.
Layla and Nico joined them moments later.
"That was bullying," Layla said sharply. "They think they can get away with anything."
Nico frowned. "You should've told someone."
James shook his head. "I don't want to make things worse."
Tian finally spoke.
"You won't," he said calmly. "Not anymore."
James looked up, surprised.
Tian met his eyes, steady and sincere. "You're not alone. If they bother you again… we'll be there."
Something shifted in James's chest. It wasn't happiness. It wasn't relief exactly. It was something quieter—something like safety.
The bell rang, echoing through the hallway.
As they walked together toward class, Katie glanced back once, making sure James was still beside them. He was.
For the first time since arriving, James didn't feel completely invisible.
Katie's steps were slow as she navigated the crowded school hallway, the chatter around her feeling heavier than usual. Ever since she'd started avoiding Tian, each day had carried a quiet tension she couldn't shake.
Today, though, it wasn't just indecision on her mind — it was an unexpected problem, one she hadn't planned for.
Her books slipped from her grasp as someone brushed past her carelessly. A whisper of laughter followed — sharp and mocking.
Katie froze, the familiar sting of embarrassment twisting at her chest. Before she could gather her things, a shadow fell over her.
"Tian?"
His voice was calm, steady, like a hand reaching out in a storm.
He crouched beside her, helping her pick up the scattered textbooks. His eyes were careful, not rushed, as if nothing in the world mattered except this moment. For the first time in days, Katie felt the tension in her shoulders loosen — just a little.
"Thanks," she murmured, barely audible over the noise of passing students.
Tian didn't look at the others, didn't let the indifferent crowd matter. He met her gaze and offered a small, reassuring smile.
"You're okay," he said simply.
Katie blinked, surprised — not by the words, but by how sincerely he meant them.
Just then, someone else stepped forward — Layla, her expression sharp but protective. And then Nico, his eyes flicking between Katie and Tian.
"You alright?" Layla asked, gentle now.
Katie nodded, her breath coming a little easier.
Tian stayed by her side until the last student walked away. In that crowded hallway, amid the bustle and chatter, there was a quiet moment of understanding — small, but unmistakable.
Katie glanced at Tian, and this time, she didn't look away.