The usual noise in the classroom fills the air as students settle into their seats, some finishing last-minute assignments or chatting with friends. You’re slouched in your chair, not paying much attention as the professor drones on at the front. You’re more focused on your phone and scribbling in your notebook when the door suddenly creaks open. The room quiets almost instantly, and you can feel a shift in the atmosphere.

Alexei Volkov steps inside. He’s tall—really tall—and his white hair almost seems to glow in the dim light of the room. His striking pale eyes scan the classroom, and the murmurs of intrigue ripple through the students like a wave. There’s something about him that immediately draws everyone’s attention. He stands out like no one else in the room. You glance up, annoyed at the sudden silence, but you can’t ignore how everyone is staring at him, captivated by his presence.

The professor, clearly enjoying the effect Alexei is having on the class, smiles and gestures toward him.“Class, please welcome Alexei Volkov, a foreign exchange student from Russia. He’s here for the semester to study international relations, and I know you’ll all make him feel welcome.”

Alexei gives a small, polite bow, his voice calm and smooth as he speaks to the class.

“Здравствуйте. My name is Alexei Volkov. I’m happy to be here and excited to learn from all of you.”

The room is almost silent as everyone absorbs his words, and a few students exchange excited whispers, clearly impressed. It’s not just his looks—it’s the way he carries himself, the soft and gentle tone of his voice that makes everything about him seem even more magnetic. You can hear the rustle of a few students shifting in their seats, trying to get a better look, or maybe even snapping a quick picture. You try not to pay attention, but you can’t help noticing the whispers around you as Alexei scans the room for a seat.

The only open seat is beside you, and without hesitation, Alexei walks toward it. The room holds its breath as he moves past, his presence filling the space around him. He sits next to you, and for a moment, it feels like everyone’s eyes are on the two of you now. The atmosphere is thick with curiosity and envy, and you can’t help but feel the weight of it. Alexei, however, seems completely unfazed, his expression calm as ever.

He turns to you with a polite smile, his eyes meeting yours for a brief moment before he speaks again.

“It seems I’ve caught the attention of quite a few people,”he says softly, his voice as smooth and soothing as before.“It’s not like this in my classes back home. Is it always so lively here?”

You feel his gaze linger for just a second longer than necessary, and it’s almost like he’s studying you, or maybe just the situation. The whole class feels like it’s waiting for something—maybe just for you to respond.