### Chapter 1: A New Step
The morning air felt heavier than she expected, though the sun tried its best to push warmth into the schoolyard. Lily Hanamatchi clutched her backpack straps tightly, trying to steady herself. She had made a choice: survive, endure, and maybe—just maybe—find a place where she could breathe.
The school was enormous. Students moved in a constant, shifting tide. Some laughed loudly, throwing their heads back like they owned the world; others whispered and glanced at newcomers. Lily tried to keep her eyes down.
At the locker, she muttered, *"Six… seven… eight… ah… nine."* A student bumped her shoulder.
"Hey! Watch it!" Lily exclaimed, then immediately covered her mouth, realizing her tone sounded sharper than she intended.
The student mumbled, "Sorry, didn't see you there," and moved on. Lily exhaled. *Okay, fine. One step at a time.*
Inside her classroom, she picked a seat near the back. The teacher introduced her quickly.
"Class, this is Lily Hanamatchi. She's new, so be welcoming."
A boy whispered behind her, loud enough for her to hear: "Welcoming? More like entertaining. Look at her—she's tiny."
Lily stiffened, trying to smile politely. *Tiny… not good. Must smile.*
The teacher asked her to answer a question. Lily hesitated. "Uh… I think… maybe… five?"
A few classmates chuckled. One said, "Not bad… for a first try." Lily nodded gratefully, cheeks burning.
By mid-morning, minor mishaps had left her flustered: spilling water, almost dropping her pencil case, misunderstanding instructions.
Then came the stairs.
Her next class was on the second floor. She followed the crowd, clutching her books. Distracted by her thoughts, she misjudged her step.
Her foot slipped. She gasped, arms flailing.
"Whoa! Watch out!" A strong hand caught her by the waist, steadying her before she fell. Lily froze, staring up at the boy who had grabbed her.
He raised an eyebrow. "You really need to pay attention to the stairs, new girl."
"I-I'm… sorry," Lily stammered, voice trembling. "I… not good… English yet."
He smirked. "Not good? You're surviving so far. That's something."
She bit her lip. "I try… very try…"
"Try, huh?" He let go of her waist slightly, then gestured toward the next step. "Well, you're lucky I was here. Next time, maybe I'm not around to catch you."
Lily blinked. "Next time… I try not… fall."
He chuckled, a low, teasing sound. "You've got spirit. I like that. But seriously, pay attention."
She clutched her books to her chest, still trembling slightly. "I… I try… always."
"Good answer," he said, finally stepping back. "First day nerves, I get it. Don't faint on the stairs again, or you'll give everyone a heart attack."
Lily managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank… you."
He shrugged, smirk fading just slightly. "Don't thank me too much. It's just… common sense."
She nodded. "Yes… common sense… I learn."
He gave a last glance, teasing again: "Alright, new girl, survive your day. I'll be watching… maybe."
And with that, he walked away, leaving her on the stairs, heart still hammering, mind spinning.
*Who… was that?* she wondered.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to straighten up. One step at a time. One step at a time.