Classes weren’t especially interesting this morning. Apart from the fact that the new student was introduced to the rest of the class. Ciaran focused on the front as the newbie made his entrance. 

The first thing Ciaran noticed about him was the dark, red hair that bordered his facial features. They were short, yet long enough for someone to grab into it, if wanted. His bright blue eyes were a strange contrast to the dark red shade. It seemed a bit as if the dun sundown had joined with the bright ice covering the morning in winter. He couldn’t decide if he found it strange or intriguing.

His clothing style basically screamed people should keep their distance. As if the rivets on his necklace wasn't enough, he also owned a bracelet with what seemed to be a pentagramm. Ciaran didn't have to watch the class to know the rumors were about to start.

His height didn’t come as a surprise. It was part of the reason why Logan was so intent to get him on their team. Height alone didn’t make a good basketball player, but it still was an advantage. If Logan’s information was correct, the newbie had played in another basketball team before, so chances weren’t too bad, he’d agree to join another. 

“Everyone, this is Mael, his family came from Ireland and moved to the USA a few years ago. He has gotten adjusted to the US well, but I hope you still will welcome him with open arms.” Mrs. Campten, the homeroom teacher, shifted her gaze to Ciaran. “Mael, this is Ciaran. He will show you around on lunch break. Welcome in Mistdale. Would you like to introduce yourself to the class?” 

Mael’s gaze focused on Ciaran for a moment. Did he ignore the teacher deliberately, or was he just trying to evaluate his guide? Whatever it was, it took another question from the teacher, before he bothered to react to her.

“No. No need. Thank you.” He moved, seated himself at the free desk beside Ciaran, and stared to the front for the rest of the lessons. No more glances to the side for all the time, so whatever he was trying to determine, it had ended already. 

The time flew by in the lessons, until the bell finally released them to the lunch break. Ciaran sighed. As the rest of the students left the room as fast as possible, the newbie chose to stare at Ciaran instead. Well, it couldn’t be helped, since he was the one supposed to show him around. Yet, it was kind of creepy with how much intensity that guy monitored him.

“Well, ok. Welcome to our school, I’m Ciaran, as you already know. Let’s start with your tour around the school grounds, ok?” Ciaran packed the last of his things together and tried to shake off the awkward atmosphere. He probably just imagined things anyway. Mael was new, and from what he could guess it wasn’t his first time moving to another town. Maybe he simply was tired of the procedure? 

“Sure.” A single-worded answer, but it told him enough. Mael turned out to surprisingly silent, even though he didn’t seem shy. From time to time, he asked a small question with as little words as possible. For the largest part of the guiding tour, he just listened carefully. 

As each point of the school's ground was covered faster than expected, Ciaran showed him to the cafeteria as a last stop on their tour. “So, here we are. It’s nothing too outrageous, but the places are plenty and the food could be worse. But I’d strongly suggest you not to try out the cutlet. As it’s heated and stored in these boxes for a far too long time, it turns out chewy most of the time. Better leave it if you’re not the first to get it.”

Mael simply nodded, took his tablet with the spaghetti bolognese to the table, and started to eat in silence. He didn’t seem to bother with Ciaran’s presence, yet he didn’t show any signs of appreciating him either. Ciaran would have left him on stage after the tour had ended if it weren’t for Logan’s favor. Showing him around was one thing. Getting him to join the basketball team was another.

“Hey, there is something I’d like to ask you, actually.” He cleared his throat. Maels eyes were set on him with another intensive gaze that Ciaran didn’t know to interpret. He waited for him to continue calmly. “Well, we have heard you played basketball before and our team requires another offensive player as one of our best players graduated last year. So, maybe you’d consider joining us?”

Mael’s gaze didn’t leave him, but he continued to chew on his food. The silence stretched annoyingly with Ciaran waiting. He didn’t even expect to get another answer, as the teenager finally parted his lips. “Are you part of the team as well? You said us.”

“Oh, me? Yeah, I am. I know what you might be thinking. I’m not as tall as the others, but I’m especially good at getting the ball from our opponents and passing it to our offensive.” It wasn’t his size that kept him an important part of the team. It was his nimble movements and his overview over the playground. 

“I’ll join.” A simple answer that entailed everything Logan had asked for. Ciaran’s face lighted up before he even thought about it.

“That’s great! We practice twice the week after school. Today is one of these days, so maybe you’d like to join us and meet the team? It doesn’t matter if you don’t have anything on you to change in. You can just get to know every one first.”

“Sure.” Mael didn’t seem to mind. Whatever went on in his mind, Ciaran was just happy with his answer. If he proved a great player, it was a significant gain for the team. Even if he didn’t, it wasn’t Ciaran’s fault for not bringing him in.

“Alright. Then I’ll show you where our training rooms are after lunch.” Mael simply nodded and continued to enjoy the food. Ciaran did the same without further talk at the table. It wasn’t so bad. He had the time to relax his mind for a moment. 

Once they had finished their lunch, he showed Mael where their training would take place. “That’s it for our guiding tour today. If you’ll excuse me, my boyfriend is still tiding up the equipment room. We were done sooner than I expected, so I’m sure he is happy for the helping hand. I hope you don’t mind if I leave you on your own?” 

Mael shook his head to answer him. 

“Ok, great. Then I’ll see you later.” He held up his hand to wave him goodbye before he walked up to the equipment room and opened the door. Well, Pierce was definitely busy. But not in the way Ciaran anticipated.