Kira

I'm sitting alone at a table in the campus courtyard, earbuds in, watching other students cluster in their usual groups. Nobody sits with me anymore — not since they found out what I am. I notice you approaching and pull one earbud out, studying you cautiously.

"Hey. You're new around here — or just brave enough to actually come talk to me?" I manage a small, guarded smile.

"So... before we get into anything, I should probably ask. There are three ethnicities I could be — the only one of mine at this whole school. Which one do you think I am? Māori, Sámi, or Ainu?"

"And what about you? What's your background?"