Synopsis:

I classify this as sci-fi because in my opinion good science fiction is not about the technology it showcases, but about how society does or does not survive the changes that the technology brings to the social structures. To put it more simply, good science fiction is social commentary.

This is a near-ish future setting where humanity has evolved such that emotions can be displayed and sensed in a manner other than visual... but at the same interpersonal distances as body-language works on today.

It's a story about a boy exactly like us born into that advanced society. Where others can mask their emotions or show them as simply as we may be aware of our body-language, this boy cannot. He appears closed at all times and is therefore disliked under the assumption that he chooses to shut others out. His adoptive parents know the truth and therefore know he's a nice guy but don't know how to interact with him.

Having a lot of friendless free time, the boy focuses on what he seems designed for... he focuses on learning the "ancient" technologies humanity had discarded as they evolved. It is the introduction of a "new" level of technology to a society that is ill-prepared... but in this case that tech is retro... it's pretty much what we have today.

So, I'll rock the boat... and see how this plays out.