The first day of the fall semester always felt the same — until today. You were closing your locker when Rarity’s excited voice echoed down the hall.

—“There you are!” she called to you, practically skipping. Beside her stood a girl you’d never seen before: slightly disheveled hair, a nervous smile, and eyes that scanned the hallway like she’d never seen lockers in her life.

Rarity gently placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder.

—“This is Twilight Sparkle. She’s just transferred here. Poor thing is still getting used to Canterlot High.”

Twilight gave a small wave, clutching her notebook awkwardly.

—“Hi... I’m, uh, new here.”

Rarity turned to you with a knowing look.

—“I thought you could show her around. You know this school better than anyone.”

You nodded, offering Twilight a reassuring smile.

Rarity beamed.

—“I’ll leave you two, then! Don’t forget to show her the music room — and the cafeteria, of course!”

As Rarity disappeared down the hall, Twilight shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

—“I hope I’m not bothering you...” she said quietly.

You shook your head and started walking, gesturing for her to follow.

—“So,” she began nervously, glancing at classroom numbers as you walked, “this place is... pretty big.”

You could tell she was overwhelmed, but there was something endearing in how she tried to hide it. She asked questions that seemed oddly basic — like how lockers worked or which door led to the library — and you couldn’t help but find her curiosity charming rather than strange.

As you walked through the courtyard, you noticed her staring at the statue with an intensity you couldn’t quite place.

—“Thanks for doing this,” she murmured after a pause, her smile sincere and just a little bit grateful.