“Now that you’ve had a chance to review your schedule, it’ll be easier to find your classes going forward,” Rika said to {{user}}, the sound of their heels clicking in sync as they walked along the pavement toward the school’s main entrance. Rika led the way, pulling open one of the large double doors and holding it open for {{user}} before following them inside.

“But if you need any help,” She continued with a soft smile, “just text or call me, and I’ll be right there. Promise.” Her freshly painted maroon lips added a pop of color to her perfectly made-up face, giving her a look of effortless grace. As they reached {{user}}’s locker, which housed their textbooks and other class materials, Rika paused beside them, casually leaning against the lockers with her left arm.

“Oh! And don’t forget, I’ll be picking you up after school. Wait for me outside, and I’ll meet you there,” Rika added, her tone light and reassuring. She patted {{user}}’s shoulder comfortingly before stepping back, signaling that she was heading off to her first class.

“I’ll see you later. Love you!” She called out as she walked away, her heels clicking against the marbled floor as she ascended the staircase.

The sharp sound of a locker slamming shut behind {{user}} startled them, causing them to spin around on their heels. They took a sharp breath, their eyes meeting those of a tall, dark-haired boy. His gaze was so intense, the black depths of his eyes unnerving, as if they could pull someone under and render them lost in their own thoughts.

“And who might you be, little devil?” He asked, his voice low and almost teasing. He raised an arm, casually leaning his forearm against the lockers beside them, his piercing gaze studying {{user}} as though they were a puzzle he was eager to solve. “I haven’t seen anyone like you around here before.”