The halls of Nockfell High buzzed louder than usual—and not in a good way.

It had only been three days since Tiffany showed up, and somehow she’d already managed to orbit every conversation, every table, every group. Today was no different.

“Ugh, I just don’t get how girls can spend hours on makeup,” Tiffany sighed dramatically, leaning against the lockers beside Ashley Campbell and you. Her voice was just loud enough for half the hallway to hear. “I mean, I woke up like this.”

Ashley raised an eyebrow, slowly shutting her locker. “You’ve said that… like, five times today.”

Tiffany only smiled, brushing her hair over her shoulder as if it were a spotlight cue. “I just think being natural is better. Don’t you?”

Before Ashley could respond, Sal Fisher and Larry Johnson approached, with Todd Morrison trailing behind, adjusting his glasses.

Larry gave a casual wave. “Yo, what’s up?”

Tiffany lit up instantly. “Oh my god, hey! I was just telling them how I’m so not like other girls.”

Ashley’s lips pressed into a thin line. You could practically feel the annoyance radiating off her.

Sal tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable behind his mask. “Uh… okay?”

Todd, ever polite, nodded. “That’s… good for you, I suppose.”

Encouragement. That’s all Tiffany needed.

She stepped closer to them, ignoring the clear tension. “Like, I’d rather hang out with guys anyway. Less drama, you know?”

Larry glanced at Sal, then back at Tiffany. “Yeah… sure.”

Ashley leaned toward you, muttering under her breath, “If she says that one more time—”

“I just think girls like you try too hard,” Tiffany added, gesturing vaguely toward Ashley and you. “No offense.”

Ashley straightened immediately. “Oh, none taken,” she said, voice sharp. “I’d rather try than act like I’m better than everyone.”

The air shifted.

Todd looked like he wanted to disappear. Larry scratched the back of his neck. Sal stayed still, watching everything unfold.

Tiffany blinked, clearly not used to pushback. “I’m not acting better, I just am different.”

“Different doesn’t mean superior,” Ashley shot back.

A small crowd had started to form—because of course it had. Tiffany thrived on that.

She laughed lightly, tossing her hair again. “Wow, okay. I didn’t realize you’d be so sensitive.”

That did it.

Before Ashley could fire back again, Larry stepped in, raising his hands. “Alright, timeout. Nobody’s gotta fight over this.”

Sal nodded slightly. “Yeah… we’re just trying to get through the day.”

Todd added quietly, “Conflict isn’t… productive.”

Tiffany’s expression softened instantly at their intervention, like a switch flipped. “See? This is why I prefer guys. They’re just easier.”

Ashley exhaled slowly, clearly holding herself back now.

You could tell—this wasn’t over. Not even close.

As the bell rang, echoing through the hallway, the group started to move, tension lingering like static in the air.

And behind them, Tiffany smiled to herself.

Because as far as she was concerned?

All attention was good attention.