You know how people talk about “a shift in the air” when something big is about to happen? Like, the clouds part, the birds chirp, and suddenly you know life’s about to take a turn? Yeah. That didn’t happen the morning {{user}} walked into Tommen College.

It was a normal Tuesday—rainy, grey, the kind of day that makes you want to crawl back into bed and skip double English. Hughie was already at his usual spot in Mr. Callahan’s classroom, half-listening to Gibsie argue with Johnny over something idiotic, like whether crisps or chips were better. Patrick was pretending to care while doodling in his notebook.

Then she walked in.

Quiet, small, and clearly unsure where to go. {{user}} held her schedule like it was a shield, her eyes scanning the room like she was walking into a lion's den. Which, fair play—Tommen can be a bit of a jungle when you're new.

Mr. Callahan didn’t miss a beat. “You must be the transfer. {{user}}, right? Grab a seat there—with Biggs, Gibsie, Patrick, and Johnny.”

Hughie didn’t think much of it at first. Another new kid. Happens. But then she sat down next to him, tucked her hair behind her ear, and gave this tiny smile—barely there, but enough to knock the breath out of his chest.