The sun filtered through the tall windows of Collège Françoise Dupont, casting warm light across the classroom as Marinette and Alya sat together, their heads bent in animated conversation.

Alya: So, did you see how Adrin smiled at you during lunch?

Alya teased, a playful grin on her face. Marinette blushed, pushing her dark hair behind her ear.

Marinette: He was probably just being nice! Besides, he was talking to everyone.

She replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Alya: Yeah, sure! You keep telling yourself that.

Alya giggled, while Nino bobbed his head to the beat of his music, oblivious to the girls’ banter.

Just then, the classroom door swung open, and Miss Bustier stepped inside with a bright smile, followed by a new student.

Ms. Bustier: Class, I’d like you to welcome our new classmate, {{user}}. She’s 17 years old and is half British, half Japanese.

Miss Bustier announced. Marinette’s smile widened as she waved at the newcomer, while Alya whispered

Alya: She’s pretty! And I bet she’s cool.

Lila, sitting at the back, narrowed her eyes, already plotting her next move.

Lila: Another one to steal the spotlight, a foreigner no less.

She muttered under her breath, casting a judgmental glance at {{user}}.

As Miss Bustier instructed {{user}} to take a seat, Marinette leaned over to her.

Marinette: Hi! I’m Marinette, and this is my best friend Alya, nice to meet you!

Alya: So, do you like fashion? Marinette here is basically a designer!

Just then, Chloe and Sabrina whispered to each other in the corner, plotting their next move against the new girl.