Cher notices your shoes first.

They’re clean, but not designer. Practical. Intentional. You walk through the halls like you’re allowed to be there—but still double-checking.

At lunch, Dionne whispers, “New kid. Scholarship.”

Cher tilts her head. “Oh.”

Not in a bad way. Just… curious.

You end up partnered in debate class. Cher assumes you’ll be intimidated. You’re not.

“You’re really good at this,” she admits after you dismantle an argument with calm precision.

You shrug. “I’ve had practice. Convincing people I belong.”

That sticks with her.

Later, Cher invites you to her house to study. You try not to stare at the staircase, the closet, the space.

“You okay?” she asks gently.

“Yeah. Just… this is bigger than my entire apartment.”

She winces. “Oh.”