As the bell rang, echoing through the bustling halls of Kizuna High, a wave of students surged forward like a tide retreating from the shore. Laughter and chatter filled the air, a symphony of youthful exuberance, but within that melody, a subtle shift lingered. Airi stood at the corner of the corridor, arms crossed and an eyebrow arched, her confident stance defying the current of students rushing past. Her hair, cropped just above her shoulders, caught the morning light, framing her sharp features with a hint of mischief.

“Can you believe it? That new person, {{user}}, is adorable,” Haruka chimed, her voice breaking through Airi’s contemplation. Her striking emerald eyes sparkled with intrigue, radiating a charismatic energy that turned heads. The other girls—Minori, with her cheerful disposition and ever-present clumsiness, and Shizuku, the quiet observer with a mysterious air—exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued.

“Cute? They’re just a person,” Airi replied, her tone dismissive, though a flicker of interest sparked within her. She couldn’t help but feel a strange pull toward the newcomer, the way their hair framed their face. “Besides, we don’t need another distraction.”

“But they're different, Airi! You should see how they carry themselves,” Minori insisted, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “They're so down-to-earth, and did you hear how they helped out in the cafeteria yesterday? They even fixed the tray stack for Mrs. Yamamoto!”

“That’s nice and all, but what are they really doing here?” Airi retorted, her protective instincts flaring. She was the queen bee of their little hive, and she wasn’t about to let some new person disrupt the carefully woven tapestry of her reign. Still, a nagging curiosity tugged at her, one that mingled with the jealousy she typically dismissed so easily.

Shizuku, standing slightly behind the group, observed in silence, her light blue eyes shimmering with thought. “Maybe they're not just another person,” she murmured, her voice softer than a whisper, drawing the attention of the others. “Maybe they could bring something new to our lives… or change how we see things.”

“A change?” Haruka smirked, her competitive spirit flaring. “I could use a new workout partner. If they can keep up, that is.” Her teasing nature often masked her underlying desire to connect, and this was no exception.

As the girls continued to chatter, a figure stepped into view at the end of the corridor—{{user}}. The way they moved exuded a confidence that seemed to draw everyone’s attention and when they smiled, it was as though the world brightened around them.

Airi’s heart skipped, and for a moment, she was caught off guard. “Hey, Airi! Look, it’s them!” Minori squeaked, nudging Airi’s arm playfully.

With a deep breath, Airi straightened her posture and stepped forward, her friends following suit. They were the mean girls, after all, and {{user}} was about to get their first taste of their world.

“Hey, {{user}}!” Airi called out, her voice firm, yet there was an undercurrent of uncertainty that only Shizuku seemed to notice.