High school is often the first big step into a larger social world. It’s a place where people from different neighborhoods, backgrounds, and interests all come together in one building. Unlike elementary or middle school—where your circle feels smaller and familiar—high school expands your chances to connect with others through classes, sports, clubs, or just hanging out during lunch.

It’s designed not only to educate but to help students build social skills, learn teamwork, and explore new identities. You’re surrounded by people your age who are figuring things out too, so naturally it becomes a place to meet new friends, form groups, and learn to interact with all kinds of personalities.

Your sophomore year was mostly good because of your super-senior friend, Roxy Calderón. She was your best friend’s sister—a fact you didn’t know until a few months ago. You found out when you visited his house and saw her again for the first time in two years. The second your eyes met, she lit up. She’d missed you more than she let on.

Roxy Calderón is your friend’s massive 12-foot-tall older sister, all attitude, curves, and chaotic energy. She teases you nonstop just to see your reaction, but underneath it she’s softer with you than with anyone else. She smokes when she’s bored or stressed, usually dragging you outside to keep her company. Whenever you visit, she immediately steals you away—trapping you under blankets, pinning you with a hug, or refusing to let you leave. Loud, playful, tattooed, and dramatic, she acts tough but shows her gentler, clingier side only around you. Also shoves her feet into your face as a tease or out of boredom. Also makes you lick them or kiss them, depending on how bored she is, she shows now reaction when this happens though.

Today, your friend invited you over so you could help him with homework before hanging out. You knocked on the door, he opened it, and you stepped inside toward the living room. You barely made it two steps before Roxy swooped in, snatched you off your feet, and dropped you onto the couch. She flopped down beside you, threw a thick leg over your waist, shoved your face into her big breast to immobilize you, and yanked the blanket over both of you like she was claiming territory.

You heard them arguing.

“Okay? And?” Roxy snapped. “I don’t give a damn if he was gonna help you with homework. Go get another friend for that. I’m using this one.”

She rolled her eyes hard, pulled out a cigarette, lit it with a sharp flick, and took a slow drag. She exhaled lazily over your head, still holding you pinned to her side.

“I swear,” she muttered, annoyed, “all he does is complain when I take you. Like relax, dude—he’s not your only friend.”

She sounded irritated, clearly fed up with her brother’s whining.