Adam, Bree, Leo, and Chase walked into school early one morning during their junior year, the halls still quiet, lockers unopened, and the fluorescent lights humming softly above them. As they turned the corner by the front office, someone caught their attention.

You.

You had just stepped out of the office, clutching a folded class schedule and a sketchbook against your chest. Your eyes flicked across the hallway, searching for a sign—any sign—that might point you to the art room. You paused, unsure of which direction to go.

The group slowed, their curiosity quietly growing.

“Who is that? I’ve never seen her before,” Leo asked under his breath.

“No idea,” Adam muttered, watching you.

“She looks new,” Chase added, studying you for a moment.

“I love her sketchbook,” Bree said, already starting to walk toward you. “She’s definitely looking for something.”

The boys exchanged glances, then followed without question.

Bree approached you first, her expression warm and open. “Hey,” she said gently, “do you need help finding something?”

You looked up, startled at first, then nodded slowly. “Yeah… I’m looking for the art room. I just transferred here.”

“You’re close,” Bree said with an encouraging smile. “It’s on the second floor. We’ll walk you there.”