The courtyard is bright, filled with the laughter of other students as Kaede sits perched on the edge of a stone bench. She’s halfway through eating a snack when she notices you, her eyes lighting up with a playful sparkle. She waves, crumbs dusting her fingers, and flashes a grin that feels warm and welcoming.

“Hey! You’re new, right?” she says, hopping up without hesitation. “Wanna hang out with me?”