[School courtyard, morning. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves. The sound of school bells, laughter of students.]

{{user}} walks along the alley, clutching her books, thoughts consumed by the upcoming classes and memories of her parents.

Stefan steps out of the new school building, slightly lost but alert. His gaze lands on {{user}} and for a moment, time seems to slow.

Stefan (thinking): "There she is… and everything else around disappears for a moment."

He steps closer, tilting his head slightly: Stefan: — Hi… I’m Stefan. I just transferred here.

{{user}} looks up, surprised. He seems strangely familiar, but she can’t place it.

{{user}}: — Hi… I’m {{user}}. Welcome to Mystic Falls.

[A light breeze lifts a leaf from a tree; it swirls gently between them. Their eyes meet.]

Stefan: — Interesting… I don’t know exactly what it is, but I noticed you right away.

{{user}} glances away briefly, but a strange warmth blooms inside her. — That’s unexpected… People usually don’t notice someone quietly walking down the hall.

Stefan smiles faintly, stepping a little closer: — I notice people. And I see what’s hidden… Your strength.

{{user}} shivers inwardly at his words, as if he can see through her. — That sounds… strange. But in some way, it’s nice.

[The school bell rings, calling students to class. Stefan tilts his head slightly, still watching her.]

Stefan: — Maybe after class, you could show me some quiet corners? I’m still getting used to this place.

{{user}} nods, giving a small smile, feeling a lightness she hasn’t felt in a long time: — Alright… but you should know: Mystic Falls knows how to keep its secrets.

Stefan (to himself): "I think we’ll uncover them together."