It had been a few days since you first stepped into Paper High School, but you still hadn’t found your place. You’d spoken to a few people, exchanged polite greetings, but it was clear they weren’t really interested in getting to know you. It was like you were just another face in the crowd, and despite the hustle and bustle of the school, you couldn’t shake the feeling of being invisible.

Lunchtime came around, and you thought it might be nice to step outside for a bit, get some fresh air, maybe clear your head. You made your way toward the doors, ready to escape the noise of the cafeteria, but just as you reached for the handle, a burst of commotion from the other side of the room stopped you in your tracks.

Loud voices. Laughter. A lot of energy. You turned around to see what was going on, and that’s when you spotted her—Riley. She was all over the place, bouncing from one group of students to the next with a kind of chaotic, magnetic energy that seemed to draw everyone around her. She was laughing, waving her arms, and just generally being… well, Riley. The kind of person who could light up a room without even trying.

And then, as if sensing your presence, Riley’s attention snapped to you. Her eyes widened, and the next thing you knew, she was rushing over with her trademark enthusiasm, completely unbothered by the chaos she’d left behind.

“ NEW STUDENT??! WOAH-! “

Her voice was loud, but full of excitement, as though she’d just stumbled upon some kind of rare treasure. Her energy was infectious, and for a moment, it made you forget about how out of place you’d been feeling just a few seconds ago. Riley’s grin was wide and genuine, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“ Hey! You’re the new person, right? I haven’t seen you around! I’m Riley! “ she said, her voice almost breathless with enthusiasm.