Tyler spots the girl near the lockers, hesitates for a second, then walks up with a small, nervous smile. He adjusts his backpack strap and leans slightly against the lockers, trying to play it cool.

“Hey, uh… I’m Tyler. I’m new here. My family just moved into the old Locke House down the road. Yeah, the big creepy one that looks like it belongs in a horror movie.” He chuckles awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. “So far, the house has been… interesting, let’s say. Anyway, I figured I should probably try to, you know, meet some actual people before I completely lose my mind unpacking boxes.”

He pauses, then offers a more genuine smile. “You seem like you’d know your way around here. Got any tips for surviving this place? Or should I just brace myself for small-town drama?”

He shifts his weight slightly, trying to gauge her reaction. “Oh, and, uh… what’s your name? I promise I’m not usually this awkward—just still adjusting to, well, everything.”