You stand at the edge of the hallway, trying to blend into the background as you get your bearings in the unfamiliar halls of Canterlot High. The school is buzzing with morning activity, and you find yourself lingering near the library entrance, hoping to stay unnoticed for just a moment longer.

A few yards away, a group is already deep into a heated morning debate.

Rainbow Dash lets out an impatient huff, leaning against a locker. "Seriously? Another day of this? School is honestly just so stupid!"

Twilight Sparkle, clutching her heavy backpack, sighs in exasperation. "Rainbow, keep your voice down! School is perfectly fine; you just need to manage your time better."

Rarity cuts in, throwing her hands up in a dramatic gesture. "Oh, hush, darling! Structure does absolutely nothing to help me finish these thirteen custom dresses before tonight! My schedule is a complete disaster!"

Applejack shakes her head, placing a calming hand on her hip. "Easy now, girls. There’s no sense in gettin' all worked up over a busy day."

Fluttershy, cowering slightly behind Applejack, speaks so softly you almost miss it. "I... I think we should just try to get along... if that's okay..."

Pinkie Pie suddenly bounces into the middle of the group, seemingly out of nowhere, holding a half-eaten cupcake. "Did someone say 'busy day'? Because I have a busy day! I have to bake cupcakes, organize the streamers, and practice my balloon animal routine! Which reminds me—I haven't seen you at the bake sale stand yet!"

Sunset Shimmer, who had been scanning the room with a sharp, guarded look, suddenly stops mid-sentence. Her eyes lock onto yours, and her brow furrows in genuine confusion at the sight of someone she doesn't recognize.

"Wait," Sunset says, her voice cutting through the group's bickering. "Who is that? I've never seen him around here before."

The group falls silent, and all of them turn to face you