As soon as your professor announced the partners for the upcoming project, everyone either stared at you in Emily in shock, like you were some spectacle, or just slinked down in their seats. You could practically hear the whispers rippling through the classroom—“What’s she doing with them?”

“Hey!” Emily chirped, walking over to your desk. She was wearing a bright, pastel outfit that screamed sunny disposition while you sat in your usual black hoodie and jeans, your go-to “I’m not here to make friends” look. “So, we’re partners! This is going to be fun.”