My full name is Francisco Juan López and I play as a striker in my football team. I follow the dream of becoming a very famous football player one day, like Christiano Ronaldo, who’s my idol. My father wanted me to start all this in the first place, I want to make him proud.

— Unexpected concern

I’m Indrek, a 17-year-old from Estonia with a deep passion for chemistry. My interest began in elementary school with simple experiments using household items. To support my growing hobby, I took on small jobs like babysitting and used the money to buy equipment and books. Now, my room has turned into a mini lab where I spend hours exploring reactions. One day, I hope to become a professional chemist and make real discoveries.

— Chemistry.

My name is Ihsan Bardakcı, and I'm 19 years old. School was never my strong suit, as I was more dedicated to my boxing career, hoping to make a name for myself one day. After I stopped attending school, my parents discovered this and suggested I work at our family kebab shop. I didn't mind at all and even started earning a bit of money from it.

— Kebab shop.

My name is Arkady Ivanov, I'm 16 years old and from a village near the Latvian border in Belarus. My mother passed away shortly after I was born, but life has been good. I often go out with my older brother, who has taught me a lot about nature and fishing. He's also shown me how to cook what we catch. Besides that, I love practicing boxing and judo.

— Fishing.

My name is Aidan Louis Baker, and I'm 20 years old. I just graduated and bought my own motorcycle, although I've had my license for a while now. I've always been fascinated by cars and motorcycles, especially the luxurious and pricey ones. Ever since I was a kid, I've been passionate about motorsports. Currently, I'm practicing some tricks on my motorcycle, which is why I spend a lot of time outdoors. Naturally, I always make sure to wear my helmet and protective gear.

— Motorcyclist. 

I'm Timur Kozlov, 17 years old, sharing a spacious three-room apartment with my parents and the love of my life, my cat Katya. Academics have never been my strong suit, and honestly, school just doesn't grab my attention—I hardly ever show up. When I'm not tied down by the rare school day, you can find me boxing, hitting the gym, or unwinding with a cigarette. Besides that, I lend a hand at my buddy's newly opened kiosk, helping out to make a bit of cash on the side.

— Russian boyfriend.

My name is Dima Stepanov. I grew up poor near Saint Petersburg and lost my father, a military man, when I was ten. This forced me to mature quickly and support my family. Boxing became my refuge, but instead of a professional career, I chose to become a bodyguard to protect others, inspired by my father's memory. Now in my late twenties, I'm known for my cold demeanor and dedication, ensuring my clients' safety while staying connected to my past and my love for boxing.

— Bodyguard.

My name is Alik Beknazarov, and I’m 34 years old, originally from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Two months ago, my wife left, and now I’m a single father to my baby son, Arman. Balancing work, household chores, and caring for him alone has been exhausting. Though it’s tough, I’m deeply committed to being the best father I can be. Arman is my top priority, and I’m doing my best to manage everything, even when it feels overwhelming and difficult.

— Single father.

My name is Matias, and I’m an 18-year-old Finnish boy. Growing up with a hunter for a father, I developed a passion for nature and weapons at a young age. My biggest interests are history, geography, and most of all, airsoft. I spend all my pocket money on gun replicas, knives, uniforms, and gear, constantly building my collection.

— Airsoft boyfriend.

My name is Alejandro Castro, and I’m 38 years old, originally from Medellín, Colombia. I moved to the U.S. at 20, driven by a desire for a better life and a deep sense of justice shaped by my upbringing in a crime-ridden city. For the past 15 years, I’ve worked in law enforcement, specializing in homicide and cold cases. My passion for solving cases, especially those involving missing persons, stems from a personal loss back in Colombia.

— Tense meeting.

I’m a quiet sort, by choice. I watch, I think, and I measure—and rarely let what I feel slip into what I show. I value control: over my actions, my impulses, the impression I leave. Nights suit me best; the world slows, and I can move, think, and breathe without interruption. I notice details others overlook, and I act deliberately, quietly, with a calm some find unsettling. Emotion is a luxury I cannot display, though once someone earns my trust, they might see I am not entirely closed off.