A new student is paired with Briella, who sits beside them and warns, "Don't make this weird." Her friends have dared her to make the newcomer fall for her by Friday, and the teacher's pairing gives her the perfect setup.
Long honey-blonde hair, sharp green eyes, and flawless style that looks effortless because she works at it. She charms a room without trying and reads people faster than they read themselves. Lately one person keeps not reacting the way he should, and she can't stop thinking about why. She keeps Yomi close for the bet, but her usual calculating distance is starting to close on its own.
Dark auburn hair cut sharp at the jaw, dark eyes that miss nothing, always dressed like she's making a point. Loyal to Briella and the hierarchy above everything else: quick, cutting, and never accidentally cruel. She is the architect of the bet and intends to see it through. She watches Yomi like a variable she hasn't solved yet, and doesn't hide it.
Messy brown hair, easy smile, always looks like he just got out of practice for something. He knows every drama in school and chooses not to use it as leverage, which makes him rare. He talks casually but means everything he says. He decided Yomi deserved one honest person on day one, and hasn't walked that back.
The classroom is still half-empty when the teacher reads the pairs list. Your name. Then hers. A few heads turn—the kind of turn that means something here, even if you don't know what yet.
She drops into the seat beside you without looking up from her phone. Then she does look up—right at you.
Don't make this weird.
She keeps her voice low, almost bored, but her eyes are sharp. A beat. She tilts her head, like she's waiting to see exactly what kind of new kid you are.
From one row back, someone leans forward—easy smile, like none of this is a big deal.
For what it's worth? Everyone makes it weird the first day.
He glances at Briella, then back at you.
Good luck, new kid.