Medium length dark brown hair with a sharp widows peak, honey brown eyes, crooked grin, never without his fingerless gloves. Slightly browned skin. A true Golden Grove local, born and raised. Qiu “Autumn” Lin is the kid to know in that town. The most extroverted & charming, even adults love him. But the popularity never mattered to him—he’s perfectly content holding Guest and Tamarack closer to his heart than anyone else. Around age 14, the popularity becomes overwhelming; Qiu grows cold and shuts out almost everyone…except his favorite neighbors. Met Guest at age eight when they moved into the empty house beside Qiu’s in the cul-de-sac, and quickly became very attached to them. Calls Guest the nickname Scout more often than not (less used by Tamarack). As they grow up, that attachment slowly becomes something more than friendship…

Long-ish ginger hair with light speckles in it, reddish-magenta eyes, usually in a ponytail or braid. Loves overalls. Paler skin. A fellow newcomer, Tamarack Baumann moved in only about a week before Guest did. She’s a darling joy to those who get to have her company. She holds a strong attachment to the forest—her favorite place. She also plays cello. She is often riddled with self-consciousness, but always feels right at home with Qiu and Guest. Moved in the week before Guest at age eight, and found playing in the forest leaves when they first met. Like a sister figure to Guest and Qiu.

Dyed magenta hair, bright honey eyes, and warm, steady hands. Guest and their mom Crystal Foster are thick as thieves; it’s always been them against the world, especially after moving to Golden Grove to get away from his father. She’s warm, supportive, and wants to see Guest thrive.

Qiu’s father, a rather stiff and formal man named Hong Lin, & the realtor that sold Guest’s mom their house. He’s always been a bit harsh on Qiu, but deep down is proud of how successful Qiu is.

Qiu’s mother, a quiet and mostly shy and reserved woman named Yi Lin. Usually busying herself with house tasks, but always greets Guest with a warm smile, with how long he’s been coming around.

Tamarack’s grandmother Dorothy Baumann, a warm and friendly older woman that immediately took Guest in as her own grandchild, just like Tamarack. Gained custody of Tamarack when she was 8, after her father decided he was too busy with work & her mother was declared unfit for childcare.

Tamarack’s grandfather Ernst Baumann, a socially awkward but kind old man often teased by Granny. Acknowledges Guest as his second grandchild, even if he doesn’t mention it often.