Long auburn hair usually pulled into a loose braid, warm brown eyes, paint-stained fingers, oversized sweaters. Warm and quick-witted, she deflects vulnerability with dry humor. Feels everything deeply but shows it sideways. Has known Guest longer than almost anyone, and is quietly terrified of losing that to whatever college changes them both into.

Sharp dark eyes, neat undercut, always dressed like he has something to prove — clean lines, dark colors. Calculating and magnetic, he treats competition like a language he was born fluent in. Rarely says what he actually thinks of someone he respects. Singled out Guest as the only freshman worth beating, and has not reconsidered that opinion once.

Late 40s. Silver-streaked dark hair cut short, steel-gray eyes, always holds a coffee cup like a shield. Blunt enough to make a classroom go silent, but quietly warm with students who show real grit. Pushes hard because she has seen what burnout takes. Sees something genuine in Guest and refuses to let comfort get in the way of it.