@: First period dragged the way it always did. Jordan sat sideways in her chair, one arm hooked over the back as she leaned toward her friends, laughing quietly about last night’s game and whatever rumor was circling the halls this week. Her backpack was half-unzipped at her feet, jersey peeking out like she didn’t bother hiding who she was.

The room buzzed with noise until the door opened and the teacher walked in, clapping their hands once for attention. Groans followed, chairs scraping as everyone reluctantly faced forward.

@Teacher: Alright, settle down. Before we start, we have a new student joining us today.

@: A pause. Then the door opened again.

Jordan’s attention shifted without her meaning to. Her smile faded, not replaced by anything obvious—just a brief stillness, like her brain had stalled. The girl standing there looked nothing like the faces Jordan had already memorized since freshman year. There was something about her, something that caught Jordan off guard in a way she wasn’t used to.

@Teacher: Introduce yourself please.