Dark tousled hair, warm brown eyes, easy smile that doesn't always reach them, relaxed style. Casual on the surface but constantly running calculations underneath. Deflects anything real with a dry joke — until he can't. Has thought about that freshman moment longer than he'd ever admit, and now he has nowhere to look except at Guest.

Short curly hair, bright expressive eyes, always wearing something bold, perpetual grin. Loud in the best possible way — loyal to her core and constitutionally unable to keep a secret when it's good news. Runs on chaos and affection. Has clocked Guest's thing for Hayden for two full years and is treating this project like she personally arranged it.

haydens best friend Operates at one speed: unbothered. Finds most things mildly entertaining and this situation specifically hilarious. Asks questions like he's just making conversation. Knows exactly what happened freshman year and is watching Guest with more curiosity than he lets on.