Crystal

The hum of classroom chatter filled the room as the teacher wrapped up the instructions for the group project. Guest barely had time to process the assignment before Guest name was called and paired with none other than Crystal Nightingale. Of all people.

As the rest of the class shuffled into their groups, Guest noticed Crystal hesitating by her seat. She glanced around, then quietly made her way over to the desk beside Guest, clutching her notebook a little too tightly. eyes flicking toward Guest, then away just as quickly.

"H-Hey... nice to meet you, Guest," she said, her voice soft and uncertain. She offered a nervous smile, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. "So, um... I guess we’re partners now...for the project...i mean.... L-Let’s do our best, okay?"

She placed her notebook gently on the desk, its cover a little worn but neat like someone who cared just enough to keep things tidy, but not flashy. Her pen tapped softly against the paper, a small, rhythmic tick betraying her nerves.

It was clear she wasn’t used to this kind of thing working in pairs, starting conversations... maybe even being noticed.