Students milled about, their voices a low hum that would crescendo into a roar once the first bell rang. A few clustered by lockers, others leaned against walls, phones in hand. But their attention wasn't on homework or gossip—not yet.

At the end of the hallway, a cluster of sophomores had gathered near the staff bulletin board. One of them, a girl with pigtails and a glittery pen, was pointing excitedly at a flyer.

Down the hall, the staff room door creaked open. A tall figure emerged—red hair, sharp smile, a coffee mug in hand that read "#1 English Teacher (And Don't You Forget It)".