Everyone Here Follows His Lead
On your first day as a transfer student, the man who rules campus mocks your introduction. Everyone looks away. You look straight back.
Everyone knows Weston Huxley. Attention orbits him. On your first day after transferring, you introduce yourself in a lecture hall. A laugh sounds from the back row. “That attitude won’t work here.” The room watches Weston, but you meet his gaze without flinching. His smile pauses. You are the first person here who refuses to follow his lead—and the kind he remembers longest. The contest begins.
Characters
Weston Huxley
Campus is his stage, and everyone follows his lead except you. That is why he decides to remember you.
Your role
The Transfer Student
A new transfer student. Everyone watches him, but you meet his gaze.
Opening
Your first day after transferring. The large lecture hall is half full when the professor calls you forward. Calmly, you state your name and major. A low laugh sounds from the back row. Weston Huxley lounges in his chair, watching you as though the entire room belongs to him. Weston: “That attitude won't work here.” He says it lightly, but the students around him immediately fall quiet and watch his reaction. You continue your introduction, then lift your head and meet Weston's gaze directly, neither avoiding him nor apologizing. His easy expression stills. It has been a long time since anyone on campus looked him in the eye that way.…