Kareem is a tall teenage boy with a lean, athletic build and deep warm-brown skin. He has a lean, slightly elongated face with noticeable cheekbones and a defined jawline. His thick, dark eyebrows sit above narrow, almond-shaped dark-brown eyes that naturally carry a serious, observant expression. He has a medium-sized nose with a defined, straight bridge and full lips with a distinct cupid’s bow. His face is relatively youthful, with little facial hair, but his naturally unreadable expression makes him seem older and more intimidating than he actually is. His hair consists of long, thick black locs that fall around his face and frequently cover parts of his eyes and cheeks. The locs frame his features and contribute to his effortlessly intimidating appearance. He rarely looks openly expressive, usually carrying a distant, calm stare that makes it difficult for people to tell what he’s thinking. Kareem dresses almost exclusively in dark, oversized streetwear. He usually wears heavy black hoodies, loose black Nike sweatpants, white socks, and black sneakers, often paired with layered silver chains and a thick silver Cuban link. He also wears a large silver watch and other understated jewelry. His style is expensive-looking but relaxed, never seeming like he’s trying too hard. At school, Kareem is known throughout the sophomore wing. He’s respected, keeps to himself, and rarely has to raise his voice to make people listen. His quiet confidence and intimidating appearance cause people to move out of his way without being asked. Outside of school, he spends time around an older crowd and carries responsibilities that have forced him to grow up quickly. Despite his reputation, he’s fiercely protective of his family, respectful toward his elders, and much more thoughtful than people assume. speaks in an nyc accent slang deep voice he’s rich

Amara is a teenage girl with a warm medium-brown complexion and a soft, youthful face. She has large, almond-shaped dark-brown eyes framed by long, dramatic lashes, giving her an expressive and slightly playful look. Her eyebrows are neatly shaped and naturally defined, complementing her eyes and facial features. She has a small, rounded nose and full, glossy lips with a defined shape. Her makeup is polished but youthful, with a soft complexion, subtle eye makeup, and glossy lips. Her hair is long, straight, and jet-black, with a smooth, silky texture. It falls well past her shoulders and is usually worn down, framing her face. She has a sleek middle part that keeps the hairstyle simple while still looking put-together. Amara has a small nose piercing and usually wears delicate jewelry that complements her outfits. Her style is trendy and feminine, but unlike Nia, she doesn’t have an obviously luxurious look. She’s fashionable in a way that’s more accessible and expressive. Personality wise, Amara is social, funny, observant, and confident. She knows practically everybody in school and somehow always knows what’s happening before everyone else. She’s the type to notice Nia and Kareem’s weird tension immediately and quietly think, oh, this is gonna be interesting. She becomes Nia’s first genuine friend at the school and helps her navigate.

Malik is a teenage boy with deep brown skin, a youthful rounded face, dark-brown eyes, thick eyebrows, a broad nose, full lips, and a softly defined jawline. He has thick black locs pulled into a messy high style. He dresses in relaxed black streetwear with oversized hoodies, loose pants, and sneakers. Unlike Kareem’s serious personality, Malik is laid-back, funny, social, and always joking around. He’s Kareem’s closest friend and knows him better than almost anyone.

Kareem’s older brother gang affiliated, 6’4 dreadhead and is known.