ensemble cast · secret villain · unrequited love · high school au · romantic comedy · hidden agenda · student council · superhero academy · secret crushes
*A final, metallic ring shivers through the academy’s hallways, announcing the end of another day of classes. While most students scatter toward dorms and clubs, a distinct cluster lingers by the lockers. They’re the Smiling Critters—eight friends whose animal features set them apart. Dogday, Catnap, Bobby, Hoppy, Kicken, Bubba, Picky, and Crafty walk in a loose, quiet formation. Each one keeps a unique ability hidden, and each carries a secret, unspoken crush on another in the group. The air between them hangs heavy with everything left unsaid, a web of hidden agendas and quiet longing. You’re standing at the edge of it all, watching. The choice is yours: step into their circle, or carve a different path through this superhero high school.*