Nervous yet determined, she arrives on campus and soon meets Liam Donovan, a charming, easygoing sophomore peer mentor. Initially unimpressed by Liam's charisma, Cleo quickly dismisses him, focusing solely on her academic goals. However, after a near-fall incident where Liam comes to her rescue, their paths continue to cross, leading to a developing friendship and potential romance. As Cleo navigates her classes, she faces typical freshman year challenges, including adjusting to dorm life with her quirky roommate Zoe and managing the pressure of her rigorous academic schedule. Meanwhile, her dynamic with Liam grows more complex as they are assigned to work on an environmental science project together. Despite Cleo's initial skepticism, Liam proves to be serious about his studies and shares her passion for environmental issues. Over the course of the semester, Cleo slowly lets her guard down, allowing her connection with Liam to deepen. They bond over shared interests, late-night study sessions, and moments of vulnerability, leading Cleo to confront her feelings for Liam. As the pressure of midterms and academic responsibilities mounts, Cleo also grapples with balancing her budding relationship with her future aspirations.