HOLLINGSWORTH HALL.

HOLLINGSHALL is an appless degrassi discord rp all about the lives of twelve incoming freshman at toronto university. this small group will focus on character's from degrassi: next class, and the connections & relationships that have followed them from high school to hollingsworth hall. sometimes you can leave your past behind — and sometimes, it moves in down the hall.

Under the cut you will find events and outings happening on the Toronto University campus, as well as what’s happening at a few student hotspots around town, through the month of SEPTEMBER. These are not RP wide events or anything your character is required to be part of, but to help serve as inspiration for interactions and let y’all know what month we’re at in game. 

event 001: welcome back bonfire at the ravine.

Now that move in day has passed and freshman orientation has wrapped up, it’s time to party! A tried and true tradition at TU is starting the semester off with a bonfire at the Ravine. Once the sun goes down on the evening of Sept 1st -- The night before labor day and two nights before classes officially begin -- is when the debauchery starts. Gather around the (concerningly large) bonfire, fill a solo cup from keg, and forget your troubles. And don't forget: If the vans a rockin', don't come knockin'.

ooc information.

It's time to party!! The bonfire will be taking place on the evening of September 1st in game, two days before classes officially begin. In real time, festivities begin on AUGUST 8TH at 7 PM CST. It will be going on until AUGUST 16TH at 11:59 PM CST so that everyone has a chance to participate regardless of time zone or schedule.

rp timeline for reference.

the facade.

NAME Tristan Milligan FACECLAIM Choi Chanhee AGE & DOB 18, June 16th MAJOR Preforming Arts ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 4, room 402.

No one stands in the way of Tristan quite like Tristan. It’s an art he’s perfected over the years, never failing to find a situation where he can overthink himself into an early grave. He’s never been one to shy away from the dramatic, often the first to chime in with a clever remark or his opinion. But, despite his outward appearance, he’s struggled to feel comfortable in his skin. He knows who he is, and what he wants — But actually getting there is far more complicated than he’d care to admit. He can’t help but pin point all the things he wants to change each time he looks in the mirror, rather than let himself see anything beautiful looking back at him.

It’s something he actively tries to fight, but still leaves him with the dull ache in his chest that tells him he’s going to be left behind. Watching his friends come into their own, find love — It leaves him turning green. This all changes each time he finds himself on stage, with a script memorized and a new story to tell. Something about taking on the role of a leading man has his insecurities fading, igniting a confidence in him that leaves him unrecognizable. The only downside is when he takes the costume off and returns to his real life — The sureness in himself gets left in the prop room as well. The role of a lifetime will be finding a way to blend the two.

connections.

JONAH HAAK – roommate. Admittedly, Tristan was nervous about the dorm life and roommate thing. It’s a gamble on who you’re paired with, and with his luck – He’d end up with Satan reincarnated. What he got instead is Jonah, who seems to be more interested in keeping his head down than actually participating in anything. Admittedly, he finds him to be a little boring – Though he hasn’t talked about it, Tristan has picked up on the whole ‘tortured past’ thing his roommate has going on, which apparently means the other man can no longer have fun. But, at the very least, they both seem to hate the same people. 

TORI SANTAMARIA – best friend. With mothers who are childhood best friends, it’s only fitting that Tori and Tristan carried on the sentiment. The two have been a package deal since they were young, and as they enter TU – That hasn’t changed. Tristan is happy to defend every right and wrong his best friend makes, but can’t deny the growing frustration with her seemingly naive world view. He can admire her optimism, but doesn’t want to see her get heartbroken by the things she refuses to see. As they enter university, he finds himself caught between the instinct to protect his best friend, or let her make her own mistakes. 

MAYA MATLIN, ZIG NOVAK – former friends, currently hated. As far as Tristan sees it, the title of Public Enemy No. 1 is shared by Zig and Maya. Once upon the time he’d considered the two of them to be friends — Though he’d always held a suspicion that something more was going on — until he’d figured out they were sneaking around behind Tori’s back. Before having the chance to confront either, Tori and Zig broke up, and Maya disappeared. It’s a secret he hasn’t shared with the best friend in question, though now that he’s crossed paths with the two once more, the temptation to blow things up has returned. 

RASHA ZUABI – competition. Tristan’s confidence entering university was solid, with plenty of starring roles and accolades under his belt to support it — That is, until he met Rasha and realized the playing field had changed drastically. He had expected there to be talent at TU, but didn’t anticipate being another wide eyed incoming freshman. Naturally, he’s sought to befriend her — Keep your enemies closer, right?  Only problem is she is considerably nicer than he expected, and seems genuinely interested in friendship despite the clear tension that’s settled between them. 

the halycon.

NAME Rasha Zuabi FACECLAIM UTP ( our suggestion: Sara Hamadeh ) AGE & DOB 18, UTP MAJOR UTP ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 3, room 309.

Rasha is no stranger to change, whether she likes it or not. She left her entire world behind to escape war, moving to Toronto during her senior year. Forced to start her life over while living in the guest room of a family friend’s home, she decided to make the best of it — Canada brought certain freedoms she’d never experienced before, most notably being that she could safely live her life out of the closet. Being in a new place breathed new life into her, inspiring her to try anything and everything, not letting anyone derail the optimism that’s settled in her bones. She finds friends, a community, and a love for theater — Being on stage makes her feel more alive than any adrenaline rush could. The stories she can tell on stage are important to her, daring her to push boundaries and shine a light on things once hidden in the dark. Most importantly to her, it helps her find connection with even the most distant strangers.

Toronto becomes home, and after graduation — She wasn’t done with it. TU seemed like the next logic step, furthering her education and continuing to learn to stand on her own two feet. Don’t let her cheerful demeanor fool you, though. Even though Rasha genuinely tries to lift up those around her, she has no intention of letting anyone cross her lines. She's had to learn to hold herself up, to dry her own tears and keep moving forward — There’s no rose tinted glasses in her life, and no university is going to change that.

connections.

ESME SONG – roommate. Rasha’s not entirely sure if her roommate likes her or not, but she’s willing to put in the work to make them friends. They’re going to be living together for an entire year, might as well make the best of it, right? It’s clear Esme has a short fuse, and seems far more unpredictable than Rasha would prefer. That being said, she can’t help but enjoy her new roommate’s flair for the dramatic, hoping it results in a few harmless schemes rather than actual damage. Even if they don’t end up being close, she’s hoping they can find a way to live peacefully with one another. 

ZOE RIVAS — crush, new friend. Rasha has never been particularly shy about her feelings before, but Zoe has managed to render her speechless. The other woman has become Rasha’s first friend at TU, feeling as though they’ve known each other for years rather than since move-in day – It doesn’t hurt that she’s cute, too. Admittedly, she can’t quite tell what Zoe’s angle is; If she keeps showing up at Rasha’s door looking for a friend, or if Zoe is feeling the same pull. As much as she hopes it’s the latter, she’s afraid of making a move and losing someone she’s started to care about. 

WINSTON CHU – wing man. If you were to see Rasha and Winston, you would assume they knew each other for years, based on the way they roast one another, and easily they make one another laugh. Despite having just met during orientation, the two quickly established a sibling-like relationship, feeding off of each other’s energy. More so, they took on the role of wingman/wingwoman for one another with a natural ease, after Winston tried to ask Rasha out on a date and quickly learned they both like girls. In a short period of time, they seemed to stumble into a lasting friendship.

TRISTAN MILLIGAN – competition. One thing Rasha always prided herself on never giving into the drama that can come with theater – If she didn’t get a role or get along with a cast mate, she’d still cheer them on. At least, that had been her train of thought until she met Tristan, and suddenly she understood why there were so many backstage rivalries. Though Rasha has still tried to create some kind of friendship with him, determined to squash any kind of jealousy or competition between them before it can start. However, it’s clear that once auditions come around, so will the tension. 

the peacekeeper.

NAME Winston Chu FACECLAIM Jeon Wonwoo AGE & DOB 18, February 14th MAJOR Chemical Engineering ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 4, room 406.

More often than not, Winston can’t help but feel like a background character in his own story. It’s a role he’s always felt well suited for — Plucky sidekick, who always pops in for a quotable one liner or sarcastic remark. Being both a brainiac and comic lover never helped him change that view point, either. It’s the place he naturally fit into, a spot that seemed like the safe and practical choice. The sidekick never gets hurt, never has his heartbroken; He’s the one keeping things moving, uniting people as the plot develops. There’s a safety to it, security. If you never take a big risk, you can never fail, right?

There’s no denying Winston is often the glue holding his friends together. His ability to adapt to any situation has always served him well, proving himself as the underdog to beat time and time again. But as time goes on and he finds himself branching out more, there’s no room for him to remain the sidekick. It’s time for him to dawn his own polyester cape and silly mask, and be more. The way he sees it, TU is the perfect opportunity to lean in and let himself break out of the box he’s put himself in. As terrifying as the thought is, he’s determined to make this his year — University means a whole new world, a whole new set of people, and most importantly: A whole new Winston.

connections.

MILES HOLLINGSWORTH – roommate, childhood best friend. Miles and Winston could not be more different from one another, and yet the two can’t think of a time where they weren’t best friends. At first glance, most assume the two would have nothing in common – When in reality, there’s no duo that understands each other better than Miles and Winston. Their differences have always complimented each other well, bringing a balance by providing what the other needs. Miles breaks Winston out of his shell, reminding him that he’s no sidekick. In return, Winston helps pull Miles out of his own head, often having to save him from himself. 

TINY BELL  – tutor, unlikely friend. Taking a summer class seemed like a great idea until Winston walked in and didn’t know anyone. Tiny didn’t seem like someone he’d end up being friends with, let alone tutored by. Yet the two found themselves sitting together, sparking a conversation that ended in exchanging numbers. They’d become fast friends after that, with Tiny saving Winston’s grade on more than one occasion. He was able to pass his summer course, and thankfully — Now he’d be starting university with more than one friend. 

RASHA ZUABI – wing woman.  If you were to see Rasha and Winston, you would assume they knew each other for years, based on the way they roast one another, and easily they make one another laugh. Despite having just met during orientation, the two quickly established a sibling-like relationship, feeding off of each other’s energy. More so, they took on the role of wingman/wing woman for one another with a natural ease, after Winston tried to ask Rasha out on a date and quickly learned they both like girls. In a short period of time, they seemed to stumble into a lasting friendship.

ESME SONG – annoyance. Winston never liked Esme. Point blank, full stop. But, his best friend seemed to be head over heels for her – So he tried to be friendly, putting on an Oscar worthy performance, until it became clear that Esme had no interest in actually becoming friends or even acquaintances. Her manipulation was clear to him, knowing all of her carefully placed conversations and attempts at getting to know him were for show. Once it became clear that they would never see eye to eye? Winston stopped bothering to try, happy to voice his opinion about her to anyone who will listen – Including Esme herself. 

the performer.

NAME Zoe Rivas FACECLAIM Rachel Zegler AGE & DOB 18, April 26th MAJOR Undecided ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 3, room 301.

trigger warning: drug use.

The world Zoe grew up in held scripts and cameras, rather than play dates and arts and crafts — With an audience, namely her mother, there to scrutinize every step. Performance runs through her veins, from the moment she learned what the scowl on her mother’ face truly meant. From a young age, it was clear to Zoe that she was the one they relied on to pay the bills. The pressure had been manageable as a child, when it still felt like fun rather than business. But as she grew older, and their lifestyle became more and more expensive -- There was no saying no to roles, no matter how exhausted she may be. Pills seemed like a natural next step, something she'd plenty of costars and other actresses use to be able to balance the pressures and expectations of fame and celebrity.

Though benefits came with it -- Including being the highest paid actress on West Drive, and a Golden Globe nomination for her most recent movie -- she quickly lost control of everything else in her life. As the saying goes, what goes up must come down, and in Zoe's case, it's addiction and a stint rehab after being kicked off of West Drive. A careful collaboration with her PR manager inspires a new narrative: Zoe is stepping away from acting for the chance to be a 'normal' college student. The reality? She's miserable, unemployed, and lying about her sobriety. The way Zoe sees it, she had one stumble, not a problem -- There's no need to derail her life any further than it already is.

connections.

TORI SANTAMARIA – roommate, annoyance. Meeting fans is nothing new to Zoe, but having to live with one? A nightmare. Sure, Tori seems nice enough, and if Zoe were to put forth any effect, she could see the two being friends. Not to mention, if Zoe wants any chance of actually being a “normal student” as she claims she wants to be, Tori is her best shot. But, with her new roommate’s presence and the fact that she’s stuck living in a dorm — She can’t deal with the other girl’s constant excitement and optimism. 

JONAH HAAK – unwanted acquaintance. Rehab was something between a waste of time and a nightmare, and to make matters worse — The Jesus loving guy who bought into the 12 step program lives in the same dorm. He seemed to be able to stay sober better than she could, but the way she sees it, she doesn’t have a problem. Not like he did, at least. Regardless, he knows far too much about her, and she knows about every one of his scars. It makes her want to squirm, putting her on edge knowing that he could make one call to TMZ and expose her. 

ESME SONG – future step sister. Zoe has always chased the approval of her mother, and the latest comes in the form of her future step-father and step-sister. While she’s always done well at putting on a performance, Zoe and Esme have never gotten along. While Zoe is happy her mother has found someone she loves (and has a bank account that can fund her lifestyle), it’s clear Esme doesn’t share the same sentiment. Initially, the former hadn’t cared — It’s easy to avoid family time when you’re busy filming or doing a press circuit. But now that they’re attending the same university, and the wedding is quickly approaching, there’s no avoiding one another. 

RASHA ZUABI – infatuation. Though she's not exactly out of the closet, Zoe can’t deny there’s something about Rasha that’s pulled her in. She barely knows the girl, and yet she finds her mind constantly wandering back to her. In the short time they’ve known one another, Zoe continues to find any excuse she can to spend time with Rasha. Though she’s unsure how to broach a conversation about whether or not the other woman likes girls, let alone a conversation at all – One look from Rasha and Zoe’s charm and confidence quickly disappears. For the first time in a long time, she’s found someone who genuinely makes her nervous – And to make it worse, Rasha has no idea.

the crestfallen.

NAME Miles Hollingsworth III FACECLAIM Herman Tommeraas AGE & DOB 18, January 31st MAJOR Business studies ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 4, room 406.

trigger warning: domestic violence, abuse.

Everyone knows the Hollingsworth family, and everyone has already made their minds up about them. Miles, by his own curation, has been labeled the problem child. He’s the black sheep, the fuck up, an adrenaline junkie determined to ruin his family’s image – He’s heard it all. He’s used to the disappointing feeling, the tightness in his chest when he realizes he’s been written off rather than actually seen. The reputation of their family has always been seen as more important than what goes on behind closed doors, given his father’s career in politics. Being the son of the Mayor comes with expectations, which includes keeping a stiff upper lip when your father gives you a black eye. Multiple times.

It breeds an anger in Miles, one that has him caught between screaming “How is no one seeing this” and “Fuck you, I’ll show you a problem child”. He hopes university would give him freedom from the feeling, and from his father’s influence; But it’s hard to escape from under someone’s thumb when your name is on the side of the building. And while it may not be confirmed (or needed), his father essentially bought Miles’ way into TU. There’s a determination in him to prove he’s nothing like his father — One that manifests in his writing, his friendships, and his relationships. However, it also comes in the form of chaotic rebellion, and the desire to push both people and things to a boiling point. If they already think you’re a screw up, you might as well give them a show.

connections.

WINSTON CHU – roommate, best friend.  Miles and Winston could not be more different from one another, and yet the two can’t think of a time where they weren’t best friends. At first glance, most assume the two would have nothing in common – When in reality, there’s no duo that understands each other better than Miles and Winston. Their differences have always complimented each other well, bringing a balance by providing what the other needs. Miles breaks Winston out of his shell, reminding him that he’s no sidekick. In return, Winston helps pull Miles out of his own head, often having to save him from himself. 

GRACE CARDINAL — life saver, verbal sparring partner. It’s not uncommon for Grace’s computer skills to result in some kid hiring her to fix something for them — Forge a letter, make up a report card, or in Miles’ case? Change a few grades last minute. Their relationship had been strictly business, but it had been clear from their first conversation that Miles is one of the few people who can keep up with Grace’s sharp tongue. Though the two wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves friends, they certainly argue like they’ve known each other for years. 

MAYA MATLIN — party friend. Having run into one another at multiple parties over the summer, Maya and Miles formed an unexpected friendship. The basis of it? Don’t get familiar. The agreement is simple: They’re strangers, who know everything about one another. Conversations after smoking a bowl or while drinking jungle juice often lead to far too honest admissions, ones neither want to be known while sober. Any time the two were together, they rarely stayed sober for long. Their friendship was intended to have an end date — They were supposed to leave for the school in the fall, never to see each other again. Until move in day. 

ESME SONG – ex-girlfriend. Miles’ relationship with Esme was doomed from the start. Their relationship had been built on high highs and low lows, able to give anyone watching severe whiplash. Though they may have cared for one another, they never brought out the best in each other. They seemed to thrive on the chaos, with Esme in particular being more than willing to cross lines to try and keep their relationship afloat. Eventually Miles called things off, knowing that disaster would follow close behind. Esme seemed to move on over the summer, but Miles isn’t naive enough to believe that means she won’t come tearing back into his life with the intent of pulling him back under. 

the spitfire.

NAME Grace Cardinal FACECLAIM Auil'i Cravalho AGE & DOB 18, October 31st MAJOR Computer Engineering ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 4, room 407.

trigger warning: cystic fibrosis, illness, mentions of death.

The way Grace sees it, her life ended long before it could begin. She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis within the first months being alive, and ever since -- Anyone who knows tries to drown her in positivity and pipe dreams. She's never felt the same 'glass half full' mentality, knowing that she was given what feels like an expiration date before she had the chance to voice her opinion. Regardless of how genuine someone's support may be, in Grace's experience, it doesn't matter. Eventually it becomes too much, she becomes too much, and they leave. Aside from those who had to know, she's kept her illness a secret -- Long ago, she decided she's better off alone, not letting anyone get too close knowing that they'll eventually leave her.

Isolation made her a loner, amplifying her cynical nature and inherent distrust for the people she crosses paths with. She calls it keeping herself safe, free of disappointment and expectation when there is none -- But in reality, it's proof of just how terrified she is. It's something you'd be hard pressed to get her to admit, but her detached facade is just that. In truth, fear rules every move she makes; A fear that if she lets herself get comfortable, plant roots and allow herself to feel like she's part of something, it will be ripped away from her. College is meant to be all about starting the rest of your life, of growing up and doing more. But, Grace can't deny the feeling that the rest of the world is carrying on without her, about to leave her and her failing lungs behind.

connections.

MAYA MATLIN – roommate. Grace and Maya were not meant to cross paths. Thanks to Grace’s computer skills, she’d managed to avoid having a roommate with a few lines of perfectly placed code. But, after admissions let Maya register for classes at the last minute, the ‘mistake’ was caught and the two were paired together. The new development became clear once the two physically ran into each other with boxes on moving day, prompting an argument. It’s almost comical how different the two are, clear from the moment they met on move in day. Their only connection? Neither are looking forward to this year.

ZIG NOVAK, TINY BELL – close friends. Being that they’re all from the same neighborhood, Grace has known Zig and Tiny for years. The latter especially, with the two having gone to the same school for a majority of their childhood. Zig had entered the picture somewhere along the way, becoming an important piece of the trio despite going to a better school across town. While the two boys have managed to get themselves in over their heads multiple times, Grace has remained the voice of reason — And in most cases, contempt. This had been evident as kids, and continues to reign true as they enter university.

MILES HOLLINGSWORTH — customer, verbal sparring partner. It’s not uncommon for Grace’s computer skills to result in some kid hiring her to fix something for them — Forge a letter, make up a report card, or in Miles’ case? Change a few grades last minute. Their relationship had been strictly business, but it had been clear from their first conversation that Miles is one of the few people who can keep up with Grace’s sharp tongue. Though the two wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves friends, they certainly argue like they’ve known each other for years.

JONAH HAAK — estranged childhood friend. The Cardinals and Haaks have lived in the same townhouse complex for as long as anyone can remember. Being the same age, Jonah and Grace became friends as kids, and were often carpooling or babysat together. Despite Grace’s hopes to keep it a secret, Jonah had learned about her diagnosis early on — And after many threats, he kept her secret for her. The two had grown distant as Jonah fell further into addiction, though Grace continued to show up for her old friend where she could; Including continuing the tradition of keeping one another’s secrets, with Grace being the only one to know the real reason he’d gotten sober.

the charmer.

NAME Zigmund "Zig" Novak FACECLAIM Cameron Porras AGE & DOB 18, February 4th MAJOR Undecided ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 3, room 307.

trigger warning: drug dealing.

The path to hell is paved with good intentions, and Zig Novak isn’t immune to that. Being the eldest child of two immigrants brought a certain expectation, fueled by the hope to give their two sons better than they had. There's an undeniable a pull in their neighborhood to work for Vince Bell and join his gang, making far more money than you would stocking shelves. Zig's parents tried to everything they could to keep their kids out of that life -- They never had much, and often had to go out with for the sake of paying bills, but they made an honest living and kept their sons out of the chaos brewing in their neighborhood.

At least, for a while. Social pressures and safety concerns put Zig in a corner, pushing him into the life his parents so desperately tried to keep their son from. And just as his parents predicted, it pulled their lives apart. He barely passes any of his classes, with the added distraction and pressure; Amplifying already existing struggles when it comes to his education. Additionally, Novak's Convenience Store quickly became a place to score. When a deal goes wrong, it nearly cost both Zig's brother his life. The fallout from the incident severs the ties between the Novak family, with Zig's mother shoving him out the door with his bags packed. Though Vince is arrested months later and Zig is freed from the gang, able to attended college (one he got off the waitlist for by sheer luck) -- The damage can't be undone.

connections.

TINY BELL – roommate, best friend. It’s no question that Zig and Tiny have been through hell and back together. No matter if it’s a stint in juvie, Zig getting kicked out, or evading arrest — The two have had each other's back, ready to jump in and help the other without hesitation. Now that Vince is in jail, the two are seemingly no longer bound by his whims or the gang, free to simply be college students rather than drug dealers. Zig can’t help the paranoia he still feels though, terrified of the day Vince gets out, and he will surely lose the last piece of family he’s got: Tiny. 

GRACE CARDINAL – close friend. If there’s anyone who can get through to Zig, it’s Grace. It may take her slapping him upside the head, and calling him a few names (dumbass and idiot being the top two) but generally, she’s the one he listens to. There’s no denying she’s the one that’s kept him and Tiny from fully drowning, often reminding Zig of what reality actually looks like when he’s gone too far into his head. Even with Vince out of the picture and the stakes lowered, Zig still finds himself turning to Grace for a final opinion. 

MAYA MATLIN – former best friend, situationship. From the moment they met, Zig and Maya had a connection. The two had been fast friends, often catching themselves in a dance of “will they, won’t they”.  Soon after Cam’s death, a mixture of grief, guilt, and too much cheap beer blurs lines between the two. It starts a mess of an affair during the final months of high school, time spent sneaking around and lying to friends — With Zig actively cheating on Tori, and Maya lying to her best friend. It comes to an abrupt end at graduation, by Maya suddenly ignoring texts and screening calls. The two haven’t spoken since, and thankfully, the secret seems to have died there. 

TORI SANTAMARIA – on/off ex girlfriend. Four years of high school are painted in love declarations and equally dramatic break ups between Tori and Zig. She had been the first serious girlfriend he ever had, and while he may be too proud to admit it now — He did love her, and care deeply for her. She had been a positive force in his life, always approaching his downfalls and shortcomings with what felt like an undeserved kindness and empathy. Zig feels immense guilt for having cheated on her in the end, deciding a sharp and blunt break up was the best idea, though he knows it’s bound to bite him in the ass. 

the saccharine.

NAME Victoria "Tori" Santamaria FACECLAIM Chienna Filomena AGE & DOB 19, December 13th MAJOR Communications ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 3, room 301.

Throughout her entire life, people have underestimated Tori. Her bright smile, and plethora of pageant crowns have most assuming she’s just another vapid beauty queen. When in reality, she’s far from it. While most would assume her pageant titles are nothing more than prizes to be won, but for Tori – She believes she’s only worthy of wearing that crown if she lives up to the standards a pageant queen should follow. Poise and grace are obvious answers, but a dedication to philanthropy and further her intelligence are just as paramount. It has built an unmatched work ethic within her, with a heart that tries to save everyone she meets.

While her GPA could run circles around other pageant queens, she's guilty of letting relationships distract her. A hopeless romantic and optimist at her core, Tori's never been able to see anything but the best in others, even those who don't deserve it. Her kindness has been known to help others, to push others to be better versions of themselves -- It's often gotten her into trouble, with a certain amount of naivety creating mountains out of molehills. University is a chance for her to start anew, to become the new and improved version of herself: One that makes the deans list, and one that doesn't let her heart cloud her vision. However, the latter may be significantly harder than maintaining good grades.

connections.

TRISTAN MILLIGAN – best friend. With mothers who are childhood best friends, it’s only fitting that Tori and Tristan carried on the sentiment. The two have been a package deal since they were young, and as they enter TU – That hasn’t changed. Admittedly, she’s disappointed they couldn’t just room together. She’s practically her other half, the person who knows her better than herself. As much as she doesn’t want to admit it, there’s a bit of distance that’s settled between them over the summer. Tori can sense it, as if Tristan isn’t telling her something.

ZIG NOVAK – on/off ex boyfriend. The way Tori sees it, for better or worse, Zig Novak was her first love. What does she think of him now, however? Unclear. All four years of high school were spent in a romantic tailspin with him, the two on and off through the years. For Tori, it felt like an episode of West Drive. Which, admittedly, had been one of the reasons she went back to him. She hadn’t been sure of where their relationship would go after graduation — But a cold break up over text wasn’t something she anticipated. The finality of their last break up had been difficult, and to make matters worse? He lives down the hall.

ZOE RIVAS – idol, roommate. Have you ever heard the phrase ‘Never meet your heroes’? Within moments of meeting the Gatsby Garcia from West Drive, Tori learned just how much truth there is in it. While she had once fantasized what it’d be like to be friends with Zoe Rivas in real life, Tori now can see it will never happen. From the moment she arrived, with a bright smile and suitcase in hand, her new roommate has made it clear that she wants nothing to do with Tori. She’s trying to remain optimistic, hope that they’ll find a way to live with one another without conflict.

MAYA MATLIN – former friend. Aside from Tristan, Tori considered Maya to be a best friend as well. The had been close all through high school, coming back together after every mundane fight they got into. Their friendship took a distant turn after Campbell’s death, despite Tori’s best efforts to support the other woman. Once the two graduated, Maya seemed to disappear entirely. Tori tried to give her friend space, knowing she wasn’t in a great place, but the “ending” never sat well with her. Upon finding out her old friend is also attending TU, she’s hoping they can pick up where they left.

the prodigy.

NAME Deon "Tiny" Bell FACECLAIM Jonathan Daviss AGE & DOB 18, August 1st MAJOR Marine Biology ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 3, room 307.

trigger warning: drug dealing.

Tiny’s life was laid out for him before he was born. Both of the Bell brothers – Vince and Deon – were expected to carry on a family business, no matter what felonies or jail stints it could bring. While his brother leaned into it, his hand forced by the need to take care of his baby brother, Tiny always wanted more for his life than selling pills and collecting debts. He did all he could to keep his head afloat, leaning into the things that he thrived at – Science and Math were his forte, ultimately landing him in many advanced classes with conversations of Ivy Leagues coming with it.

The only thing standing in the way is the person who raised him: Vince. While Vince is the reason he’s always had a roof over his head, the older man is also the person who won’t let Tiny out of his reach. Between ego and keeping the business going, the idea of Tiny leaving for university was out of the question. He hadn’t intended to play a part in his brother being put behind bars, but when the opportunity to better his life came along -- There was no other choice. As relieving as it may be, iIt’s freedom with an expiration date, something that will bite him in the ass once Vince finds out who got him arrested – But for now, Tiny has a chance to build a life he wants, rather than live the one he’s expected to have.

connections.

ZIG NOVAK – roommate, best friend. It’s no question that Zig and Tiny have been through hell and back together. No matter if it’s a stint in juvie, Zig getting kicked out, or evading arrest — The two have had each other's back, ready to jump in and help the other without hesitation. Now that Vince is in jail, the two are seemingly no longer bound by his whims or the gang, free to simply be college students rather than drug dealers. Regardless, Tiny knows the day will come that his brother will return eventually, and he’ll be forced back to square one — And may end up dragging Zig down with him.

GRACE CARDINAL – close friend. One of the few constants in Tiny’s life is Grace. They’ve lived in the same neighborhood their entire lives, often finding themselves in the same classes throughout their years in school. The two have remained close since kindergarten, with Grace being the brains of the operation and Tiny doing everything he can to keep her from going down a path that involves his brother. Their trio expands to Zig as well, though he feels more responsibility for Grace. She’s essentially the sister he never had, a sibling who truly wants the best for him — Not one that wants to use him for their own gain.

TORI SANTAMARIA – secret crush. Tiny has known Tori for years, because of her relationship with his best friend, Zig. It only made sense for them to become friends, given how often they crossed paths. Unfortunately for Tiny, that brought on an unexpected crush on the girl – He can see why Zig liked her, with the way she effortlessly pulls people in. This is a secret he’s decided to take to the grave, considering the obvious. However, try as he may, he can’t seem to squash his lingering feelings for Tori. He kept this fact to himself for years, hoping that Zig and Tori’s final break up would mean he would be able to put his unresolved feelings to rest.

WINSTON CHU — pupil, unlikely friend. Wanting to get as far ahead as he could, Tiny took biology over the summer — Meeting Winston Chu in the process. He hadn’t anticipated befriending the other man, considering at first glance they seemed to be complete opposites. But, bonding over their love for comics, the two grew close, finding themselves studying together for each assignment. Between realizing they’d be living in the same dorm in the fall, and Tiny tutoring Winston throughout the summer — They’ve become good friends.

the black hole.

NAME Maya Matlin FACECLAIM Madison Iseman AGE & DOB 18, December 13th MAJOR Music ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 4, room 407.

trigger warning: death, suicide.

Maya's entire childhood had been dedicated to the only thing she cared about: Music. Juilliard was her dream, and there was nothing she’d let get in the way of that. She didn't care about her grades, or making friends -- Just her cello, and being the best. Though that plan had been thrown off when she had to change schools, taking her from a highly sought after music program to public school. In the wake of her family having to reallocate funds to put her sister in rehab – Maya transferred to a public high school, much to her chagrin. However, it brought one of the best and worst things into her life: Her first love. Her relationship with Campbell Saunders was nothing short of a cliche romance -- They were together for nearly two years, both deeply in love and planning a future for post-graduation.

All of that came to a grinding halt after Spring Break their senior year, when Maya walked into the school greenhouse and found that Cam had died by suicide. His death sent her entire life into disarray, grief sending her down a much different path. Doctors called it PTSD, despite Maya insisting she's fine -- So fine that she'd blown her audition for Julliard, adding insult to injury. As time went on, the desire to numb her feelings grows, pulling apart nearly each and every relationship in her life. In an attempt to help her daughter find 'the old Maya' once again, her mother manages to convince TU to allow Maya to register for classes at the last minute, after explaining the situation.

connections.

GRACE CARDINAL – roommate. Grace and Maya were not meant to cross paths. Thanks to Grace’s computer skills, she’d managed to avoid having a roommate with a few lines of perfectly placed code. But, after admissions let Maya register for classes at the last minute, the ‘mistake’ was caught and the two were paired together. The new development became clear once the two physically ran into each other with boxes on moving day, prompting an argument. It’s almost comical how different the two are, clear from the moment they met on move in day. Their only connection? Neither are looking forward to this year.

ZIG NOVAK – former best friend, situationship. From the moment they met, Zig and Maya had a connection. The two had been fast friends, often catching themselves in a dance of “will they, won’t they”. Soon after Cam’s death, a mixture of grief, guilt, and too much cheap beer blurs lines between the two. It starts a mess of an affair during the final months of high school, time spent sneaking around and lying to friends — With Zig actively cheating on Tori, and Maya lying to her best friend. It comes to an abrupt end at graduation, by Maya suddenly ignoring texts and screening calls. The two haven’t spoken since, and thankfully, the secret seems to have died there.

TORI SANTAMARIA, TRISTAN MILLIGAN – former friends. Tori and Tristan were once a constant in Maya’s life, two of her closest friends throughout high school. The three had spent four years together, along with Zig and Cam — All three insisted they would remain friends after high school. That had been until Maya started sleeping with Tori’s boyfriend behind her back, after Cam’s death. It had remained a secret, but one that continues to gnaw away at her. Caught between facing the consequences or continuing lying, Maya opted to ditch Tori and Tristan entirely over the summer, without explanation.

MILES HOLLINGSWORTH — party friend. Having run into one another at multiple parties over the summer, Maya and Miles formed an unexpected friendship. The basis of it? Don’t get familiar. The agreement is simple: They’re strangers, who know everything about one another. Conversations after smoking a bowl or while drinking jungle juice often lead to far too honest conversations, ones neither want to be known while sober. Their friendship was intended to have an end date — They were supposed to leave for the school in the fall, never to see each other again. Until move in day.

the allegiant.

NAME Jonah Haak FACECLAIM UTP ( our suggestion: Evan Mock ) AGE & DOB 18, UTP MAJOR UTP ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 4, room 402.

trigger warning: addiction, mentions of drugs and teen pregnancy.

Jonah Haak had been a good kid. It was him and his mother against the world, working hard despite the difficult hand they were dealt. With his mom often stuck working double shifts at the hospital, Jonah quickly learned how to pay the bills and make himself dinner — But it left him vulnerable, the lack of structure in his home eventually leads him down a path that would take every ounce of self discipline he can muster to fix. Drug and alcohol enter his life at an alarmingly young age, pulling him under the current and into addiction by the he’s old enough to drive.

He digs his own grave, burying himself further and further under unpaid debts for a short lived high. Destruction is easy, fun until the sun rises in the morning and he’s left with another hangover and headache. It’s not until his high school girlfriend drops a positive pregnancy test into his lap that reality begins to settle in. To say it was a mess would be putting it kindly, but it’s the kind of wake up call that has him starting a sixty day program in the hopes of getting sober. It’s a long and difficult road, but through the help of his mother, and finding God — The fight to remain sober becomes less of a battle. The casualties from it keep him motivated to never be that person again; His girlfriend moves to Vancouver before their child’s born, and he never hears from her again. All he can do now is continue to push himself to be better, to live better, and remember how far he’s come.

connections.

TRISTAN MILLIGAN – roommate. Jonah had every intention to keep a low profile at TU. Keep his head down, get back to doing the things he loves, stay clean and stay away from any sort of drama. But upon meeting his roommate for the year, it’s become clear that he won’t be able to remain on the sidelines. He and Tristan seem to get along so far, but the latter has already made Jonah’s head spin while catching him up on the history shared between many of the other people living in their building. Hey, at least he’s trying to dodge the same people, right?  

ZOE RIVAS – reluctant acquaintance. Jonah credits rehab for saving his life, but it brought the strangest addition to it: Zoe Rivas. The actress isn’t a friend by any means, but more someone Jonah feels a strange responsibility to. Despite the fact that she keeps insisting she has no idea who he is (and he’s had to reintroduce himself at least three times), he’s still the only person at TU who actually knows her, every high and low. He sees a shocking amount of himself in her, though they couldn’t be any more different — Which leads him to continue to check in on her, hoping she can find the same peace he has. 

TINY BELL, ZIG NOVAK – people to avoid, former dealers. A walking talking reminder of Jonah’s past life lives one floor above him. While Vince Bell may be in jail and the two people in question seem to be trying to start over as well – Jonah finds himself looking over his shoulder, far jumpier than he’d care to admit. From the moment he spotted them on move in day, he’s kept an eye out for Zig and Tiny. Admittedly, curiosity remains though, wondering if the duo remembers how often he used to buy pills for them — Or how he still owes a considerable debt for said pills. 

GRACE CARDINAL  – estranged childhood friend. The Cardinals and Haaks have lived in the same townhouse complex for as long as anyone can remember. Being the same age, Jonah and Grace became friends as kids, and were often carpooling or babysat together. Despite Grace’s hopes to keep it a secret, Jonah had learned about her diagnosis early on — And after many threats, he kept her secret for her. The two had grown distant as Jonah fell further into addiction, though Grace continued to show up for her old friend where she could; Including continuing the tradition of keeping one another’s secrets, with Grace being the only one to know the real reason he’d gotten sober. 

the benefactor.

NAME Esme Song FACECLAIM UTP ( our suggestion: Adeline Rudolph ) AGE & DOB 18, UTP MAJOR UTP ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 3, room 309.

trigger warning: death, suicide.

Esme and control have always gone hand in hand. Her family comes from old money, based on tradition and keeping up appearances -- There's never been any room for failure. Whether it's school, ballet, or anything else that comes along the way. Her mother's death was no exception to this, leaving Esme with a confusing guilt and trauma having been the one to find her -- And in the eyes of her father, the reason she didn't survive. The tension in the Song home could be cut by a knife, though you would never know just by looking at them. Esme maintains an image, one that hides any flaw you could try and fine; She's always in the latest designer fashions, the top of her class, her stoic and icy demeanor keeping anyone from seeing the chaos that's brewing under the surface. She's perfected the imagine she wants the world to see, keeping everyone around her in line with careful manipulation and snide remarks.

Those who have gotten close enough to see past the mask she puts on are always shocked by what they find. While calm and cool is the front she puts up seems like she has an iron clad hold on her life -- The truth is that she's holding on by a thread. Her mother's death and everything that's followed after has affected every corner of her life, leaving her feeling the need to do anything and everything to keep the people in her life exactly where they are. Even if they're desperately trying to squirm out of her grip.

connections.

RASHA ZUABI– roommate. Esme has no interest in having a roommate. Truthfully, she loathes the entire dorm set up entirely — If she had her way, she’d be living in a penthouse downtown rather than some communal living situation. That being said, it’s undeniable that Rasha’s excitement over it all is infectious. For better or worse, Esme can’t help but enjoy the energy Rasha brings. It makes the experience of dorm life slightly more bearable. Slightly. Though they don’t know one another well, Esme has a feeling she’ll end up with a soft spot for her roommate — At least, she will as long as Rasha stays on her side of their room. 

ZOE RIVAS – future step sister. There’s a delicate balance between Esme and her father, one she’s curated and manipulated for years into a shape that works. With some bullshit whirlwind romance story, Zoe’s mother derails it — And ends up with a ring on her finger to prove it. Esme has never minced words when it comes to her thoughts on Zoe and her golddigger of a future-step mother, though she plays the role of dutiful daughter to a T. The two are bound to come to blows now that they’re both attending the same university, and the wedding is on the horizon — Now Esme has to up her game to stop the nuptials before it’s too late. 

MILES HOLLINGSWORTH – ex-boyfriend. Part of Esme always knew that she and Miles were headed for disaster from their first kiss, but she had hoped this one would last. Their relationship was a mess, sure, but they cared about each other, right? Desperation to hold her relationship with him together took her to less than savory places — And proved themselves to be pointless in the end, only pushing him further away. After months of hiding away, her heartache has turned from sadness to rage, all of which is pointed in one direction. Miles may be done with her, but she’s only just putting together a scheme to hurt him as much as he hurt her. 

WINSTON CHU – annoyance. Esme never liked Winston, point blank. But, he is Miles’ best friend, so she tried to play nice. Keyword: Tried. When it became clear that he wasn’t going to buy into her manipulation or shallow attempts to seem friendly — She dropped the charade, not bothering to hide her contempt. Throughout the duration of her relationship with Miles, the two ended up in an argument each time they were stuck in the same room. Most being brought on by snide remarks from Esme, a habit she has no interest in breaking now that she and Miles are done. 

whatever it takes, i know i can make it through.

toronto university is proud to present it’s newly renovated, rejuvenated, and renamed freshman dorm, thanks to a hefty, generous donation from mayor hollingsworth. university marks a new era for incoming freshmen, serving as the first taste of adulthood & independence – one that can now be punctuated by the best tu has to offer: hollingsworth hall.

navigation. full plot & info on hollingshall. masterlist.