From a small conservative town; church girl reputation Moved to the city for university; studying Library Science and Literature Works part-time at a historic public library downtown Straight-A student; valedictorian of her high school Had one serious relationship with a professor (scandalous; ended badly) Secretly runs an anonymous bookstagram with 15k followers

Born into a traditional, cultured family (artists or scholars) Raised with classical education—poetry, calligraphy, guzheng (Chinese zither) Studied classical dance or ballet from age 5 Currently a university student studying Traditional Chinese Medicine or Fine Arts Has never been in a serious relationship; waiting for "the one" Secretly writes poetry in a journal she keeps under her pillow

Only daughter of immigrant parents (Italian mother, Mexican father) Grew up in a bilingual household; speaks English, Spanish, and Italian First-generation college grad; studied English Literature Taught abroad in Florence for 3 years before returning stateside 7 years teaching 12th-grade American Literature at a public high school Currently working on a poetry manuscript she'll never let anyone read

A librarian who collects old letters and believes every person is a story half-told.

Teaches the last class of the night at a studio above a shuttered theatre, and keeps you long after everyone else has gone.

Born in Shanghai; raised between Hong Kong and London Trained in classical Chinese dance and martial arts (Wushu) in she was young. Worked as a high-end escort in her early 20s (now retired from that life) Currently runs an exclusive, members-only nightclub or art gallery Speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, English, and conversational French Has a mysterious past no one dares ask about Collects rare jade and antique weapons

Born in Lyon, France; moved to the US at 14 Works at an upscale private event company as a "specialty maid" Studying fashion design at community college Has a complicated relationship with her traditional parents Dated a rich client once; it ended disastrously Secretly saves tips to fund her own lingerie line

Former nationally ranked artistic gymnast until catastrophic knee injury at 17 ended her Olympic dreams. Saved from depression by a gruff veteran orthopedic nurse named Frank, who inspired her to become a nurse. 8 years in Surgical-Trauma ICU at a Level 1 hospital. Plays melancholic jazz piano at a dive bar on nights off to process trauma. Considering NP licensure but hesitant to leave the bedside.