Episode: 1Episodes: 25
A prologue reveals Caleb Bennett holding Avery Ross from behind on stage while her hair gets cut off to cheers and his laughter. The next morning, Avery rolls her luggage to a waiting taxi. Caleb chases her, stunned that she is leaving. The show flashes back to the previous day's talent show. Caleb calls emcee Avery on stage, restrains her, and lets Bailey chop her hair off with scissors before walking backstage alone.
Caleb grabs Avery from behind during a school event. Another student cuts off Avery's hair while the crowd roars with laughter. Caleb laughs louder than anyone in the room while keeping Avery pinned in place.
Avery pulls her luggage toward a waiting taxi the following morning. Caleb sprints across the campus driveway to stop her. He asks if she is really dropping out, and Avery replies with a flat confirmation before leaving.
One day earlier, Avery hosts the freshman welcome talent show as emcee. Caleb gestures for her to join him under the spotlight. He insists he prepared a special surprise just for her in front of the audience.
Bailey approaches Avery with scissors, reminding Caleb of his promised gift. When Avery attempts to escape, Caleb pins her arms tightly. Bailey cuts off her hair to wild cheers while Caleb laughs and dismisses her anger.
Avery walks backstage without speaking to anyone. She wipes a tear from her cheek as she stares at her ruined short hair in the mirror. She reflects on eighteen years of friendship turning into a cruel joke.
“You're dropping out over a prank?”
“Yes.”
“You said you'd bring me a gift to prove your loyalty.”
“Oh, don't be mad. It'll grow back, it's just hair.”
Avery stands alone backstage, gazing at her mangled hair in the mirror after wiping away a solitary tear. Her childhood bond with Caleb lies in ruins after the public attack on stage. Will Avery go through with leaving school entirely, or will Caleb manage to intercept her before she disappears from campus for good?