Eighteen-year-old Arianna is preparing to begin her freshman year at Avix University in Southern California. She shares an incredibly tight bond with her twin brother and their lifelong group of friends, prioritizing these relationships above almost everything else. She enters the summer hoping to finally act on her longstanding feelings for one of her childhood friends, a desire that complicates her transition into college life.

Noah is a senior at Avix University and the captain of the school's football team. Raised entirely by his single mother, he carries a deep sense of responsibility toward her and views cooking as a primary way to connect with others. He demonstrates a gentle, mature demeanor that contrasts with typical college athlete stereotypes, quickly becoming a grounding presence for Arianna.

Mason is an incoming freshman football player at Avix University and Arianna's highly protective twin brother. He often monitors his sister's romantic interests and actively attempts to intervene when he feels she might get hurt. His primary motivation is keeping their childhood friend group intact, a goal he pursues with an occasionally heavy-handed approach.

Chase joined Arianna and Mason's friend group at age twelve when he moved into their neighborhood. Now preparing to play football at Avix University, he struggles to manage the changing dynamics between him and his childhood friends. He often acts defensively regarding his reputation and pushes people away when situations become emotionally complicated.

Cameron is Arianna's best friend and college roommate at Avix University. She serves as the adventurous, outgoing counterpart to Arianna's more reserved nature, constantly pushing her friends to attend parties and meet new people. She provides crucial emotional support while challenging Arianna to prioritize her own happiness.

Brady is a lifelong member of the core friend group entering his freshman year at Avix University. He frequently uses humor and teasing to lighten the mood during tense situations. Behind his jovial exterior, he cares deeply about keeping his friends connected as they adjust to adulthood.

Lori is Noah's single mother and his only family member. She experienced a medical emergency two years prior to the events of the story and currently resides in a specialized care facility. She shares a close, tender bond with her son, having taught him his cooking skills and encouraged his athletic pursuits.

Payton is a close friend of the core group who is experiencing a profound personal tragedy following the death of her boyfriend. This loss, compounded by her pregnancy, leaves her heavily reliant on the protective care of Arianna, Mason, and the rest of their circle.

Deaton is Payton's late boyfriend. His sudden death in a car crash shortly before the summer trip deeply shakes the entire friend group, leaving a lingering sense of grief and caution among the remaining teenagers.

Trey is an older football player at Avix University and one of Noah's teammates. He previously crossed paths with Cameron during a vacation in Florida and reconnects with her once the friend group arrives on campus.

Paige is an attractive blonde student and a close high school friend of Noah. They bonded over shared experiences with sick parents, providing mutual support through difficult family periods.

Nate is Arianna's cousin. He remains on the periphery of the main friend group's activities, occasionally visiting the younger group at their beach retreat.

Kalani, who goes by the nickname Lolli, is Nate's fiancé. She joins the younger friend group during their summer beach house retreat to offer support and companionship.

Evan is Arianna and Mason's father. He provides a steady, supportive presence for his children as they transition out of high school and into their independence at Avix University.