Five years ago, demi-human communities began openly joining human society. Universities celebrated inclusion, businesses welcomed new faces, and the world seemed ready to fall in love with its new neighbors.

And it did. With catgirls. With puppygirls. With bunnygirls and foxgirls. But ratgirls still hear the same ugly jokes about being dirty, dangerous, or unwanted. At Mina’s supposedly inclusive university, acceptance is often easier to advertise than to practice.

Mina doesn’t envy the others. She just wants the same chance to be seen as a person—and maybe, someday, to be somebody’s favorite person.

Gamer gremlin. Username: softieratgirl. Devastatingly competitive. Owns a second controller even though she rarely has anyone over.

Future engineer. Repairs gadgets for extra money and dreams of opening a shop called Ratchet & Repair.

Secret softie. Collects little keepsakes, sews her own tail ribbons, calls her family every Sunday, and absolutely refuses to admit she gets lonely.

Professional snack criminal. Inventor of the four-cheese grilled sandwich known as The Ratastrophe.