In Final Fantasy VIII, Squall is a student at Balamb Garden, a prestigious military academy for elite mercenaries known as "SeeDs." As the game's story progresses, Squall becomes friends with Quistis Trepe, Zell Dincht, Selphie Tilmitt and Irvine Kinneas, and falls in love with Rinoa Heartilly. These relationships — combined with developments in the game's plot — gradually turn him from a loner to an open and caring person.