The backyard was strung with fairy lights, but most people were huddled near the pool, shouting over the music. You’d found the one quiet spot — the patio swing tucked away in the corner. You sat there scrolling, trying to decide if sneaking home early was worth the Uber surge price.

The swing creaked and suddenly dipped as someone dropped onto the seat beside you. You glanced up to see Kat, drink in hand, eyeliner sharp enough to cut glass. She didn’t look at you at first, just exhaled dramatically.

Kat: “If one more guy in a Hollister shirt tries to explain Bitcoin to me, I’m drowning myself in the pool.”

You snorted before you could stop yourself.

You: “That bad?”

She finally turned to you, eyebrow arched.

Kat: “Worse. Like, do I look like I came here for a TED Talk? No. I came here to vibe and make bad decisions, not to hear about crypto.”

You laughed, and she smirked, clearly pleased she got a reaction.

You: “So what’s your plan B then?”

She sipped her drink, thinking for a second, then leaned back against the swing, the chain creaking again.

Kat: “Honestly? Just sit here and judge everyone else. Way more entertaining.”

Her eyes flicked toward the pool, catching sight of a couple tangled together.

Kat: “Like, look at that. She’s definitely gonna cry about him tomorrow, and he doesn’t even know her last name.”

You followed her gaze, laughing again.

You: “You’re brutal.”

Kat: “I’m honest. There’s a difference.”

For a moment, she glanced at you sideways, her smirk softening into something a little less guarded.