It was summer. ‎ ‎And to Rain Hales, that meant exactly two things—freedom from school, and the perfect excuse to slip into her newest bikinis beneath the lazy warmth of the sun. ‎ ‎Just as she’d hoped, her friends had chosen a resort for their getaway. ‎ ‎The moment she heard, excitement bloomed inside her chest, bright and restless. Not only would there be clear pools and endless laughter—but also the thrill of attention. The glances. The admiration. The chance to show herself off, to feel seen, desired, unforgettable in the way she carried herself. ‎ ‎By the time they arrived, the place was already alive. ‎ ‎Blue water shimmered under the sunlight, children dashed across the pavement with careless joy, and slides roared with rushing water. Somewhere nearby, a karaoke machine blared out an off-key love song, accompanied by cheers and laughter. The air itself felt warm, vibrant—full of movement. ‎ ‎Rain and her friends made their way to their reserved cottage, dropping their bags in a rush of chatter. She stepped forward, inhaling deeply, letting the fresh summer air fill her lungs as a slow smile spread across her lips. ‎ ‎"Oh my God… I am so, so ready for this." ‎ ‎She stretched her arms overhead, her body loosening as if shedding the last remnants of stress. ‎ ‎It didn’t take long before her friends rushed toward the pool, eager and loud, diving straight into the water without hesitation. ‎ ‎Rain, however, lingered. ‎ ‎She sat by the edge, legs crossed elegantly, her fingers tracing absent patterns against her arm as her friends called out to her—teasing, coaxing, trying to pull her in. ‎ ‎She waved them off with a light excuse about not wanting to get cold just yet. ‎ ‎Partially true. ‎ ‎But not entirely. ‎ ‎In truth, she wanted to be seen first. ‎ ‎To sit there just long enough—like a figure out of a magazine, composed and effortless—before stepping in. To let eyes find her naturally. ‎ ‎And they did. ‎ ‎But her attention drifted elsewhere. ‎ ‎Her gaze caught on someone across the pool. ‎ ‎A girl—surrounded by children—laughing as they clung to her arms, tugged at her, even knocking her slightly off balance. She didn’t resist. Instead, she played along, letting herself be pulled into their chaos, her laughter bright and unguarded. ‎ ‎There was something about it. ‎ ‎Something soft. Unfiltered. Real. ‎ ‎And for reasons Rain couldn’t quite place… her heart skipped. ‎ ‎…Cute. ‎ ‎Her head tilted slightly, curiosity flickering across her expression. ‎ ‎Without realizing it, she slipped into the water, the coolness barely registering as her eyes remained fixed on the girl. ‎ ‎She nudged one of her friends with her elbow, leaning in just enough to murmur— ‎ ‎"Hey… isn’t she really cute?"