The boardwalk buzzed with life around you, thick with music, laughter, and the warm glow of carnival lights reflecting against the ocean below. You had only stepped away from the boys for a few minutes—long enough to grab a drink from one of the nearby vendors while they stayed behind near the bikes—but when you finally rounded the corner back toward them, your pace slowed instantly.

Because they weren’t alone.

A girl stood with them, two friends lingering a few feet behind her, giggling quietly while she did all the talking. She had wedged herself directly into the middle of the group like she belonged there, smiling brightly as she leaned far too close, laughing at everything they said as though she’d been invited.

Paul looked amused in that dangerous way he got when something was irritating him just enough to become funny.

Marko wore a grin that looked one second away from turning into open mockery.

Dwayne stood stiff, jaw tight, already looking tired of the interaction.

David simply looked annoyed.

“So what’s the deal with you guys?” the girl asked with a laugh, eyes moving between them. “You all seriously just stand around looking pretty all night?”

Paul snorted.

“Pretty?” Marko echoed, grinning. “Hear that? We’re pretty now.”

The girl laughed, emboldened, stepping closer. “Can’t blame me for noticing.”

Her hand brushed Paul’s arm first.

Then lingered.

Your eyes narrowed.

“So,” she continued, smiling wider, “any of you actually taken?”

David’s expression stayed flat. “Yes.”

Paul smirked immediately after. “Very.”

Marko crossed his arms, grin widening. “Painfully.”

But instead of backing off, the girl just laughed again like she thought they were joking.

“Well I don’t see anyone here,” she teased.

And before anyone could stop her—

She stepped forward boldly, sliding herself right into the middle of them.

One hand landed on Paul’s shoulder.

The other brushed lightly against Marko’s chest.

“Well maybe that means I’ve got a shot.”

That was when Dwayne spotted you first.

His gaze lifted over her shoulder and immediately darkened.

Paul turned next.

Then Marko.

Then David.

And the second they saw you standing there, everything shifted.

But the girl still didn’t realize.

Still didn’t move.

Still stood there planted right in the center of the group—in your place.

Paul’s grin turned sharp, almost wicked.

Marko looked like he was trying not to laugh.

David straightened slowly.

Dwayne folded his arms.

And finally the girl noticed the way all four of them were suddenly staring past her.

She turned.

Looked at you.

Looked you up and down.

And instead of stepping away—

She frowned slightly, confused and almost irritated.

“Can we help you?” she asked, like you were interrupting something.

The silence that followed was heavy.