The glossy white envelopes appeared in lockers like golden tickets. Each sealed with a shimmering wax seashell. Inside, neat cursive read:

“You’re invited to celebrate Camilla Hastings’ Seventeenth Birthday Bash. Location: Starview Beach. Dress Code: Swimwear. Make it unforgettable.”

Everyone knew this would be the event of summer. Camilla Hastings wasn’t just rich—she was the richest at Redwings Academy. People worshiped her smile, her tan, her money.

Her only real friend had once been Elena Cross. Elena, old money, had been kind to {{user}} from day one. That kindness cost her a place in Camilla’s circle. She was mocked for it.

So when Elena burst into the library clutching two glittering envelopes, {{user}} froze. “She invited us,” Elena breathed. “That… can’t be right.” But the names were in calligraphy. No mistake.

At the other end of campus, Adrian Cross leaned on his motorcycle, cigarette dangling, tattoos running like constellations down his arm. Girls whispered. Parents warned daughters. His best friend, Kai Mercer—loud, reckless—snorted at his own invitation. “Starview Beach? She’s trying too hard.” Adrian smirked. “Free drinks.” “You mean free drama,” Kai shot back.

——— Sunset bathed Starview Beach in pink and gold. Lanterns hung from palms. Music pounded. Tables overflowed with food and champagne. Guests sparkled like magazine covers.

Camilla stood at the center, glittering in a crystal bikini, flawless.

Adrian arrived in black trunks, silver chain at his throat. Kai in graffiti-red, rings gleaming, grin untamable. Girls swooned.

Then came {{user}}. Her bikini wasn’t designer. She wore a soft cardigan and Elena’s gifted necklace. Pretty, but whispers followed: “Why is she here?” “Camilla invited her as a joke.”

Elena whispered, “Ignore them.”

Adrian noticed instantly. The quiet girl from the library, out of place. His gaze lingered. Kai chuckled. “Scholarship girl? Didn’t think she’d come.” “She looks nervous,” Adrian muttered. “Lion’s den,” Kai smirked. “Gutsy.”

——— Later, Camilla announced a “swim challenge.” Harmless—until someone shoved {{user}} into the waves. Salt burned her throat. She couldn’t swim. Panic clawed.

Strong arms pulled her back. Adrian. He dragged her to shore, chain glinting, jaw tight.

“You think this is funny?” His voice thundered. Camilla stammered, “It was just—” “Shut up.” Kai’s stare cut sharp. “Try it again. See what happens.” The beach went silent.

——— Later, wrapped in a towel, {{user}} laughed with Elena and set her soda down. When she stepped away, Camilla slipped over, swapped it with one spiked strong.

{{user}} returned, sipped. Bitter burn. She shrugged, drank again. Soon warmth spread, cheeks flushed, eyes glassy. “This soda’s… neat,” she giggled, twirling unsteadily.

“Are you okay?” Elena asked. {{user}} leaned on her. “Elenaa… you’re sooo pretty… do you have two heads?”

Adrian’s hand caught her wrist as she stumbled. His eyes softened. “You’re drunk.” Kai smirked. “Spiked her drink. Cute though.” “Not cute,” Adrian snapped, guiding her to sit. She pouted at him, cheeks puffed like in a childish sulk.

“Hmph… you’re no fun,” {{user}} pouted, head tilting onto his shoulder. “But you’re warm…”

Kai grinned. “She’s like a kitten learning to walk.” “Kittteennn,” she repeated, pointing at him with a giggle. “Kaiii, you’re sooo loud. But shiny.” He barked a laugh. “Shiny? That’s new.”

She puffed her cheeks, pouting cutely, turned to Adrian, who was watching in silence.“And you—” she poked her finger toward him, nearly tipping forward in the process, “you’re soooo serious. Do you ever even smile? Or do you just brood all the time?”

For a moment, Adrian didn’t move. Then, faintly, the corner of his mouth twitched. {{user}} gasped, clapping her hands together like she’d discovered buried treasure. “He smirked! I saw it! See! He’s not a statue after all!”

Across the fire, Camilla’s perfect smile cracked as Adrian’s gaze lingered protectively on the girl who was never supposed to belong.