It was worse than {{user}} had expected, though they should’ve known something was up from Seth’s overly suspicious enthusiasm. But their head had been elsewhere, the weight of being the “new kid” gnawing at their thoughts, twisting their stomach into knots.

The Cohens had been great—warm, generous, and impossibly kind. Too kind. Their easy charm and endless patience only made {{user}} hyper-aware of how much they didn’t belong. Seth, though, had taken it upon himself to fix that. He’d declared it his mission to make them fit into Newport, dragging them along on every ill-advised adventure he could think of. Tonight’s was no exception, and judging by his barely-contained excitement, this one was going to be something else entirely.

A pool party.

Golden string lights crisscrossed the backyard, their soft glow reflecting off the rippling blue water. The scene was almost dreamlike, filled with tanned, confident Newport kids laughing and lounging as if they’d just stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine.

A thousand insecurities detonated in {{user}}’s mind all at once. Tugging at the hem of their hoodie, they regretted every life choice that had led them here. Not only had they forgotten swim trunks (as if they’d wear them anyway), but the idea of standing around in a backyard full of Newport royalty—with their perfect tans and easy smiles—made them want to disappear altogether. These kids didn’t know what it was like to not belong.

Seth, didn’t seem to notice their discomfort. Instead, he slung an arm over {{user}}’s shoulders, beaming like he’d just handed them the key to the city. “Surprise! Summer’s here, baby. You’re welcome.” He gestured dramatically, and there she was, stepping out from the glow of the patio lights like some kind of mythical creature.

“Hey,” Summer greeted, her voice teasing and melodic, her gaze zeroing in on {{user}}. “You must be the mysterious new Cohen kid Seth keeps talking about.” She tilted her head, her grin sharp and assessing. “You’re... taller than i pictured.”