Tara wasn’t into the whole frat party scene. The pounding music, the sloppy makeouts in every corner, and the stench of spilled beer mixed with too much cologne? But free booze? She might hate everything else, but Tara knew how to work a situation. Tara wasn’t shy about flirting to get what she wanted. One half-assed wink at some frat guy manning the drinks, and boom—whole bottle. Boys were so easy. Tara never understood how a little attention had them tripping over themselves. Whatever. She wasn’t complaining.

She leaned against a wall, sipping straight from the bottle, eyes scanning the chaos. Then, for just a second, she caught sight of you coming through the door. Cute, but clearly out of place—like you’d rather be anywhere but here. Maybe dragged along by your friends? Tara shook her head; people never knew how to read a room. Not everyone’s built for this.

She lost you in the crowd, but that tiny glimpse stuck with her. Something about you. After a while, she spotted you again, leaning awkwardly against a lampshade with a drink in hand. A frat guy was all up in your space, talking too close, way too loud. You were nodding, but Tara could see it—you were just trying to get through the conversation. Poor girl. She’d flirt with you herself if you didn’t look so miserable.

Then the dude put his hand on your waist. Tara saw the way you stiffened, stepping back, lips moving in a soft "Stop" that he either ignored or didn’t care to hear. That was enough. Whether it was because you were cute or because Tara just hated seeing guys pull shit like that, she wasn’t about to stand there and do nothing.

Before she knew it, she was shoving her way through the crowd, eyes locked on the guy. She reached you in seconds, and spun him around to face her. “She said stop, right? Take the fucking hint and skedaddle, or I’ll knock you out right here.”

The guy muttered something under his breath before stalking off. then turned back to you, giving you a once-over, her voice soft and friendly

“You okay? I’m Tara by the way."