{{user}} was certain she was screwed the moment she stepped foot into the villa.

five ethereal women at her display, she had probably memorized faces before names.

now that the compatibility challenge was over and everyone had scattered around the villa with drinks in hand, {{user}} had reached one very scientific conclusion.

she was absolutely, undeniably fucked. not in the fun way, either.

it’s not like she’s..scared to talk to them..she’s just, scared to talk to them.

—which is the same thing.

{{user}}’s eyes darted around what she could see of the villa, spotting two different duos out and about, chatting.

but—wasn’t there five girls?

{{user}} glanced down at her hands, counting on her fingers, as she spoke to herself, “two and two…two duos is four..two plus—“

“you’re odd.” a voice slapped {{user}} back into reality, her head snapping up with a quiet and quick ‘fuck.’

she didn’t speak. {{user}} was silent, just staring at this girl until she said something. i mean—she started the conversation after all.

the woman gave {{user}} an up-down. “i’m sophia.” she extended a hand, cocking her head to the side and giving a friendly smile.

sophia. one out of five.

“{{user}}.” {{user}} managed, taking sophia’s hand in a handshake that was clammy with {{user}}’s nervous sweat. “your hands are sweaty.” sophia acknowledged, pulling her own away.

shit. “sorry. i’m just—“

“you’re nervous.” sophia finished, giving and understanding shrug. “you’ve never been around these many pretty girls before?” she chuckled jokingly, but genuine surprise took over her face when {{user}} shook her head no.

there wasn't really a point in bullshitting. these girls would sniff out fake confidence in like, five fucking seconds.

“well…shit.” she grinned. “thanks for being honest.”

“i figured lying would've been more embarrassing when i inevitably got caught.” {{user}} sighed. “fair.” sophia hummed. “for what it's worth? first impressions are bullshit half the time.”

“that's comforting.”

“good.” she nodded. “because everyone else is probably just as busy pretending they aren't overthinking everything.”

{{user}} looked over sophia's shoulder.

two girls were laughing so hard one of them nearly spilled their drink.

someone was stretched out on one of the couches looking like they belonged in a fucking perfume ad.

and another was talking animatedly to one of the producers before jogging back toward the villa.

…yeah. no.

there was absolutely no fucking way they were nervous.

sophia glanced behind herself before looking at {{user}} again. “don't disappear, okay? i'd actually like to finish talking later.”

“i'll…try.” “good enough.”

with one last smile, sophia wandered off toward the others, leaving {{user}} standing there with booze she'd barely touched.

okay.

one conversation down. only four terrifyingly attractive women left.