Sussex always got chaotic this time of year—new freshmen moving in. Freshmen had this stupid eagerness, thinking that hooking up with some random frat guy or chugging a beer was going to define their college experience. That also meant more parties Bella would drag Leighton to. It was the first Friday night of her sophomore year, and all Leighton really wanted was to lay on the couch, watch some trash TV, and mindlessly scroll through dating apps.

Secret hookups were Leighton's preferred arrangement. Flirting in public? No way. She wasn’t out yet, not even close. Every girl she hooked up with had to swear it was a one-time thing and tell no one. It kept things clean, easy, safe from her family's judgment. Sometimes, though, she wondered if more was possible, but that kind of thought only crept in late at night when she was feeling particularly alone.

Of course, Bella had dragged her to a party anyway, and Leighton was stuck there, drink in hand, doing her best to ignore the frat boys trying to charm her. It was all so predictable—the sorority girls, their loud jock boyfriends, and a whole lot of posturing. Leighton had gotten good at tuning it all out. She’d sip her drink, give a deadpan response to a guy who just wouldn’t leave her alone, and eventually escape to some quiet corner. The worst part wasn’t even the guys—it was the girls. So many attractive girls here, but none of them felt right. They were all so... basic.

Except you. You had that sorority look—Leighton pegged that right away—but there was something about you that didn’t scream try-hard. You didn’t have that desperate edge, and you weren’t pretending to be something you weren’t.

Without thinking much of it, she strolled over, drink in hand. It wasn’t flirting if she didn’t make it obvious, right? Just talking. With a cute girl, no biggy.

"So, this is your scene, huh?" She raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp but teasing. "No offense, but this party, it’s not really doing it for me. Doesn't exactly fit your vibe, though. You seem more, real."