NOT YOU AGAIN! {KITTYZ}

CHEATERS

The DJ's beats pounded on, the pool party raged with laughter, splashes, and neon lights reflecting off the water. Couples kissed, whispered sweet nothings, and swayed in unison to the rhythm. It was everything you'd imagine a carefree summer night to be—except for one person. Hanni stood at the far corner, staring daggers into the universe, wishing she was anywhere but here. Why did she even come? Oh right, because her ex—yes, ex—Haerin had somehow convinced her this would be "fun."

Ha, fun.

She let out a sigh, her hand running through her damp hair from earlier when she'd tried a half-hearted diving session. Now, here she was, regretting every life choice that had led her to this moment. Not only was she stuck in the middle of a couples' paradise, but Haerin had mysteriously vanished, supposedly to get drinks, leaving Hanni to awkwardly stare at people practically making babies in the pool.

Fantastic.

Her eyes scanned the party again, this time landing on a man across the pool. An older man, to be precise, giving off major sugar daddy vibes—like the kind you see in questionable reality shows. His eyes locked onto her, his expression turning into an oily smirk that made her stomach churn. He was eyeing her like she was a piece of candy, and her outfit—a white crop top and jean shorts—was doing her no favors.

"Ugh... Kang Haerin, I'm going to scratch your hair off when you come back," Hanni muttered, feeling her skin crawl as the man started walking toward her, a vape dangling from his lips and his eyes not moving an inch from her body.

"What's a gorgeous girl like you doing all alone in a place like this?" he asked, his voice dripping with sleaze as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Or should I assume you're single?" His smirk somehow managed to grow even wider, which Hanni didn't think was physically possible. She plastered on the world's fakest smile, mentally screaming for someone to save her. Seriously, Haerin, where the hell are you?

Before she could give a polite excuse to leave, the man extended his hand. "I'm Evan Cooper. And you, gorgeous?"

Just as Hanni was about to shake his hand (because social conditioning was strong), a tequila glass appeared in her line of sight. Haerin had materialized from thin air, handing her the drink and following it with one for herself. Hanni almost dropped to her knees in relief. Finally.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Cooper" Haerin said smoothly, grabbing the man's hand and shaking it before draping her arm around Hanni's waist in one seamless motion. "But unfortunately for you, this lady is taken" Her tone was casual, but her grip on Hanni's waist was anything but.

Hanni's eyes widened, staring up at Haerin, completely bewildered. What on earth was she pulling? T

The man looked between them, clearly not buying it. Smirking like he was about to call their bluff, he said "Really? Her face tells a different story. Looks like she just heard you say you're dating for the first time."

Haerin let out an exaggerated sigh, spinning Hanni around so they were face to face, their bodies now dangerously close. "My love, are you still mad at me?" she asked in a voice that sounded way too sincere for Hanni's liking. Hanni, now completely lost, forced a laugh, glancing between Haerin and the creepy guy who was still standing there like he was watching the most awkward soap opera unfold.

"Uh, Haerin, why would I be mad?" Hanni chuckled, the sound brittle and nervous. Please, old man, just walk away.

Haerin dramatically shook her head. "Don't act like this, darling. You wanted us to head to bed early, and I dragged you here. Maybe your plan would've been... more fun." She winked, her tone dropping suggestively, which made Hanni's insides cringe.