Lines We Cross

Chapter 4

The bass thumped through the walls as YN stepped into the frat house, the music vibrating up from the floorboards and thrumming in her chest. The place was already packed—bodies moving to the beat, laughter spilling out over the music, and the unmistakable scent of alcohol and sweat filling the air. It was the kind of chaotic scene that YN had come to know well, a familiar whirlwind of sound and sensation that felt like a second home.

She wove her way through the crowd with practiced ease, a half-smirk playing on her lips as she caught snippets of conversation, the occasional sideways glance or whispered comment that followed her like a shadow. It was always the same when she walked into a party—people noticed. Some out of curiosity, some out of envy, and some out of something else entirely. It was "The Sterling Effect" in action, the subtle shift in energy that seemed to follow her everywhere.

YN paused by the makeshift bar set up in the corner, reaching for a cup and filling it with the nearest bottle of cheap vodka. She took a sip, letting the burn of the alcohol settle in her chest as she surveyed the room. It didn't take long for someone to approach—a girl with blonde curls and a bright smile who leaned in a little too close as she said something YN didn't quite catch over the music.

YN tilted her head, her dark eyes flashing with amusement. "What was that?" she asked, her tone light, as though she hadn't already gotten the gist from the girl's body language.

"I said, I'm surprised to see you here alone," the blonde repeated, her smile widening. "Thought you'd at least have an entourage."

"I don't need an entourage," YN replied with a lazy grin, lifting her cup in a mock toast. "I'm perfectly capable of making friends on my own."

The blonde laughed, a little too loudly, and leaned closer. "Well, maybe I could keep you company."

YN didn't miss the way the girl's hand grazed her arm, or the way her gaze lingered just a second too long. It was a familiar script, one she'd played out countless times before. She didn't mind the attention—it came with the territory—but tonight, she felt a little more detached than usual, like she was watching the scene unfold from a distance.

"Maybe," YN said, her voice low and teasing. "Depends on how interesting you can keep things."

The girl opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a second voice cut in—sharper, slightly slurred. "Oh, come on, I saw her first."

YN turned to find another girl standing just a few feet away, her dark hair framing a face that was flushed from a combination of alcohol and frustration. There was a glint in her eyes that hinted at trouble, the kind that always seemed to find its way to YN, no matter how much she tried to avoid it.

The blonde shot the newcomer an annoyed glance. "Seriously? There's, like, a hundred other people here."

"Yeah, but none of them are her," the dark-haired girl retorted, her eyes narrowing as she took a step closer to YN. "So, how about you back off?"

The tension in the air thickened as the two girls squared off, their voices rising over the music. YN watched the exchange unfold, a flicker of irritation crossing her features. She'd seen this kind of scene play out before, two people vying for her attention as if it were a prize to be won. It was amusing at first, but it grew tedious fast. She wasn't interested in dealing with a petty argument, not tonight.

"Ladies," YN interjected, her tone smooth and calm as she raised a hand to diffuse the situation. "This has been great." She shot them both a half-smirk, then turned on her heel and walked away without waiting for a response. There were plenty of other places to be, and she wasn't about to waste time getting caught in the crossfire.