My boyfriend had a friend group, three guys and one girl. Before I ever met them, he gave me a warning that I still remember word for word. If you ever do anything to upset that girl, we’re over immediately. I nodded, pretending to take it lightly, but inside I was intrigued. Every group has that one perfect girl, the one everyone protects, the one no one dares to question, and I’ve never been the type to worship someone like that. Dererick looked at me with that serious, protective expression that made my roommates roll their eyes whenever I mentioned him. I mean it, Sarah. Emily isn’t just a friend. She’s the most important person in my life. If you want to be with me, you’ll respect her. You’ll look out for her. I smiled sweetly, keeping my tone calm. Of course, your friends are my friends. I’m sure Emily and I will get along just fine. When I told my roommates about that little warning, they lost it.

“You’re the prettiest girl on campus,” one of them snapped. “And you’re letting some guy tell you to play nice with another girl like she’s royalty? You’ll regret it.” They stormed out, fuming. I didn’t bother arguing. Instead, I fixed my hair, grabbed Derek by the arm, and said with a smile, “Come on, we don’t want to keep your friends waiting.” When we walked into the cafe, I saw her instantly. Emily.

She was sitting right in the center of the table, wearing a white dress and a smile so innocent it almost looked rehearsed. Two guys were sitting on either side of her, both handsome, both looking way too comfortable around her.

That was all I needed to see. She was the sun and they were her orbit. I’d

expected her to be distant or arrogant, but instead she jumped up and ran toward me, grabbing my hands like we were best friends already. You must be Dererick’s girlfriend. You’re gorgeous. Guys, this is Sarah. Her enthusiasm was almost too much, but the flicker in her eyes gave her away. She was sizing me up. Ryan, the one with glasses, gave me a quick handshake and forced smile. James, the tall one with the buzzcut, didn’t even try to hide his dislike. I met both their eyes and smiled wider. Emily still had my hands in hers, her voice as bright as her fake little halo. “So, what were you thinking falling for Derek? He’s such a mess.” Dererick laughed and ruffled her hair like she was a kid. Don’t tease. You’re in one of your moods again. Then he took off his jacket and placed it over her chair. You always get cold. The moment froze.

Everyone went quiet. Emily tilted her head toward me with a small pout. Aren’t you jealous, Sarah? He’s spoiling me right in front of you. Dererick’s expression tensed as if he was bracing for drama, but I just smiled calm and polite. Of course not. Dererick told me you’re like his little sister. Now that I’ve met you, I totally get it. You’re adorable. Her smile froze for just a second. The guys relaxed again, not realizing what had just happened. Emily recovered quickly, pretending to blush.

You’re different from the others.

Dererick’s exes always hated me. I tried to be their friend, but they were so cruel. I smiled, keeping my tone warm.

Maybe they just didn’t know how sweet you are. Her eyes flickered again.

Confusion, irritation, and something else. Then dinner arrived, and I could feel it, the tension building under Emily’s perfect surface. Moments later, she gasped. A bit of soup had spilled across her white dress. Before I could even react, Dererick shoved past me and grabbed a napkin. Emily, are you okay?

James glared at me like I just confessed to a crime. I knew it. I knew she’d be trouble. Ryan crossed his arms. First day meeting her and she’s already accidentally hurting Emily. Really?

Dererick turned to me, his voice sharp.

Sarah apologized to her now. Emily buried her face in her hands. But I saw it, that small, smug smile behind her fingers. Most girls would have snapped, maybe even walked out, but not me. I let my eyes fill with tears. Just enough to shimmer under the light. I’m so sorry, Emily. I didn’t see you when I reached for the soup. I swear it was an accident. My voice trembled just right.

I really like all of you. I was just so nervous. I’d never hurt anyone, especially you. Emily froze, caught off guard. Her little performance had just been outplayed. Of course, she said finally, forcing a shaky laugh. Don’t blame Sarah, guys. She didn’t mean it.

Dererick looked between us, unsure of what to believe. He hugged me awkwardly, guilt flashing in his eyes. But before he could say anything, Emily clapped her hands. Okay, let’s just forget it and go swimming. Derek, you promised to teach me, remember? He hesitated.

Yeah, sure. And just like that, everyone followed her lead again, as if nothing had happened. I smiled to myself, quietly, watching her walk ahead. She really thought she’d won, but she had no idea who she was dealing with. The pool area glowed under soft yellow lights. I stood near the edge, watching Emily giggle as she dipped her toes in the water. She wore a floral swimsuit, modest, but perfectly chosen to make her look delicate, the kind of girl who always needed saving. The boys gathered around her, of course. Dererick adjusted the straps of her swimsuit. James tossed her a towel and Ryan stood nearby, arms crossed, pretending not to watch her too closely. I’d seen this scene before.

Different people, same energy. the perfect girl surrounded by her loyal guards. I slipped off my sandals and tied my hair into a ponytail. The sound made them all glance my way. Emily noticed first. Her smile faltered for just a second. Then she turned it into something sweet and innocent. Sarah, you came too. But do you even know how to swim? Not really, I said calmly. Maybe Dererick can teach me. The air shifted.

Dererick froze, his hand still holding Emily’s towel. Emily tilted her head, pretending to think. Oh, but he promised me first. Remember Derek? You said you’d help me practice tonight. Her voice was light, but her eyes were sharp. Dererick hesitated.

Right. I did promise. Just give me a bit. Okay, of course, I said smiling.

I’ll manage.

The water was cool as I stepped in, goosebumps rising on my skin. I didn’t miss the way the other guys looked, especially Derek. He was trying not to stare, but he failed miserably. Emily noticed, too. She let out a playful shriek, grabbing Dererick’s arm dramatically as if she’d seen a bug.

Derek, I’m scared. Don’t let go. He steadied her, muttering something about how she needed to relax. From where I stood, the sight was almost pathetic.

Her wrapped around him, the perfect picture of fake vulnerability. Then a voice came from behind me. Need a hand, gorgeous? A guy I didn’t know, tall, confident, maybe a student from another class, smiled down at me. Before I could respond, Dererick’s voice cut through the air. She’s my girlfriend. Back off.

The stranger raised an eyebrow, looking between Dererick and Emily, clinging to his arm. Yeah. You sure about that?

Doesn’t look like it from here. The jab landed perfectly. Dererick turned red.

Watch it, man. Hey, I said quickly, giving the stranger a polite smile. I’m fine, really. Thanks for offering, he winked. If you ever get tired of this circus, call me. He handed me a slip of paper and walked away. Emily giggled behind me, her tone dripping with false innocence. Oh no, Derek.

Looks like your girlfriend’s making new friends. Dererick’s expression darkened.

Sarah, you shouldn’t talk to guys like that. They just want attention. I looked at him quiet for a moment. I wouldn’t have to if I wasn’t standing here alone.

The tension was thick enough to drown in. Ryan cleared his throat. Sarah, if you really don’t know how to swim, I can show you the basics. It’s not that hard.

Sure, I said softly. Thanks, Ryan.

Emily’s smile vanished. Ryan, she’s fine. You don’t have to. But Ryan was already in the water beside me. James joined us reluctantly, muttering something about just keeping an eye out.

As I moved closer, a sharp pain shot through my leg, a cramp. I gasped and lost my balance, sinking slightly.

Sarah. James reached for me, his strong arms pulling me up. My leg, I whispered.

It hurts. Ryan swam closer immediately, concern flashing in his eyes. He grabbed my calf gently, massaging it underwater to ease the tension. The moment was innocent, but the sight must have looked very different from afar. Emily’s voice sliced through the air. James, what do you think you’re doing? He froze. Ryan let go instantly, startled. And in that brief chaos, I slipped underwater again just for a second. When I came up gasping for air, my lips brushed Ryan’s accidentally. The sound of Emily’s gasp echoed across the pool. The whole world seemed to stop. I pushed away, coughing lightly, still out of breath. Ryan looked mortified, staring at the water instead of me. James was silent.

Dererick looked furious. Emily stormed toward me, her voice trembling with fake outrage. Sarah, how could you? You’re Dererick’s girlfriend. You were practically kissing James and Ryan in front of everyone. I blinked at her, stunned at the audacity. But before I could speak, Ryan snapped, his calm facade finally breaking. That’s not what happened, he said louder than I’d ever heard him. She cramped up. She was drowning. I helped her. James nodded, his voice rough, but steady. He’s right.

You’re twisting it, Emily. Her face went pale, then red, then pale again. For the first time, the boys weren’t standing beside her. They were standing in front of her, blocking her from me, not protecting her from me. The balance had shifted. Dererick looked between us all, his confusion written across his face.

Ryan, you’re defending her. Ryan turned toward him, water dripping from his hair. I’m telling the truth. I stayed quiet, wrapping a towel around myself, pretending to be shaken inside. I could feel it, the tide changing. Emily tried to smile again, but it didn’t reach her eyes. You’re all misunderstanding. I didn’t mean no one listened. I stepped out of the pool, my bare feet cold against the concrete. I could feel every eye on me, but none of it mattered. For the first time since meeting them, Emily wasn’t untouchable anymore. And I wasn’t just Dererick’s girlfriend anymore. I was the girl who’d survived her little performance and turned it against her without saying a word. The next morning, the campus felt different. People always say you can feel when rumors start spreading. And they’re right. Every hallway seemed louder. Every whisper stopped when I walked by. I kept my head up, pretending not to notice. By lunchtime, Dererick had already texted me twice. We need to talk. Please don’t ignore me. I didn’t reply. Instead, I went to the cafeteria. And there she was, Emily. She sat at her usual table, surrounded by her boys, or at least what was left of them. James was staring at his phone, detached. Ryan wasn’t there, and Dererick looked like someone who hadn’t slept. I walked past them, tray in hand, and sat at a different table near the window for the first time. I didn’t care if she saw me. A few minutes later, Ryan appeared, holding his lunch.

He scanned the room, hesitated, then walked straight toward me. “Can I sit here?” “Sure,” I said, trying to sound casual. When he sat down, the room got noticeably quieter. You could almost hear the gossip spreading like wildfire.

He gave a small, reassuring smile.

“Don’t mind them.” “I don’t,” I said. I stopped minding last night. He chuckled softly, eyes fixed on his tray. Emily’s not taking it well. She’s not used to losing. That made him look up. For a second, our eyes met, and I saw something new there. Not pity, not curiosity, respect.

Before I could say anything else, a familiar voice broke the silence. Well, this is cozy. Emily stood beside our table, her perfect smile back in place.

Though her hands were trembling slightly, her tone was polite enough to fool everyone. “Except me.” “Morning, Emily,” I said evenly. “Good morning, Sarah,” she turned to Ryan. “And good morning to you, too. I see you’ve switched sides,” Ryan sighed. “There are no sides.” “Of course there are,” she said sweetly. “There always are,” she looked back at me. “Can I sit?” “You already are,” I said quietly. Her smile tightened. I heard some interesting things today. People are saying you’ve been close to everyone in the group.

James, Ryan, even Derek. Rumors travel fast when someone’s desperate, I said.

The color drained from her face for a split second before she forced another smile. You really think you can turn them against me? I don’t need to. You’re doing that yourself.

The air around us froze. Ryan set his fork down slowly. Emily, maybe you should. No, she snapped, then immediately softened her tone. Sorry, I just don’t like lies being spread about me. I leaned back, calm. Then maybe stop creating them. Her eyes flashed. You’re not as innocent as you pretend to be.

Neither are you, I said. The cafeteria was completely silent now. You could hear the hum of the refrigerator from across the room. Emily stood up, her mask finally cracking. “You think you’ve won, don’t you?” I think, I said softly, that I stopped playing your game. She stared at me for a long moment before turning around and leaving, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. The second she was gone, conversations resumed, louder, messier, and full of speculation. Ryan looked at me, half impressed, half worried. You just dismantled the queen bee in front of everyone. No, I said, picking up my drink. I just reminded people she bleeds like the rest of us. He smiled faintly, but his tone was serious. She won’t let it go.

I’m counting on it. That evening, I went back to my dorm and lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. My phone buzzed.