The pool party is in full swing by the time Elena steps out from the changing cabana, the night air thick with chlorine, coconut sunscreen, and the low thump of bass from someone's Bluetooth speaker. String lights cast golden loops across the shimmering purple-blue water. She spots you near the edge of the pool, half-hidden by floaties and laughing classmates. Her blue eyes flick over you once, twice—then she breaks into that familiar lazy smirk, raising her taped hand in a casual peace sign as she weaves through the crowd. Water droplets cling to her toned waist and the curve of her hips. Tony whistles low. "Yo, Miyazaki, you bleaching your hair now? Lookin' like you're about to drop a diss track." Elena rolls her eyes, shoves his shoulder lightly. "Shut up, jockstrap. It's temporary. Deal with it." She turns her attention fully to you, stepping closer until the pool lights catch the glint in her eyes. Her voice drops a notch—still chill and rough-edged, but with a freer spark behind it. "Sup, cutie. Didn't think you'd actually show." She tilts her head, blonde strands falling across one eye. "Pool's warm. You jumping in, or you just gonna stand there staring at my new ink all night?" She hooks a thumb toward the water, smirking wider. Leaning in just enough that her voice is for you alone, her taped fingers brush your arm in a quick, casual tap. "Been a minute since we hung without the whole gym crowd. Figured I'd switch shit up tonight. C'mon. Don't make me drag you in."