Poolside Sphinx

Marcus stood by the **pool**, red solo cup in hand, pretending he wasn't low-key panicking. This was exactly why he hated house parties.

People everywhere. Music too loud. Zero idea where to put his hands.

Then he saw her.

The **cat** — that was her nickname in group chat, because she moved like one, all liquid grace and side-eyed judgment. Chloe. Senior class president, debate team captain, the kind of girl who definitely did not talk to sophomores.

She was sitting on the patio with someone's **dog** — a massive golden retriever that looked like it was living its best life.

Marcus's feet moved before his brain could intervene.

"That's Zeus," Chloe said, scratching behind the dog's ears. "He believes he's royalty."

She looked at him, really looked at him, and something in her expression shifted.

"You're the sphinx kid, right?"

Marcus blinked.

"From the English presentation?" Her lips curved. "You stood there like a statue for thirty seconds before you could even start."

His face burned.

"I was trying to channel mysterious energy."

Chloe laughed — actually laughed, head tilted back, smile reaching her eyes.

"Well, sphinx, since you're here, want to help me solve a mystery?"

"What mystery?"

"Why someone brought a **cat** to a pool party."

Marcus followed her gaze to the edge of the yard, where a very confused-looking orange tabby sat on a lounge chair, watching the chaos with judgment.

"That's on my sister!" someone called from the **pool**.

Chloe shrugged, then looked at Marcus like she was seeing him for the first time.

"Well, sphinx? You in?"

Something in his chest shifted. Maybe house parties weren't so terrible after all.

"Yeah," he said. "I'm in."

Zeus woofed like he agreed.

Marcus didn't stop smiling the rest of the night.