Snapback & Secrets

The pool party at Tyler's house was supposed to be legendary. That's what everyone's Snaps claimed, anyway. Maya pulled her dad's old snapback **hat** down over her curls — her armor against a world where everyone seemed cooler, prettier, more everything than her.

She clutched her **iPhone** like a lifeline, thumb hovering over Instagram. Three new posts from the party already. Perfect flat lays. Candid-looking poses that took forty tries. The curated reality made her stomach twist.

"You coming in or what?" Tyler called from the diving board. His smile was easy, the kind that made girls forget their names. Maya's throat went dry.

"In a minute!" she squeaked. Smooth.

Then she saw her: Chloe, from the swim team, cornering poor freshman Leo by the snack table. The **pool** lights reflected off Chloe's manicured grin as she leaned in too close, too predatory.

"So, Leo," Chloe's voice carried. "Everyone says you're the school **spy**. Always watching, never talking. What's your deal?"

Leo looked ready to dissolve into the concrete. His shoulders hunched forward, defensive.

Maya's feet moved before her brain caught up. "Actually," she heard herself say, "Leo's not a spy. He's just observant. There's a difference."

Chloe raised an eyebrow, calculating. "Oh? And what exactly are you observing, Leo?"

But Maya caught the look Leo shot her — gratitude mixed with something else. Understanding. They were both outsiders at this party of insiders.

Chloe huffed, clearly annoyed her fun was ruined. "Whatever. This party's **bull** anyway." She stalked off toward more promising victims.

Maya sank onto the pool edge, feet dangling in cool water. Leo sat beside her, quiet.

"Thanks," he said finally.

"No problem. She sucks."

"Yeah, but you didn't." A small smile. "I'm Leo."

"Maya." She pulled off her **hat**, letting it dangle from her fingers. Maybe she didn't need armor after all.

Her **iPhone** buzzed. A Snap from Tyler: *pool's better with u in it.*

Maya laughed. Real laughter this time. She and Leo stood up simultaneously.

"Race you in," Leo challenged.

"You're on."