As the meeting wrapped up, the council members drifted out in groups, still tossing around ideas about venues and themes. Alice lingered behind, gathering her notes. When she finally stepped into the corridor, Japheth was leaning casually against the wall, basketball tucked under one arm.
He grinned when he saw her. "So, Madam Vice President, how's the kingdom? Already plotting world domination?"
Alice rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "If by world domination you mean trying to organize prom on a starving budget, then yes. That's my evil plan."
Japheth chuckled, pushing himself off the wall to walk beside her. "I heard about the fundraiser idea. Bold move."
"Bold or stupid?" Alice muttered.
"Both," he teased, bumping her shoulder lightly with his. "But that's what I like about you. You don't back down."
Her cheeks warmed at his words. She opened her mouth to retort, but the bell shrieked across the hall, summoning students to their next class. Together, they made their way toward the third-year lecture block.
Alice adjusted her bag nervously as she made her way to class, her mind still juggling the upcoming prom preparations and the usual school chaos. She barely had time to breathe before Kira slid into the seat beside her with that mischievous grin that always spelled trouble.
"Morning, Alice," Kira whispered, nudging her shoulder. "So… any new crush I should know about?" Alice groaned softly, rolling her eyes. "Kira, please. Can we not start today?"
Kira ignored her, leaning closer with a conspiratorial sparkle in her eye. "Oh, come on. Don't tell me your little heart isn't racing every time you see him. I know a crush when I see one."
Alice groaned again, wishing the walls could swallow her whole. Before she could respond, her gaze fell across the classroom and froze. Liliana was back. The girl who had caused so much drama, whose manipulations had once dragged Alice through humiliation, was sitting there smugly, flipping her hair as if she owned the place.
"Kira…" Alice whispered sharply. "Don't even think about—"
But Kira was already smirking, eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, I think this is going to be fun." Liliana, noticing the exchange, tilted her head and smiled faintly, like a predator assessing her prey. The tension between the girls was palpable, electric, drawing the eyes of a few other students.
Alice leaned over to Kira. "Seriously, stop. Don't engage her."
Kira shrugged, her grin widening. "Alice, she's asking for it." Before the argument could escalate, the teacher walked in, his presence commanding instant silence. "Ladies, this constant bickering is unnecessary. Today, we will focus. There will be a test. I expect cooperation, not chaos."
Alice took a deep breath, trying to center herself. The test commenced, pencils scratching against paper in tense silence. Liliana occasionally shot Alice a glance that was equal parts challenge and provocation, but Alice forced herself to concentrate, ignoring every flicker of irritation that Kira threw her way in whispers and playful nudges.
When the final bell rang, the class erupted into chatter. Students collected their things and spilled into the hallway. Alice and Kira stepped out, their bodyguards following closely behind.
"Finally," Alice muttered, stretching her arms.
Kira nudged her shoulder. "Oh, you're blushing already, I can tell. Look at you, trying to hide it."
Alice groaned, cheeks heating. "Kira—stop."
Their teasing was interrupted by Josh, who appeared on the steps with that confident grin he always wore. "Hey," he said casually, "all done?"
"Yeah, and thankfully survived," Kira replied, linking her arm with his. They exchanged playful glances that made Alice roll her eyes.
Japheth stood nearby, quietly observing, leaning casually against the wall. Kira, ever the instigator, poked at Alice. "Hmm… your guy's over there looking all broody. Careful, he might steal your attention."
Alice bit her lip, unsure whether to scowl or blush, when Josh's driver pulled up. Josh waved to Japheth. "Hop in. I'll drop you off on my way."
Alice and Kira glanced at each other, waiting for their own ride. Minutes passed, the air thick with the heat of impatience.
At that very moment, across Manhattan in Leo's office, a conversation unfolded.
"Sir, the girls' driver called in. Emergency… won't be able to make it," one bodyguard reported to another. Leo didn't flinch. "Doesn't matter," he said calmly, adjusting his tie. "I'll pick them up myself." Minutes later, a sleek convoy rolled to a stop outside the school. Leo stepped out, impeccably dressed, his entourage of bodyguards fanning around him like a shield. He scanned the crowd until his eyes landed on Alice and Kira.
Kira, ever the troublemaker, waved with a grin. "Well, well… look who decided to make an entrance."
Alice, heart hammering, tried to hide behind Kira, cheeks flushing from the teasing.
Leo arched an eyebrow, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity. "So… who are you two talking about so seriously?"
Kira's grin widened, eyes sparkling mischievously. "Oh, this? It's just… a little crush Alice has," she teased, nudging Alice lightly.Alice's face turned crimson. "Kira!" she hissed, but Kira only shrugged, reveling in the moment.
Leo's jaw tightened subtly, the protective streak in him sparking. "A crush, huh?" he murmured, tone low but pointed. "I'd like to meet this… boy, someday."
Alice swallowed hard, cheeks still pink, while Kira smirked, enjoying every second of her teasing.
The girls climbed into the convoy, still laughing nervously at Kira's antics, and the city blurred past as they headed back to the Hart Mansion.