The next morning, the sky is clear-too clear for Ami's mood.
She stands in front of the mirror, tugging at her school uniform until it sits perfectly. The skirt rests neatly just above her knees, her white blouse is tucked without a wrinkle, and her tie sits in a clean knot. With a sigh, she pulls her hair into a high ponytail, letting a few strands fall deliberately loose to frame her face.
Birthday banners are already being hung around LM Villa. That brat is throwing herself a party like she is royalty.
When Ami arrives at school, she notices students crowding around someone ahead. Curiously, she walks a little closer.
Alia.
Alia is passing out glossy black and gold invitation cards to every student with her signature smugness.
Alia (loudly): "Obviously, everyone's invited. It's my 18th grand birthday. It'll be massive. Dress code is gorgeous. If you show up looking poor, just stay home."
The crowd laughs politely.
When Ami walks past, Alia locks eyes with her, lips curling into a sneer. No words-just that look that says: "You won't make it."
Ami walks right past Alia with the calm grace of someone who has already won a battle in her head. A small smirk tugs at her lips,"As if I care."
Near the lockers, Ami spots Sneha. She approaches with a grin.
Ami: "You ready for tonight?"
Sneha: "Duh. I've been waiting to shake things up."
Before the moment can stretch, Saad swoops in, leaning his elbow onto Ami's shoulder like it belongs there.
Saad: "So it's official then? We're claiming the title of Party Breakers of the Year?"
Before Ami can roll her eyes, Dylan appears behind them, waving an invitation card.
Dylan: "Party? This one?"
Sneha raises a brow.
Sneha: "Wait… you didn't know? Soha didn't tell you?"
Dylan (shaking his head): "We didn't talk last night. I was working on an assignment. What's happening?"
Sneha: "We're taking down Alia's domestic ego tonight."
Dylan: "Huh? Sounds chaotic. Will Soha be there?"
Ami: "You think she won't be?"
Dylan: "Well, you know her. She's too soft-hearted for drama."
Sneha: "Just having her stand with us will be enough."
Dylan: "If she's going, I'm going. Count me in."
Saad: "Don't be a chicken, dude... Be a real man like me-we're sneaking in crackers, setting off fireworks inside!"
Dylan (eyes wide): "Inside?! Are you crazy?"
Sneha (deadpan): "Ignore him. He's high on attention."
Saad (mock offended): "Excuse me, ma'am, I'm high on justice."
Before Sneha can retort, a familiar voice breaks through.
Soha: "Heeyyy guys! What did I miss?"
She bounds over, sunshine energy intact, but the moment her eyes land on Dylan, her cheeks warm pink.
Soha (half-shy, smiling): "Oh… Dylan, you're here too?"
Dylan: "Yeah, I wanted to see you. Thought you'd be with them."
Ami: "Damn, Soha. When will your honeymoon phase end? Still blushing like a tomato?"
Sneha: "I bet they haven't even kissed yet."
Soha (flustered): "Guys! Shut up!"
Dylan (calmly): "Yeah… we haven't. But we will soon."
Sneha: "What's stopping you? Aren't you already a couple?"
Dylan: "She's taking her time. I respect that. I'll give her an official proposal."
Saad (groaning): "Booo-ring~ You should've kept it a surprise for the drama!"
Soha (smiling now): "Nah, it's okay. Dylan likes being straightforward. That's one of the things I like about him."
Ami : "Okay, okay-lovebirds, break it up. I'm heading to the rooftop. I need fresh air before history class sucks out my soul."
Sneha( calls after her): "We have a test!"
Ami (already walking off): "Nehhh, history can wait. Oxygen comes first."
The bell rings. Sneha groans.
Sneha: "Ugh, screw it. History is boring anyway. I'm joining Ami."
She sneaks out, climbing the stairs to the rooftop. She pushes the heavy metal door open-
???: "GOT YOU!"
Sneha: "Huh-WHA-?"
CRASH!
The door yanks forward, pulling Sneha off balance. She stumbles hard, colliding with someone. Her eyes squeeze shut,then snap open when she realizes her lips are pressed against someone else's.
Saad.
Sneha (mortified, blinking rapidly): "W-WHAT THE-?!"
Saad (groaning): "Dang, Sneha… move. I can't breathe."
Sneha scrambles off him, face red as a siren.
Sneha: "Did we just-?! Did that actually just-?!"
Saad (dead serious, brushing himself off): "Yeah. That definitely happened."
Sneha (flustered beyond belief): "You idiot!! You better have an explanation for this!"
Saad (hands up): "I was trying to prank Ami! So I hid behind the door to scare her! How was I supposed to know you'd show up instead?!"
Sneha (pointing a shaky finger): "You absolute dumbass! I just lost my lips virginity!"
Saad (grinning): "Well hey, you stole mine too. So I think we're even."
Sneha (sputtering): "EVEN?! You think I wanna be even with you?!"
The door creaks again. Ami strolls in, water bottle in hand.
Ami (raising an eyebrow): "…Whoa. I leave for five minutes and you two are making out already?"
Sneha (jumping back like burned): "NO!! No no no, it's not what it looks like!"
Ami (smirking): "Chill. Why are you explaining to me?"
She leans close to Sneha's ear.
Ami (whispering): "He likes you. I know it too."
Sneha freezes, eyes wide.
Sneha: "…WHAT?!"
Saad (standing, brushing off): "I was aiming for Ami, ended up kissing Sneha. Plot twist of the year."
Sneha (dramatically clutching forehead): "I can't live with this. I lost my lips virginity before marriage. I had dreams. I wanted kids first. Goodbye cruel world…"
Ami (giggling): "Oh my God, Sneha, you're so dramatic. Relax!"
Saad (mock serious): "If it makes you feel better, I'll take responsibility. It was my first kiss too."
Sneha (horrified): "SHUT UP, YOU ABSOLUTE MORON!!"
She storms off, still burning red.
Ami watches her go, laughing.
Ami: "Poor Sneha. She's gonna replay that moment in her head for the next five years."
Saad (rubbing his forehead): "Honestly? My head's still spinning."
Ami (teasing): "Aww, still tasting the sweetness of the kiss? Digesting it slowly?"
Saad: "Ami. I'm begging you. Stop."
Ami (mock salute): "Alright, alright. Go nap in the nurse's office or something. You clearly need recovery time."
Saad: "I'm actually gonna do that. Emotionally exhausted."
He drags himself off, leaving Ami shaking her head, amused.
Evening.
Ami lounges on her bed, phone in hand, typing into the group chat.
Ami (texting): "Be sure to make a grand appearance tonight. We're not just attending,we're going to slay this party."
Replies flood in instantly.
Saad: "Say no more, Queen. I was born to cause chaos in style 😉"
(Ami can practically hear his dramatic tone-probably tossing a fake rose in the air somewhere.)
Dylan: "Just tell me what to wear. I still don't get how 'dress gorgeous' works."
Soha: "I'm so nervous… Why do I feel like I'm about to walk into a battlefield in heels? 🫠"
Sneha: "💅 Already picked my outfit, booked the Uber, rehearsed my walk, and warned my eyeliner not to smudge."
Ami grins at the screen. Her army is ready.
Her eyes drift toward the black dress hanging on her closet door-subtle shimmer, backless, daring slit down the side.
Ami (whispering to herself):
"Let the curtain rise, Alia. You wanted a show."
Tonight, she isn't just showing up.
She's making history.