"You'd be going home, right?" Bernard asked, looking all sulky.
"You really think you can get rid of me that easily? You promised you'd take me anywhere!" I teased.
"Really? You still wanna go out?"
"Yeah. Or do you want me to go home?" I raised a brow, already bored of his dumb questions.
"No, no! That's not what I meant! Where do you wanna go?" He asked, suddenly grinning like a child given ice cream.
"Lindajux Mall." I smiled wickedly.
"Lindajux mall? That's your pick?"
"Yup."
He turned to the driver. "Driver, Lindajux."
I blinked. He was calm. Happy even. Excuse me? He was supposed to panic at the word Lindajux. That place wasn't just a mall—it was the mall. If you weren't wealthy, you dared not breathe their air. Rich Lagos elites only. Even Mom's products were sold there.
"I can't believe you still want to hang out with me after the whole 'being on the news' mess," he said, smiling.
I forced a small smile back, staring out the window. Why did he have to keep pushing this "us" thing? I needed Zimba's help—fast.
"So, sweetie, did you enjoy RSVP?" Bernard asked, trying to sound like some wannabe husband.
"First of all, darling, my name is Zikora. And yes, RSVP was great." I rolled my eyes.
"Why can't I call you sweetie? You really do look sweet," he whined like an 8-year-old.
"You're stupid." I laughed.
"For you, baby." He clutched his chest dramatically.
"Switching it up to baby now, huh?" I teased, cheeks heating up despite myself.
Listen, guys. Don't get it twisted—I'm not falling for him. I just… like him. As a friend. Period.
"Are you blushing?" he gasped.
"No! Jesus, no!" I yelled, fighting a smile.
"You are! You look red as hell."
I laughed loudly (not ladylike at all, sorry not sorry) and smacked his back. He groaned. I raised my hand to do it again, but my phone exploded with "Unstoppable" by Sia.
"Hello?" I answered without checking.
"WHERE ARE YOU?" a voice screamed.
"Oh my God!" I yelped, jerking the phone away. One glance at the caller ID and my heart dropped. "Mom?"
"Zikora, for the last time, WHERE ARE YOU?" she shrieked.
"Heading to Lindajux," I whispered.
"I want you home by 7. It's already 6:30! Did Zim not pass my message to you?"
"Yeah, yeah, he did."
"Good. Bye!" She hung up before I could even protest.
We parked at the lot. Bernard opened the door for me like some Prince Charming. The mall's entrance practically screamed luxury. Inside, I went full shopping beast mode—bags, jewelry, women's products. (Don't ask how much. Just know Bernard's card is crying. Loudly.)
At checkout, the cashier smiled a little too much at us. "Thanks for patronizing."
Bernard carried most of the bags, Zimba too. Poor guys.
"Should I put them all in the car?" Zimba asked.
"No, in my mouth. They'd fit perfectly there, right?" I deadpanned.
Bernard laughed. "Is this how you two always banter? You sure you're not siblings?"
"Whatever. Let's go before Mom grounds me for life."
In the car, I sighed. "I really enjoyed today. Thanks."
"Don't mention it, baby girl."
"Baby girl? Seriously, Bernard?"
"I was trying to be romantic."
"Uh-huh."
"Don't thank me. That's what every fan would do for their star."
"Alright, Mr. Fan. Bye!" I leaned over and kissed his cheek.
His eyes widened. "You just didn't do that."
"Nope. Totally didn't."
"I loved it. Whatever! This is for my soon-to-be mother-in-law." He grinned, handing me a wrapped package.
"What's this?"
"Pizza. Burgers. Sandwiches. Guess."
"At RSVP?" I gasped.
"Yup. Thought you'd like it."
"Awwn, thoughtful. But… bye. My mom's already glaring at you from the gate."
He laughed. "Bye!"
I turned toward the mansion. Mom and Zimba stood there, full death glare mode. Yep—I was doomed.
"Hi?" I tried sheepishly.
"You're in trouble," they said in perfect sync.
---
👀 So tell me—
✨ Who loves Mrs. Lola?
✨ Who else wishes Zimba was actually Zikora's big bro?
✨ And who's secretly Team Bernard already?
Remember to vote Berzi 💕 and comment if you're riding with Ferora!
Love y'all 😘 Stay tuned for Chap 7!
Your favorite teen authoress 🔰📑
Oziomajasmine 💝💝