*Ariana's pov*
---
*Tuesday Morning*
I woke up—no haunting dreams, no memories chasing me this time. Just a clear head and a little something called revenge dressing.
After doing my usual routine, I stood in front of my closet and chose *violence*. A skin-tight crop top, a mini pleated skirt, my long legs hugged by sheer tights, and thigh-high boots to seal the deal. My makeup? Flawless. Hair? Baddie-level. Mood? Unbothered.
Today, I wasn't just showing up—I was showing *off*.
I grabbed my phone and called Kyro. "Hey, think you can pick me up today?"
"Anything for you, babe," he said with a smirk in his voice.
By the time I got downstairs, the smell of bacon still lingered in the air. I quickly ate, kissed my mom on the cheek, and told her goodbye.
As soon as I opened the door, a car horn beeped.
*Ping.* *Kyro: I'm outside, beautiful.*
I stepped out, feeling every eye in the street could be on me—and loving it. I slid into the front seat and greeted Kyro with a smirk.
He stared at me, his eyes running slowly from head to toe. "Damn, Ari. Who are you trying to kill looking like that?"
I just blushed and shrugged, "Nobody. Maybe everybody."
He laughed and pulled off.
*But what I didn't know...* A little way down the street, hidden behind a tinted windshield, *Blaze* sat watching. His eyes darkened as he saw me get into Kyro's car—laughing, flirting, *glowing*.
He watched it all in silence.
Then… a smirk crept onto his face.
He revved his engine once.
And drove off.
Fast.
This wasn't over.
---
Kyro and I arrived at Crestwood High, and instantly, *heads turned*.
Whispers started. Eyes locked in. Some guys literally slowed down their steps. Girls side-eyed, whispered, then turned away, pretending not to stare.
Yeah, I looked *different* today—and everyone noticed.
Some jaws dropped. Some eyes lingered longer than they should've. But I didn't care. That was the point.
As we walked in, I flipped my hair and smirked. Confidence? 10/10.
A few minutes later, the *Vixens* made their entrance—pulling up in sleek, shiny cars like they owned the damn school (which, let's be honest, they kinda did).
Students clapped, catcalled, and gushed over them.
"Damn, the Vixens are *fine*!"
"Is that Sky? She looks hotter today!"
"Sheeesh—Zuri's outfit? DEADLY."
Naomi spotted me through the crowd and practically ran over. "Giiiirl, who even *are* you today?" she laughed, giving me a dramatic once-over.
I giggled.
She leaned in. "After first class, meet me on the rooftop balcony, okay? I wanna teach you some dance steps for tomorrow's audition. We need to get you ready to kill it."
"Bet," I replied.
---
Our first class of the day was *English Literature*. The teacher, Mr. Clive, was talking about *symbolism in classic novels*—something about how a green light in *The Great Gatsby* wasn't just a light, but a whole dream or whatever.
I tried to focus, I really did.
But between the way the teacher talked like he was narrating a documentary and the fact that I kept catching people glancing at me from behind their books, I was barely holding it together.
Kyro was two rows ahead, and Naomi kept throwing me little notes like:
— *"You're slaying today."*
— *"Everyone is SHOOK."*
We also touched on *figurative language* and how *authors use imagery to express emotions*. Fitting, really—because I felt like I was starring in my own drama.
By the time the bell rang, Naomi reminded me of our rooftop practice. I nodded, grabbed my bag… and decided to hit the restroom first.
But on the way, I heard something—muffled voices coming from the janitor's closet. I paused.
Suddenly, the door creaked open and *Kyro* stepped out.
His face? *Tight*. Jaw clenched. He looked like someone just pissed him off. But the moment he saw me, he froze… then slowly smirked.
I narrowed my eyes.
What is that look?
Then I followed the direction of his gaze.
Standing further down the hallway, arms crossed, eyes burning?
*Blaze.*
He was staring—no, *glowering*—right at us.
Something snapped in me.
I didn't even think.
I grabbed Kyro's face, pulled him close… and *kissed* him. Bold. Deep. On purpose.
And as I pulled back, I didn't even look at Kyro. I looked *right at Blaze*…
---
I walked away with Kyro, still holding his hand. After a few steps, I slowly dropped it.
"I'm sorry about that," I said, avoiding his eyes.
"It's fine," he replied, then paused. "But… do you know Blaze?"
I responded too quickly. "No."
Kyro narrowed his eyes slightly, as if sensing something was off. But he just nodded, letting it slide.
Then came the words I wasn't ready for.
"I really liked that kiss. And… I like you, Ariana."
I froze. Kyro was cute, kind, and easy to be around. But my heart didn't flutter. My breath didn't hitch. And I couldn't help but wonder—did I kiss him because I wanted to? Or because Blaze was in my head… again?
Still, I smiled and said softly, "Kyro… I like you too."
His face lit up like Christmas morning. "Then… will you be my girlfriend?"
There was a pause. A beat too long.
"Yes," I finally said.
He leaned in and kissed me again. His lips were warm. Gentle. But I felt… nothing.
No spark. No fire.
*God,* I thought. *What have I gotten myself into?*
When he pulled back, grinning like he just won the lottery, I forced a smile—my mind already tangled in thoughts of someone else.
---
I made my way to the rooftop where Naomi was already waiting, her pom-poms tossed carelessly beside her and music playing from her speaker.
The moment she saw me, she lit up. "Finally! I was about to send a search party."
I forced a smile. "Sorry, I got held up."
We started the practice. Spins, steps, flips—Naomi was in full coach mode. But my mind? Completely distracted.
No matter how hard I tried, I kept drifting back to that kiss… to Kyro's hopeful eyes… and to Blaze's infuriating stare just moments before. What was that look? Jealousy? Anger? Possessiveness?
Naomi suddenly paused and squinted at me. "Okay, spill. You're zoning out like crazy."
I blinked. "What?"
"You've been dancing like you're in a dream sequence, not cheer practice. What happened?"
I just smiled faintly and shook my head. "Nothing. Just tired, I guess."
She didn't push, but I knew she didn't believe me.
And honestly… I wasn't sure I believed myself either.
Love yah 💜💜.