The next morning, Saint-Clair High seemed just like any other day: the laughter, the shouts, lockers slamming, and the groups forming in the hallways. Yet, for Keisha — or rather A.I.N.A, the undisputed queen of the school — everything was about to change. Today, she and Léandro would enter the courtyard with confident steps, hand in hand, officially… as a couple.
Keisha stood in front of the main hall mirror, adjusting her uniform with almost military precision. Her black skirt fell perfectly, her blazer was impeccable, and her silk ribbon, carefully tied, added the touch of elegance she never left to chance. But this morning, something shone in her eyes: a gleam of determination mixed with a subtle warmth, usually reserved only for Léandro.
Léandro, standing beside her, wore his uniform with his usual relaxed style, blazer slightly open, shirt half-tucked, yet his eyes never left Keisha. His calm and confident gaze seemed to silently say: "I'm here. For you. For everyone."
— Ready? he murmured, a sly smile on his lips.
— Always, replied Keisha, sliding her hand into his.
The couple stepped into the hall, and suddenly, time seemed to slow. Whispered rumors started immediately, at first barely noticeable, then louder. All eyes turned toward them. Vanessa, Keisha's best friend, who was chatting with a few students near the lockers, froze, mouth agape.
— Wha… what…? she whispered.
— You… you're… together?! she stammered, unable to finish her sentence.
Keisha slowly turned her head, a slight smile playing on her lips:
— Yes, she said calmly, almost amused by her own audacity.
Around them, groups parted, curious, intrigued, or jealous. Students exchanged glances, some admiring, others slightly intimidated. Even Maya, Keisha's usual rival, stopped, frozen, unable to hide her surprise.
— But… how did this happen? whispered Vanessa, regaining her composure.
— It's not a question of "how," said Léandro, giving her a discreet wink. We just decided.
Keisha let go of Léandro's hand.
— Well, I'm going to the library. See you later.
— Okay, sounds good, he replied.
At that moment, Léandro's group of friends — Jonas, Malik, and Ethan — approached, their eyes wide with disbelief.
They stepped toward him.
— Dude… wait… you're going to explain this? asked Jonas, half serious, half amused.
— Yeah… this is kind of… unexpected, added Malik.
— You two were like cats and dogs just two days ago, added Ethan.
Léandro simply shrugged, leaving them hanging. His friends exchanged glances, realizing there was more to this story than a bluff.
— Understand what exactly? murmured Léandro with a sly smile.
— How… you… managed to win over A.I.N.A? dared Ethan, unable to contain his curiosity.
Léandro looked up at them, unsure of what to say.
— Don't ask me… it's a long story.
Toward the library, Emma, another friend of Keisha's, joined the group, accompanied by Vanessa. The sunlight filtered through the library windows, bathing the room in a soft glow. Vanessa, still in shock, stepped closer.
— Seriously, Keisha… you never told me you were in love with Léandro. And on top of that, you're like cats and dogs!
— I know, replied Emma. You don't want to end this year single, especially since it's our last.
— You're right, Emma, said Vanessa, beginning to understand the situation. But why Léandro?
— Vanessa, Emma… said Keisha, her eyes glinting coldly, I have the right to date whoever I want. Besides, between him and me, it's serious. And he… sees things the way I do.
— Alright, we believe you, replied Emma.
The rest of the morning passed in a mix of whispers, lingering glances, and small displays of complicity between the two. At recess, the duo headed to the cafeteria. This time, they chose a central table, in full view of everyone. Keisha's friends — Emma, Vanessa, and Lila — exchanged surprised glances.
— So… it's official? asked Lila, her voice full of curiosity.
— Absolutely, replied Emma. She confirmed it to me and Vanessa.
— Wow, that's insane…
Léandro's friends sat down nearby, each throwing questions, subtle or not.
— Did you spend the night together? dared Malik.
Keisha raised an eyebrow, a sly smile on her lips.
— What happens between us stays between us. I don't spend my time asking how many people you sleep with, she retorted.
A silence fell. Keisha's authority was palpable. Everyone understood that her answer wasn't a refusal, but a display of power. Even Vanessa, trying to stay objective, felt her breath catch.
When the bell signaled the resumption of classes, Léandro and Keisha stood. Hand in hand, they walked toward the exit, projecting the image of a united, unshakable couple.
— Shall we go? asked Léandro with an amused smile.
— Yes. But I choose the route, said Keisha, defying the world to contradict her.
As they left the school, murmurs ran through the halls:
— Did you see?! Keisha and Léandro… together… the impossible couple!
— I never would've imagined that, someone whispered behind them.
Keisha smiled faintly, aware of the impact of this single step. It wasn't just a relationship, it was a declaration: she controlled her game, and this time, no one could catch her off guard.
— Be ready, murmured Léandro in her ear.
— Always, she replied, her gaze fixed straight ahead. This time… she sets the pace.