The basketball court behind the high school was only lightly animated.
The sun was slowly setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The court echoed with the sound of the ball hitting the ground and the boys' loud voices.
Leandro had just scored. Jonas grabbed the ball and looked at him with a smirk.
— So… are we going to pretend everything's normal, or are we talking about it?
Malik burst out laughing.
— Yeah, because honestly… you and Aïna? We deserve explanations.
Ethan crossed his arms.
— Since when do you fall in love with the queen of the school?
Leandro stopped. The ball rolled slowly to his feet. He ran a hand over the back of his neck, hesitating for a few seconds.
— It's not "since when," he finally said. It's been longer than you think.
His friends exchanged surprised looks.
— Wait… what? Jonas asked.
Leandro took a deep breath.
— She always intrigued me. Everyone sees Aïna… the ambitious girl, untouchable, always perfect. But I saw something else. She caught my attention immediately. I didn't really know how to get hers, so I started looking for her.
— Ah, I see… But how did she even agree to go out with you? Malik asked curiously.
A slight smile appeared on Leandro's lips.
— Honestly… I don't really know. People see her as a strong woman. The way she fights to control everything. Her determination. And even when she pretends to be cold… she's not really.
Silence.
— You're really in love… Ethan whispered, almost impressed.
Leandro nodded.
— Yeah. And I don't care if people think it's strategic. I know what I feel.
His friends stayed quiet for a few seconds, then Jonas tapped his shoulder.
— Bro… if it's real, then go for it.
— Yeah, Malik added. For once you're serious about a girl.
— But be careful, Ethan said with a smile. She doesn't play small.
Leandro smiled.
— Neither do I.
The game resumed, but the atmosphere had changed. Lighter. More sincere.
On the other side, on the terrace of a café near the school, Keisha was sitting with Vanessa, Emma, and Lila around a small round table. Their cold drinks had just arrived.
Vanessa immediately asked:
— Okay. We want the truth.
Keisha raised an eyebrow.
— What truth?
— Why him? Lila asked. Seriously. Leandro? The bad boy you used to argue with all the time?
Emma nodded.
— You couldn't go a single day without throwing jabs at each other.
Keisha took her time before answering. She looked at her drink, then lifted her eyes.
— You're right. I don't know when or how, but his teasing always made me smile.
Her friends looked confused.
— He doesn't treat me like a queen. He challenges me. He provokes me. And he's never been afraid of me.
Vanessa narrowed her eyes slightly.
— And you like that?
A sincere little smile appeared on Keisha's face.
— Yes.
Silence surrounded the table.
— He sees me as Keisha, she continued more softly. Not just as Aïna.
That surprised her friends.
Emma softened.
— So… it's not just strategy?
Keisha inhaled slowly.
— No. It's not "just" that.
Vanessa studied her carefully. This time, there was no calculated coldness in her eyes. There was something more fragile. More real.
Lila smiled.
— Okay… I didn't expect that.
Vanessa finally smiled too.
— Well. If he makes you happy… then we support you.
Keisha nodded.
— Thank you.
Night had fallen. The streetlights softly illuminated the sidewalk.
Leandro appeared at the corner of the street, hands in his pockets. Keisha noticed him immediately.
Their eyes met.
Vanessa whispered:
— We'll leave you two.
Emma and Lila exchanged a knowing smile before walking away with her.
Keisha stood and approached Leandro.
— So? she asked. Interrogation over?
He smiled.
— And you?
— Same.
A comfortable silence settled between them.
Then, naturally, their hands searched for each other.
And found each other.
They began walking side by side, slowly.
— What did you tell them? Keisha asked.
— The truth.
She slightly turned her head toward him.
— And what's… the truth?
He looked straight into her eyes.
— That I'm in love with you.
Keisha's heart skipped a beat. But she didn't look away.
— You're brave, she whispered.
— No. Just honest.
She squeezed his hand a little tighter.
— Then I'll be honest too… I chose with my head. But I'm staying with my heart.
He smiled.
— That works for me.
They stopped in front of the large black gate.
The living room light was on. Through the curtains, a familiar silhouette could be seen.
— Your nanny is there? Leandro asked softly.
— Yes… she never misses my return.
The door opened almost immediately.
Mrs. Clarisse, her nanny since childhood, appeared on the porch. Elegant, upright posture, attentive gaze.
— Good evening, Miss Keisha.
Then her eyes landed on Leandro.
A silence.
Quick analysis.
— Good evening… young man.
Leandro remained respectful.
— Good evening, ma'am.
Keisha felt the subtle tension in the air.
— This is Leandro, she said calmly. My… boyfriend.
The word seemed to freeze time for a second.
Mrs. Clarisse slightly raised an eyebrow. Controlled surprise.
— I see.
Her gaze dropped to their intertwined hands.
Then she looked at Keisha. A soft, protective look.
— May I speak with you for a moment, Miss?
Keisha hesitated, then turned to Leandro.
— Don't leave.
He nodded.
8:44 PM – Inside, in the entrance hall
Mrs. Clarisse gently closed the door behind them.
— Since when? she asked calmly.
— Today… officially.
The nanny sighed softly.
— And is this a thoughtful decision… or an emotional one?
Keisha stayed silent for a few seconds.
— Both.
Mrs. Clarisse stepped closer and tucked a strand of hair behind Keisha's ear, like she used to when she was a child.
— You've always wanted to control everything, my dear. But the heart… doesn't work that way.
Keisha lowered her eyes slightly.
— I know.
— Then make sure you're choosing for the right reasons.
A tender silence.
— Does he respect you? she asked.
— Yes.
— Does he look at you like you're more than your image?
Keisha thought about the way he had said her name.
— Yes.
Mrs. Clarisse smiled slightly.
— Then don't let the queen suffocate the young girl.
Those words stayed with her.
— You may walk him out properly, she finally said.
Leandro was waiting, hands in his pockets.
Keisha approached him.
— Interrogation over? he asked.
— She approves… for now.
He smiled.
— I'm honored.
A more intimate silence settled.
— You know… he said softly, I was thinking while you were inside.
— About what?
He inhaled slightly.
— I don't want our story to start as just a shock for the school. I want it to really begin.
She looked at him.
— And that means?
He stepped closer.
— It means… would you accept a real date with me?
She stayed still.
— A real one?
— Yes. Not at school. Not in front of everyone. Just you and me. Saturday night.
Her heart sped up slightly.
— Where?
— Surprise.
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
— You're asking me to trust you without giving me the plan?
He smiled.
— Exactly.
Silence.
Then a soft smile appeared on her lips.
— Okay.
He looked genuinely surprised.
— Okay?
— Yes. But if it's disappointing, I take back control.
He laughed.
— Deal.
A suspended moment.
He gently lifted his hand toward her cheek.
— May I?
She could have answered with arrogance.
With defiance.
But she simply whispered:
— Yes.
He leaned in slowly.
Not rushed. Not abrupt.
A soft kiss. Slow. Sincere.
Not to impress.
Not to dominate.
Just… real.
When they pulled apart, their foreheads almost remained touching.
— Good night, Keisha.
She opened her eyes slightly.
— Good night, Leandro.
He stepped back, still smiling, then walked away down the street.
Keisha remained still for a few seconds.
She gently touched her lips.
It wasn't strategic.
It wasn't calculated.
It was new.
And unsettling.
She sat on her bed.
Mrs. Clarisse knocked softly on the door.
— Does he kiss well? she asked with a playful smile.
Keisha widened her eyes.
— Mrs. Clarisse!
The nanny laughed.
— I'm teasing.
She stepped closer.
— You looked happy.
Keisha stayed silent.
Then, very softly:
— I think I am.
Mrs. Clarisse gently stroked her hair.
— Then allow yourself to be.
The door closed.
Keisha lay down.
Saturday.
A date.
A real one.
And for the first time…
She couldn't wait.