Kamsi hesitated in front of her mirror, fingers nervously smoothing the embroidered fabric of her outfit. Her reflection stared back at her, unsure but determined. This wasn't just about sneaking out—it was about stepping into a world she'd only observed from the sidelines. Her phone buzzed on the desk, pulling her from her thoughts. She grabbed it quickly, her pulse quickening.
Zendaya:"Girl, are you ready? I'm outside. Hurry!"
The message carried urgency, the kind only Zendaya could summon. Kamsi's heart raced. She wanted to feel like a normal teenager, just for one night. But if her mom found out... she swallowed hard, dismissing the thought. She wasn't backing out now. She carefully folded her blanket, forming a lump that resembled her sleeping figure, and slipped out of her room, heart thudding.
Each step downstairs felt like a betrayal. The creak of the floorboards under her weight made her wince. She paused, holding her breath, ears straining for any sign of her mother stirring. Silence. With one last deep breath, she bolted out the door, Zendaya's car waiting at the curb.
The bonfire crackled in the distance, casting flickering shadows across the beach. Laughter and murmurs filled the air, mingling with the salty breeze. Kamsi adjusted her braided ponytail, strands of baby curls framing her face as she stepped onto the sand. She felt out of place, yet something within her thrilled at the unfamiliar freedom.
Xavier noticed her immediately. His dark eyes narrowed, the usual sharpness dulled by something he couldn't name. She wasn't just Kamsi tonight—she was a vision, her bold outfit challenging the quiet confidence she usually exuded. His jaw tightened, his smirk faltering. He leaned back against the bar chair arms crossed, observing her without saying a word.
Kamsi felt his gaze before she saw him. Turning slightly, her eyes met his. Her breath caught. There was no mocking glint in his eyes tonight, just an intensity that made her stomach flip. She looked away quickly, cheeks burning.
"Damn, girl!" Damon's voice cut through the tension, his grin wide as he approached. "You clean up nice. I almost didn't recognize you."
Kamsi laughed softly, brushing a curl behind her ear. "Thanks, Damon."
"You look... wow." Gilbert stepped forward, his usual calm demeanor replaced with genuine surprise. "You're always beautiful, but tonight—" He stopped, fumbling with his words before chuckling awkwardly. "Yeah, you're stunning."
Kamsi smiled, warmth spreading through her. "Thank you."
Gilbert turned to Zendaya. "You too, Zendaya. You look amazing."
Zendaya's eyes widened, caught off guard. A faint blush crept up her cheeks, but before she could respond, Damon snorted. "Well, well, look who's not so uptight tonight."
Zendaya's sharp glare was immediate. "And you're still as insufferable as ever," she shot back, arms folding defensively.
Before Damon could retort, a girl draped herself over him, her touch possessive. "Babe," she purred, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. Ignoring their audience, she leaned in, kissing him passionately, her hands running over his chest as if claiming him. The display left little to the imagination.
Kamsi's lips pressed into a thin line, her discomfort evident. Zendaya rolled her eyes, muttering, "Such a flirt."
As the girl whispered something suggestive into Damon's ear, he smirked, turning to his friends. "Ladies, if you'll excuse me," he said with exaggerated politeness before following her. Zendaya wrinkled her nose in disgust, while Gilbert shook his head, exasperated.
"Let's go sit," Gilbert suggested, his gaze lingering on Kamsi. There was something softer there now, almost protective.
"Sure," Kamsi murmured, suddenly shy under his scrutiny. She followed him, Zendaya at her side, to where Alexander waited. His polite smile sent her heart skittering. Of course, he was here. It's his welcome party, she reminded herself, though the thought did little to calm her nerves.
As they sat down, murmurs swept through the crowd. Kamsi felt their eyes on her, whispers laced with admiration and envy. She caught a few words— beautiful, different and stunning.
Across the bonfire, Patricia's nails dug into her palm. She had planned every detail of her outfit tonight, yet here was Kamsi, stealing her spotlight without effort. Jealousy gnawed at her insides. This isn't over yet,Patricia thought, her mind already plotting.
Kamsi shifted uncomfortably, aware of the attention but trying to ignore it. She glanced at Xavier, who hadn't moved from his spot by the bar. His eyes met hers again, unreadable, but the weight of his stare lingered. She couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was the beginning of something she wasn't prepared for.
The night air was thick with tension, the flickering firelight casting long shadows across the circle of students. The fire crackled, sending occasional sparks upward into the dark sky, but the heat did little to ease the simmering unease that hovered over the group.
Gilbert's voice broke the silence, an unexpected idea flashing through his mind. "Why don't we play a game?"
Cinderella tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of game?"
Gilbert grinned, the mischievous spark in his eyes making it clear he had something more playful in mind. "Truth or dare."
Alexander snorted, clearly unimpressed. "Are we five? That's too basic."
Damon leaned forward, the corners of his lips curling up into a sly smile. "What about… 'Would You Dare?'"
"Would you dare?" Zendaya echoed, raising an eyebrow.
Damon's grin widened. He could tell Zendaya wasn't exactly thrilled by the suggestion, but he relished the discomfort. "Here's how it works," he explained, his tone casual, but with an edge that hinted at the mischief he had planned. "I ask you a 'Would You Rather' question—something like, 'Would you rather have a pet dragon or speak every language in the world?' Based on your choice, I'll dare you to do something related."
"Sounds fun enough," Gilbert nodded, the challenge lighting a fire in his eyes. Alexander, begrudgingly, agreed.
The circle shifted, the tension thickening as everyone settled into their spots. Kamsi sat next to Gilbert, her body slightly tense but trying to stay neutral. Xavier took the seat across from her, his posture perfectly still, as if he were studying the scene before him. His gaze flickered to Kamsi, lingering just long enough to make her heart skip, before turning to the others.
The bottle was placed in the center. Damon spun it with a practiced flick of his wrist, the glass cap spinning lazily before coming to a halt, pointing directly at Zendaya.
"Okay, Zee…" Damon's voice was low, teasing, as he watched her carefully. His eyes gleamed with the anticipation of the moment. "Would you rather go on a date with me… or take off something you're wearing?"