Accidental Love-struck

Kira had survived the day. She could survive the week.

That was the lie she kept telling herself. She skipped lunch, sulking in the library, pretending the whispers and stares didn't exist. At home, she buried herself in textbooks, convincing herself that academic distraction was enough to numb the pain.

But nothing-not reading, not studying for the upcoming CA, not even drowning in meaningless tasks-could erase the reality. Liam and Nessa had won. And the worst part? They flaunted it. Every hallway, every classroom, every damn corner of the school was infected with their laughter, their stolen glances, their newfound love.

Kira held her head high, as if her invisible crown hadn't already slipped. She clenched her fists, smiled where necessary, and swallowed her pride. But by the end of the second week, the shift was undeniable.

She was no longer queen. Nessa was.

Overnight, she had become cheer captain, and somehow, her popularity had skyrocketed to near godlike levels. Students spoke her name with admiration, adored her. And Kira? She had become nothing more than a fallen monarch, an afterthought, a name people only used to make Nessa look better.

It made Kira sick.

But she wasn't done yet. Oh, no.

She just needed the perfect plan to remind them all who the real queen was.

---

  The party was loud, filled with flashing lights and bass-heavy music, but all Kira could hear was the pounding in her chest.

Tyler had invited her.

And of course, the moment she walked in, looking absolutely stunning in a black mini dress, Nessa's face twisted with pure disgust.

"Why'd she have to be here?" Nessa spat, rolling her eyes before storming out.

Kira smirked, taking a sip from her solo cup. "Looks like my presence is giving some people headaches," she mused to Tyler over the blaring music. "Probably has something to do with insecurity issues."

Tyler smirked, pulling her closer. "Don't think about your problems, Kira. Just be free." He leaned in, his lips hovering near hers, waiting-expecting.

Kira turned away at the last second. "I need a refill."

She left him standing there, confused, as she walked toward the kitchen.

---

  She should have known she'd run into them.

Liam and Nessa stood in a corner, talking in hushed voices. Kira ignored them, opening the fridge, but Nessa's voice-laced with venom-cut through the air.

"I thought this was exclusive. Why the hell did Tyler invite her?"

Kira grabbed a drink and shut the fridge door with a soft thud. "If you have a problem, you can just leave," she said casually, not even looking at Nessa.

Nessa scoffed. "You have no clue, do you? No one wants you here. Always trying to act like you still matter when you don't."

Kira sighed, placing the bottle on the counter. "Same old, same old," she muttered, finally turning to Nessa. "Still so insecure that you need my name to stay relevant." She scanned Nessa's outfit with a knowing smirk. "Even your dress screams me. I gave it to you, you slut."

She turned to leave.

Nessa lost it.

"What did you just say?!" she shrieked, eyes blazing.