Chahat stormed toward her department building, her frustration bubbling over. She barely had a moment's peace before her phone buzzed. A message from Tiya.
Tiya:LMAO, you and Jay really out here feeding the rumors. Respect.
Chahat scowled, typing furiously.
Chahat:I AM NOT FEEDING ANYTHING.
Tiya:Uh-huh. Sooo, what were you two whispering about near the fountain?
Chahat nearly tripped. She whipped around, scanning the area. A few students were still glancing at her, and she spotted a group of juniors snickering while sneaking glances at their phones.
"Oh, for the love of—" She turned back to her phone.
Chahat:How do people know about that ALREADY?!
Tiya:Oh, babe. You underestimate how much people love mess.
Chahat resisted the urge to scream. How was this getting worse?
Just as she reached her classroom, Kiya appeared out of nowhere, blocking her path.
Chahat immediately tensed. If anyone had a reason to be annoyed about these rumors, it was Kiya.
Kiya crossed her arms. "You and Jay, huh?"
Chahat sighed. "Oh my god. Not you too."
Kiya studied her for a second, then smirked. "Relax. I know there's nothing going on. I just came to enjoy the show."
Chahat narrowed her eyes. "What show?"
Kiya pulled out her phone, clicking on a new forum thread.
NEW THEORY: Chahat is only denying it because of Kiya! Love triangle confirmed??
Attached was a terrible, zoomed-in picture of Chahat and Jay talking by the fountain—except Kiya was visible in the background, walking toward them.
Chahat's eye twitched. "THEY'RE DRAGGING YOU INTO THIS NOW?"
Kiya grinned. "Oh, absolutely. And honestly? I'm kinda entertained."
"How are you so calm about this?!"
Kiya shrugged. "Because I know how to handle people. You? You're fun because you react."
Chahat groaned. "I hate this college."
Kiya patted her shoulder. "Oh, don't worry. I'm sure something way juicier will pop up soon."
Chahat didn't know whether to be relieved or terrified. But deep down, she had a sinking feeling.
Something told her this was definitely not the end of it.
Kiya tucked her phone into her pocket, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Alright, Chahat, I've decided."
Chahat pinched the bridge of her nose. "Oh no. No, no, no. I don't like that tone."
Kiya flipped her hair dramatically. "I am officially taking over this situation. This entire college clearly lacks quality entertainment, and since they've chosen to focus on us, I will ensure they are properly fed."
Chahat took a step back. "I do not like where this is going."
"Oh, relax," Kiya said, waving a hand. "I'm not going to do anything too crazy." Then, with a devilish smirk, she added, "Probably."
Chahat's stomach sank. "No. Kiya, no. Whatever you're thinking, stop thinking it."
Kiya grinned. "Come on, Chahat. I'm doing you a favor. You don't want to be known as the girl who had an emotional breakdown over some dumb forum post, right?"
Chahat crossed her arms. "I did not have a breakdown."
Kiya tilted her head. "Mmm, didn't you, though?"
Chahat exhaled through her nose. Deep breaths. Do not engage. Do not make this worse.
Kiya took a step closer, lowering her voice like she was about to reveal the world's greatest secret. "See, the problem with you is that you let them get to you. You let them paint the story. But now? Now I am the director." She placed a hand on her chest. "And trust me, darling, if this campus wants a story, I'll give them a masterpiece."
Chahat blinked. "I don't want to be in your stupid masterpiece."
Kiya smirked. "Too late, babe. You already are."
Chahat suddenly had a horrifying realization—Kiya was way worse than anyone gossiping about her. If she was taking over, things were about to get so much worse.
Chahat straightened her posture. No. No, she would not let Kiya out-dramatic her own life. She had to get a grip.
She clenched her jaw. I need to keep my emotions in check. I refuse to let Kiya be the biggest problem in my life.
Kiya's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, this is going to be so fun."
Chahat forced a smile, her eye twitching slightly. "I hate you."
Kiya beamed. " hate you too."