It was the big day—the school basketball game. Crestwood High was known for having the best team in the area. They rarely lost, and most of the players were set to enter the MBA. The entire school was buzzing with excitement. The gym was packed, students screaming in anticipation, banners waving in the air. This wasn't just a game—it was war.
Maya, however, couldn't care less.
She sat in her car, scrolling through her phone while music blasted through the speakers. As much as she wanted Vic to get humiliated in front of the entire school, she had to admit—he was the best. So, she did something uncharacteristic: she gave him a break. Just this once.
Bored out of her mind, she sighed. "Screw this."
She turned off the engine and stepped out, making her way to the one place no one would expect her to be—the library.
The moment she walked in, the entire room stilled. A few heads peeked up from behind books, confused murmurs filling the space. Maya sanclaire in the library? That was unheard of.
She strutted past the rows of tables, catching sight of Eddie hunched over his laptop, typing away furiously. He barely spared her a glance, which only made her more determined to get his attention.
"Did the Wi-Fi crash or something?" she teased, sliding into the seat across from him. "I can't think of any other reason you'd be here instead of watching the game."
Eddie didn't look up. "Not interested."
She propped her chin on her hand. "What, you don't support your school? Or are you just scared of social interactions?"
He finally met her gaze, unimpressed. "I just don't care."
Maya smirked. "Figures."
Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen—Sally.
Sally: "Jackie's about to get what she wants. Vic's going to ask her out after the game."
Maya's smirk disappeared.
She pushed back her chair, standing abruptly. Eddie raised a brow. "And she leaves as suddenly as she arrives. Classic."
She ignored him, walking out while dialing Sally. The call barely rang before Sally picked up.
"Where are you?" Sally asked.
"Leaving the library. What do you mean Vic is asking her out?" Maya demanded.
"It's all planned. Jackie told us herself—she thinks she's won."
Maya clenched her jaw. "Not on my watch."
Sally's voice dropped to a whisper. "What are you going to do?"
Maya glanced toward the gym, where cheers erupted. The game was ending. It was now or never.
"Something spectacular," she said before hanging up.
The final buzzer echoed through the gym. Crestwood had won. The crowd roared, students jumping onto the court in celebration. Vic stood at the center, soaking in the victory, sweat glistening under the bright lights. He grabbed a microphone, a cocky grin on his face.
"Alright, everyone, listen up!"
The noise died down as all eyes turned to him. Jackie, standing at the edge of the court, pressed a hand to her chest, anticipation lighting up her face.
Vic pointed at her. "Jackie, come here."
A chorus of "oohs" spread through the crowd. Jackie practically floated toward him, her confidence shining through. Vic licked his lips, ready to make his grand move.
And then—
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
The fire alarm blared through the speakers.
Screams of confusion filled the gym. Teachers rushed to direct students out of the building. The romantic tension shattered in an instant.
Jackie's face twisted in fury. She scanned the crowd, searching for one person.
And there she was.
Maya, sitting on the hood of her car, arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold with the smuggest grin imaginable. Beside her, Sally and Luna laughed like it was the funniest thing they had ever witnessed.
Jackie stormed toward her. "You!"
Maya tilted her head. "Me?"
"Don't play dumb! You did this!" Jackie seethed, stopping just inches away from her.
Maya gave her an innocent look. "Are you accusing me of something? Because setting off a fire alarm is a serious offense."
Jackie's hands curled into fists. "You're insane."
Maya swung her legs lazily over the side of the car. "And yet, here we are."
Jackie's face burned red with rage. "Do you really hate me that much?"
Maya leaned in, her smile dropping. "You took something that was mine. And you thought I'd just let you have it?"
Jackie's lips parted slightly, as if trying to come up with a response, but nothing came out.
Maya straightened, dusting off her skirt. "This is just the beginning, sweetheart."
She turned on her heel, linking arms with Sally and Luna. "Let's go."
Jackie stood frozen as Maya strutted away, leaving nothing but chaos and a ruined moment in her wake.
At the coffee shop, the three girls settled into a booth, their drinks steaming in front of them.
Sally laughed. "I can't believe you actually did that."
Maya took a sip of her latte. "Believe it, babe."
Luna smirked. "Jackie's going to be out for blood."
Maya shrugged. "Let her try. She has no idea who she's messing with."
Sally leaned forward. "What's next?"
Maya's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Oh, I'm just getting started."
Luna raised a brow. "Does this have anything to do with Vic?"
Maya twirled her straw between her fingers, gaze flickering with amusement. "Maybe. Maybe not."
Sally snorted. "You're still hung up on him."
Maya's smile didn't waver. "I'm not hung up on anyone. I just don't like losing."
Luna sipped her drink. "So what's the plan?"
Maya leaned back, crossing her legs. "Jackie wants the spotlight? I'm going to give it to her. But in the worst way possible."
Sally and Luna exchanged glances.
"You're terrifying," Luna muttered.
Maya grinned. "And you love me for it."
Sally chuckled. "Okay, evil mastermind. Just don't get us expelled."
Maya waved her off. "Relax. I have everything under control."
At that moment, the coffee shop door swung open. A group of students rushed in, buzzing with excitement.
"Did you guys hear?" one girl said, eyes wide. "They're launching an investigation to find out who pulled the fire alarm!"
Sally and Luna froze.
Maya, however, simply stirred her drink, entirely unbothered.
Luna hissed. "Maya, please tell me you didn't leave evidence."
Maya rolled her eyes. "Come on. You really think I'd be that careless?"
Sally exhaled. "Good. Because if they find out—"
"They won't," Maya interrupted smoothly. "And even if they did, do you think anyone would believe I pulled the alarm? Me? The school's sweetheart?"
Luna scoffed. "Sweetheart, my ass."
Maya laughed. "Exactly."
Sally shook her head, still grinning. "You're going to burn this school to the ground."
Maya took a slow sip of her drink, eyes glinting with mischief. "That's the plan."