Among the Elite - 2 Stardust Literacy

2

2
THE SETSHOANE HOUSEHOLD
The sun peeked through the gaps in Kiara’s heavy curtains the next morning, illuminating the chaos of designer bags and discarded shoes that littered her room. She was already awake, lying motionless on her bed, scrolling through her phone. The night at the Jack mansion replayed in her mind, leaving her with an uneasy feeling she couldn’t shake.
Her father’s voice echoed in her memory:
“She’s been very helpful with some of the new business ventures. It’s about time we all meet her properly.”
And then there was Natasha—poised, polished, and much too comfortable in her place beside him. Something about her presence didn’t sit right with Kiara.
Her temples throbbed as she rubbed them. There was no time to wallow; school awaited, and with it, the judgmental gaze of her peers.
Kiara rolled out of bed, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. For once, she didn’t feel like the girl in the tabloids, the darling of the Setshoane family’s empire.
Instead, she felt like an imposter.
---
THAT MORNING
ST. ECHELON’S ACADEMY
The rhythmic clatter of polished shoes echoed through the marble corridors, blending with murmurs of gossip and the occasional burst of laughter. Among the sea of impeccably dressed students, Kiara Setshoane glided through the halls, her heels clicking softly on the stone floors. Her usual confidence was tempered with a cloud of doubt as she thought about the events from the previous night.
She had barely slept, her mind racing with thoughts of her father’s praise of Natasha and the way she seemed to effortlessly fit into his world. Kiara wanted to be that poised, polished woman. But no matter how many perfectly crafted outfits she wore or how many designers she charmed, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was just a girl playing at being someone else.
As she passed through the main courtyard and into the school’s bustling entrance, her gaze met Masi’s. Instantly, Kiara’s smile faltered, and her stomach churned with the familiar knot of inferiority. Masi was everything Kiara wanted to be: effortlessly poised, with an air of nobility that seemed to come so naturally. Even without trying, Masi commanded attention. Kiara had spent years attempting to outshine everyone, only to realize that no matter how hard she tried, Masi had always been a step ahead.
Masi noticed Kiara, her expression unreadable, but her eyes flickered with an almost imperceptible glance of recognition.
Kiara forced a smile and approached her.
Kiara: (hesitantly) Hey, Masi.
Masi raised an eyebrow as she acknowledged her with a curt nod.
Masi: Kiara. You look... well.
Her tone was casual, though not without a slight undercurrent of curiosity.
Masi: How was the party last night?
Kiara hesitated, her eyes flickering momentarily to the ground before meeting Masi’s gaze again. She was acutely aware of how Masi was looking at her—cool, composed, like a queen looking down at a contender for her throne.
Kiara: The party was fine. But...
Her voice trailed off as her mind briefly drifted to Natasha.
Kiara: It was just... a lot. My dad... he..... well, it was fine but ... different, you know?
Masi’s lips twitched, though she didn’t smile. She wasn’t sure whether Kiara was speaking from genuine concern or the kind of self-centered worry that came from wanting to fit into a world she wasn’t sure she belonged in.
Masi: It’s funny how they always think they have everything figured out, right? Parents...
She spoke with a slight edge in her tone.
Masi: But you don’t need to explain yourself to me, Kiara. Everyone’s just trying to carve out a little space where they matter.
Kiara swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to keep her voice steady.
Kiara: Yeah, maybe. But sometimes it feels like... I’m just a name on a list. You know, the one they drag out when it’s convenient.
Her eyes flickered briefly toward the direction of the main entrance, where her father and Natasha had entered together the night before.
Kiara: I don't know if I can keep pretending that I'm fine.
Masi studied her for a moment.
Masi: (flatly) Pretending isn’t necessary, Kiara. Just be who you are, even if it doesn’t look like everyone else. That’s the only way to make them remember your name.
Kiara exhaled, a deep breath of frustration mixed with something else—reluctance to accept Masi’s words but somehow unable to fully push them away. As much as Kiara wanted to challenge Masi, to claw her way up to the top, there was always that voice in the back of her mind reminding her that Masi was the one who didn’t need to fight for attention.
It just came to her.
---
A BIT LATER
THE ENGLISH CLASS
The morning sun bathed the prestigious halls of St. Echelon’s Academy in a soft, golden glow. The rhythmic clatter of polished shoes echoed through the marble corridors, blending with murmurs of gossip and the occasional burst of laughter.
Among the sea of impeccably dressed students, Masikhanyise "Masi" Jack strode with quiet confidence. She was the picture of composure in her tailored blazer and pleated skirt, her expression a study in poise. At her side, Justin Mazibuko matched her step for step, his presence commanding in its own right. His blazer hung open casually, his tie slightly loosened, an intentional rebellion against perfection.
As they rounded the corner to the English classroom, Justin leaned toward her.
Justin: I still don’t get why you insisted on coming in early. No one cares about the first five minutes of Brown’s monologues.
Masi: Some of us have better things to do than wait for latecomers to catch up.
Justin smirked, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement.
Justin: Touché. But admit it, you’re just here to flex your punctuality streak.
Masi shot him a sidelong glance, her lips curving slightly.
Masi: Perhaps. Now pull yourself together, Mazibuko. You’re representing me.
Justin opened the door for her with an exaggerated flourish.
Justin: After you, Your Highness.
The classroom was already half-full, the chatter buzzing like static electricity. Conversations ceased as Masi entered, all eyes inevitably drawn to her. She glided to her usual seat in the third row, Justin trailing behind her.
From her vantage point, she scanned the room with the sharpness of a hawk surveying its domain. Luthando Mthembu lounged near the windows, one arm draped lazily over the back of his chair, while Ayanda Mongezi sat alone at the far end, her headphones firmly in place. Siyanda Dhlamini was engrossed in his phone, his manicured nails tapping against the screen with practiced precision. Thandeka Zuma, as always had her book opened while she scrolled through her iPad seeming to be reading news articles, she was very informed, reserved and formal, bit of a balck sheep from the crew, nevertheless thye all still hung out togetehr.
As Masi settled into her seat, she extracted her notebook with methodical precision. Justin, however, leaned back in his chair, his long legs stretched under the desk, the picture of casual disinterest.
Suddenly, the sharp clap of Mrs. Brown’s hands cut through the hum of conversation. The petite, stern-faced teacher stood at the front of the room, her hair pulled into a tight bun.
Mrs. Brown: All right, settle down. Before we begin today’s lesson, we have an announcement.
The room fell silent, curiosity rippling through the students.
Mrs. Brown: (Gesturing toward the door) Please welcome our two new students, Lwandle and Lindelwa Sokhulu.
The classroom door creaked open, and two figures stepped inside. Lwandle, tall and self-assured, led the way, his blazer perfectly pressed. Behind him, Lindelwa, his younger sister, walked with a quieter grace, her gaze darting nervously around the room.
Mrs. Brown: (Smiling stiffly) Lindelwa enjoys reading and creative writing, while Lwandle is both an athlete and musician. I trust you’ll make them feel welcome.
A murmur swept through the room as the siblings took their places at the back. Masi’s sharp eyes tracked them, her posture remaining regal and composed. But when Lwandle’s gaze found hers, he offered a slow, deliberate smile.
Lwandle: Hi, Masi.
Her expression remained impassive, but her eyes narrowed slightly.
Masi: Hello.
Beside her, Justin stiffened. He leaned closer, his voice low and edged with suspicion.
Justin: Do you know him?
Masi: (Without looking at him) No.
Justin: (Frowning) You’re sure? He looked at you like he does.
Masi: (Flatly) I said no.
Justin’s jaw tightened, his fingers drumming against the desk in irritation. He glanced over his shoulder, his dark eyes narrowing at Lwandle, who was settling into his seat with infuriating calmness.
When Mrs. Brown turned to write on the board, Justin seized the opportunity.
Justin: (Muttering) Scholarship boy. Know your place.
Masi: (Warningly) Justin.
Justin: (Feigning innocence) What? Just reminding him of the pecking order.
From the back of the room, Lwandle’s voice cut through, smooth and unbothered.
Lwandle: You talk too much.
Justin turned sharply, his chair scraping against the floor.
Justin: What did you just say?
Before the tension could escalate, Masi placed a hand on Justin’s arm.
Masi: (Firmly) Enough. You’re embarrassing yourself.
Mrs. Brown turned from the board, her sharp gaze pinning Justin in place.
Mrs. Brown: Mr. Mazibuko, is there a problem?
Justin straightened, his expression smooth.
Justin: None at all, Mrs. Brown.
Masi exhaled quietly, her gaze lingering on Lwandle for a fraction of a second. Something about him unsettled her—not his confidence, but the way he carried it, like he belonged here, despite everything.
How did he even know her? was he maybe one of those avid social media fans...
Jeez!
A bit ghetto...
---
THAT AFTERNOON
THE COURTYARD
During the lunch break, the group reconvened by the marble fountain in the courtyard. Masi perched gracefully on the edge, her posture perfect. Justin stood beside her, his hand resting casually on her shoulder.
Luthando: (Grinning as he approached) Did you see Brown’s face when Justin almost lost it? Priceless.
Siyanda: (Rolling her eyes) She was two seconds away from handing out a detention.
Justin: (Scoffing) She wouldn’t dare. Besides, someone had to put the newbie in his place.
Ayanda: (Removing her headphones) He handled you better than most. Interesting.
Justin: (Frowning) Whose side are you on?
Masi: (Interrupting) Enough. Focus on what matters.
Luthando: (Grinning) And what’s that, Queen Jack?
Masi: (Smiling faintly) Influence, of course.
---
AFTER SCHOOL
THE COURTYARD
The late afternoon sun bathed St. Echelon’s Academy in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows across the cobblestones and the manicured lawns. Students filtered out of classrooms in clusters, eager to stretch their legs and exchange the latest gossip. The chatter was loud, filled with the usual laughter and the occasional shrill ringtone piercing the hum of conversations.
Masi stepped outside, her heels clicking sharply against the stone, each stride measured, her back straight, radiating a quiet authority that drew the eyes of everyone around her. She didn’t need to announce her presence; it was inherent in the way she moved. She adjusted the strap of her designer bag, the rich leather gleaming in the sunlight, and glanced sideways at Justin, who was walking close behind her. His posture, as always, was a study of casual confidence, but something was off about him today—his usual easy smile had been replaced by a tight-lipped frown, and his hands were shoved deep into the pockets of his blazer.
They walked in silence for a moment, both of them acutely aware of the low buzz of tension that had followed them all through the day—since the moment that Lwandle Sokhulu had first looked at Masi.
Justin’s voice broke the silence, his tone sharper than usual.
Justin: So, you really don’t know him?
Masi didn’t even glance at him, her gaze ahead, focused on the path leading to the school’s front gates where the line of waiting chauffeurs stood beside sleek, black cars.
Masi: (dryly) You’re still on about this?
Justin: (growing impatient) Yeah, I’m still on about this. He knows your name, Masi. And that’s not nothing. He’s got this look in his eyes like—like he’s seen you before.
Masi: (pausing, her heels tapping softly against the stone) So what if he does? I’m not everyone’s private business to dissect.
She turned to face him, crossing her arms lightly over her chest, her expression unreadable but her eyes flashing with a flicker of irritation. The cool evening breeze tugged at the strands of her hair, and she absentmindedly tucked them behind her ear.
Justin: (insistently) You act like you don’t care, but I can see it. You’re... distracted. The way you looked at him—it was different, Masi. I’m not stupid.
Masi: (her voice cold) I don’t know him. He’s new here. Maybe he recognized me because I stand out.
Justin’s lips twisted into a skeptical smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. The hurt in his voice was barely concealed when he spoke again, his words biting.
Justin: So, you think I’m imagining things? He looks at you like he knows you, and you’re just going to ignore it? I’m not buying it.
Masi: (frowning) You’re being ridiculous. Maybe he just— one of 'my' fans.. you know i am not just a nobody, right?
Her words trailed off as she saw Lwandle again, standing near the gates with his sister, his eyes once again finding hers.
This time, though, there was no smile.
Just that same unsettling look that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
Masi’s heart skipped a beat.
---
Justin: (leaning in to Masi, quietly) That Sokhulu guy seems too comfortable around here. What's his game?
Masi narrowed her eyes as she took in the sight of Lwandle and his sister standing at the gates, conversing with a few students.
Masi: Don’t worry about him. Just another person trying to figure out his place. And I’m sure he’ll make it clear eventually.
Justin: Right. (His voice was laced with suspicion.) But I wouldn’t put it past him to try to stir the pot.
Masi’s gaze flickered back to Kiara, who had quietly retreated to a seat, her expression unreadable.
Masi: Let people be who they are, Justin. The more you poke at them, the more they’ll notice you. And trust me, that's the last thing anyone here wants.
With that, Masi straightened and glanced over her shoulder at Justin, her eyes glinting with a subtle challenge.
---