4
4ST. ECHELON'S ACADEMY
The late afternoon sun dipped low in the sky, casting an amber glow over the school grounds. Most of the students had already left, but a few lingered, chatting in small groups near the parking lot.
By the fountain, Kiara Setshoane and Lindelwa Sokulu stood together, their conversation punctuated by Kiara’s melodic laughter.
Kiara: So, Lindy… I was thinking. My followers love you, and I think I like you too—just a bit.
Lindelwa: (blinking in surprise) Really?
Kiara: (flipping her hair) Of course. You’ve got potential. I want to get to know you better. How about you come over to my place this weekend? We could do something fun. Maybe even a little collab for my feed.
Lindelwa: (nervous but excited) That sounds amazing. I’d love to.
Kiara smiled, but there was a flicker of calculation in her eyes that Lindelwa missed entirely.
Across the courtyard, Masikhanyise Jack emerged from the main building. Spotting Kiara and Lindelwa, she straightened her shoulders and walked past them with a cool, indifferent air. She didn’t so much as glance in their direction.
Kiara: (watching Masi pass, her tone shifting) Ugh, hold that thought.
Without waiting for Lindelwa’s response, Kiara hurried after Masi, leaving Lindelwa standing awkwardly by the fountain.
Kiara: Masi! Wait up!
Masikhanyise paused mid-step but didn’t turn around. Instead, she pulled out her phone, scrolling idly as if Kiara didn’t exist.
Kiara: (catching up, her tone sickly sweet) There you are! I thought we were friends. Why are you ignoring me?
Masi: (still not looking up) Busy day. Not in the mood for pleasantries.
Kiara: (mocking a pout) Ouch. Anyway, about the deal—
Masi: (finally looking at her) Not now. I’m not feeling well. But if it’s that important, you can come to my house.
Kiara’s eyes lit up.
Kiara: Seriously?
Masi: (shrugging) Sure.
At that moment, a sleek black car pulled up, its polished surface reflecting the fading sunlight. Masi’s chauffeur stepped out, opening the back door for her. Without another word, Masi climbed in.
Kiara: (calling out) Wait, I’ll come with you!
She darted around the car and slid into the seat beside Masi, practically buzzing with excitement.
From a distance, Thandeka Zuma watched the interaction, her expression unreadable. She tapped the arm of her sunglasses before slipping into her own luxurious SUV.
---
By the school gate, Lwandle caught up with Lindelwa, who was scrolling through her phone with a dazed smile.
Lwandle: (teasing) So, you’re besties with Kiara now? Should I stop pretending to know you, Miss Setshoane’s new pet?
Lindelwa: (rolling her eyes) Oh, shut up.
Lwandle: (grinning) I’m serious. You know we’re not like them, right? Don’t forget that.
Lindelwa: (brushing past him) Whatever, Lwandle.
---
THE JACK HOUSEHOLD
At the Jack estate, the massive iron gates opened to reveal the sprawling mansion beyond. The chauffeur pulled the car into the circular driveway, where staff members were already waiting to assist.
Kiara stepped out first, taking in her surroundings with wide eyes.
Kiara: (whistling softly) This place… wow.
Masi: (unimpressed) It’s just home.
As they entered the house, the aroma of freshly baked bread and lavender wafted through the grand foyer. Jennifer Jack appeared at the top of the staircase, descending with an air of poised authority. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her sharp eyes missed nothing.
Jennifer: Masikhanyise, darling. You’re late.
Masi: (coolly) I had things to do.
Jennifer: (eyeing Kiara) And you’ve brought… a guest.
Kiara: (flashing a bright smile) Hi, Mrs. Jack. Masi and I are working on something exciting together.
Jennifer: (smiling thinly) Setshoane. How lovely. I’m sure your parents are thrilled to have you spending time with us.
Kiara: (trying to read her tone) Oh, absolutely. They adore Masi.
Jennifer: (tilting her head) Do they? That’s wonderful to hear. I’ve always admired the Setshoane family… their resilience, despite everything.
Kiara: (hesitant) Thank you…
Jennifer: (leaning in slightly) But do be careful, dear. Not everyone can handle this level of… refinement.
Kiara: (straightening, defensive) very well aware, thank you for the wise words.
Jennifer: (smiling again, her voice sweet but cutting) I’m sure you are. Masikhanyise, dinner will be ready soon. Don’t let your little project keep you too distracted.
Jennifer swept out of the room, leaving an icy tension in her wake.
Kiara took a deep breath, schooling her features into calm confidence. She wasn’t about to let Jennifer Jack rattle her—or at least, that’s what she told herself.
MASI'S ROOM
The warm glow of golden hour streamed through the tall windows of Masi’s bedroom, bathing the luxurious space in soft light. The walls were adorned with abstract paintings, each brushstroke suggesting the cost of a small car. The room was a blend of modern opulence and understated charm—a reflection of Masikhanyise’s world.
Kiara strolled around the space, her heels clicking softly against the polished hardwood floors.
Kiara: (admiring a painting) Every time I come here, it feels… different. Like the house gets richer. (laughing lightly) How do you live like this, Masi?
Masi: (lying on her bed, scrolling through her phone) I don’t notice anymore.
Kiara: (mock-pouting) That’s tragic. You have no idea how lucky you are.
She walked over to the paintings, running her fingers just above the surface without touching them. Her phone was out, snapping pictures of the art.
Kiara: These are amazing. So unique. Mind if I—
Before Masi could answer, Kiara turned the camera toward the bed, snapping a quick photo.
Kiara: (checking the picture) Came out great, thanks!
Masi: (glancing up briefly) Don’t tag me in whatever you’re doing.
Kiara: (laughing) Don’t worry, I won’t.
Her attention shifted to the walk-in closet, the glass doors revealing rows of perfectly arranged designer clothes, shoes, and accessories. Kiara’s eyes widened as she stepped inside.
Kiara: (gasps) Oh my god, Masi. Limited editions? How dare you have these? I tried and failed so many times!
She picked up a pair of jeweled stilettos, snapping photos of them. Next, a rare designer handbag, then a sequined jacket that caught the light just right.
Kiara: (posing with the jacket) I don’t even own these. You don’t mind, do you?
Masi: (waving a hand lazily) Do what you want.
Kiara continued her impromptu photo shoot, holding up various pieces for her followers to envy while Masi remained sprawled on her bed, focused on her phone.
On the screen, a message from Justin lit up.
"How’s it going?"
"Are you still mad at me?"
Masi smiled faintly as she typed a reply.
A ping interrupted her thoughts. It was another message, this time from Thandeka Zuma. The message read...
"Yes."
Masi set her phone down, recalling her earlier conversation with Thandeka about Kiara’s proposal. She turned her head slightly to address Kiara, who was now ogling a pair of diamond-encrusted earrings.
Masi: Oh, by the way, about your idea to collaborate with my family…
Kiara: (perking up) Yes?
Masi: I talked it over with Thandeka. She’s interested. Well, her family is...
Kiara’s expression faltered, her smile dropping just slightly before she masked it again.
Kiara: (forced enthusiasm) That’s… great. Thandeka’s a good choice.
Masi: (smirking) She is.
Kiara: (placing the earrings back) Thanks for considering it, Masi.
Masi: Sure.
Kiara slung her bag over her shoulder, her movements abrupt.
Kiara: I should get going.
Masi: I’ll see you out.
The two walked down the marble staircase in silence, their footsteps echoing through the grand halls. Outside, the front yard gleamed under the setting sun. Masi signaled to a waiting driver, who approached in a sleek black sedan.
Masi: (to the driver) Take her home safely.
Kiara: (awkwardly) Thanks, Masi.
Masi: (without looking back) Bye.
Masi turned on her feet and headed toward the house before the car even pulled away. From her seat, Kiara glanced back, feeling the sting of being dismissed.
As the car rolled out of the driveway, she sighed heavily, pulling out her phone. She scrolled through the photos she had taken in Masi’s closet and began posting them one by one to her social media.
The caption read: current vibes with my faves—accompanied by pictures of the limited-edition shoes, earrings, and bag. Her followers quickly flooded the post with likes and comments, unaware the items weren’t hers.
After a moment, she opened her chat app and texted Lwandle.
"Hey, hope you’re free this weekend. Let’s catch up."
As the car sped down the winding road, Kiara leaned back in her seat. Whatever disappointment she’d felt earlier was partly satisfied, and replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. It's been quite long since she had such company, someone who sorta worships her...
She smiles as she thinks to herself but her thoughts trail back to their 3rd year in school... that kid... come to think of it, everyone seems to have completely moved on. Especially Masi, as if it wasn't all on her...
Sneaky bitch...
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