Chapter 10
Chapter 10
t vanished.
A little The three of them whipped out their phones, staring at the forum post that had just v
Their faces said it all—total shock. That’s her version of messing around!‘
Across campus, Imani was glued to her phone, grinning at the tidal wave of shade hitting Briar online.
She could already picture Briar geiting dragged by the whole school. It felt like winning the jackpot.
Then–bam. The forum refreshed, and the post was gone. Her screen taunted her with one smug line: Post not found or deleted.]
“No way! Imani’s stomach dropped. She jabbed refresh like it was her job, but nothing. The post was history
“Imani, yo, the post’s gone! Her dormmate yelped, jumping off her bed and shoving her phone under Imani’s nose. “Look! It’s just poof. Gotta be an admin, right“”
Imani’s face darkened, but she flashed a fake–sweet smile. “Yeah, probably. Whatever, let’s move on.”
Her friend wasn’t buying it, practically steaming. “Imani, how are you this chill! You keep letting her slide, and she’s gonna keep coming for you! She’s just mad you’re the Shepherd family’s star. She wants You down!”
Imani looked away, voice soft. “She’s kinda sad, you know! No parents, didn’t show up at our place ‘til she was fourteen. God knows what she went through. No wonder she’s got an attitude. It’s fine
She dabbed her eyes, milking the victim vibe like a pro. The sadder she played it, the madder her friend got
“Imani, you’re too nice! I’m done. I’m hitting up the forum’s senior mod. Someone messed up and deleted it. 111 make sure everyone knows Briar’s real deal!TM
Imani’s eyes were misty, her voice shaky. Thanks. I’m just so lost. I’m lucky you’re here”
“Girl, I got you,” her friend said, jaw clenched. “She likes throwing hands? Cool, I’ll grab some people and show her what’s good. Let’s see how she likes a taste of her own medicine!”
Tiana, don’t go 100
wild”
“Relax. Imani. I’m on it
“Briar, you’re a freakin‘ legend The jungle queen, right here Mac squealed, nearly bouncing our of her chair. “Fifteen wins in a roir? You’re gonna curse your luck, girl!”
In their cluttered dorm, Briar was carrying her three roommates through a wild four–stack gaming session, the monitor’s glow lighting up their faces.
Mar gaped at the victory streak flashing on–screen, grinning like she’d hit the jackpot. I’ve never ranked this high. Is this what being a big shot feels
be?
Briar laughed, kicking back. “Big shot! This is just the start. Stick with me, and I haul you to the top.
“For real?” Mac’s eyes sparkled, but she hesitated, biting her lip. “We’re not, like, dragging you down, are we?”
Briar solo? A total beast. With the three of them! It was like herding kittens.
“Dragging me down? Nah, boosting my girls is the whole deal, Briar said, flashing a sly grin.
Mae’s jaw dropped, her eyes all starry. “You’re my freakin‘ hero!”
Rhea, quiet till now, spoke up, her voice cool. “Briar, you’re good enough to go pro
Their rank wasn’t crazy high, but Briar carrying three newbies to consistent dubs? Straight–up unreal.
Brúar shrugged, feet propped on the desk. “Pro Esports is fine without me. It’s come a long way
“Huh?” Mae tihed her head, confused. “But you’re insane. Pros make bank, and you’d kill it with sponsors. You’re a girl, you’re skilled, and you’re gorgeous. You’d be huge
1/3
Chapter 10
Briar shook her head. “Esports is about skill. Gender, looks? Doesn’t matter.”
Mae scratched her head, not getting it.
Rhea glanced at Briar, then switched gears. “Hey, deleting that post won’t fix the drama,”
Rhea didn’t know Imani or their high school history, but she’d seen the forum posts.
Briar was in deep, and people always pick sides.
Rhea didn’t know Imani, but Briar was her roommate. After half a day, she was
The drama talk killed the vibe, the room going quiet.
was sure P
Briar had her reasons for whatever went down.
Briar didn’t care. She smirked, eyebrow raised. “Can’t fix it? Then I handle the one causing it
Rhea, Mac, and Jolene just gaped at her.
“Hold up, Briar said, already at the door. “I’m about to find Imani and serve her some justice”
She was already halfway to the door
Whoa, slow down!” Mae yelped, jumping up with Jolene to block her. “We’re at school, Briar!”
Briar smirked. “Chill, I don’t do stupid”
Everything she did that mattered was calculated, alright. But Iman Total waste of space.
Like a crumpled water bottle on the curb–Briar could ignore it or stomp it for the crunch and kick it to the trash. No biggie either way.
“But-” Mae started, but Rhea cut her off
“I’m going with you, Briar,” she said.
Mae’s eyes bugged out. “Rhea, you serious?” If this went wrong, they were just students–they’d be screwed
Rhea gave a half–smirk, cool as ice. “It’s not a thing.”
Mae gulped, glancing at Jolene “Fine, we’re in toor Jolene nodded like a bobblehead
“Sit down!” Briar laughed, ruffling Mae’s hair. “You two gonna tag along and get us all busted!”
“D–Don’t sleep on me! Mae stammered. I can handle it
“Sure, kid,” Briar grinned. “You two stay here and keep your noses clean.”
Mae and Jolene were textbook good girl–straight–A, never–in–trouble types. No need to mess that up
So, they stayed behind.
Briar sauntered out, glancing at Rhea beside her. “Alright, what’s your deal? Why’re you my shadow?”
Mac might’ve been all hyped up, but Rhea! She wasn’t the type to jump in without a plan.
Rhea looked away, shrugging. If we mess this up, my family’s got the cash to fix it.”
“Well, hot damn!” Briar slung an arm around Rhea’s shoulder, grinning. “My ride–or–die, buh?”
Rhea’s wavy hair bounced, her makeup on point, and that perfume–sharp and bitter up front, then rich with flowers, vanilla, and a smoky sandalwood finish. The kind of scent that screamed high–end, old–money vibes.
Briar didn’t just smell perfume–she smelled wealth. This girl was loaded.
Rhea’s face stayed a bit sour. “It’s not about you. I just don’t want our dorm getting mailed on day one.”
“Relax” Briar said with a laugh. T’m the one dishing out the heat, not taking it.”
