SCENE 1: THE SETUP (Cafeteria – Lunchtime)
Bee scrolled through her phone, smirking.
> 🚨 SPOTTED: Aiden Mercer staring at mystery girl Bee during chem. Is Hailey's crown slipping? 👀
Across the cafeteria, Hailey stabbed her salad like it had personally insulted her.
Perfect.
Kai slid into the seat beside Bee, hoodie sleeve brushing her arm.
"Your little rumor's gone viral," he said.
Bee didn't look up. "I have no idea what you mean."
"Bullshit," Kai said, laughing. "You want Hailey to come at you."
Bee finally met his gaze, eyes glinting.
"And if I do?"
Kai leaned closer, voice low and dangerous.
"Then let's give her a show."
---
SCENE 2: THE PARTY (Masquerade Ball – 9:47 PM)
The gym had been transformed into a velvet-draped maze of secrets.
Bee's gold mask shimmered under the lights as she watched Hailey cling to Aiden by the punch bowl.
His smile was forced. His eyes? Searching the crowd.
For her.
Kai materialized at Bee's side, handing her a drink.
"Ready?"
She drained the champagne. "Always."
Time to break some hearts.
Bee "tripped" into Kai, letting him catch her.
Their faces hovered inches apart.
Across the room, Hailey stiffened.
Kai's hand slid to Bee's hip.
"They're watching," he whispered.
Bee smiled.
"Then sell it."
He kissed her.
Not soft.
Not sweet.
A kiss that claimed her—leaving her breathless and half the gym gasping.
When they pulled apart, Bee locked eyes with Aiden—just in time to see his glass slip from his hand and shatter.
Direct hit.
---
SCENE 3: THE FALLOUT (Girls' Bathroom – 10:15 PM)
Bee reapplied her gloss under flickering lights.
Behind her, Hailey stormed in.
Mascara smudged. Rage barely leashed.
"You bitch," Hailey spat.
Bee clicked her compact shut.
"Problem?"
"You think you can just waltz back in and—"
"Take everything you stole from me?" Bee cut her off, voice like steel.
"Yeah. I do."
Hailey's laugh was a broken thing.
"Aiden still chose me after your little video. What makes you think he'll pick you now?"
Bee smiled coldly.
Click.
She hit play on her phone.
> "It was just a bet, Hails. I never loved her."
– Aiden's voice. Last year.
Hailey blanched.
"Where did you—"
"Kai has skills," Bee said sweetly.
"And receipts."
She pocketed the phone and walked out, leaving Hailey gaping.
---
SCENE 4: THE TEXT (Midnight)
Bee tossed her earrings onto her desk, heart still buzzing from the night.
Her phone lit up.
> Unknown Number:
I warned you. Now you'll learn what happens to queens who cheat.
Bee froze.
THUD.
Something hit her window.
A rock.
Wrapped in paper.
She unfolded it with trembling fingers.
> "Game over. –K"
Bee's blood turned to ice.
Kai didn't text in initials.
So who the hell just declared war?