The hallway echoed with chatter, but Isla's voice was sharp and secretive as she tugged her friends into an empty studio after class.
Listen,Isla hissed, brushing her blue hair behind her ear. She embarrassed me. Twice. But never again.
Kimberly leaned against the wall, arms crossed. So what's the plan? Glue on her seat? Switch her gym clothes?"
No, Isla said, grinning wickedly. Something public. Something that'll stick. She held up a flash drive. We edit a video make it look like she trashed the movement room. I've got footage of the place from last year. We add her hoodie silhouette. Blur her face. Upload it to the student blog from a dummy account.
Jeff snorted. You're twisted. I like it.
Isla's smile widened. And once it's out... she's finished.
The Fall
Three days later.
Akira stepped into the hallway, greeted by by silence and turned backs. Phones buzzed. Whispers passed like fire.
She blinked as she reached her locker. A red slip was stuck to it: Report to Principal's Office Immediately!
Inside, Coach Damien was there. So was the principal. And playing on the screen behind them... a grainy video. A hooded figure spray-painting slurs across the mirror in the movement room.
That's not me, Akira said, voice shaking. I've never even been in that room alone.
The principal's eyes didn't blink. You were given time off. We expected you to use it responsibly.
She left the office on suspension. By afternoon, her hoodie had become a symbol of shame. Students parted when she walked. Even Violet couldn't find the words.
Violet Pov
Do you think Akira would do that? Asked Elsie placing her palms under her chin.
We don't know who she really is El, replied her twin. We don't even know what she looks like under that hood.
Are you okay Vee, Luna asked handing me a punch. You've been quiet for the past two hours.
I'm fine I said taking a small sip of the punch. It's just that I don't know what to believe. I badly want to believe Akira, but I don't know her enough to know what she's capable of I just hope the truth reveals itself soon I said putting down the glass of punch.
Isla POV
Did you see how she walked out of the school in shame? Jeff asked laughing loudly
Yes I did, it's a pity we couldn't get a glimpse of her face under that ugly hoodie, Kimberly scoffed.
Well thanks to Isla she finally learned her place.
Yes! Jeff concurred while pouring another glass of spirit.
Let's drink to Isla Kim, he tipsily said.
Cheers to the master strategist
Cheers!
Kimberly responded and they clinked their glasses before chugging down it's contents.
Stop flattering me guys, it won't have been possible without you. I can safely say I have the best team in the world I said raising my glass.
Go on continue having fun....
Speaking of fun.There's a party this Friday night! Kim squealed in excitement. We need to go shopping she said making me scoff.
Why go shopping when we can get custom made from Jeff's mom I asked passing my glass to him for a refill.
Oh I didn't remember that Kimberly said.
And that is why isla's my bestie Jeff said rolling his eyes at Kim.
Sighs this two bicker all the time.
The Slip Up
The Friday night bash was loud, reckless music bouncing off the mansion walls. Isla, Kimberly, and Jeff were half-drunk, snuck away from the crowd to the balcony. Jeff pulled out his phone giddy with power.
We owned her! Isla laughed, waving a Solo cup.
I still have the original photoshop files legendary! he bragged, too loud.
She actually got suspended. Over a fake video! I'm a genius.
An evil genius Jeff slurred...
You should've seen Coach Damien's face, Jeff chuckled. "We deepfaked that hoodie perfectly."
Kimberly cackled. Best part? She actually cried! I almost felt bad.
Isla rolled her eyes. She deserved it. Playing all mysterious with that hoodie. Thought she could embarrass me in dance class?
Shut up, shut up someone's filming! Kimberly giggled.
But it was too late. From behind the staircase, Maya the editor of the school blog had heard everything. She didn't hesitate. Air dropped the video to herself. Hit upload.
The Backlash
By morning, #JusticeForAkira exploded.
Phones buzzed across the entire school. #TheyLied was everywhere. The party clip trended on the school blog before homeroom. Students gasped, laughed, stared.
Eli sitting quietly in the back, looked up as Violet tossed him a phone.
Check the blog, she whispered.
Thirty seconds in, Isla's smug voice rang through. A repeat of their slip up at the party.
By midday, Isla, Jeff, and Kimberly were summoned. Suspended indefinitely. Isla cried. Screamed. Denied. But the video was clear.
The principal made a public announcement, clearing Akira's name, calling off her suspension and condemning digital harassment.
Akira was free to return the next day.