Keisha took a deep breath of the cool afternoon air. The whispers from the school still followed her in her mind, but she didn't let them affect her. Léandro, walking calmly beside her, brushed shoulders with her with each step.
— Can you believe that now… everyone knows? Léandro asked, glancing around them.
— Oh, I'm very aware, Keisha replied with a small smile. And I love it. Every look, every whisper… exactly what I wanted.
They arrived near a small park just behind the school, where they usually sat when they needed some quiet. Keisha settled gracefully on a bench, crossing her legs, while Léandro leaned against the backrest, surveying the surroundings like a soldier watching his territory.
— Everyone's wondering how it happened so fast between us. They didn't see it coming. Aren't you bothered? Léandro asked with an amused smile.
— Oh… it's not "so fast," Keisha whispered, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I just decided it was the right moment.
Anyway, we skipped a lot of steps.
They both laughed, but Keisha noticed the curious glances of passersby through the branches of the park. She leaned toward Léandro and murmured:
— Get ready… after this, I'll never let you have a moment of peace. You'll see what it's like to date an Aïna.
Léandro smiled, amused and slightly nervous at the thought of what that meant.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Vanessa, Emma, and Lila were waiting by the cafeteria, talking quietly about what they had just witnessed.
— I still can't believe it… Vanessa sighed. Keisha and Léandro? Together? Just like that, overnight?
— Seriously… it's impossible, Lila added. They were like cats and dogs just a couple of days ago!
— She's so… calculating, said Emma, with an admiring smile. She waited for the perfect moment and… bam! Everyone is shocked.
Vanessa shook her head:
— And I suppose we'll never really know what happened between them…
— Exactly, Emma said. She won't let anyone… not even us… know right away.
Vanessa sighed and crossed her arms.
— Honestly… do you think she did this just for the thrill, or… to show she can control everything? she asked, intrigued.
Emma shrugged, still watching Keisha and Léandro through the cafeteria windows.
— With Aïna, you know there's always a strategy behind it. She never does anything randomly. Even this relationship… it's calculated, I tell you.
Lila shook her head, a mix of admiration and frustration in her eyes.
— But how does she manage to stay so composed? Even when everyone's watching, she… she never loses control.
Meanwhile, a few meters away, Keisha and Léandro were still sitting in the park, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over their faces. Léandro stretched slightly, watching the orange sky.
— You know… he murmured, I always thought seeing you like this… so confident… would be… intimidating. But it's… different. Exciting, I'd say.
Keisha smiled, a mix of amusement and challenge.
— Different? she murmured, almost laughing. I'm warning you… if you think it's exciting now, wait until I don't give you a single moment of peace.
Léandro laughed softly, running a hand through his hair.
— I feel like it's going to be… a very… eventful year.
Keisha leaned slightly against him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
— Exactly… and I set the pace. You'll learn fast, Léandro.
At the same time, inside the school, other students had begun to notice the change. Some whispered to each other in the hallways.
— Did you see? Keisha and Léandro… together! one student whispered to a friend.
— I still can't believe it… They used to almost hate each other! replied the other, wide-eyed.
Vanessa, Emma, and Lila continued discussing, trying to analyze the situation.
— Do you think she chose him on purpose now? asked Lila.
— Certainly, replied Emma. She never misses an opportunity to show her control.
Meanwhile, Léandro and Keisha had left the park to walk through the small alleys behind the school, where few students dared to go. The whispers from the school now seemed far away. Léandro watched Keisha walk beside him.
— You're really… incredible, he said softly. All those looks, all those reactions… and you walk there, as if nothing is happening.
Keisha shrugged with a smile, slipping her hand into his.
— That's the rule of an Aïna, she murmured. Stay calm, observe, and strike at the exact right moment. You'll see, every move has a purpose.
They passed a small shaded bench, and Keisha sat down again, inviting Léandro to sit beside her.
— So… what do you think? she asked, eyes sparkling. All those looks, all those reactions…
— Honestly… I'm impressed, Léandro replied. And a little nervous. I knew you were strategic, but… you really hit hard this time.
Keisha leaned toward him, a mischievous smile on her lips.
— And this is just the beginning… she murmured. You'll see, I've already planned the next steps.
Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, Léandro's friends were also debating. Jonas shook his head:
— Seriously… I can't believe he managed to be with Aïna. How do you do that?
— He said not to ask questions, Malik replied, shrugging. But honestly, I wonder how long it will take before we see the real Aïna show her calculating side…
Outside, Keisha watched the sunset through the park branches, a satisfied look on her face.
— You know, Léandro… she murmured softly, every gaze following us, every whisper… all of this is part of the game. And I play to win.
Léandro smiled, understanding perfectly.
— So I have to be ready for anything, huh?
— Exactly, Keisha replied, a challenging glint in her eyes. And believe me… you'll never be bored with me.