Rumours and Realities 2

Kamsi had barely stepped out of the library when she heard someone rushing toward her. She turned just in time to see Zendaya, her best friend, practically sprinting across the quad, her curly hair bouncing with every hurried step.

"Kamsi!" Zendaya called, breathless but wide-eyed with excitement. "Wait up!"

Kamsi stopped, confused by her friend's frantic energy. "Zendaya? What's going on?"

Zendaya finally caught up, panting as she placed her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. "Oh. My. God. Is it true?" she asked between gasps, looking up at Kamsi like she had just unearthed the biggest secret of the century.

"Is what true?" Kamsi asked, bemused.

"The rumors! I've been hearing it everywhere," Zendaya exclaimed, standing upright, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "Did you—did you really sit with Gilbert in the library?"

Kamsi blinked, now even more confused. "Yeah, but it's nothing. He just offered to help me with some math stuff."

"Nothing? Nothing?! Kamsi, you don't know what this means!" Zendaya's voice rose in excitement, drawing curious glances from a few passing students. "Gilbert *never* lets anyone sit at his table in the library. Ever! Especially not anyone who's not in the T3."

Kamsi rolled her eyes, brushing off the seriousness in Zendaya's tone. "I don't know, Z. He was just being helpful. It's not that big of a deal."

But Zendaya wasn't having it. She grabbed Kamsi's shoulders, her eyes wide with exaggerated awe. "No, no, no, Kamsi, this *is* a big deal. Not only did Gilbert let you sit at his table today, but he also tutored you. He *never* tutors anyone. Like, ever! And you? He just sat down and offered to help? All by himself?"

Kamsi shifted uncomfortably under her friend's intense gaze. "It wasn't like that. I asked him a few questions, and he just... helped."

"Oh my god, this is huge! The T3 is basically untouchable in the library. No one goes near their tables unless they want a death glare from Xavier, or worse, Damon starts flirting. And Gilbert? He's the most private one out of the three. For him to just invite you to sit with him?" Zendaya shook her head in disbelief. "Girl, people are going to be talking about this for days!"

Kamsi looked around nervously, noticing a few lingering stares from passing students. She suddenly felt exposed. "It's not that serious, Z. He just helped me with some math, that's all."

"Math? Honey, this is not just about math!" Zendaya's eyes glinted with excitement. "This is about Gilbert. You've broken through some kind of invisible T3 barrier! You don't understand—this is like, legendary. People would kill to be in your shoes right now."

Kamsi groaned softly. "Zendaya, you're exaggerating. It's just a tutoring session."

"Tutoring session or not, you've officially made a mark. The rumors are already everywhere, and you just confirmed them! I mean, what's next? Xavier coming up to tutor you in chemistry?" Zendaya joked, but there was a hint of awe in her voice.

Kamsi felt a slight chill at the mention of Xavier. She shook her head quickly. "No. No way. Let's not make this into something it's not."

But Zendaya wasn't backing down. "Too late. The school's already buzzing. You, Gilbert, and the T3—it's all anyone's going to be talking about for a while."

"No, no, no," Kamsi groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This is exactly what I didn't want."

Zendaya raised an eyebrow, her excitement momentarily dampened by Kamsi's panic. "What do you mean? This is huge! Everyone's going to be talking about you."

"That's the problem!" Kamsi cried, her voice filled with frustration. She felt the weight of the growing stares from passing students. "I don't want that kind of attention. I was hoping my time at Washington DC International School would pass quietly, and now… now I'm the talk of the school!"

Zendaya blinked, realizing the gravity of her friend's distress. "Kamsi, I didn't mean to freak you out. It's not that bad—"

Kamsi shook her head, cutting her off. "I'm in eleventh grade, Z! The T3 are seniors. Seniors! That's one of the reasons I couldn't say no to Gilbert when he offered to help. But this…" She gestured around, feeling as if every pair of eyes was now on her. "This is not what I signed up for."

Zendaya's face softened, the excitement in her expression replaced by concern. "I get it, Kamsi. I really do. But it's not like you did anything wrong. Gilbert's the one who offered to help, right? You didn't ask for all this attention."

Kamsi sighed, lowering her hands to her sides. "I know. But now I'm the girl who sat with Gilbert—*the* Gilbert—at his table. The rumors are going to get out of control, Z. You know how people are around here."

Zendaya hesitated, glancing around at the curious looks being thrown Kamsi's way. "Yeah… I guess people are already talking. But you can't let it get to you. You didn't ask for this, and you didn't do anything wrong."

Kamsi slumped her shoulders, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over her. "It doesn't matter. I didn't want to stand out like this. I just wanted to focus on my classes, get through the year quietly, and avoid being the center of attention."

"And now," Zendaya said, her tone a bit lighter, "you're at the center of the school's biggest gossip storm. Thanks to Gilbert, of all people."

Kamsi groaned again. "That's not making me feel better."

Zendaya nudged her playfully. "Hey, at least you're not boring. Besides, maybe it'll blow over in a few days."

Kamsi wasn't convinced. The thought of being thrust into the spotlight, especially with the seniors involved, made her stomach twist. She had wanted to blend into the background, and now she was anything but invisible.

"I hope so," Kamsi muttered, though she had a sinking feeling this was just the beginning.

Patricia stormed into the room, her frustration palpable. "Who the hell is Kamsi and why is everyone talking about her?" She glared at Camielle and Tyler, her anger evident.

Camielle looked up, her expression thoughtful. "I think she's the new girl from Africa..."

"From Nigeria, to be precise," Tyler added.

Patricia's eyes narrowed. "And how come she's getting tangled with the members of T3? I thought we were clear about who belongs where."

Tyler shrugged, his tone a mix of irritation and amusement. "I think you've got some competition."

"Shut up, Tyler," Patricia snapped, cutting him off. "Kamsi's going down!"

Her declaration hung in the air, a clear indication of the rivalry brewing.