Unspoken Sparks

[Music recommendation: Electric love by Børn]

Zendaya and Kamsi sat at a quiet corner of the lodge during lunch break, the chatter of their classmates around them fading into the background. Zendaya absentmindedly stirred her drink, eyes distant. Kamsi, busy with her own lunch, noticed her friend's silence, her eyes narrowing in concern.

"Zee, Zee, Zee!" Kamsi called, giving Zendaya a gentle nudge on the arm. "Girl, back to earth! You've been out there for a while. What's up? You've got that faraway look in your eyes. Something bothering you?"

Zendaya snapped back to reality, her eyes flickering to Kamsi. She forced a smile, but it was weak, and Kamsi could see right through it.

"It's nothing, I'm fine," Zendaya muttered, the words coming out flat.

Kamsi raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Come on, girl. Besties, no secrets, remember? You can't hide stuff from me." She leaned in, her tone softening. "What's really going on?"

Zendaya hesitated, chewing on the inside of her cheek as her mind raced. It was hard to even admit it to herself, let alone say the words out loud. "It's just… I feel kind of embarrassed," she finally confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kamsi's expression softened, her eyes filled with understanding. She leaned back in her seat, giving Zendaya space but not letting go of the concern in her gaze. "Embarrassed? About what, girl?" she asked gently, her tone reassuring.

Zendaya sighed, the weight of her thoughts pressing on her chest. "The thing is… Damon and I… you remember that night at the bonfire?" she started, her voice shaking just a little as the memory flashed in her mind.

Kamsi's eyes widened, an amused but surprised expression crossing her face. "Wait... don't tell me you guys...?"

"No! No, we didn't go that far," Zendaya quickly interrupted, her face flushing. "It was just kissing and touching and, I don't know… a little more, but nothing serious. But after that, things got weird."

Kamsi leaned forward, intrigued. "Then what happened? You're not making sense, girl."

Zendaya shifted uncomfortably in her seat, eyes dropping to her hands. "The next morning, his parents were home, and he told me to pretend to be his girlfriend. Like, to act like this whole thing was real… like it meant something. And I've been going along with it, but I feel so stupid, Kamsi. I feel like I'm just his little game or something."

Kamsi's expression softened, her gaze full of sympathy. She reached out, squeezing Zendaya's hand in a comforting gesture. "Oh, Zee, I'm so sorry. I had no idea it was that bad." She paused, her brows furrowing in thought. "But you know, you don't have to let him walk all over you. You deserve more than that, girl."

Zendaya let out a shaky breath, the sting of her own self-doubt creeping in. "I don't know what to do. I just feel… dumb, you know?"

Kamsi tilted her head, giving Zendaya a searching look. "Listen, if something feels off, you've got to talk to him. Don't just sit with these thoughts. You have to ask him what he really wants. Don't just make assumptions. Use your words. Clear the air."

Zendaya wiped at her eyes, a little embarrassed by the emotions bubbling to the surface. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just feel so tangled up in all of this."

Kamsi squeezed her hand again, her tone turning fierce. "And you know that if he messes with you in any way, I'm gonna deal with him. I've got your back, no matter what." Her voice softened with affection. "You're my girl, and no one gets to make you feel less than you are."

Zendaya smiled weakly, grateful for the unwavering support. "Thanks, Kamsi. You're the best."

Kamsi grinned, her playful nature coming back. "But, you know, I actually never said this before, but every time you and Damon are in the same room together, there's this chemistry. This spark. Like, it's electric. I swear, the tension's so thick, I can almost feel it burning." She teased, nudging Zendaya with a wink.

Zendaya rolled her eyes, chuckling despite herself. "Stop it!"

Kamsi smirked, eyes twinkling with mischief. "For real, though. You two give off this 'enemies to lovers' vibe, you know? The way you guys snap at each other and then look at each other—whoo, it's intense."

Zendaya's face flushed a deep shade of red, and she shot Kamsi a glare. "Girl, quit it!"

Kamsi leaned back in her chair, enjoying Zendaya's discomfort. "I mean, come on, you guys would be the perfect couple! Imagine—'Daya' or 'Dandaya'! Or—" She spread her arms dramatically, "'Zemon'!"

Zendaya burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Oh my God, Kamsi, you're insane."

Trying to return the favor, Zendaya smirked and leaned in. "Well, you and Xavier—oh, you're 'Kavier.' Or maybe even 'Xamsi.'"

Kamsi made a face and playfully swatted Zendaya's shoulder. "Stop it!" she reprimanded, though her frown was quickly replaced by a grin.

"'Kavier,' I swear, it's got a nice ring to it," Zendaya teased.

Kamsi stuck her tongue out. "You're lucky I love you, Zee."

The two of them continued to banter, the teasing and laughter filling the space around them. For a moment, Zendaya was grateful for the distraction, for the sound of her best friend's laughter. It felt like a safe place, away from the tangled mess of her thoughts.

Kamsi leaned back with a dramatic sigh. "I just know that you two are going to end up making everyone wish they had that kind of chemistry. But really, just talk to him. Clear the air, okay? Don't let this linger. You deserve to know what's real."

Zendaya nodded, a smile creeping onto her face despite everything. "Okay, I will. I promise. Thanks, girl. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Just remember," Kamsi winked, "If you need backup, I'm your girl. Always."

---

The F4 lounged in their private hideout, a cozy, dimly lit corner tucked behind the student center. The room exuded casual luxury—leather couches arranged around a low glass table littered with empty soda cans and snack wrappers. A faint hum of indie music played from a wireless speaker, blending with the aroma of brewed coffee.

Damon sat slouched on the edge of a couch, elbows on his knees, fingers drumming restlessly. His usual air of confidence was replaced by a distracted, almost irritated expression.

Alexander noticed first, leaning forward with a smirk. "Yo, Damon. What's with the brooding look? Lost your mojo?"

Damon didn't respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the floor. Gilbert, always observant, tilted his head. "Hey, you've been weirdly quiet today. Spill it. What's going on?"

Damon let out a long breath and finally muttered, "Why are girls so damn complicated?"

The room froze, the question hanging in the air like an unexpected punchline.

Alexander blinked, then burst into laughter. "Wait, you're saying that? The guy who's basically a walking girl magnet?"

Gilbert chuckled, crossing his arms. "This has to be good. Who's got you tied in knots, Edwin?"

Damon ignored the teasing, running a hand through his hair. "It's not her. It's me. I just—I don't know how to handle this."

Xavier, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watched silently before speaking. "You're overthinking it. Girls are like puzzles. Just when you think you've solved them, you realize there's a piece missing. But...sometimes, figuring it out is worth it." His voice softened, and for a fleeting moment, his mind wandered to Kamsi.

Damon glanced at him, brows furrowing. "Right. And what would you know about that, Mr. Lone Wolf?"

Xavier's lips curled into a devilish smirk. "More than you'd think."

Alexander leaned back with an exaggerated sigh. "Alright, Romeo. What's the plan? You've got one, right?"

Damon straightened, a glint of determination replacing his earlier uncertainty. "I need a little help from my mom first. After that, we'll see."

Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "Your mom? This I've gotta see."

As Damon stood and grabbed his phone, Xavier's smirk lingered. "Good luck, man. You'll need it."

---

Zendaya paced her room, the soft hum of the air conditioner blending with her restless footsteps. Her phone buzzed on the desk, the screen lighting up with an unknown number.

She hesitated, biting her lip, before picking up. "Hello?"

"Zendaya! It's Cynthia—Mrs. Edwin. Surely you remember me?"

Zendaya froze mid-step, gripping the phone tighter. Damon's mom? Of all people?

"Good afternoon, ma'am," she said cautiously, her voice betraying her nervousness.

Cynthia's laugh was warm and disarming. "Oh, sweetheart, drop the formalities. Call me Cynthia! How have you been? It's been far too long since I've seen you."

"I'm fine, thank you," Zendaya replied, though her heart raced. What was this about?

"Good to hear! Now, I hear you've been giving my son the cold shoulder," Cynthia teased lightly. "Trouble in paradise? Lover's quarrel, maybe?"

Zendaya's cheeks burned. "It's not like that," she stammered, twisting the cord of her hoodie.

"Well, whatever it is, I'm calling to invite you to a little get-together tonight. No excuses, young lady!" Cynthia's tone was cheerful yet firm.

Zendaya hesitated, every fiber of her being screaming against it. But Cynthia wasn't someone you could easily refuse. "Alright," she relented, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll come."

The call ended, and Zendaya tossed her phone onto the bed with a frustrated groan. She flopped down beside it, burying her face in her hands. "Why is my life so complicated?"

Meanwhile, back at the Edwin residence, Damon grinned triumphantly. He high-fived his mom. "You're the best, Mom. Thanks."

Cynthia smiled, ruffling his hair. "Don't mess it up, Damon. Girls don't like games."

"Don't worry," he said with a cocky grin. "I've got this."