Wanna be yours

Kamsi had always believed friendships could survive anything—arguments, misunderstandings, even time apart. But what she hadn't accounted for was the slow, creeping feeling of replacement.

It started subtly. Zendaya and Raine's conversations grew longer, their inside jokes became more frequent, and suddenly, Kamsi was on the outside looking in. It stung more than she wanted to admit.

Now, in the crowded cafeteria, the scent of greasy fries and spilled soda filling the air, Kamsi forced a casual smile as she sat beside Zendaya, determined to bridge the growing distance.

"Hey, Zee. How's your project coming along?" she asked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Zendaya looked up, her expression unreadable before she offered a small, polite smile. "It's all good..."

Before Kamsi could respond, Raine leaned in, resting her chin on her palm as she beamed. "Stop being modest, Zee. It's perfection."

Zendaya let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Thanks, Raine."

"Sure thing! As your model, I'll make sure to show off your designs in the best way possible!" Raine declared, flipping her dark curls over her shoulder like she was already on a runway.

Kamsi's stomach twisted. Model?

Her fingers tightened around her drink, the condensation cold against her skin.

"Raine, could you give us a minute?" she asked, her voice deceptively light.

Raine hesitated but shrugged, tossing Zendaya a playful wink before sauntering off.

Kamsi turned back to Zendaya, tilting her head. "Model?"

Zendaya hesitated, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "Ooh, about that… Raine offered to model for me."

The words hit harder than Kamsi expected.

"I thought I was your model."

Zendaya bit her lip. "I figured you were busy with cheerleading, and… well, Raine offered. Plus, the outfit kinda suits her skin tone better."

Kamsi blinked. For a moment, she wasn't sure if she'd actually heard Zendaya right.

"Ooo," she muttered, her mouth forming a small, surprised "O."

"Are you mad?"

Kamsi shook her head quickly, forcing a tight smile. "Nope, absolutely not."

The lie sat heavy on her tongue.

Before Zendaya could say more, the school bell rang, sharp and shrill.

"Oop, that's my cue," Zendaya said, flashing Kamsi a quick hug before rushing off toward Raine.

Kamsi watched them disappear into the hallway, her fingers curling into a fist.

She didn't realize she was scowling until a familiar voice cut through her thoughts.

"Well, you don't look too good."

Kamsi turned to see Joe leaning against the lockers, his arms crossed, an easy smirk playing on his lips.

She mustered a smile, but it lacked her usual warmth. "Hey, Joe."

"Trouble in paradise?" His tone was light, but his eyes studied her carefully.

She sighed, rubbing her temple. "Nothing really. It's just… Zendaya is all over Raine now, which is weird considering how she barely tolerated her a few weeks ago. And now, she even asked her to model her design. Can you believe that?"

Joe smirked. "Maybe she's just seeing the good in her?"

Kamsi scoffed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, right."

His smirk widened. "Don't tell me you're jealous."

She bristled, cheeks flushing. "That's *not* the point, Joe."

His expression softened, the teasing fading. "I get it. The point is… you feel like you're losing someone important to you."

Kamsi hesitated, his words striking deeper than she expected.

Joe smiled knowingly. "Just talk it out, okay?"

She sighed, nodding. "Yeah. Thanks, Joe. You're really good at this."

They laughed, but Joe's posture suddenly stiffened, his gaze flickering behind her.

Kamsi turned just in time to see Xavier standing a few feet away, his expression unreadable, his presence somehow heavier than usual.

Joe cleared his throat. "I've gotta go. Catch you later." He shot her a quick grin before walking off.

Xavier didn't take his eyes off Joe until he disappeared down the hall. Then, with his usual confidence, he closed the distance between them, spreading his arms.

"Missed me?" His voice was teasing, but there was something else in his eyes—something unreadable.

Kamsi huffed, feigning exasperation. "You saw me this morning."

"And? That was hours ago." Without waiting for permission, he pulled her into a hug, his arms warm and secure around her waist.

Kamsi let herself relax for a moment before pulling away, brow raised. "What were you two talking about?"

Xavier tilted his head, smirking. "Just stuff."

His smirk deepened as his gaze lingered. "I'd like to know what kind of 'stuff' my girlfriend was discussing with a dweeb who clearly has feelings for her."

Kamsi's heart stuttered. "Girlfriend?" Her voice came out softer than she intended.

Xavier's smirk widened. "You, of course."

Before she could protest, he leaned down, pressing a confident kiss to her lips—brief yet possessive.

Kamsi blinked, stunned. "I never said yes."

His chuckle was low, knowing. "But you will."

She narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "You're so full of yourself."

"And you love me that way." His cocky grin deepened.

She scoffed, shaking her head.

Xavier leaned in, lowering his voice. "Meet me at the rooftop after school."

Her brows knitted together. "Why?"

"I have something to show you."

She eyed him suspiciously. "What is it?"

He stepped back, slipping his hands into his pockets as he walked away.

Kamsi rushed after him, pouting. "Come on, tell me!"

Xavier glanced over his shoulder, smirking. "You'll see."

But this time, there was something different in his tone.

Kamsi bit her lip, watching him disappear into the crowded hallway.

Whatever Xavier had planned… it wasn't just some casual surprise.

And for some reason, that thought sent a strange thrill down her spine.

Kamsi barely heard a word in class for the rest of the day. No matter how hard she tried to focus, her mind kept drifting—to him.

Xavier.

What was he planning? The way he smirked when he told her to meet him after school had set her nerves alight, equal parts excitement and apprehension. He was unpredictable, impossible to read, and yet,here she was, already caught in his pull.

By the time the final bell rang, her feet carried her straight to the rooftop, her pulse racing.

And then, she saw it.

(Music recommendation: perfect by Ed Sheeran)

The golden glow of fairy lights strung haphazardly along the railing. The flickering candles, clearly a fire hazard but so effortlessly Xavier. A blanket spread out in the center with a small black box resting on top.

The evening air was crisp, the sky painted in hues of deep orange and violet, making everything feel surreal—like stepping into a dream.

She sucked in a breath, turning to him. "Oh my goodness, Xavier. How did you—? Is this even allowed ?"

He leaned lazily against the railing, his usual smirk firmly in place. "Superpowers."

She shot him a look.

"Okay, fine," he said with a shrug. "For the latter? Nope. But I'm Xavier Alastair. Rules don't exactly apply to me."

Kamsi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "You are so smug."

"And yet, here you are," he teased, stepping closer, his voice dropping just enough to make her heart do stupid things. "Alone with me. On a rooftop. With a perfectly romantic setup."

She scoffed. "If this is some elaborate prank, I swear—"

"Relax, Pug," he cut in smoothly, reaching for the box. "No pranks. Just this."

He flipped it open.

Inside was a sleek silver necklace—simple, elegant, but what caught her attention was the engraving on the inside.

PUG.

Her glare snapped to him immediately. "For real, Xavier?" she frowned, narrowing her eyes.

He chuckled, completely unfazed.

"Is this a gift or a collar tag ?" she deadpanned, pushing him lightly.

Xavier laughed, catching her wrist before she could pull away. "It's a sign representing my love for you. Something to show the world that you're mine—"My priceless unforgettable girl."

Her breath hitched.

Oh.

She looked down at the engraving again, her heart swelling as the meaning sank in.

It wasn't just some joke. It wasn't just him marking his territory in his usual cocky way.

It was real.

Kamsi bit her lip, warmth spreading through her chest. Then, with a smirk of her own, she tilted her head up at him. "Thank you, Monkey."

Xavier's brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"

She grinned mischievously. "MONKEY— Madly Obsessed, Naturally Keeps Entertaining You"

For a moment, he just stared at her. And then—

"I like the sound of that," he admitted, his smirk growing wider. "Not as perfect as mine though," He taunted and she glared at him." Just kidding." He laughed

He took a step forward. She took a step back.

He smirked. She bolted.

Within seconds, they were chasing each other across the rooftop, laughter filling the air as he tried to catch her. The world outside faded, and for once, nothing else mattered.

Kamsi wished,just for a little while longer, that this moment would never end.