"You got suspended, Fred?" Mom's voice hit like a whip.
She'd been hounding me since we left the principal's office. I just grabbed my backpack, ready to leave this circus, when I bumped into Bernard standing in the doorway, arms folded like he'd been waiting to pounce.
"White boy," he sneered. "The fight isn't over. You're gonna finish what you started."
I smirked. "I'd have gutted your intestines and fed them to ants already, sick puppy."
Bernard stepped closer, eyes gleaming with something darker than teenage drama. "Let's see who gets her in the end. Me… or you?"
I chuckled, tilting my head. "We'll see then, charcoal."
His jaw tightened like he'd kill me right there in the hallway. He leaned in, lowering his voice.
"Listen, Fred—or whatever your name is. Stay the hell away from my cupcake. If I catch you near her again? Consider yourself dead. Got it?"
"You're not telling me what to do." I shoved past him.
"Cross your boundaries, loser. I dare you," he called after me.
I didn't even look back. "Love will prevail."
---
ZIKORA'S POV
The hospital bed felt colder than usual. My wrists burned from the bandages wrapped too tightly. I turned away from Mom's worried eyes.
"Mom, please… just leave me alone." My voice cracked.
She hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. I'll be back after school."
Finally. Silence.
I stared at my wrists. Was Fred jealous? Did he push me because of Bernard? The thought should've scared me—but instead it thrilled me. At least it meant he cared.
The door creaked. My heart leaped. Fred. It had to be Fred.
I shut my eyes, pretending to sleep—like one of those heroines in a Korean drama waiting to be admired. His breath brushed my cheek. Then, a kiss on my forehead. My lips curled in a secret smile.
"Zizi," the voice whispered.
My smile died. What the fried tomato… Bernard?!
I cracked my eyes open. Yep. Bernard. Of course.
"Bernard! You're here?" I feigned surprise.
"I'm really sorry. Does it hurt?" he asked, gently blowing across my bandaged hands.
I hated to admit it—he looked cute doing that. For a moment. Until my mouth betrayed me.
"Stop. Now… where's Fred?"
He froze. His eyes searched mine with something raw—pain, jealousy, maybe both.
"He and I got suspended. A week. But don't worry, my dad will fix mine by tomorrow." He forced a smile, leaning closer.
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my disgust. He saw it. He definitely saw it.
"I'll give you space," he said quietly, retreating toward the door.
---
BERNARD'S POV
Zikora's words echoed: Where's Fred?
Not "thank you." Not "stay." Just Fred. Always Fred.
I clenched my fists. Was she using me? Or did she actually care, somewhere deep down? Either way, I couldn't let Fred win. Not when he hurt her. Not when I could give her the devotion she deserved.
I stepped into the hallway—straight into Fred. The smug bastard was waiting like he owned the place.
"Your mommy's outside," I snapped. "Go home, stop chasing after a woman."
Fred brushed past me. "Get out of my way."
"I thought you were gone."
"Out of my way, dummy."
"You're not going in there." I blocked him, shoving lightly.
He glared at me, calm but dangerous. "I'll give you thirty seconds to move. If not, I'll target your eyes this time. Maybe give you another tattoo to match that pretty neck scar. Now move."
I laughed. "You're barking again. Cute. But you're just an ugly puppy with swollen eyes. Get lost before I headbutt you for real."
Then—smack.
The slap cracked across my cheek before I even saw it coming.
Fred's voice was ice. "Never. Touch. Me."
"Bernard? What's going on?" Zikora's voice cut through, weak but sharp. She'd shuffled into the doorway, her bandaged hands trembling.
Fred's eyes lit with hope. "It's me, Zikora. It's Fred."
I waited for her to run to him. To forgive him.
But she didn't. She stiffened, tears spilling down her face.
"You? I don't talk to people who don't respect women. Look at me! You did this. Just… leave me alone."
"Zikora, I'm sorry, I can explain—"
"I don't want to hear it." She turned away. "Bernard, take me home."
Fred reached for her. "Zikora, please—"
"Don't you get it, dumbass?" I snapped, rushing to her side.
She leaned against me, her weight light but trust heavy. My heart roared with victory. For once, Fred wasn't the obvious choice. For once, she chose me.