Morning light filtered softly through the curtains.
Keisha was already awake.
She sat in front of her mirror, her uniform perfectly adjusted, but her mind wasn't focused on her appearance.
Saturday was still two days away, yet she already seemed excited.
The date.
She caught herself smiling slightly.
— You're smiling to yourself now? a voice teased from behind the door.
Mrs. Clarisse entered without waiting.
— I'm thinking, Keisha replied with dignity.
— Of course. And the fact that it's about a certain Leandro is purely a coincidence?
Keisha rolled her eyes.
— You're unbearable.
— No. Observant.
Mrs. Clarisse stepped closer and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
— You're nervous.
Keisha hesitated.
— A little.
— That's a good sign.
She left the room with a subtle smile.
When Keisha arrived at school, the atmosphere felt different.
Heavier.
The whispers were no longer surprised.
They were analytical.
— Do you think they'll last?
— She's going to break him, for sure.
— Or maybe he's the one who'll change?
Keisha entered the hall.
A slight silence.
Then the whispering resumed.
But this time…
She wasn't looking for the stares.
She was looking for someone else.
And she found him.
Leandro.
Leaning against his locker.
He was already looking at her.
Not for the image.
For her.
He walked toward her.
— Good morning.
— Good morning.
No exaggerated display.
Just a shared, quiet smile.
Then naturally, their hands found each other.
A murmur ran through the hallway.
Near the lockers
Vanessa approached quickly.
— Okay. This is getting serious.
— Good morning to you too, Keisha replied.
Vanessa looked at Leandro.
— You better be sincere.
He held her gaze calmly.
— I am.
She studied him for a few seconds.
Then nodded.
— Good.
Emma and Lila joined them.
— So? Emma asked with a grin. The famous date?
Keisha shot Leandro a surprised look.
— You told them?
— Just my friends.
— So everyone already knows? she asked.
— Not everyone, he replied. Just the ones who matter.
That sentence touched her more than she showed.
She didn't have time to argue before the bell rang for class.
During class, Keisha took notes mechanically.
But she felt the stares.
Maya, two rows behind her, was watching her intensely.
At break, Maya approached.
— Interesting new toy you've got.
Her tone was venomous.
Keisha turned slowly.
— Choose your words better.
Maya smiled.
— Everyone knows you choose people like accessories. How long before you get bored?
Silence around them.
Keisha stood up calmly.
— You're confusing control with superficiality.
— No, Maya replied. I know you.
Their gazes clashed.
Then Leandro appeared behind Keisha.
— Is there a problem?
Maya observed the scene.
— None. I just wanted to check if the queen still knows how to share.
She walked away.
Leandro leaned slightly toward Keisha.
— You okay?
— Yes.
But her gaze was harder.
12:32 PM – Cafeteria
Conversations revolved around them.
Jonas murmured to Leandro:
— She doesn't look happy.
— Maya likes to provoke, he replied.
— And you? Malik asked. You ready if this turns into a war?
Leandro looked at Keisha from across the room, surrounded by her friends.
— For her? Yes.
4:48 PM – In front of the school
The day was ending.
Leandro joined Keisha near the gate.
— Maya got to you more than you're showing, he said softly.
— She thinks I don't feel anything.
— And?
Keisha looked at him.
— She's wrong.
Silence.
He stepped a little closer.
— Saturday. 7 PM. Be ready.
— I'm always ready.
— Not as Aïna.
He held her gaze.
— As Keisha.
Her heartbeat quickened.
— Okay.
7:07 PM – Keisha's bedroom
She was sitting on her bed, phone in hand.
A message.
Leandro: I can't wait.
She replied:
Me neither.
Then she put the phone down.
It wasn't just a game anymore.
Something was changing.
And this time…
She wasn't fully in control of the direction.
Keisha hadn't been able to focus all day.
Leandro had asked her out with that calm, almost confident smile.
"Tomorrow night. Let me surprise you."
And she had said yes.
She didn't even know why her heart beat so fast just thinking about it.
The house was quiet.
Her nanny was in the living room, folding laundry while watching a series.
Keisha went downstairs, phone in hand, trying to look normal.
— You're going out tomorrow? her nanny asked without looking up.
Keisha stopped.
— Maybe…
Her nanny finally lifted her gaze, narrowing her eyes slightly.
— Maybe with who?
Keisha sighed.
— With a friend.
— A friend who kissed you at the gate last week?
Silence fell.
Keisha's cheeks turned warm.
— You saw?
— I see more than you think, her nanny replied calmly.
A small smile appeared on her face.
— He seems respectful. But be careful with your heart.
Keisha looked away.
She remembered that kiss.
Leandro had gently held her hand.
He had looked at her for a long time. Too long.
Then he leaned in, his lips brushing hers before truly pressing against them.
It wasn't rushed.
It was slow. Almost hesitant.
And when he pulled back, he had whispered:
— I don't want to play with you, Keisha.
Her heart had nearly exploded.
Friday night.
Her phone vibrated.
Leandro:
I'll pick you up tomorrow at 6 PM. Be ready.
She bit her lip.
Keisha:
What if I'm not?
The reply came immediately.
Leandro:
Then I'll stay in front of your door until you are.
She smiled despite herself.
But deep down… a small fear remained.
It wasn't just a date.
It was a step forward.
And she still didn't know if she was ready to fall for him.