Ultima's Bite!

April didn't expect Tessa to react immediately. 

A girl like her wasn't impulsive—she was calculated. She would take her time, watch, analyze, and then strike.

Which is exactly why April wasn't surprised when, the next morning, she walked into school and felt the shift in atmosphere.

The whispers had changed.

Yesterday, the rumors had been about April—some vague nonsense about a "mystery boyfriend."

Today?

"Tessa was crying in the bathroom."

"I heard she and Michelangelo had a fight."

"No way, he'd never—"

"But she looked pissed when she left."

April kept her expression neutral as she strolled past groups of gossiping students. Interesting.

Tessa had flipped the script.

Instead of denying or countering April's silent move, she had redirected it—turning herself into the victim.

Now, instead of questioning April, people were questioning Mickey.

Brilliant.

April smirked slightly. Oh, this is fun.

By lunchtime, it was impossible to ignore. 

Tessa was seated at her usual table, surrounded by her clique, looking perfectly put together—but her expression was just a little too composed.

A deliberate choice.

Make people wonder if she was upset. Let them fill in the blanks.

April sat across from Mickey, setting down her tray. "You seeing this?"

Mickey, casually biting into an apple, nodded. "Mhm. She's playing the long game."

"Annoying."

"Impressive."

April rolled her eyes. "You're enjoying this way too much."

"Of course. It's like watching two chess masters pretend they're not playing chess."

April exhaled. "Fine. Let's make this more interesting."

Mickey grinned. "I love interesting."

April picked up her drink, took a sip, and then, in the most casual, offhanded manner, said just loud enough for the nearby students to hear—

"So, are we still on for Saturday?"

Mickey nearly choked on his apple.

He coughed, eyes widening slightly, before quickly masking his surprise with a smirk. 

"Of course."

April smiled. "Great."

Silence.

Then—whispers.

She didn't need enhanced senses to know people had heard.

And across the cafeteria, for the briefest moment, she saw Tessa tense.

April took another sip of her drink, completely unbothered.

Your move, Queen Bee.