Chapter 5 Chapter Five

Kimberly’s POV

“Hey, look at it from my point of view,” Adele said, poking at her fries with a fork. “According to Kai’s manager, they’re going to pay you a lot. That’s a big win for you.”

We were in the school cafeteria during the lunch rush. It was noisy as usual. Trays were clattering at the dish return, the fryers were hissing behind the counter, and the whole place smelled like pizza and coffee. Students were packed at every table, some half asleep over laptops, some arguing about assignments, some just scrolling on their phones. Our usual corner table by the window was the only spot that felt even a little quiet.

I pushed my salad around my plate. “But living with that jerk? That’s too much, no matter how much I think about it.”

Adrian didn’t even look up from his burger. “Aren’t you in dire need of money?”

He said it like he always did, blunt and practical.

I smacked the back of his head lightly. “Thanks for reminding me once again. But at the same time, I don’t want to come off as some anti-fan who only did this for money.”

Adrian shrugged and took another bite. “Then let’s be realistic. Realistically speaking, you will be quitting one of your part-time jobs next week. That means one source of income cut off.”

“Also, you have to send money home to your mum,” Adele added quietly.

I sighed. They were both right and I hated it.

Adrian leaned forward. “Kimberly, it’s about time you accepted reality. And if you ask me, I feel like these people are offering you gold on a platter, considering the fact that you’re the one at fault here.”

I looked at him, shocked. “How am I the one at fault?”

“You recorded him, Kim,” he said. “He’s a top star. It’s normal for him to be upset.”

“But he smashed my phone and couldn’t even apologize properly,” I said, my voice rising. “Plus, I wasn’t the one who circulated the video of both of us outside that club.”

Adele held up her hands. “We’re not saying he’s innocent.”

“You guys are siding with him,” I said. “I’m sure everyone at the TV station is also on his side, so how am I supposed to survive this show?” I dropped my fork dramatically. “I’ll be eaten alive.”

“You’re finally accepting reality,” Adrian said with a small smirk. “You decided to go up against him. Anyway, this show will definitely give you exposure, within the campus and the whole of New York. Who knows, this might be a turning point in your life.”

I stared at him. “A turning point? You think so?”

“Yes,” Adele said firmly. “Just call the manager back and accept the deal, Kim.”

I was about to respond when we heard a wave of noise from the corridor outside the cafeteria. Heads turned. Then the doors swung open and Jeremy walked in.

Jeremy Miller. One of the football stars at our school, and in all of New York. Kai’s teammate.

He was in his practice jersey, hair still damp with sweat, and people were already whispering and pulling out their phones. He walked straight through the tables, straight toward us. The three of us just sat there, shocked.

He stopped right in front of me.

“Hi, Kimberly,” he said. “Can we talk?”

“Huh... me?” I asked, still confused.

“Yes,” he said, glancing toward the door. “Can we talk outside?”

Curiosity ate me up instantly. I got up and followed him out, leaving Adele and Adrian staring after us.

As soon as we got outside away from people, away from the noise, he turned to me.

“Kim, I know Kai put you in a tough spot recently,” he said.

“Yeah,” I said awkwardly. I crossed my arms. “But why do you want to see me?”

“Right,” he said. “I actually saw you guys in front of the club that night. And your shoe, the one you threw at Kai... it’s with me.”

My eyes widened. “Really? Thank you.” I was surprised. He was already way nicer than that asshole Kai Dawson.

Jeremy gave a small laugh. “You know Kai has been a proud guy right from the very beginning, right? He comes from a wealthy home, has girls flocking around him all the time, being praised as the best rising football talent in New York. So it’s normal that his attitude got worse when he became a huge top star. Right, Kimberly?”

I nodded before I could stop myself. Finally, someone who got it. “Yes. I mean, his attitude towards me was so bad when we were alone. But outside the club with people watching, he suddenly became a new person.”

“I mean, seriously,” Jeremy continued. “He called that five minute PR video an apology to you. He’s always someone who has a scheme up his sleeve.”

I sighed and said nothing. I didn’t know what to say to that.

Jeremy’s tone softened. “Kimberly, I am on your side here. Are you going to be patient about this? I heard you guys met up, so what did you discuss?”

I shook my head quickly. “I don’t want to drag anything anymore. I just prefer not to talk about that incident again. Can you respect that for me, Jeremy?”

“Sure,” he said, smiling at me. “I respect your decision, Kim. Guess I will see you around. Thanks for your time.”

“Hmm... bye,” I said.

I watched him walk away. Gosh, this guy is far better than Kai and should have been the top star, I thought to myself as I started walking back toward the cafeteria.

That’s when I noticed a motorbike stop right in front of me on the sidewalk.

I couldn’t see the rider. He was in a full black outfit and a black helmet with the visor down.

What does he want, I thought, as the engine cut off.

The rider raised his hand and motioned for me to come forward. Not a wave. An order. The same authoritative way Kai always did things.

Realization dawned on me and I covered my mouth with my hands.

Just on cue, he reached up and opened the helmet, revealing his face.

“Kai Dawson.”