The bully's redemption

Kamsi slammed her locker shut, and her heart nearly jumped out of her chest as she found herself face-to-face with Zendaya. "You scared the living daylights out of me!" Kamsi exclaimed, her voice trembling as she struggled to catch her breath. Her dark hijab framed her pale face, and her shades hid her eyes, giving her an air of mystery.

Zendaya's apologetic smile was like a ray of sunshine, her dimple deepening as she said, "I'm so, so sorry!" Her bright eyes sparkled with mischief, betraying her playful intentions.

As Zendaya's gaze flicked to Kamsi's dark hijab and shades, her expression turned curious. "You're still hiding in plain sight, I see," she observed, her voice laced with a hint of concern. "I mean, I love the whole 'mysterious ninja' vibe you've got going on, but..."

Kamsi's eyes darted around nervously, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not taking any chances, not after everything I've heard and seen about him." She adjusted her bag, her movements stiff with anxiety.

Zendaya's expression turned thoughtful, her brow furrowed in concern. "But don't you think this... creative interpretation of the dress code will only draw more attention to you?" she asked, her eyes locked on Kamsi's hijab and shades.

Kamsi shook her head, her eyes wide with apprehension. "I don't know... I just want to stay under the radar, unnoticed by Xavier and his friends." Her voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes darting around the hallway as if fearful of being overheard.

Zendaya's chuckle was like a warm hug, dispelling the tension. "Well, let's move on to more exciting topics! How did your biology assignment go?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Kamsi's face lit up like a lamp, her eyes shining with pride. "I scored a seven!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

"Nice!" Zendaya replied, her eyes impressed. "I got a four. I'm terrible at drawing, but I'll stick to my singing talents!" The girls shared a laugh, their giggles echoing through the hallway as they walked together.

As they strolled, Zendaya turned to Kamsi with a mischievous grin. "Hey, want to grab lunch together and indulge in some juicy gossip?" Her eyes sparkled with friendship, her voice inviting.

Kamsi's face lit up with a smile. "That would be amazing!" she agreed, her eyes shining with excitement. Together, they made their way to the cafeteria, their laughter and chatter filling the hallway with warmth and joy.

"Zendaya," Kamsi called out, her voice laced with curiosity as they sat eating their lunch in the bustling cafeteria.

"Huh?" Zendaya replied, her eyes locking onto Kamsi's with a hint of intrigue.

"How long have you been in this school?" Kamsi asked, her brow furrowed in interest.

"About three years," Zendaya replied, her voice measured. "Why?"

Kamsi's eyes sparkled with eagerness. "Can you tell me about the school? I've heard rumors, but I want the truth."

Zendaya's expression turned serious, her eyes clouding over. "Yeah, at Washington DC School, there's only one rule: Never go against the Terrifying Three." Her voice dropped to a whisper, as if she feared being overheard.

Kamsi's eyes widened in shock, her mind racing with the implications. "Really?" she breathed, her voice barely audible.

Zendaya's eyes flicked around the cafeteria, as if ensuring they weren't being watched. "Xavier, Damon, and Gilbert. They rule this school with an iron fist. The girls fawn over them, and the boys tremble with fear."

Kamsi's appetite vanished, her stomach churning with anxiety. "That sounds terrifying," she whispered.

Zendaya nodded grimly. "They were once known as the Formidable Four, but something happened to the fourth member." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Some say it was a rift between him and Xavier over a girl, while others claim his family moved to Korea."

Kamsi's eyes widened in shock. "Which do you believe?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zendaya's eyes darkened. "I think it's the first. Because Xavier has a history of getting what he wants, no matter the cost," she said, her voice low and serious. "And if he wanted that girl bad enough, he would've done anything to keep her. Even if it meant cutting ties with his own friend."

Kamsi's eyes widened in shock, her mind racing with the implications. "That's intense," she breathed. "I had no idea Xavier was capable of something like that."

Zendaya nodded grimly. "Yeah, he's not someone to be underestimated. And neither are the other two. They're a force to be reckoned with, and they always get what they want."

Kamsi shivered at the thought, her appetite suddenly gone. "I don't know how you've managed to survive here for so long, Zee," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zendaya shrugged, her eyes clouding over. "You do what you have to do to survive. And sometimes, that means staying under the radar and avoiding the Terrifying Three at all costs."

Kamsi nodded, her mind racing with the secrets and scandals that seemed to plague Washington DC School. She knew she had to be careful, especially if she wanted to avoid Xavier and his friends. But she also knew that she couldn't stay hidden forever. Eventually, she would have to face them head-on. And when that day came, she hoped she would be ready.

"What happened to her?" Kamsi asked, her curiosity piqued as she referred to Arianna, Xavier's girl.

"Don't know, don't care," Zendaya replied, her expression turning cold. "She probably moved out of the country or something," she said curtly, her tone implying that Arianna's disappearance was of little consequence to her. But her eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion, suggesting that there was more to the story.

Kamsi's mind reeled as she struggled to process the shocking revelations. Her thoughts were a jumbled mix of disbelief, curiosity, and fear. But before she could fully wrap her head around the information, a loud chorus of screams and cheers erupted from the cafeteria, shattering the silence. "Here comes the Terrifying Three!" the voices yelled in unison.