Campus Courtyard - Morning
The morning sun was shining brightly as students milled about the courtyard. It was a normal day, until she arrived.
Naila walked through the gates.
But this wasn't the Naila everyone knew.
She was wearing a stunning red dress that flowed elegantly as she walked. Her hair was perfectly styled, cascading in soft waves. Her makeup was flawless; bold lips, sharp eyeliner, glowing skin. She wore heels that clicked confidently against the pavement.
She looked like she belonged on a magazine cover.
Everyone stopped and stared.
Chima, who was sitting on a bench, nearly choked on her drink. "Is that... Naila?!"
Fatimah's jaw dropped. "That can't be Naila. Naila usually wears sweatpants."
Alice was already running toward her. "NAILA! IS THAT YOU?!"
Naila smiled, a confident and radiant smile. "Good morning, everyone."
Alice skidded to a stop. "What happened to you?! You're... you're BEAUTIFUL!"
"I was always beautiful. I just didn't feel like showing it."
Wony approached, examining Naila with approval. "The dress is exquisite. The makeup is flawless. This is... elegant."
Naila nodded. "I know. I decided to try something new."
Chima was still in shock. "But... why?!"
Naila's expression flickered. "I have my reasons."
***
Campus Cafe - Later
They had moved to the cafe, and everyone was still staring at Naila. She sat with perfect posture, sipping her drink elegantly.
"Okay," Fatimah said. "Spill. What's going on?"
Naila set down her cup. "I heard Jack is back."
Everyone froze.
Jack. The popular guy who had ghosted Naila last year. The guy who had made her feel worthless. The guy who had disappeared without a word after leading her on.
Alice's face darkened. "That jerk is back?!"
"Yes. And I wanted to show him what he missed."
Chima nodded slowly. "So you decided to become... this."
"Yes. I wanted to be gorgeous. Elegant. Radiant. Everything he never appreciated."
Wony smiled. "Revenge elegance. I approve."
Naila smiled. "I thought you might."
***
Campus Courtyard - Afternoon
Naila walked through the courtyard, her head held high. She saw Jack, surrounded by his friends, laughing at something.
He noticed her.
His eyes widened. He stopped laughing.
Naila walked toward him. Her heels clicked. Her dress flowed. She was radiant.
Jack's mouth opened. "N-Naila? Is that you?"
Naila smiled coolly. "Hello, Jack. It's been a while."
"I... you look..."
"Different? I know. I decided to upgrade."
Jack looked uncomfortable. "I'm sorry about what happened last year. I was stupid."
"You were. But I'm over it now."
She turned to walk away.
And then it happened.
Her heel caught on a crack in the pavement.
She stumbled. Her arms flailed.
And she fell forward.
Directly toward Jack.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAIMAzUXui
Time seemed to slow down.
Naila's eyes widened. She tried to stop herself, but it was too late.
Her lips landed on Jack's.
The courtyard went silent.
For a moment, no one moved. Naila was frozen, her lips pressed against Jack's. Jack was frozen, his eyes wide with shock.
Then Naila pulled back, her face bright red.
"OH NO! I DID NOT MEAN. THAT WAS AN ACCIDENT. I TRIPPED..."
Jack was staring at her, his face also red. "I... uh..."
Naila backed away, her elegant composure completely shattered. "THAT DID NOT HAPPEN! THAT WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!"
She turned and ran.
***
Campus Courtyard - Later
The others found Naila hiding behind a tree, her face buried in her hands.
"Naila!" Alice called out. "Are you okay?!"
Naila looked up. Her makeup was smudged from crying. "I KISSED HIM! I KISSED MY EX!"
"You tripped!" Fatimah said. "It was an accident!"
"I DON'T CARE! I KISSED THE GUY WHO GHOSTED ME!"
Chima was trying not to laugh. "Naila, it's okay. It happens."
"IT DOESN'T HAPPEN! PEOPLE DON'T JUST FALL AND KISS THEIR EXES!"
"Apparently you do."
Naila screamed into her hands.
Wony patted her back. "It's okay. The fall was not elegant. But your recovery can be."
"WHAT RECOVERY?! I RAN AWAY!"
"Exactly. You created mystery."
"I CREATED DISASTER!"
***
Campus Cafe - Evening
Naila was back in her usual clothes: sweatpants, a loose shirt, and no makeup. Her hair was messy. She looked like her old self.
Alice smiled. "You're back."
Naila groaned. "I'm never trying to be gorgeous again. It's too much effort."
Chima laughed. "Finally, the real Naila is back."
"I was trying to be elegant! And I ended up kissing my ex!"
"That's very poetic."
"It's TRAUMATIC!"
Wony sighed. "It was a beautiful attempt, Naila. But perhaps elegance isn't meant for everyone."
"I KNOW. I'M LAZY. I'M CLUMSY. I'M NOT ELEGANT."
Fatimah smiled. "You don't need to be elegant, Naila. You just need to be you."
Naila looked up. "Really?"
"Really. We love you just the way you are."
Naila's eyes glistened. "You guys are the best."
"We know," they said in unison.
***
Campus - Night
They were walking home together. Naila was back to her usual self, shuffling along, looking tired.
"Hey," Alice said. "At least you looked amazing for a few hours."
Naila groaned. "And then I ruined it."
"You didn't ruin it. You just... added a plot twist."
"A plot twist where I kissed my ex?!"
"Yes! Very dramatic!"
Chima laughed. "It's going to be a story we tell forever."
"Please don't."
"Too late! I'm already writing it down!"
Naila sighed. But she was smiling.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YczhJjHCO
and then Add to home screen.