Closed Quarters
220 Words
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*Kiki & Zara – Episode 2: Close Quarters*
The rain didn’t let up. Minutes passed, the silence between them growing heavier. Kiki stole a glance at Zara, who leaned casually against the wall, as if they weren’t both soaked and stuck.
“You could’ve at least brought a real umbrella,” Kiki muttered.
Zara chuckled. “And miss standing next to my favorite rival?”
Kiki rolled her eyes, but a smile threatened. “I’m not your rival. You just like being annoyingly perfect.”
“I’m not perfect,” Zara replied, more serious than expected. “Just... prepared.”
Kiki turned to her. For once, Zara didn’t look smug — just tired, like someone who held things too tightly. It threw Kiki off.
A gust of wind pushed Zara closer. Their shoulders touched, just barely. Kiki stiffened, but didn’t move. The contact buzzed with something unfamiliar — not discomfort, not irritation, but heat.
“You know,” Zara said quietly, “it’s exhausting competing with someone who doesn’t even realize how brilliant she is.”
Kiki blinked, caught off guard. Before she could answer, the rain eased into a light drizzle.
They stepped apart.
“See you at the poetry slam tomorrow,” Zara said, already walking off.
Kiki watched her go, confused.
Not by the rivalry anymore.
- Writer
