HIDDEN HEARTS

Episode 10:TARIQUE'S ATTEMPTED EPISODE

The courtyard of Maplewood College was buzzing with students between classes. Amina and Zuri were sitting under their favorite tree, laughing over a notebook full of doodles Zuri had made during study time. Life felt… good. Peaceful even.

Until Tariq decided to show up.

“Ah, look who’s here! Maplewood’s most secretive couple!” Tariq called out, striding over with a smug grin. Amina groaned.

“Morning, Tariq,” she said cautiously, hoping he’d just pass by.

“Oh, I’m not just passing by,” he said, leaning on the tree like he owned the place. “I thought I’d see the famous Zuri-Amina duo in action. Careful, everyone, this could get… messy.”

Amina rolled her eyes. “Messy? Really? You’re reaching, Tariq.”

Zuri, ever calm, didn’t move at first. She raised one brow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, it’s messy, is it?”

Tariq smirked. “I mean, come on. Everyone’s talking. You two, sneaking around… it’s getting… noticeable. Maybe a little scandalous.”

Amina’s cheeks flamed. She looked down at her hands.

“Scandalous?” Zuri said, her voice low and dangerously sweet. “Tariq, are you trying to be funny, or just embarrass yourself?”

“I—uh…” Tariq stammered, suddenly uncertain under her gaze.

Zuri leaned in, voice smooth and deadly: “Let me explain something to you. We are dating. We are happy. And we do not, repeat, do not require your commentary or approval. Got it?”

Tariq blinked. “I… I just—”

“You just what?” Zuri interrupted, stepping closer so that Amina could see Tariq shrinking back. “You think you can stir drama? That you can control us? That anyone cares about your opinion?”

Amina tried not to laugh as Tariq’s confident façade crumbled.

Zuri straightened, pointing at him with a mock-serious finger. “Listen carefully, because I know it’s a lot to process: we are fine. We are happy. You? You are irrelevant.”

Amina lost it. A giggle escaped her, then another. Even Tariq couldn’t help but flinch at her laugh.

“You see, Tariq,” Zuri added, leaning down conspiratorially as if explaining to a child, “if your main hobby is stirring trouble and spreading rumors, you’re going to need a new hobby. May I suggest… knitting?”

By now, a few students had gathered, whispering and giggling at Tariq’s expression—part humiliation, part disbelief.

Amina nudged Zuri under the arm. “That… was perfect.”

Zuri smirked. “I told you, never underestimate the power of polite intimidation and sarcasm.”

Tariq muttered something about “just joking” and slunk away, leaving the two of them laughing under their favorite tree.

Amina felt lighter than she had in weeks. Maybe rumors, whispers, and jealous classmates weren’t so terrifying after all. Especially when Zuri had her back.