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Karma's phone buzzed against the nightstand, the screen lighting up to show the time—5:20 AM. She groaned, blinking against the dim light filtering through the blinds. The room was quiet, the distant hum of the city outside her dad's apartment the only sound. Karma swung her legs over the side of the bed, her bare feet touching the cool hardwood floor. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, slowly pushing herself to start the day.
She moved through her morning routine with practiced ease, brushing her teeth and washing her face. She twisted her hair into a quick updo, making sure her edges were laid just right. Satisfied, she went back to her room and pulled on her outfit—a pair of ripped jeans and a cropped hoodie. She grabbed her Kurt Geiger purse, double-checking that she had everything she needed, before slipping on her Vans "knu skool" kicks.
The apartment was still quiet as she tiptoed out, not wanting to wake her dad. She shot him a quick text—Headed to school, see you later—before locking the door behind her and stepping into the early morning chill.
The bus stop was just a short walk away, and Karma boarded the nearly empty bus, sinking into a seat by the window. She plugged in her earphones, drowning out the world with music as she watched the city pass by. It wasn't long before she felt a presence behind her.
"Hey, girl," a familiar voice said, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Karma turned her head to see Kenzo sliding into the seat behind her, a calm smile on her face.
"Hey," Karma replied, a bit wary. She wasn't sure what to make of Kenzo, especially after their last interaction.
Kenzo leaned back, seemingly unbothered. "You get up mad early for school."
"Gotta catch the bus," Karma said, shrugging. "Plus, I stay over at my dad's on Sundays. It's just easier this way."
Kenzo nodded, her expression unreadable. "Makes sense. We in the same boat then."
The bus ride continued in silence, Karma occasionally glancing back to see Kenzo still there, calm and composed. When they finally arrived at the school, Karma stepped off the bus, her eyes scanning the crowd for her friends. Kenzo was still behind her, a constant presence that was starting to feel a little too close for comfort.
As Karma made her way through the courtyard, she spotted dd leaning against a wall, waiting for her. The moment their eyes met, he pushed off the wall and strode over, a smirk playing on his lips. Without a word, he draped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
"Wassup, shorty," he said, his voice low, teasing.
Karma couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Hey."
