WHO AM I

THE TRAP TIGHTENS

The morning sun streamed through Lila's window, casting soft, golden rays across the room. She hadn't slept well, the weight of everything hanging over her like a dark cloud. The plan to reach Lucas was risky—too risky, perhaps. But what other option did they have? Renzo wouldn't stop until he crushed them all, and she wasn't going to let that happen.

As Lila dressed for school, her phone buzzed on her bed. It was Noah.

Noah: "Ready for today? We've got this."

Lila smiled at the message. Noah always seemed so confident, even when everything was spiraling out of control. She quickly texted back.

Lila: "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's hope Phillip comes through with Lucas."

She grabbed her bag and headed out the door, nerves fluttering in her stomach. Today wasn't just any ordinary day. It felt like the start of something bigger—something that could either save them or destroy everything.

At school, the usual chaos unfolded around them: students rushing to their lockers, loud conversations, and laughter filling the hallways. But for Lila, Cathy, Jasper, and Noah, there was only one focus—Renzo.

They met by their usual spot under the oak tree in the courtyard. Phillip was already there, leaning against the trunk, arms crossed and a serious expression on his face.

"You look like you didn't sleep either," Jasper said, trying to lighten the mood.

Phillip smirked, but there was no real humor in his eyes. "Couldn't afford to."

Cathy rolled her eyes. "Well, we could all use a nap, but since that's not happening, what's the plan? Did you talk to Lucas?"

Phillip nodded. "I did. He's hesitant, but I think he's going to play ball. He knows Renzo's dangerous, but he's more scared of what Renzo might do if he crosses him."

"Great," Noah muttered sarcastically. "We're relying on a guy who's too scared to make a move."

"Not quite," Phillip corrected. "He'll help us... but only if we can guarantee he won't get caught. That's where you guys come in."

Lila frowned. "How exactly do we protect him from Renzo? We're just a bunch of high schoolers."

Phillip's eyes met hers. "We need to make sure Renzo doesn't see this coming. If we can distract him—keep him busy long enough for Lucas to slip away and give us the information we need—we can pull this off."

Cathy raised an eyebrow. "Distract him? You mean, like... a magic show? Maybe some card tricks?"

Phillip chuckled despite himself. "Not quite. More like making him think something bigger is going on. We need to create a diversion."

Jasper's face lit up. "I've got an idea. What if we stage a fake 'falling out'? Like, make Renzo think we're all turning on each other?"

Cathy snapped her fingers. "Yes! Drama! Gossip spreads fast in this school. If we're at each other's throats, it'll be all anyone's talking about—Renzo included."

Lila crossed her arms, thinking it over. It wasn't a bad idea. "It could work. If we make it convincing enough, Renzo might think we're falling apart and let his guard down."

Phillip looked impressed. "You guys might actually pull this off. But it has to be believable. Renzo's no idiot."

Noah grinned. "Oh, don't worry. We can act."

Later that day, the plan went into motion. During lunch, they put on a show worthy of an Oscar. It started with Cathy "accidentally" spilling juice all over Jasper's shirt, sparking a loud argument between them.

"I can't believe you did that on purpose, Cathy!" Jasper yelled, standing up and knocking his chair back for extra effect.

Cathy's face twisted into fake outrage. "Are you serious, Jasper? You've been on my case all week! Maybe you deserve it!"

Lila tried to hide her grin as she watched the scene unfold, stepping in to add fuel to the fire. "Guys, calm down! This is ridiculous. We're supposed to be friends."

Noah played his part perfectly, rolling his eyes and muttering just loud enough for others to hear, "Typical. Everyone's always fighting over something."

By the end of lunch, the entire cafeteria was buzzing with gossip. Everyone was talking about the massive blowout between the group that was usually so tight-knit.

Later that afternoon, Lila met up with Phillip again near the football field. He gave her a knowing look.

"The distraction's working. Renzo's starting to ask questions, wondering what's going on with you guys," Phillip said. "Lucas is ready to move. You did good."

Lila felt a rush of relief but also fear. This was it. They were really going through with it.

"Let's hope it's enough," she said, her voice a bit shaky.

Phillip glanced around, his eyes narrowing as if sensing something. "It will be. Just stay sharp."

As Phillip turned to leave, Lila's phone buzzed again. Another message from Noah.

Noah: "How'd it go with Phillip?"

Lila quickly typed back.

Lila: "He says Lucas is ready. We're doing this."

Noah: "Good. Stay safe. And remember, we've got your back."

As she pocketed her phone, a chill ran down her spine. The trap was set, but something still felt off. There was no way Renzo would go down this easily.