Kingsley Academy

Chapter 8

Saturday mornings at Kingsley Academy were usually quiet—everyone recovering from the parties and drama of the week. But for me, it was time to keep up appearances, which meant hitting the gym. 

I strolled into the gym with a matcha latte in hand, wearing a sleek black workout set that hugged my figure perfectly. Olivia and Harper weren't with me today, but it didn't matter. I had a new group of so-called "friends" tagging along. I didn't particularly care about them, but they were useful in keeping up appearances.

Eric, with his sharp wit and endless commentary, was already at the gym by the time I got there, adjusting his headband and stretching. "Darling, you're late," he teased, flashing me a grin as I approached. "You've already missed the warm-up. Tragic."

"Please," I said, rolling my eyes. "I don't need to warm up for a few weights and some cardio. Just looking this good is enough."

Eric laughed, tossing a towel over his shoulder. "True. But your competition is fierce, babe. You've got me to deal with, after all."

"Fierce?" I teased back, eyeing his neon headband. "Sure, if that headband doesn't blind me first."

As we bantered, Lily and Jules showed up, Lily looking effortlessly chic even in her gym gear. She was one of the few people at Kingsley who was as mean as me, but never directed her cruelty toward me. I liked that about her. Jules, on the other hand, was quieter, more laid-back, always watching but never getting too involved.

Lily smirked as she grabbed a yoga mat. "We all know the only reason we come to the gym is to judge other people's form. This place is full of walking disasters."

"Agreed," I said, setting down my matcha and unrolling a mat for myself. "But someone has to set the standard."

Eric stretched next to me, his eyes already scanning the room for something to gossip about. "So, what's the drama today? Who's getting canceled by Monday?"

Jules chuckled softly, but it was Lily who answered, leaning in with a wicked smile. "I heard Natalie's still crying about that scene at the party. Apparently, she's been avoiding Kade ever since. It's almost too easy."

I smirked, the memory of humiliating Natalie flashing through my mind. "Well, some people can't handle the heat."

"You should've seen her in chemistry class," Eric added with a laugh. "It was like watching a deer in headlights every time someone looked at her."

As we started our workouts, the banter continued. Eric was cracking jokes the entire time, effortlessly lifting the mood with his wit, telling us about the new guy he met. Lily was snide, but in the way that made you laugh despite yourself, and Jules? Well, she was always the quiet observer, occasionally chiming in with her dry humor.

Even though I didn't feel particularly attached to them, it was nice to have people around who knew how to keep up. They weren't Olivia and Harper—they were sharper, less interested in impressing me, and that made them easier to be around. No pressure, no pretending. Just cutting remarks and inside jokes.

As I finished my workout, I took a sip of my now slightly warm matcha, glancing around the gym. Kingsley's gym wasn't your average school setup. It looked more like a high-end fitness club, with state-of-the-art equipment and even a juice bar in the corner.

"So," Lily said, pulling her hair back into a ponytail, "any plans after this, or are we all pretending to care about homework?"

Eric snorted. "Homework? On a Saturday? Please, honey, I have a date with Netflix and a bottle of wine."

Jules smiled. "Same, minus the wine."

I shrugged, grabbing my towel. "Might take a walk around the grounds. Clear my head."