Darkson High

4.4

As the lively energy in the cafeteria reached its peak, the so-called "competition" between Nikky and Malik became the focal point. The two continued their heated yet playful trash talk, drawing in more and more students who were eager to see how it would all end.

Nikky stood with her hands on her hips, a confident smirk on her face. "Alright, Malik," she announced loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear, "it's time to put an end to this. You're about to witness my secret weapon—the dish that's gonna make you realize you've been a small fry this whole time."

Malik dramatically clutched his chest, his eyes going wide in exaggerated horror. "The secret weapon? Impossible!" he gasped theatrically, as if he were in the middle of an epic movie scene. "Only the culinary gods can wield such power!"

Nikky rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "That's right. This isn't just jerk chicken. This is my mom's super jerk chicken, passed down through generations. She added a special marinade this time that'll blow your mind."

Malik stepped back, placing a hand on his forehead like he was about to faint. "Oh no, I'm truly doomed now," he declared with mock despair. "Malik the Mighty, defeated by a marinade? Unthinkable!"

"Oh, we're in trouble now," Jake chimed in with a grin, pretending to bite his nails. "Nikky's bringing out the big guns. Malik, you might want to pack up and head home now."

Malik shot Jake a side-eye, puffing out his chest even more. "You know I don't back down from challenges, Jake. This is war now. Bring it, Nikky."

Nikky dramatically unveiled a pot she'd kept covered throughout the day, revealing a deep, aromatic chicken dish that had been marinating in a rich, dark sauce. The smell alone was enough to make the crowd murmur with excitement. She spooned some onto a plate, holding it up like a prize. "This, Malik, is the final boss of jerk chicken. Are you ready to taste defeat?"

Malik squinted at the dish like he was sizing up a worthy opponent in the ring, then crossed his arms in a dramatic flourish. "Alright, alright, that looks legit. I'll give you that. But you know, it's not just about looks. It's about taste, balance, and—"

"Cut the speech, Malik," Nikky interrupted, thrusting the plate into his hands with a flourish. "Eat."

The crowd leaned in, eyes glued to Malik as he took a bite of the jerk chicken. He chewed slowly, his expression serious, like a food critic tasting a Michelin-star meal. Then, suddenly, his eyes widened, and he staggered back dramatically, nearly tripping over his own feet. "Oh no! This... this is... I can't even..." He dropped to one knee, clutching his heart. "It's... incredible! The balance, the spice... I never thought it was possible!"

Nikky grinned, playing along with the over-the-top theatrics. "See? Told you. You're out of your league, Malik."

Malik quickly regained his composure, wagging a finger at her with a smirk. "Nice try, Nikky, but I'm not going down without a fight." He turned to the crowd, raising his arms like a boxer before a championship round. "Who wants to try some curry goat and see if this so-called 'secret weapon' is really unbeatable?"

A few brave students stepped forward, eager to taste the contenders' dishes. Plates of Malik's curry goat and Nikky's jerk chicken were quickly being passed around. The crowd became the judges, and as students tried the food, they began to cheer and jeer, throwing in their own playful banter.

"Malik's got that spice down!" one student shouted.

"But Nikky's chicken is so tender!" another chimed in.

Mike, who had been watching the whole scene unfold with Kendra, laughed. "This is turning into some kind of anime battle, isn't it?"

Kendra nodded, amused. "Yeah, all we need now is some dramatic background music and slow-motion shots."

Jake, standing by, added, "And maybe a narrator to talk about their tragic backstories while they cook."

Ricky suddenly jumped into the middle of the crowd, flailing his arms like he was hosting an awards show. "Alright, alright, everybody, calm down! Time to crown a winner for this epic showdown!" He grinned, clearly thriving in the chaos. "Who's all about Malik's curry goat?" A decent cheer erupted from the crowd, and Malik threw his arms up in the air, soaking up the attention like a diva.

"And who's ready to show some love for Nikky's jerk chicken?" Ricky continued, his voice dripping with playful energy. The crowd erupted with an equally loud cheer, and Nikky raised her hands triumphantly, giving Malik a teasing glance.

Malik and Nikky locked eyes, both still breathing hard from their "battle," both as competitive as ever. Malik extended his hand, his grin widening in that cocky way of his. "Alright, Nikky. You got me this time. But don't get too comfortable. I'm coming for that crown next time."

Nikky took his hand, shaking it firmly, her smirk never leaving her face. "Oh, I know it's not over. But next time? I'll have a real secret weapon waiting for you."

Malik tossed his head back with a dramatic laugh. "Oh, so this wasn't even your final form?" He exaggerated the words like an anime villain. "You're holding back on me? I see how it is. I'll be ready." He flashed her a wicked grin, giving her hand a little shake before releasing it.

Nikky shot back with a wink. "Not even close."

As the laughter died down, Jake couldn't help but shoot Francesco another look, seeing him eyeing Nikky again. "Francesco, I swear, if you don't back off, I'll make sure you're eating lasagna by yourself."

Francesco, with his hands up in mock surrender, grinned. "Alright, alright, I'm just appreciating good cooking and good company. No need to be so possessive, Jake."

"Good company, sure," Jake muttered, but there was a slight smile on his face. "Just keep it respectful."