Darkson High

4.9

The playful chaos between Nikky and Malik was still going strong, drawing everyone into their friendly rivalry like moths to a flame.

Malik wasn't one to back down easily, especially not when it came to dancing. After Nikky's display, he wasn't going to let her have the last word. "Alright, Missy, you showed us what you got," Malik said, wiping a playful bead of sweat from his forehead. "But let's see if you can keep up when we switch it up to some old-school dancehall. Don't chicken out now, Nikky."

Nikky laughed, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Oh, we're taking it back, huh? You really want this smoke, Malik? Don't say I didn't warn you." She flicked through her playlist and put on a classic, bass-heavy track that made the ground beneath them seem to vibrate.

As the music played, Malik and Nikky circled each other with the crowd egging them on. Malik busted out some classic dancehall moves—his body moving fluidly, hips and shoulders syncing perfectly to the beat. He had rhythm, and he knew it, giving Nikky a mock-challenging look as if to say, "Your move."

Nikky, not one to back down, matched his energy step for step, her feet moving swiftly with the beat as her body flowed. She wasn't just dancing—she was performing, making it clear she was here to win. Malik threw in a few more complicated moves, but Nikky wasn't fazed. She fired back with a rapid series of steps that drew cheers and whistles from the crowd.

"Ohhh, Malik, looks like you met your match!" Ricky hollered, jumping up and down, his typical chaotic energy blending perfectly with the scene. "Y'all better watch out, or she's gonna school you, man!"

Malik laughed, catching his breath. "Alright, alright. I'll admit it—you've got moves, Nikky. But you gotta admit, I've got style." He winked at her, and she rolled her eyes with a grin.

"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that. Just don't go crying to Troy later when he sees these videos," Nikky teased, catching Malik off guard.

"Hey, he likes my moves just fine!" Malik shot back, laughter in his voice. "Besides, I'm just warming up."

Trey, who had been leaning against a nearby tree, chuckled and turned to Oliver. "I think Nikky and Malik need their own reality show or something. I'd watch that."

Oliver smiled, adjusting his glasses. "Definitely. 'Chaos in the Park,' starring those two. I'd tune in every week."

Maria, still giggling from the dance-off, nudged Kyle, who was sitting beside her and looking a bit disinterested. "Come on, Kyle. Where's that Polish pride? Show us some moves. Or are you scared?"

Kyle, who usually tried to keep his cool, shrugged. "Dancing's not really my thing, Maria. You know that."

Maggie chimed in with a smirk. "I don't think we want to see that, honestly. He's got two left feet."

"Hey, Maggie," Shanti interjected, her voice smooth and teasing. "Maybe you should show him how it's done. Teach him some poise, like you do in those ballet classes of yours."

Maggie scoffed but didn't deny it. "Please, like any of you could keep up."

Nikky, overhearing, called out, "Oh, we all know you got some moves, Maggie. I remember you at that spring dance. Don't be shy now."

Maggie shot her a sideways glance, her lips curving into a begrudging smile. "Whatever, Nikky. You caught me on a good night."

Francesco took the opportunity to slide closer to Nikky, his voice smooth as he said, "You know, Nikky, I've got to hand it to you. You can really dance. Maybe you can show me some more moves sometime? I've been told I'm a fast learner."

Nikky chuckled, a playful edge in her tone. "I don't know, Francesco. You might have to work a little harder for that. I'm not just giving lessons out for free."