The bully's redemption

Merry Christmas lovelies. I'm dropping two chapters today as a Christmas present to y'all. Lots of love 😘

.

.

.

Zendaya's heels echoed confidently against the tiled floor as she glided down the hallway. Every movement was deliberate, her posture exuding an elegance that turned heads as she approached Julianne and Joanne. Her sleek ponytail swayed lightly, and the unmistakable glint of her Chanel bag caught Julianne's sharp eye.

Zendaya "accidentally" bumped into Julianne's shoulder, letting out a perfectly timed gasp. "Oh, I'm so sorry!"

Julianne turned, her brows raised in mild irritation before her gaze froze on the bag slung over Zendaya's shoulder. "Wait. Is that… Chanel?"

Zendaya tilted her head slightly, feigning surprise. "Oh, this? Yeah, my boyfriend surprised me with it. He says I deserve the finer things." She ran a perfectly manicured nail across the iconic stitching.

Julianne's eyes narrowed with faint skepticism. "That's Chanel chanel. Where'd he get it?"

Zendaya's lips curled into a half-smile, unbothered. "There's a boutique downtown. You'd miss it if you weren't looking—it's pretty exclusive."

Joanne stepped in, eyeing the bag suspiciously. "A lot of people carry fakes these days."

Zendaya didn't flinch. "Sweetheart, I don't wear knockoffs. Here—see for yourself." She slid the bag off her shoulder and handed it to Julianne with an air of challenge.

Julianne inspected the bag carefully, flipping it over and scrutinizing the seams. Her skepticism softened into quiet awe. "This stitching's perfect. It's real."

Joanne leaned closer, curiosity breaking through her guarded demeanor. "Wait, how much does something like this even cost?"

Zendaya leaned in slightly, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Let's just say it's not something you can grab at the mall. But if you want, I'll take you two there. It's like a treasure trove—only people who know know."

Joanne's hesitation lingered a moment longer, but Julianne's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? You'd take us?"

Zendaya's smile was effortless. "Of course. I don't mind sharing my secrets." She pulled out her phone casually. "Give me your numbers, and I'll text you the details. Maybe we can plan a little shopping trip?"

Julianne glanced at Joanne, who shrugged as if to say why not "Sure, why not."

As Zendaya added their numbers, her mind whirred. *Hooked. Now to reel them in.*

---

The cafeteria buzzed with its usual chaos as Kamsi weaved through the crowd, a box of elegantly packed treats in her hands. She spotted Julianne and Joanne at their usual table, chatting and laughing with a few friends.

Here goes nothing ,Kamsi thought, steadying her nerves. She approached with a careful, unassuming smile. "Is this seat taken?"

Joanne looked up, her expression immediately guarded. "It's occupied."

Kamsi's smile didn't falter. "Oh, sorry." She hesitated, as if reconsidering, before sitting down anyway at the edge of the table.

Julianne gave her a once-over. "Didn't hear us? The seat's taken."

"I won't be long," Kamsi replied lightly, placing the box of treats on the table. She flipped it open with deliberate care, revealing perfectly iced Italian cupcakes and delicate Mickey-shaped donuts.

Julianne's attention flickered, her words pausing mid-protest. "Wait. Are those… Valetta Monte's?"

Joanne leaned closer, squinting. "The Italian chef? No way."

Kamsi shrugged nonchalantly, though inside, her heart raced. "My aunt makes them. She used to study under Valetta. I guess I'm lucky."

Joanne's guarded expression faltered. "Wait—you Know Valetta Monte? Like, the Valetta Monte?"

"Not personally," Kamsi replied with an easy laugh. "But my aunt bakes like her. Go ahead, try one."

Joanne and Julianne exchanged hesitant glances, as if trying to find a reason to refuse. Finally, Julianne gave in, reaching for a cupcake. "Fine. But if it's terrible, we're never letting you sit here again."

Kamsi watched as they took cautious bites. Julianne's eyes widened, and Joanne let out a small hum of surprise.

"This is… amazing," Joanne admitted reluctantly.

"Divine," Julianne added, licking icing off her finger. "Your aunt's legit."

Kamsi leaned in slightly, her voice soft but deliberate. "She's thinking of hosting a tasting event soon. You two should come—meet her, try some more. Maybe bring a friend?"

Julianne's curiosity piqued. "A tasting event? Seriously?"

Kamsi nodded, keeping her tone casual. "Yeah. You'd be the first to know. I can text you when she finalizes it."

Julianne glanced at Joanne, who gave a small nod. "Fine. But we get dibs on the donuts."

As they exchanged numbers, Kamsi hid her satisfaction behind an innocent smile. Step two: Trust is built.

---

The end of the school day brought a steady flow of students out to the parking lot. Damon leaned casually against his sleek car, sunglasses perched low on his nose, while Gilbert stood nearby, scrolling through his tablet as though entirely disinterested.

Joanne and Julianne emerged, chattering as they approached. Damon's sharp eyes spotted them instantly. He pushed off the car with a confident grin. "Ladies."

Joanne slowed, her brow arching. "What do you want?"

"Relax," Damon said smoothly, gesturing toward the car. "Gilbert and I were just about to grab coffee. Thought you might want to join. Unless you're scared of a little fun?"

Julianne narrowed her eyes playfully. "Why would we get in a car with you two?"

Gilbert looked up from his tablet, his tone calm but cutting. "Because Damon can't drive to save his life, and I'm the one at the wheel."

Damon shot him an exaggerated glare. "Rude. I'm an excellent driver."

Julianne snorted a laugh. "Sounds like you're both dangerous."

"Only in the best ways," Damon shot back with a teasing wink. "So, what's it going to be? Coffee? Or are you afraid of being seen with us?"

Joanne hesitated, glancing at Julianne. "This isn't some kind of joke?"

"Do we look like we're joking?" Gilbert replied, his expression neutral but inviting.

Julianne shrugged, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. Surprise us."

They climbed into the car, and Damon turned on the radio, a playful smirk still lingering.

As the conversation flowed with jokes, light teasing, and easy banter, Damon shot Gilbert a look through the rearview mirror, his thoughts crystal clear. Connection: secured