South🫆

when i tell you my knees buckled, breath hitched, thighs squeezed, eyelids fluttered, throat dry all at once

Parings: BusinessWomanShurixBlackFemReader

Containing: Heavy!smut, angst, violence, blood!gore, manipulation, dom!shuri, sub!reader, choke!kink, foreplay, BDSM, mommy!kink, aftercare, heavy!dirtytalk, spit!inmouthkink, etc.

Summary: In the heart of 1990s New York, the powerful and unapologetically lesbian business mogul Ms. Udaku runs her empire with a iron fist and a silver tongue. Known for her ruthless business tactics and even more ruthless personal life, she commands respect and fear in equal measure. Twenty-two-year-old you just graduated from business school with honors, but nothing could prepare you for the hurricane that is Ms. Udaku. The age gap means nothing to Ms. Udaku - she's known for crushing the spirits of fresh-faced interns and young employees alike. Ms Udaku knew exactly what tricks to pull on a young, naïve girl like yourself. Would you fall for it? Would you be completely oblivious? Or maybe, just maybe, things would go according to Ms Udaku's plan..

Tags: @aaliyg @rheas-ripley @riotpanther @shuriswifeyyy @shuririsecretl0v3r @shurislover @shuriandririswifey @shuriszn @ihearttish @ilovebostonterriersandcupca-blog @doms-fav @notapradagurl7 @quintessencewrites @tishsrealwife @studpanther1031 @aaliyg

A/n: Ya’ll miss me 🫦?

Ms Udaku spoke nonchalantly on the phone as she typed away at her computer. Her eyes briefly glanced at her watch as she listened to whoever was on the other side of the line. The sound of her long fingers tapping on the keyboard as she worked filled the background.

"Mmmhm... alright. I understand. We'll discuss more about this later then."

Ms Udaku closed her eyes and rested her head against the back of the office chair before letting out a soft sigh. Then came the knock on the door.

Ms Udaku's attention was immediately shifted from the phone to the sound of the knock on the door.

"Come in."

She said in a somewhat commanding tone as she leaned forward in her seat, still maintaining her cool composure.

Ms Udaku's eyes fell upon Avery as soon as she entered the room.

"Ah, Avery. Perfect timing."

She said in a somewhat sarcastic tone. She was well aware of the timid nature of her assistant, and usually found it quite pathetic. However, there was a small part of her that couldn't deny that she found it somewhat adorable.

Ms Udaku gestured for Avery to come closer as she continued to speak.

"We've got a new intern starting today, and I need you to ensure they're settled in properly."

Ms Udaku leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs elegantly.

"Be sure to give them a tour of the office, introduce them to the staff and all the necessary details. Can you handle that?"

She asked, raising an eyebrow, already anticipating the answer.

Avery nodded vigorously, her shy demeanor evident in her body language. She was usually meek and reserved around Ms Udaku, intimidated by her powerful presence. Despite her nerves, she managed a soft response.

"Y-Yes, Ms Udaku. I'll take care of everything."

She replied, her voice betraying her anxiety. Ms Udaku leaned forward in her chair, studying Avery's face intently.

Ms Udaku smirked slightly at Avery's nervous response. She always found a twisted amusement in how easily intimidated she was. The power dynamic between them gave Ms Udaku a sense of satisfaction, like a lion toying with its prey.

"Good. You'd better not mess this up."

She said, her tone becoming slightly colder. Ms Udaku had high standards, and she expected everything to be done perfectly. She leaned back in her chair again, her gaze lingering on Avery before gesturing towards the door.

"Go on then. Go see to the intern."

Avery nodded once more, swallowing the lump in her throat. She could feel Ms Udaku's intense gaze upon her, making her feel even more intimidated. She quickly turned and made her way out of the office, her heart racing. Ms Udaku watched her assistant leave, a small smirk still on her face. She had a knack for making people feel small under her gaze, and Avery was no exception. She let out a small sigh and returned her attention back to her computer screen, waiting for the new intern to arrive.

Minutes passed, and the sound of chatter from the outside of the office began to grow louder. Ms Udaku perked up, her senses on high alert, as she waited for the arrival of the new intern. She had already formed an image in her mind of what they would be like, and she was determined to remain professional but also firm. And then, without any warning, came another knock on the door.

Ms Udaku's attention once again shifted towards the door, and she let out a soft sigh before calling out.

"Come in."

She said in a cool, composed tone, straightening herself in her chair. The door slowly opened, and she waited for the new intern to enter her office, ready to assess them.

As you entered Ms Udaku's office, she couldn't help but take a moment to observe your striking appearance. You were an absolute visual knockout, with every aspect of your physical presence commanding attention. The way you stood, walked, and even breathed exuded a sense of effortless grace and confidence. From the perfectly manicured red acrylics on your fingers to the red lipstick that accentuated your plump lips, everything about you screamed beauty and power.

Your curves, accentuated by the fitted blazer and mini skirt suit, drew her gaze.

Ms Udaku's eyes traced the curves of your body, noting the way your blazer hugged your waist, defining your silhouette with a calculated precision. The skirt, a perfect match to the blazer, hugged your hips and thighs tightly, giving an almost sinful appeal to your appearance. Your legs, clad in black sheer stockings with an intricate lace-up detail, only added to the visual allure of your outfit.

As for the accessories, the black Hermes Kelly bag screamed elegance and status. Meanwhile, the black sunglasses added a touch of mystery...

Ms Udaku's nostrils flared slightly as your sweet scent hit her senses. It was a combination of the Victoria's Secret Pure Seduction Noir mist and the matching lotion, enveloping you in a heady fragrance of Velvet Vanilla. It was intoxicating, sending a subtle wave of desire coursing through her.

She found herself momentarily distracted by your sensual scent, but quickly collected her composure, clearing her throat softly.

"Well, well. You must be the new intern."

Ms Udaku's voice was cool and measured, her gaze fixed on you. Despite her outwardly composed demeanor, she was somewhat taken aback by your striking appearance. She had expected something different, but here you were, practically oozing charisma and presence. It was almost irritating how attractive you were.

She gestured towards the empty chair in front of her desk, her eyes remaining steady on you.

"Have a seat. We have some things to discuss."

Ms Udaku's tone was professional, betraying no hint of how she was actually feeling. However, her eyes flicked briefly over your body once more, unable to resist stealing another glance.

Ms Udaku watched intently as you made your way to the chair, your every movement graceful and deliberate. She could feel a subtle stirring in her core, and she mentally scolded herself for allowing herself to be momentarily shaken by your attractiveness. She had to remain professional, no matter how tempting you were.

As you settled into the chair, she leaned forward slightly, her gaze studying you. There was something about you that made her want to push your buttons…

Ms Udaku leaned her elbow on the desk and rested her chin on her hand, her eyes locked on yours. She couldn't help but notice the way your long lashes framed your doe eyes, making them appear even more mesmerizing. The thought of how those eyes might look when filled with pleasure crossed her mind, but she quickly pushed it away.

"I'm going to be blunt with you. This internship won't be a walk in the park. I have high expectations, and I don't tolerate mediocrity."

She continued to study your face, taking note of every small detail. The slight parting of your lips, the way your hair fell slightly over your eye... everything about you was captivating. Damn it, why did you have to be so damn attractive?

Ms Udaku mentally cursed herself for allowing her thoughts to wander. She was your supervisor, not some lovestruck teenager. She needed to keep it together...

A/n: Ps, you are indeed 90s type fine 😍.

Ms Udaku decided to shift her focus to discussing business, hoping to distract herself from the way her thoughts were straying. She sat up straight in her chair and crossed her legs, her gaze unflinching as she spoke again.

"I run this company with a tight leash, and everyone here is expected to pull their weight. I need you to understand that I don't play favorites. I'm not the kind of person who sugarcoats things either. If you can't handle bluntness, this job might not be for you."

Ms Udaku's eyes flicked over your expression as she spoke, searching for any hint of weakness or discomfort. But so far, you seemed composed and unbothered by her harsh words. Damn it, that only intrigued her more.

She leaned back in her chair and continued to observe you closely, her thoughts warring with each other. Part of her wanted to maintain her professional demeanor, but another part was itching to see how far she could push you before you broke...

You regarded Ms Udaku with a calm and composed expression. Her words were harsh, but you weren't fazed. You had worked under demanding supervisors before, and you knew how to hold your own. So, you responded with a firm and confident voice.

"I can understand that. I don't expect any special treatment. And I have no problem with bluntness either. I prefer direct communication. I'm here to work, not to be coddled."

Ms Udaku raised an eyebrow at your response, a slight smirk playing on her lips. She was slightly impressed by your firm tone and lack of intimidation. It showed spine and confidence, something she found both irritating and attractive.

She sat up straight again, her gaze never leaving yours.

"Good. You'll need that kind of attitude to survive here. This isn't a place for the faint of heart. The hours are long, tensions run high, and the workload is heavy."

She paused for a moment, studying you a bit more intently. She couldn't help but notice the confidence radiating from you, and despite her best efforts, she found herself intrigued. You weren't the typical timid intern she was used to dealing with.

Ms Udaku leaned forward slightly, her eyes locked on yours, and asked a question that was somewhat testing.

"Tell me something, why did you apply for this internship?"

She was curious to hear your answer. Was it the prestige of the company? The desire to gain experience? The prospect of a paycheck? There were many reasons one might seek out an opportunity like this, and Ms Udaku wanted to gauge your motives. She leaned back in her chair, waiting for your response, her gaze unflinching and her demeanor cool.

As you thought of your answer, Ms Udaku couldn't help but take another moment to appraise your physical appearance. Those curves were just begging to be touched, and the way your clothing clung to every contour was downright sinful. She mentally chided herself again, trying to push the thoughts aside.

She watched you intently, her anticipation growing as she waited for your response. This conversation was taking a different turn than she had expected...

You met Ms Udaku's gaze without flinching. You could tell she was sizing you up, trying to figure you out. You kept your exterior composed as you replied in a clear and articulate voice.

"I applied for this internship because I want to challenge myself. I believe that working in a high-pressure environment like this company would help me grow professionally and personally. I'm not afraid to work hard and put in the necessary effort. I'm eager to learn and contribute to the success of the company."

Ms Udaku listened to your response, her expression betraying no emotion. Your answer was straightforward and to the point, and it piqued her interest even more. She had expected you to give the typical, generic answer most people gave, but instead, you had impressed her with your sincere and ambitious response.

She leaned back in her chair, a small smirk playing on her lips.

"Interesting. Most interns come in here with stars in their eyes, expecting to be spoon-fed. But you seem to have a bit more substance than that."

She paused momentarily, studying you again, before continuing in a slightly condescending tone.

"But let me ask you something. Do you have any idea how much pressure comes with working in a place like this? The long hours, the demanding deadlines, the ruthless competition. You think you can handle all that?"

Ms Udaku was testing your mettle now, seeing how far she could push you before you cracked...

Your confidence hadn't wavered, despite Ms Udaku's subtle attempt to belittle you. You met her condescending tone with a calm and firm demeanor.

"I understand the pressure that comes with this type of environment. I've worked in high-stress situations before, and I've learned to manage my workload efficiently. The long hours and deadlines may be challenging, but I'm prepared to put in the effort to meet them. And as for competition, I don't see it as something to fear, but rather as motivation to do my best."

Ms Udaku's expression remained stoic, but inwardly, she was taken aback by your unwavering confidence. Most people would have crumbled under her condescending tone, but you seemed unfazed. You were either very good at keeping your cool, or you were just genuinely unaffected by her attempts to rattle you.

She sat back in her chair, her eyebrow slightly raised as she observed you.

"You've got some spine, I'll give you that. Most interns would have backed down by now, but you're still standing tall. Impressive."

She was genuinely impressed, despite herself. You weren't just physically alluring; you had substance and resilience, and that only made her more curious about you. Ms Udaku shifted in her seat, trying to maintain her professional facade.

"But make no mistake, this job won't be a walk in the park. You'll be given tasks that will test your limits, and I'll be watching to see how you handle them. I don't tolerate incompetence from anyone, especially not from an intern."

As Ms Udaku's intense gaze locked onto yours, you could feel your heart pounding in your chest. Her unwavering, icy eyes seemed to pierce through you, making you feel both intimidated and attracted to her all at once. It was as if she was undressing you with her gaze, and it was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. You swallowed hard, your breath slightly hitching in your throat. Damn it, why was she so intensely captivating…?

Ms Udaku noticed the slight hitch in your breath and the way your heart was pounding. Her eyes never left yours, observing the subtle physical reactions she was causing in you.

She could sense that her gaze was making you flustered, and she found it absolutely alluring. Seeing you slightly off-balance, even if just for a moment, was making her want to push even further...

She leaned forward slightly in her chair, her gaze unwavering. She was getting a thrill from seeing you squirm a bit under her intense stare. The power she had over you in this moment was intoxicating, and she wanted to see just how far she could take it.

"Nervous, are we?"

She asked in a slightly mocking tone, her lips curving into a sly smirk. She knew damn well that her stare was getting to you...

Your heart beat even faster as Ms Udaku leaned closer, her gaze becoming even more intense. You felt your cheeks flush, but you did your best to maintain your composure. Damn it, why was she having this effect on you? You were here for a professional internship, not to get flustered by your intimidating supervisor.

Her mocking tone only served to add to your flustered state, making you want to both shrink back and lean closer simultaneously.

Ms Udaku's smirk deepened as she noticed the slight redness creeping across your cheeks. She was enjoying seeing you this way, flustered and slightly out of your element. It was a far cry from the composed and confident demeanor you had initially presented, and it only served to make you more attractive in her eyes.

She kept her eyes locked on yours, studying your expressions intently. Seeing you struggling to keep your cool was making her blood run hot...

Ms Udaku's expression suddenly shifted from intense and intrigued to cold and indifferent within a split second. She waved her hand at you dismissively, her earlier interest seemingly evaporating before your eyes.

"That's all. You can go now."

Her tone was curt and business-like, as if the moment of tension between you had never happened. She leaned back in her chair and picked up a pen, resuming her work on her computer without even giving you a second glance.

You were taken aback by Ms Udaku's sudden change in demeanor. One moment, she was intensely fixated on you, and the next, it was as if she could hardly care less about your presence.

You felt a mix of confusion and disappointment as she dismissed you so abruptly. As you began to make your way out of her office, a small seed of doubt planted itself in your mind.

Wait, was I supposed to start today or tomorrow…?

The question circled around in your mind, causing a small twinge of anxiety. Had you misunderstood the start date? Or was Ms Udaku just being... well, difficult?

You hesitated at the door, half-tempted to turn back and ask for confirmation. But you didn't want to appear foolish, and you didn't want to give her any more satisfaction by showing your internal uncertainty...

You took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing thoughts. It was just the first day, and you were already feeling off balance. You weren't the kind of person who usually let others get under your skin, but there was something about Ms Udaku that was making you feel like a fumbling mess.

As you stood there at the door, still torn between questioning her or just leaving, Ms Udaku suddenly spoke again, without even looking up from her computer.

"Is there something else or are you just going to stand there gawping?"

You were jolted back to reality by Ms Udaku's cold question. Damn it, she had noticed your hesitation. Embarrassed, you quickly spoke up.

"I was just... I just had a question..."

You hated how your voice wavered slightly, betraying your inner uncertainty. You could feel your cheeks warming up again, and you mentally cursed yourself for letting her get to you.

Ms Udaku finally tore her gaze away from her screen, lifting her eyes to meet yours again. Her expression was still cold and calculating, and she raised an eyebrow in a silent command for you to continue.

"Well? Spit it out then. I don't have all fucking day.”

Her impatient tone only heightened your embarrassment, making you feel like a fumbling fool in front of her once again...

You swallowed hard, trying to regain some semblance of composure. Your mind was still a whirlwind of questions and insecurity, and it was taking everything in you to maintain eye contact with her.

You cleared your throat and finally managed to stammer out your question.

"I... I just wanted to clarify when exactly I was starting. Was it today or tomorrow?"

You mentally cringed at how shaky you sounded, hoping that she wouldn't pounce on your vulnerability like a goddamn predator...

Ms Udaku's cold eyes continued to bore into yours, and for a long moment, she didn't respond. The silence was excruciating, and you could almost hear your heart beating anxiously behind your ears.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. It was a condescending smirk, and she gave you a look that said, "You're being absolutely ridiculous."

"You start tomorrow love. Don’t tell me that you forgot already?”

Your stomach dropped as she confirmed that you had indeed misunderstood the start date. Your cheeks burned with embarrassment, and you felt like an idiot for even asking. How could you have forgotten something as simple as that?

Ms Udaku, on the other hand, looked downright smug. She seemed to be relishing your discomfort, enjoying the fact that she had caught you out.

"You're already starting off on the wrong foot, aren't you love?"

She chuckled slightly, her tone teasing and condescending.

Ms Udaku's condescending tone and smug expression were pushing your buttons. Your embarrassment was turning into slight irritation now, and you rolled your eyes at the mocking nickname she had given you. You crossed your arms, trying to appear defiant despite the fact that you had just made yourself look like an idiot.

"Cut it out with the 'love' bullshit."

You said in a half-annoyed, half-defiant tone.

Your defiant response took Ms Udaku off-guard for a moment. She hadn't been expecting such a sharp tone from you, especially after you had seemed so unsure of yourself earlier.

Her eyes narrowed as she fixed you with an intense, ice-cold gaze. There was a clear warning in her expression - don't push your luck.

"Oh?"

"And what did you just say to me, Ms y/n? You wanna repeat that shit?"

Ms Udaku's tone sent a chill down your spine, and you could practically feel the temperature in the room drop. You regretted your defiant response immediately, realizing that you might have just made a massive mistake.

You swallowed hard, trying to maintain your composure under her withering glare. But your heart was racing, and your palms were starting to sweat, betraying just how intimidated you were.

You shook your head vigorously, backpedaling quickly.

"Shit! N-No ma'am. I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"

Ms Udaku silenced your panicked apologies with a sharp gesture of her hand. She was still glaring at you, her expression unyielding.

"Save it, Ms y/n."

She said brusquely. She then leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. Although she had stopped your apology, her gaze was still locked on you, scrutinizing you intensely.

"You've got some nerve, don't you? You forget your start date, and then you have the audacity to sass me?"

You squirmed under her intense gaze, feeling like a child being reprimanded by a strict teacher. Her words stung, and you cursed yourself internally for being so impulsive. You had come in here hoping to make a good impression, and instead, you had made a complete ass of yourself.

You opened your mouth to try and offer an explanation, but again, Ms Udaku cut you off. Her tone was ice cold and commanding.

"Sit."

Her command was simple, but it was delivered with such authority that you couldn't help but flinch instinctively. You quickly shut your mouth and obeyed, walking over and sinking into the chair opposite hers.

Ms Udaku's eyes never left you as you sat down, her gaze still intense and intimidating. She leaned forward, resting her arms on her desk.

"Now, since you seem to have forgotten some basic information, let's go over a few things, shall we?"

You nodded nervously, feeling like a scolded student under her intimidating gaze. Ms Udaku's demeanor was all business now, and she spoke to you in a brisk, no-nonsense tone.

"First, I want to set some ground rules."

She began, her eyes fixed on yours.

"Rule number one. You will address me with respect at all times. No 'ma'am' bullshit. It's 'Ms Udaku', clear?"

You had just opened your mouth to respond when suddenly, without warning, Ms Udaku's hand shot up and grabbed your chin tightly, her long, manicured black polished claws digging into your skin.

You gasped in surprise, feeling the sudden sharp sensation on your neck. Your heart was racing, and you instinctively tried to pull away, but her grip was like a vice.

"Did I say you could speak, Intliziyo emnandi?"

Her grip on your chin tightened, and she pulled you closer, forcing you to lean forward in your chair. You could feel the sharpness of her nails digging into your skin, and a small pang of fear shot through you. You suddenly felt like a mouse being trapped by a predatory cat.

Ms Udaku's cold, unwavering gaze bore into your eyes, and a slight smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. She seemed to be enjoying seeing you squirm...

"Now, where were we? Oh yes, the rules."

Ms Udaku leaned in even closer, her face mere inches from yours. Her eyes had narrowed into sharp slits, almost feral-like, and her grip on your chin tightened, causing you to wince in pain.

"Rule number two, sweetheart."

Her voice was a low, dangerous growl.

"When I'm speaking, you keep your fucking mouth shut and listen without interrupting. Ngaba sicacile?"

You could feel her breath on your cheek as she spoke, and the sharp pain from her nails digging into your skin only heightened your fear. You quickly nodded, not trusting yourself to speak, and Ms Udaku's smirk widened slightly.

"Good girl."

She purred, her tone almost mocking. Her eyes remained fixed on yours as she continued to hold your chin firmly in her grip.

"Now, rule number three..."

She paused for a moment, her smirk still in place. She seemed to be enjoying seeing you fearful and vulnerable under her grip, and her next words seemed to confirm that.

"You will not sass me, you will not backtalk, and you will not show me any disrespect. You're a lowly intern, and I'm the one in charge here, got it love?"

She emphasized her point by digging her nails deeper into your skin, causing a small gasp of pain to escape your lips.

Your heart was hammering in your chest, and you could feel the stinging pain from her nails digging into your skin becoming more intense. You nodded feverishly, your voice catching in your throat as you tried to answer.

"Y-Yes, Ms Udaku. I got it."

You choked out, your voice shaky and almost choked with fear. You hated the way she was looking at you, like you were nothing more than a plaything for her to toy with.

She continued, tilting her head to the side slightly. Her tone had a hint of mockery in it, almost like she was condescending you.

"You work for me and me only. You will be doing tasks for me, making schedules, printing papers, and more. Like a little assistant. Got it?"

Her eyes didn't leave your face as she spoke, watching you closely for your reaction.

You swallowed hard, nodding quickly in agreement. The thought of being at her beck and call, doing her mundane tasks, was far from appealing, but you weren't in a position to protest.

Ms Udaku's smirk remained firmly in place, noticing how quickly you agreed. She was getting a kick out of how obedient you were acting, and it seemed to only boost her ego.

"Excellent."

She purred, her eyes still locked on your face. She leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other.

"And finally, rule number four..."

She paused for dramatic effect, her gaze never leaving your face. The anticipation was killing you. What other rule would she lay down? And why did she have to make them sound so goddamn scary?

Ms Udaku took a moment to take in your fearful expression, a satisfied smirk on her face. She seemed to be enjoying having this power over you, and the way you were hanging on her every word only fueled her ego.

"This last rule is the most important, love."

She continued, leaning forward slightly. Her eyes bored into yours, and you could feel your heart rate pick up even more under her intense gaze. You were hanging onto every word, desperate to know what this "most important" rule would be, but also dreading it. Whatever it was, it was the last one, and it was definitely the most crucial.

"This one's the big one, so listen carefully..."

She paused, studying your expression for a moment. Your eyes were wide and filled with fear, and it only served to deepen her smirk. She was enjoying this, seeing you so at her mercy. Finally, she continued.

"Under no circumstances, and I mean no circumstances, are you to fall for me. At all. No romantic feelings allowed. Understood, love?"

You blinked in surprise, your heart skipping a beat. That wasn't what you had expected at all. She was laying out all these rules, but the "no romantic feelings allowed" rule seemed... out of place. It sounded almost like a personal threat, like she was saying, "don't even think about having any feelings for me, understand?"

You cleared your throat, trying to hide the surprise in your voice as you nodded.

"Okay… I understand. No romantic feelings, I got it."

Ms Udaku's smirk widened as she saw the surprise written all over your face. She was pleased that the rule had thrown you off-guard. She leaned back in her chair, studying you for a moment.

"Good. Very good."

She purred, her tone slightly mocking.

"Make sure you follow those rules, love. I have eyes and ears everywhere in the office, and I'll know if you don't play by the rules, and I will fucking break you. Understand?"

Your heart rate was still racing from Ms Udaku's words, but you managed to gather yourself enough to respond.

"I understand, Ms Udaku."

You replied, your voice steady despite the lingering fear in your eyes. You knew she meant business, and you were determined not to make any mistakes.

Ms Udaku studied you closely, impressed by your ability to respond without faltering. She had half-expected you to stutter again under the pressure, but your steady voice surprised her.

"Good girl."

She purred, leaning back in her chair again. She crossed one leg over the other, her eyes raking over your face.

You felt a shiver run down your spine as Ms Udaku called you "good girl". The way she purred the words out, her eyes roaming over you, made you feel like a mouse being circled by a cat. You swallowed hard, trying to maintain your composure despite the unease you were feeling.

"Is that... Is that all the rules, Ms Udaku?"

You asked, hoping the answer would be a "yes". You weren't sure you could take any more of these intense "rules" she had laid out.

Ms Udaku's smirk grew more intense and seductive, her eyes holding a dangerous gleam. She nodded her head, her gaze still fixed on you, and waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.

"That's all the rules for now, love. You may go."

She purred, her tone dripping with nonchalance. It was clear that she was giving you permission to leave, but her eyes remained focused on you, as if she was waiting to see your reaction.

You let out a breath you didn't realize you'd been holding. Ms Udaku's smirk and nonchalant attitude had you on edge, but at least you were free to go for now. With a shaky nod, you muttered a quiet "thank you" and quickly stood up from your chair. You felt her eyes on you as you began to make your way to the door, your heart still thumping loudly in your chest.

Ms Udaku watched you leave the room, her eyes never leaving your form. She observed the subtle signs of unease and fear that you tried to conceal, which only served to make her smirk widen further. She was enjoying seeing you unsettled by her presence. As you reached the door, she called out one final time, her voice filled with mock sweetness.

"And don't forget, love..."

She paused, her smirk growing more sinister.

"I have eyes and ears everywhere. Behave."

You quickly nodded in acknowledgment before practically fleeing the room, desperate to get some distance from Ms Udaku. As you left, Ms Udaku continued to watch you with her intense, catlike gaze. Her smirk widened as you rushed out, her tongue darting out to wet her lower lip.

"I’m going to enjoy breaking her in."

She purred under her breath, her eyes still fixed on the now-empty doorway.

A/n: Lemme give y’all a lil peek of what Shuri would’ve wore in the 90s. Dis MY opinion, mind you..

Her hair 😩

YALL HEAR ME OUTTT PLSSS…

Her fits 😍😩 it can be either one tbh.

pairing: shuri udaku x riri williams

word count: 5.4k

summary: from the moment they met, sixteen year old shuri udaku and riri williams hated each other. but when a night of reckless underage drinking spirals out of control, the bitter girls are thrust into a situation where putting aside their differences might be the only way to escape serious trouble.

contains: violence, underage drinking, teenage girls being messy asf

a/n: tried something new to ✨hopefully✨ get me over this annoying ass writers block 🙏🏽 don’t worry, i haven’t forgotten my other fics. i promise they’ll be updated soon. for now, here’s some petty teenage drama to keep y’all entertained ;)

tag list: @inmyheadimobsessed @mitchesmoon @criaaturaa @roseamongroses @glimreaperss @mariquitaaa @riris-heart @impinkalicious @supersteel13 @ashleighshaw

i.

The music was already shaking the walls as Riri Williams gripped another red solo cup, nearly empty, and chugged its contents with practiced ease. The taste was foul, bitter with flat carbonation, but the crowd around her made it worth every second. They whooped and hollered as she stood balanced on one leg atop a rickety wooden stool, her other leg bent sharply at the knee. Her hand remained steady as she tipped her head back and drained the last of the warm beer. She tossed it aside with a flourish, smirking at the sound of it clattering against the patio concrete.

The boy who had challenged her—some white kid from the North Side with too much confidence and not enough coordination—wobbled on his own stool before toppling forward. He landed on the ground with a curse, soaking his shirt with spilled beer. The roar that erupted from the back porch was deafening.

“Riri wins again!”

“South Side champ, let’s go!”

She raised her arms in triumph, laughing as her best friend Natalie walked up beside her, clapping and cheering.

“Six in a row! Girl, you’re on fire!” Natalie crowed, brushing her microbraids from her face.

Riri threw her head back and smiled wide — the kind of wicked grin that dared anyone else to step up and take her on. Her cornrows were twisted back into two low buns, her cheeks warm from the rush of alcohol and adrenaline. The victory felt good. Summer was almost over, and school would be starting back up in just a few days. But tonight was about nothing but reckless teenage fun.

Before Riri could toss back a smart response, her eyes snagged on something—someone—who’d just stepped out onto the back porch a couple feet away. Her smile faltered for the briefest second—then widened into something sharper, meaner, almost predatory. Because standing just outside the sliding glass doors was a person she hadn’t expected to see here in a million years.

Shuri Udaku.

Perfect, pristine, untouchable Shuri Udaku.

Even in the half-light of the patio bulbs, Riri knew that face instantly. Could’ve picked it out in a crowd twice as thick. Those braids pulled perfectly back, that sharp chin lifted just a little too high, that same air of entitlement Riri remembered all too well. She was dressed down compared to the photos Riri had seen of her online or in the background of pop up news ads — no silk gowns or glittering jewelry, but even in jeans and a fitted top she screamed money. Old money. Family money.

Riri’s eyes slid past Shuri to the girl at her shoulder — Nakia. She knew her by sight, had caught glimpses of her at a couple parties before. The kind where music shook the neighborhood and nobody cared what your last name was. Unlike the rest of Shuri’s polished circle, Nakia had always struck Riri as easygoing — more comfortable with a beer bottle at a block party than a champagne glass at some uptown gala. She had a year on them and was dating Shuri’s older brother T’Challa (which carried its own kind of weight). But even with her renowned social status, Nakia was laid-back, down to earth, and never acted like she was above anybody. If Shuri was here tonight, dripping in arrogance and superiority, Riri figured it was only because Nakia had talked her into coming.

The thought made her smirk curve deeper. The heiress was clearly out of her element, and Riri could already smell the chance to knock her down a peg.

Again.

Shuri stood there like she was slumming it, like she’d just wandered out of a different galaxy and wasn’t sure she wanted to stay. And the kicker? She recognized Riri too. She knew her. The flicker of distaste that crossed her face the moment their eyes locked made that obvious.

Riri hopped down from the stool, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and ignoring Natalie’s muttered, “Uh oh.” Her saunter towards Shuri was slow and unhurried, hips loose, a challenge in every step as she crossed the patio with the crowd’s attention still hot on her back. Natalie trailed behind her, already frowning because she remembered what happened the last time these two had crossed paths.

Shuri’s jaw clenched, but she didn’t retreat. She moved with purpose, each step calculated, her poise unbroken. She descended the last porch step and onto the patio, letting the crowd’s chatter hush just slightly in her wake. As always, she carried herself like she owned the space, an aura of command that came as naturally as breathing. Taller than Riri by a few inches, she used that height, straightening just enough to remind anyone watching of the difference. That kind of confidence didn’t come from winning dumb drinking games on back porches; it came from knowing your last name was stamped on the world’s biggest tech empire.

But Riri wasn’t impressed. Never had been. And what she lacked in inches, she more than made up for in attitude. The two teens stopped directly in front of each other — barely a foot of space between them. Natalie stood close at Riri’s back, expression wary but loyal, while Nakia shadowed Shuri, clearly ready to step in if things turned sour.

Riri tilted her head, dark eyes locking onto Shuri’s with an expression equal parts smug and taunting.

“Well, look who it is.” she drawled, letting the words drip with mocking familiarity. Slow, low, and dangerous.

The tension was immediate, a wall of static between them. Shuri’s eyes narrowed further, but she said nothing yet. The noise of the party seemed to fade, replaced by a thick, electric silence. Everyone on the porch felt it, though most pretended not to notice, sipping their drinks and sneaking glances.

Because this wasn’t their first meeting.

Not even close.

The memory of the last time they’d stood face-to-face flashed between them, unspoken.

ii.

Late June, Over A Month Ago

The roller rink was always crowded on summer nights, its neon lights buzzing faintly overhead, the floor alive with the hum of rolling wheels and old-school hip-hop beats bouncing from the speakers. Riri loved it here — it was one of the few places where she could relax, mess around with Natalie and her younger brother Xavier, and not think too hard about life waiting for her outside.

That night, she was laughing at something Xavier had said, gliding backward toward the concessions stand to grab a refill. Her focus was half on the joke, half on not spilling the soda in her cup. She glanced over her shoulder once, saw a space clear behind her, and drifted.

She didn’t see the other girl.

The bump was modest. Not hard, but enough that her soda sloshed over the rim slightly and left faint drops across the fabric of the girl’s blouse.

“My bad,” Riri said quickly, turning around, voice casual but genuine.

The girl spun, eyes blazing.

“Watch where you’re going!” she snapped. Her accent was crisp, aristocratic, every syllable sharp as glass.

She had that kind of striking, almost regal beauty that made Riri pause without meaning to — the kind of prettiness that made other girls straighten their spine without knowing why. Sculptured cheekbones lit up under the neon, perfect braids beveled against her skull like a crown, eyes that could have sold diamonds. Her posture screamed self-possession. The two girls flanking her, both tall and athletic, reached out like synchronized swimmers to steady her.

“Chill, princess. It was an accident,” Riri replied, making sure her voice didn’t bend into shrinking. She glanced at the blouse. Designer. Expensive. A shade of a violet so rich it made the arcade glow look cheap. There were a few dots, tiny constellations, barely staining the fabric. “It’s not even noticeable.”

The girl’s gaze sharpened. “This top is Hanifa.”

Riri squinted at her. “Okay?” Then she tilted her chin, the corner of her mouth quirking. “So what’s the problem? You’re loaded. Just buy another one. Or is your allowance runnin’ short this week?” She took another sip of soda, deliberately casual.

A flicker crossed the girl’s face — offense, then something like boredom squeezing the offense to a smaller size. She muttered to her friends in Xhosa, melodic and quick — “Liqaqa eli,” (riff-raff) — and both of them broke into uncharitable laughter.

Riri didn’t understand the language, but she caught the tone—dismissive, superior. She slid her tongue against her upper teeth to keep a reply from breaking out too hot.

The girl shot one last look, the kind that said “I am choosing to be done with this”, then pushed off, gliding with the frictionless elegance of someone who moved through life like the floor was tilted in their favor. Her entourage followed, interlacing their fingers as they skated away.

“Who the hell was that?” Natalie breathed, stepping into the vacuum left by their departure.

“Shuri Udaku,” Xavier said knowingly, because of course he would know. “Her family owns like half the tech in the country. Maybe the world. They got that campus near the lake, the one that looks like it landed from space.”

Riri rolled her eyes. “And?” She crinkled her cup and took another sip. The soda had that syrupy bite that left a cold sting behind her nose.

“And nothing,” Xavier said. “Just… be nice. Rich people got security like the Secret Service.”

Natalie snorted. “If security was gonna roll up on anybody, it would’ve been at the entrance when you tried to sneak in with those expired coupons.”

They laughed, and the heat in Riri’s chest unwound. The insult slid to the back shelf of her mind, right next to other stupid stares and comments that didn’t get to live rent-free. She wasn’t going to let some uptown rich bitch with a princess complex ruin her night.

Hours later, after returning their skates, Riri and the Washington siblings were sitting on a bench lacing up their sneakers. A few feet away, Aneka—one of Shuri’s friends who looked like she could bench press somebody’s boyfriend—bent over to re-tie one of her skates. Her purse sat open next to her. She checked something inside, frowned, patted around, then tipped the bag and rummaged. Her frown deepened.

“My phone,” Aneka muttered, loud enough for the words to carry. She checked under the bench, then again in her bag. Nothing.

Ayo skated up, brows pinched as she crouched down beside her girlfriend. “It’s not in there?”

“I put it in the side pocket,” Aneka said, frustrated. “It’s gone.”

At the same moment, Riri stood up, slinging her worn tote over her shoulder, ready to head out with Natalie and Xavier. They’d gotten their shoes back on and were already moving toward the exit.

Until a commanding voice cracked behind them, slicing through the air.

“You! Stop.”

Riri froze mid-step. She didn’t even have to turn around to know who it belonged to. Shuri Udaku. Her stomach twisted, not from guilt but from the sour memory of their earlier clash.

She whipped around, scowling. “The hell you talkin’ to?”

“You,” Shuri said, posture stiff and eyes narrowed. She glided toward the trio, wheels hissing quietly against the floor. Her gaze flicked down, not so subtly, toward the opening of Riri’s bag before snapping back to her face.

“My friend’s phone is missing,” Shuri said evenly.

Riri’s eyes drifted past her, catching sight of Ayo and Aneka still searching around the bench. She snorted, flat. “Sucks for her.”

“You were closest to her bag when it went missing,” Shuri continued, authoritative. “Open yours. Just to rule it out.”

For a second Riri just stared, incredulous at Shuri’s audacity.

Her mouth fell open. “Are you freakin’ serious right now?”

“I am serious,” Shuri stated, calm, precise, clinical. “You were closest. You had the most time in reach. It is the most obvious conclusion.“

Riri’s chest heated instantly, disbelief bleeding into fury. “You really just accuse me of stealing?”

“I did not accuse,” Shuri replied coolly. “I laid out the sequence. You were there. The phone was there. Now it isn’t. Any logical person would suspect the same.”

Before Riri could clap back, Natalie stepped forward, eyes fierce. “Suspect? Girl, cut the crap. You rolled up here on your high horse already convinced she was a thief, just too stuck-up to say it out loud.”

Shuri ignored her completely.

Her expression remained cold and unyielding. “If I am wrong, I will apologize.”

“If you’re wrong?” Riri shot back. “Miss me with that fake-ass politeness. You didn’t come to ask—you came to point fingers.”

Natalie stepped in close, her glare fixed hard on Shuri as her hand brushed Riri’s arm—a quiet reminder to hold it together before she lost it herself. Xavier mirrored her, angling his body between Riri and Shuri just slightly, a shield if things got ugly.

But Ayo and Aneka had come over now, closing ranks just behind Shuri. Shoulders squared, eyes hard, they radiated a quiet menace that would’ve made most people back down. Riri caught it, felt the weight of it pressing, and still refused to give an inch.

“You know what this feels like?” she laughed, bitter and humorless. “Feels like you decided the easiest answer is me. Because I don’t look like you. Because I’m not walking around in designer clothes with two bodyguards. Because—”

“That is not what this is,” Shuri snapped, color rising in her cheeks. “This is logic. That is all.”

Riri scoffed. “Logic, huh? You sure it’s not just your ego talking?”

The words landed. Shuri stiffened, eyes narrowing further. “You are wasting everyone’s time. If you have nothing to hide, then why—”

“Because I don’t owe you a damn thing!” Riri shouted, taking an angry step closer.

A ripple of whispers stirred from the nearby crowd. Teenagers had started to circle, sensing the tension. Phones lifted discreetly, recording.

Shuri’s heart beat faster. She hated the eyes, hated losing control of the narrative. She told herself she was doing this for Aneka, but some small, buried part of her knew she didn’t like being challenged—especially not by this girl who met her stare without flinching.

“I am trying to be fair,” Shuri said, her voice clipped. “You are the only variable that makes sense. Refusing only makes you look guilty.”

“Hell no,” Riri shook her head, furious. “You don’t get to put me on trial ‘cause your friend can’t keep track of her phone. My bag’s staying closed.”

“Then perhaps the manager,” Shuri said, nodding toward the office. “We can settle it properly.”

The way she said it—polite, composed—only poured more fuel on Riri’s fire. Like Shuri was doing her a favor, like she was so damn reasonable.

Riri’s temper broke. “Man, you got some nerve—you don’t know me, princess. I didn’t steal shit! Let’s be real—you slapped a label on me the second I messed up that overpriced napkin you call a shirt, and now your bougie ass is just itching to paint me as a criminal.”

Shuri’s jaw flexed, her tone turning harsh. “You spill drinks. You shove people. You snap at strangers. Why should I assume your behavior suddenly improves when no one is watching? Uncouth conduct tends to be consistent.”

The insult cut through her, clean and cruel. A couple kids near the benches stifled laughter.

Riri’s lip curled. “Uncouth? Girl, you talk like a textbook nobody wants to read. Keep throwin’ them syllables around ‘cause I know you ain’t brave enough to throw hands.”

There was a low, obnoxious chorus of “ooohs” but neither girl so much as blinked. They might as well have been alone.

Natalie edged a subtle step ahead of Riri while Xavier shifted his weight again, attempting to create a thicker wall of space between the two groups. Meanwhile, Aneka shifted closer to Shuri, eyes sharp, body angled protectively. Ayo stood like steel on her other side, arms lifted slightly, her stance a quiet warning.

But Shuri merely tilted her head, a portrait of unbothered indifference.

“Resorting to violence so quickly? How primitive. Some of us were taught better — how to settle disputes without raising our fists. But clearly no one ever bothered teaching you that, did they?”

Riri’s nostrils flared. “And clearly no one ever bothered teaching you how to be a decent human being. I’m too busy living out in the real world while you’re nothing but a spoiled brat dressin’ up condescension as character.”

“And you’re nothing but noise,” Shuri returned, her words laced with ice. “You think crude insults make you sound clever. They only remind everyone you have no class. But then, I suppose manners are harder to come by when you never had them to begin with.”

That one stung — class wasn’t just about money. It was about how the words made the crowd look at her. Riri’s eyes burned, her voice rising hot.

“Class?” she spat, raw and vicious. She stepped even closer until there was barely a hand’s span between them. “Girl, you wouldn’t know substance if it snatched that fake-ass crown off your head. You hide behind big words and a last name, and you still ain’t shit without either.”

The crowd gave a low collective gasp, the kind that meant phones were definitely up now, recording every second. Shuri didn’t flinch, but the way her breath hitched just slightly betrayed the hit. For Riri, that was enough — a win, even if only for a second.

“Ri,” Natalie’s voice broke through the tense silence, sharp and urgent. She grabbed Riri’s arm, tugging her back. “Come on. Not worth it.”

“Let’s bounce, sis,” Xavier added, his hand closing around Riri’s shoulder, pulling her subtly toward the exit. His voice was steady, but his eyes never left Ayo and Aneka, who were glaring daggers over Shuri’s shoulders.

Riri huffed through her nose, heat still rolling through her chest, but let Natalie and Xavier coax her back. She was fuming, her pulse pounding, but walking away was at least better than giving Shuri another reason to look down on her.

But Shuri couldn’t leave it. Her pride was stung too deep, her certainty in Riri’s guilt gnawing at her like teeth. Acting without thought wasn’t like her — rare, reckless, beneath the control she prided herself on.

And yet — in a surge of heedless impulse — she reached out and snatched at the strap of Riri’s bag as the girl turned.

The tug jerked Riri sideways. She froze for half a second, shock flashing across her face before pure rage boiled over. Her blood surged hot, adrenaline crashing through her veins.

“Get off me, bitch!”

She whirled around, eyes hard as steel, and shoved Shuri back with all her strength.

Shuri—on wheels—never stood a chance. She completely lost her balance as her body catapulted backwards. She staggered—arms flailing before her skates slid out from under her and she crashed down hard to the floor. The slap of her palms and the crack of her hip echoed sharp, followed by the sick thud of her head hitting the ground. Her bracelet snapped on impact, beads flying everywhere like spilled marbles, rolling under the skates of gawking onlookers. Her purse spilled open, its contents—lip balm, cellphone, money clip—skidding in different directions.

Shuri’s hand instantly flew to the back of her skull, pain tightening her features into a grimace. And for just a flicker of a moment, Riri’s stomach dropped. For half a second, her rage faltered—something fleeting, almost regretful, flashing through her chest. But the anger burned hotter, smothering it entirely.

Aneka was the first to move, skates slicing across the floor as she dropped to her side. “Shuri!”

But Ayo didn’t hesitate, already in motion.

She barreled into Riri, shoulder driving into her gut with bone-jarring force. Ayo moved quicker in skates than most people do in sneakers, tackling Riri straight off her feet. They landed hard, the crack of impact echoing throughout the rink. Air punched out of Riri’s chest as her back smacked the slick ground. Pain shot up her spine—leaving her gasping, breathless.

The crowd lost it—screaming, jumping, phones snapping up higher, all angling for a better shot.

“RI!” Natalie shrieked, throwing herself at Ayo’s back and trying to tear her off.

Xavier jumped in too, attempting to pry the older girl’s arms away from where they pinned Riri’s shoulders. But Ayo was strong, her grip iron-tight. Neither sibling could move her.

Desperate, Natalie grabbed a fistful of Ayo’s ponytail and yanked. Hard.

Ayo let out a sharp sound, twisting around in rage. She spun, fist raised, no longer looking at Riri—only Natalie. But before the punch could land, Xavier jumped in front of his sister.

The fist connected with his jaw instead. The crack snapped through the air. Xavier staggered, a bruise already blooming dark beneath his skin.

“XA!” Natalie cried, catching him as he crumpled to the floor.

Teeth clenched, Riri—seeing Ayo’s back turned now—hauled herself off the floor and lunged. She slammed into Ayo, sending her stumbling forward in her skates. Ayo lost her footing and went down, Riri crashing on top of her.

But Aneka was there in an instant. She rose from Shuri’s side and yanked Riri off her girlfriend like she weighed nothing. Lifting her clean into the air, Aneka hurled her aside with a force that sent Riri sliding across the floor.

The rink was in utter chaos—laughter, shouting, chants, and cheers all mixed together. Dozens of phones hovered now, filming, snapping, immortalizing every second.

Aneka’s focus was locked solely on Ayo now, rushing to help her up. She didn’t even notice where she’d tossed Riri.

Riri’s body skidded, rolling—straight into Shuri, who had just managed to get halfway upright. The collision knocked her off balance again. She slipped on her skates and crashed back down with a cry, Riri landing partly on top of her.

“GET OFF ME YOU LOWLIFE!” Shuri screamed, shoving furiously at her.

“WHO THE FUCK YOU CALLIN’ A LOWLIFE?!” Riri yelled back, forcing her weight down harder.

For five hot seconds the two of them scrapped on the ground, the fight raw and graceless. Shuri tried to sit up beneath Riri’s weight, shoving hard at her shoulder. In the motion her elbow swung wide and cracked against the side of Riri’s head. The sharp pain made Riri’s vision spark white for a second.

Snarling, Riri’s hand shot into Shuri’s braids and yanked hard. Shuri shrieked, the sound sharp and panicked, before Riri dragged her roughly back down and slammed her head against the ground.

Riri dug a knee into Shuri’s stomach, pinning her flat against the floor. A loud, pained noise escaped Shuri’s throat as her body curled against the pressure. Riri pulled back, winding to land a blow, but Shuri’s hands shot up—gripping her arm and wrist—holding on tight to force even an inch of distance. With a growl, Riri wrenched one of her palms free and smashed Shuri’s face, trying to gain leverage. But Shuri thrashed wildly beneath her—legs kicking, arms flailing—and swiped blindly in defense. Her nails raked across Riri’s face, one manicured claw catching her right in the eye.

Riri hissed, the sting immediate, her eye watering as she flinched back. The sudden recoil eased the pressure of her knee just enough for Shuri to buck her hips and swing her legs up, pitching Riri off balance. The wheels of her skates drove hard into Riri’s side, knocking the breath out of her and sending her sprawling off.

Riri scrambled upright and lunged forward again—teeth bared in rage, hands curled into fists.

But the Washingtons were on her in an instant.

Natalie caught her arm in both hands, bracing all her weight back, while Xavier—jaw bruised and lip split—hooked his long arms around her shoulders. Together, they pulled her back, straining to keep her from breaking free.

“Enough!” Natalie shouted, her voice breaking as she dug her heels into the floor. “Let’s go, Ri!”

Ayo and Aneka rushed to Shuri, glaring at Riri with pure venom.

Riri was still thrashing against their grip, chest heaving, eyes locked on Shuri like she was dying for round two—until the sharp slam of a door cut through the noise. A security guard burst out of his office, striding fast in their direction.

Only then did Riri stop struggling, jerking herself out of her friends’ hold and rushing to scoop up her fallen tote. Natalie scrambled for her purse, and Xavier wiped the blood at the corner of his mouth. They bolted for the exit—quick—before things could spiral even further. By the time the security guard arrived, they were already gone out the door.

Shuri staggered upright between Ayo and Aneka—breaths ragged, head pounding, shattered pride burning hot beneath her skin. Her braids, once neat and sleek, now hung wild where Riri’s fingers had torn through them. The weight of humiliation suffocated her—being dragged to the floor, pinned, and manhandled in front of everyone. Phones recording. Fingers pointing. Laughter screaming in her ears.

She hated the way her body ached—hated how her hip was still sore from the first fall, hated how raw her scalp felt from Riri’s violent grip, hated how her stomach throbbed from the knee driven into her ribs. But most of all, she hated Riri Williams—the girl who had stripped away her composure, robbed her dignity, and stole every ounce of control Shuri had carefully cultivated for the past sixteen years.

As they sprinted outside into the parking lot, Riri’s pulse raced—sneakers pounding against the pavement, fury still hot in her veins. Her eye burned as the hot night air slapped her face, the sting of manicured nails refusing to fade. Her temple throbbed where Shuri’s elbow had cracked against her skull, paired with the sharp ache in her back from being body slammed to the floor.

The chaos replayed in her head—the snatch, the shove, the crash of bodies, the crowd screaming with glee as every phone turned on them, capturing the whole brawl on camera. It should’ve fueled her fire, should’ve left her laughing and overjoyed at the heiress’s documented downfall.

But it didn’t.

Because underneath the fire sat something heavier. A gnawing, bitter realization she didn’t want to acknowledge.

Shuri’s words cut back through the haze: uncouth, primitive, crude, classless.

And after all of it—the insults, the fighting, the mess she’d left behind—Riri couldn’t escape the nauseating truth rotting inside her chest.

She’d just proven her right.

And for that, she hated Shuri Udaku—the girl who made her feel smaller than she ever had before, ripped her apart in a place that used to feel like home, and exposed every raw, ugly part of herself that Riri fought to keep hidden.

iii.

Present Day

Neither girl had ever forgotten that night. The bruises had faded, but the memory never did. In the quiet hours between sleep and waking, both of them still carried it: the roller rink lights glaring down, the sound of laughter ringing too sharp in their ears, the sting of hair yanked and elbows thrown, the phantom feel of their bodies pressed together, limbs tangled on the floor. Neither of them admitted it aloud, not even to their closest friends, but they both knew.

They hadn’t seen the last of each other.

In the back of their minds, they wondered with dread — and maybe a twisted kind of anticipation — when their paths would cross again. Even now — here on the back porch with music rattling faintly from inside and the warm Chicago night sticking to their skin — it still caught them off guard. They’d half expected this moment, half braced for it, but expectation didn’t soften the impact. Every day since that night, the anger sat heavy in their chests, calcifying into bitter resentment. And now, face to face once more, it all surged back like it had never left.

Riri’s smirk spread, sly and goading. “You look outta place, princess. Bet this is the first party you’ve ever been to where people didn’t kiss your ass just for showing up.”

A flicker passed across Shuri’s face, a shadow of irritation before her composure locked back into place. She gave a low laugh, soft but cruel, tilting her head just enough to let the sound carry. “At least I go to parties worth remembering. Sticky floors and smelly beer sound more like a punishment than a night out. Though I suppose someone has to keep the bottom-shelf businesses afloat.”

The jab made Riri’s chest prickle, but she masked it with a raised brow, hiding the flare of heat in her stomach. This was her space. Her people. She wasn’t about to let Shuri see her flinch.

“And yet, you’re here.” Riri shot back, her voice mocking, “So why don’t you show everyone you’re more than just a last name?”

Before Shuri could answer, Riri leaned into the moment, cockiness spilling free from the six consecutive wins still warm in her blood. Her smirk widened, wicked, daring. “Next round. You and me. Unless sippin’ tea on Daddy’s credit card is more your speed—‘cause this beer might be too real for someone who only knows how to stunt.”

The crowd stirred immediately—excited murmurs, low whistles, the buzz of anticipation crackling in the air.

For the briefest flicker, logic tried to root itself in Shuri’s mind. She wasn’t a drinker—barely tolerated a sip of champagne at family gatherings. She should have walked away. Should have let Riri bask in her hollow victory. But the sting of humiliation from their first meeting was still fresh. And the smirk on Riri’s face—so smug, so sure, practically daring her to back down ignited something hot and stubborn in her chest. Rationality slipped away, recklessness taking its place.

“I accept,” Shuri announced, icy confidence coating every syllable.

Nakia’s head snapped toward her in disbelief, but Riri’s smile just widened, triumphant. “Taking off the training wheels, huh?” Her voice dripped with self-satisfaction. “Didn’t think you had it in you, princess.”

Shuri bristled as Riri threw a look back over her shoulder at the crowd. “New game!”

The back porch erupted.

Riri hopped down and moved toward the stools, Natalie trailing with an encouraging grin. Shuri stormed after her, heels striking the ground with sharp precision. A stool lay tipped on its side from the last round, and she grabbed it, slamming it upright harder than necessary. She stepped forward, shoulders rigid, braids swinging sharp against her back.

Nakia was right behind her, steady but insistent. “Shuri,” Her voice cut under the noise, soft but firm. “Don’t do this.”

Shuri’s head whipped toward her, eyes hot. “What? You don’t think I can beat her?”

“That’s not what I said,” Nakia countered, shaking her head. “But these games get intense, and you don’t have much experience. You’re clever, but this isn’t cleverness. It’s alcohol. It doesn’t care who’s smarter. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

The words should have convinced her. Shuri knew Nakia was right—she was inexperienced. She barely touched alcohol. Her body wasn’t trained for it, and downing whole cups of cheap booze perched on a stool was far from wise. But wisdom had no place here. Not with the sound of her name being chanted by strangers who would never let her live down a retreat. Not with Riri smiling at her like she’d already won. In the end, pride roared louder than reason.

“I’ll be fine,” Shuri snapped, dismissing Nakia’s warning.

The older girl muttered something sharp under her breath in Xhosa but braced the stool anyway, one begrudging hand steady on the wood. Ignoring the sting of doubt in her own chest, Shuri gripped Nakia’s other hand and aggressively climbed up, planting her suede ankle boots like she was taking a throne.

Across from them, Natalie was already hyping Riri up, steadying her by the elbow as she clambered onto her own stool. Riri planted her Jordans, loose and cocky, her smile dripping with arrogance.

The two of them balanced high above the crowd, cups waiting to be filled. The chants grew louder, the heat of the party pressing in from all sides, but neither seemed to notice in the midst of their silent stare down.

Shuri’s eyes locked on Riri’s with fierce determination, hellbent on wiping that smug grin off her face.

Riri glared right back, jaw set, ready to drag the heiress down in front of everyone.

Their gazes clashed like flint and steel, sparks leaping invisible between them.