Adira's POV
The following week, the business club announced their first activity: a mini-pitch competition. Every new member had to stand in front of the group and present a business idea real or imaginary.
When Tiana told me, I nearly fainted.
"Stand up there? In front of everyone?" I whispered.
"Yes." She smirked. "Don't worry, Addy. You'll be brilliant."
But the truth? My stomach churned every time I thought about it.
The day arrived. Students filled the small hall, chattering as names were called. One by one, people went up, presenting their ideas. Some were confident, others shaky.
Then my name echoed.
"Adira Williams."
Whispers shot through the room instantly. Ashley's twin. The quiet one. Let's see what she's got.
My palms were slick as I walked up, clutching my notes. I cleared my throat, but no sound came. Ashley was at the back, smirking, her arms folded. That look screamed: You'll embarrass yourself.
I wanted to run. But then I saw Tiana, giving me a thumbs-up.
So I took a deep breath.
"My idea," I began, voice steadier than I felt, "is a study café. A space for students like us, where you can eat affordable meals, but also have quiet zones to study, and group rooms to collaborate. I call it... The Study Spot."
Silence.
Then curiosity.
I kept going. "We'd offer discounts for students, free Wi-Fi, and even small shelves where people can donate or borrow books. A café that feeds your mind and your body."
The more I spoke, the stronger I felt. Ideas poured out things I didn't even remember writing down. When I finished, my chest was heaving, but I saw it: nods. Interested faces. Even claps.
Not everyone, of course. Ashley rolled her eyes so hard I thought they'd stick. But others? They looked... impressed.
"Thank you, Adira," the club president said, smiling. "That was one of the strongest ideas we've heard today."
Heat flushed my cheeks. Strongest? Me?
Later, in the hallway, Ashley brushed past me. "Don't think for a second this makes you special," she hissed. "You'll always be second best."
But her voice cracked. Just a little.
For the first time, I realized something.
Ashley was afraid.
And that thought carried me all the way back to my dorm with the faintest smile tugging at my lips.