The Evil Plan

The Evil Plan

The school was nearly deserted when we arrived, with only a few students loitering around and a handful of technicians working by the poolside, preparing for the upcoming swimming competition. The silence in the air made the place feel almost eerie, like something was brewing beneath the surface.

But that peace didn’t last long.

As we made our way across the school grounds, we ran into Bright and his crew. They were gathered in a tight circle, talking in hushed voices, clearly deep in conversation. Their backs were slightly hunched, their heads close together, like they were plotting something. Whatever it was, we had no idea. At least, not yet.

A little further down, Kunle and his gang were standing in another corner, but something about the way they were positioned struck me as odd. It wasn’t just a casual meetup. No laughter, no playful shoving—just serious faces and suspicious glances.

That’s when I realized both groups had gathered in the same spot. And judging from the way they occasionally glanced at each other, it wasn’t by accident.

Then they saw us.

Their conversation stopped immediately, like someone had hit pause. Slowly, one by one, they turned to face us, their expressions shifting into something that sent a chill down my spine. Hatred. Anger. Maybe even something deeper—something darker.

It was clear they were up to something. And from the way their eyes lingered on me, I had no doubt I was their target.

But did I care? Not one bit.

As long as I had Cynthia by my side, nothing else mattered. Winning the competition wasn’t even my priority. Or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

Then doubt started creeping in.

Cynthia only fell for me the day I told her I could swim. And her feelings for me deepened after she saw me in action, fully believing the lie I had spun. In her eyes, I was destined to be the next school Merman, the one who would dominate the pool.

But what if I wasn’t?

What if my so-called talent was nothing more than beginner’s luck?

What if, when the real test came, I failed miserably?

The thought gnawed at me, a relentless voice whispering in my head, making my chest feel tight. I tried to shake it off, but it clung to me like a second skin.

Meanwhile, Bright, Ojo, Sani, Kunle, and four other members of Kunle’s gang were still locked in their quiet discussion. But this time, I noticed something new.

Kunle reached into his bag and pulled out a small jar filled with a fine, powdery substance.

The moment he revealed it, Bright and his crew took an instinctive step back. Fear flickered in their eyes.

“What the hell is that?” Bright asked, his voice uneasy.

Kunle smirked, tilting the jar slightly so the powder shifted inside. “Oh, now you’re scared? I thought you guys were tough. Why are you acting like cowards?”

Bright shook his head. “This isn’t about being tough. I just don’t mess with things like this. So this is how you’ve been winning all the competitions? You’ve been cheating this whole time?”

Kunle scoffed. “Cheating? Please. You of all people should know what real cheating looks like.”

“You cheated!” Ojo echoed, his voice laced with shock.

Sani, who had been silent until now, suddenly stepped forward. “This isn’t right. We should report this to the school authorities immediately.”

Kunle’s face darkened. He moved closer to Sani, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Go ahead. Try it and see what happens. I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life.”

One of Kunle’s boys took a step forward as if ready to grab Sani, but Kunle held him back with a casual wave of his hand.

“Relax,” Kunle said smoothly. “No need to rough him up. Yet.”

Sani swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. His hands trembled slightly, and whatever courage he had mustered vanished in an instant.

Kunle turned back to the rest of the group, his smirk replaced with something more serious. “Listen, I never used any juju on you guys. I didn’t have to. It’s you who started saying the new guy must be using some supernatural nonsense. Weren’t you the same ones claiming he had to be using magic to beat you up?”

Bright shifted uncomfortably, looking away.

“And you,” Kunle continued, turning to Ojo, “didn’t you run out of the pool screaming that he was a demon?” He chuckled. “I figured it was time to have a little backup plan. If he really is using something, then I’ll have my own weapon ready when the time comes.”

A thick silence fell over the group.

Bright exhaled sharply. “Okay, I see your point. But how exactly do you plan on using this? It’s powder. Won’t it just dissolve in the water?”

Kunle’s smirk returned, wider this time. “Good question. That’s why I have a plan.”

Ojo nodded slowly, still wary. “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. If it’s just powder, won’t it wash off immediately?”

Kunle held up a finger. “That’s where you come in.” He pointed directly at Bright.

Bright blinked, taken aback. “Me? What do you mean, me?”

Kunle rolled his eyes. “Calm down and listen. It’s simple. You’re going to go over to him and act friendly. Make conversation, laugh, whatever. But before you do, you’ll rub some of this powder on your hand. Then, when you get close enough, just pat him on the back. That’s it. That’s all you have to do.”

Sani’s hands clenched into fists. He looked from the jar to Kunle, his voice barely above a whisper. “What exactly does it do?”

Kunle’s smirk deepened. “That’s for me to know and for him to find out.”

Bright frowned, his hesitation clear. “And what if it doesn’t work?”

Kunle shrugged. “Then we’ll find another way.”

Ojo still looked doubtful. “Are you sure this won’t backfire? What if someone notices?”

Kunle dismissed his concern with a wave of his hand. “No one will notice. Trust me. Just do your part, and leave the rest to me.”

Bright stared at the jar for a long moment before letting out a sigh. “Fine. But why me? Why do I have to be the one to do it?”

Kunle’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Because, my friend, you’re the only one he won’t suspect.”

Silence fell over the group again, thick and heavy. No one spoke, no one moved. Then, slowly, Bright reached for the jar.

Kunle’s plan was in motion.

And I had no idea what was coming my way.