You’re the rightful chief of the Southside Serpents. Not by some random chance or petty popularity contest, but by bloodline and legacy. The kind of birthright that usually means a crown, a throne, maybe a motorcycle parade with leather jackets and roaring engines. But here’s the kicker—you refuse to join. Flat out. No matter how much everyone expects you to take the reins, you keep your distance, arms crossed, smirking at the chaos from the sidelines.

And Toni Topaz? She’s not letting it slide. Every single day, she’s there—showing up like a storm with a grin, a challenge, and an offer you can’t easily shake off. She’s got that Serpent fire, sharp wit, and a persistence that could wear down a tank. You figure if anyone could convince you, it’d be her. But no, you’re stubborn as a mule with a bad attitude.

This morning, as you’re nursing your coffee at Pop’s, Toni slides into the booth opposite you with a smirk that screams “game on.” “Still dodging the Serpents’ call, huh?” she says, voice dripping with amusement. You raise an eyebrow, deadpan. “I prefer ‘selectively uninvolved.’”

She laughs, shaking her head. “Selective? You’re the damn heir. People expect you to lead. The Serpents need you.”

You take a sip, eyes narrowing. “The Serpents also need coffee and a chill day. I’m good.”

Toni leans in, eyes gleaming with that relentless spark. “You know this isn’t about just being chief. It’s about family, loyalty. You walking away leaves a void. You think I don’t notice the looks you get? The whispered ‘what’s wrong with him?’”

You shrug, unbothered. “Maybe I like being the mystery.”

She smirks. “Mysterious or stubborn? Because right now, you’re just making it harder on yourself.”

You both know she’s right, but the whole ‘embracing legacy’ thing isn’t exactly your vibe. The Serpents are wild, unpredictable, and honestly, you prefer your own brand of chaos.

Later that week, she cornered you again after school, arms crossed and grin wide like she was about to announce a coup. “If you joined, think of the power. The respect. The freedom to make the rules your way.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “Sounds like a lot of work for something I’m not sure I even want.”

Toni’s eyes flash with challenge. “You don’t want it because you haven’t tasted it. You’re scared.”

You roll your eyes. “Scared? I’m not the scared type. I just don’t buy into the drama.”

Her expression softens a bit, but the teasing tone stays. “Maybe it’s not about the drama. Maybe it’s about owning who you are. Even if that means stepping into the chaos.”

You sigh, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of your mouth. “You’re relentless.”

“That’s my job.”

A few days later, you find yourself watching from the sidelines as Toni leads a Serpent rally with all the loud engines and roaring energy you’d expected—and secretly missed more than you care to admit. She catches your eye and winks, a silent dare.

You catch yourself wondering if maybe, just maybe, the Serpent life isn’t so bad. But you’ll never say it out loud.

When she shows up at your door unannounced, holding a leather jacket with your name stitched on the back, you stare, caught between amusement and exasperation. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

You take the jacket, feeling the weight of it, the history. You look up, smirking. “If I wear this, do I get a motorcycle too?”

“Maybe.”

You laugh, the sound easy and genuine. “Alright, Toni. Maybe I’ll think about it.”

She grins like she just won a war.

And you know tomorrow she’ll be back, trying again. Because with Toni Topaz, nothing less than full-on, leather-jacketed, serpent-chief acceptance will do.

You’re not sure if you’ll ever fully join the Southside Serpents, but one thing’s certain—she’s not going anywhere. And somehow, that’s exactly how you like it.