Love Bella. She doesn't get a pass, she is just able to back up her arrogance. I can respect that. Similar with Vanessa, I think she has a deeply misguided and inaccurate vew of the dynamic between men and women but she can still stand on her own and back up her actions and views.
Zara exudes an arrogance born out of thin air with nothing behind to back it up. She is not only damaged but weak. If you tear her down and beat her on her own game she will just crumble and fall apart. I absolutely can't stand her non stop competitive nature.
But hey, admittedly, I have some controversial takes. For example Summer is right down there with Zara, Nia, Nadia, Kate and the bitch twin (I LOVE the ditzy one). I have an almost visceral hatred of Summer based on all we've seen so far. What a foul, unbearable teen she was. But a lot of ppl don't see it that way so make of it what you will.
Truly a experience reading how some traits are perceived different by us in this story.
For me Bella and Zara are similar, difference is Bella is switching between hot and cold. Confident and insecure having a battle inside her mind.
Zara is more constant, she lives and dies by her competitive nature. Turning into sweaty hugger with bright eyes.
She is honest with herself and would elevate Nika into his past self.
Thinking in a objective way she is the one helping him get into the basketball team, getting a grip on his competitive nature.
Bella is the Gasoline for his fire, the one you don't feed past midnight. The drama, poster girl.
N reasons why Bella is popular.
Both are flawed and broken.
Summer is way over done in the flashbacks. Like a force of nature, boyish and funny. Too perfect. Only having Nami longing gaze into Nika making clear her feelings and why cheeto best girl.