[JASMINE – POV]
I wasn't supposed to think about the kiss.
But I did.
All weekend.
Every time I closed my eyes, it replayed. The heat. The look in Lucas's eyes. The way the world fell quiet for just those few seconds.
I hated it.
I hated how my heart sped up every time his name popped into my head. I hated how I was checking my phone like a lovesick puppy.
And when it finally buzzed at midnight on Sunday?
Lucas:Still awake, troublemaker?
I stared at the screen for a full minute before replying.
Me:Barely. What do you want, hoodie boy?
He responded instantly.
Lucas:To talk. Without the crowd. Without the dares.
Me:What makes you think I want to talk?
Lucas:Because you kissed me back.
Touché.
[LUCAS – POV]
I didn't plan to text her.
But the kiss had been haunting me, and I needed to know if it meant something.
And it did. I could feel it in the way she replied—guarded, teasing, but curious.
We texted until 2 a.m.
Nothing deep. Nothing heavy. Just late-night randomness. Favorite music. Worst teacher. What we'd do if we weren't in school.
She told me she once punched a guy for touching her hair without asking.
I told her I hated being called "bad boy" when people didn't even know me.
She said, "Maybe I'd like to know the real you."
That one hit different.
I didn't reply for a full five minutes. Then I typed:
Me:Maybe I'd like to know the real you too, Jasmine.