[JASMINE – POV]
I walked into school Monday morning feeling different. Lighter. Like something had shifted after those late-night texts with Lucas.
But reality hit quick.
"Look who thinks she owns the place," a voice sneered from behind me.
I turned to see Bianca, queen bee of Kingston High. Blonde wig too tight, acrylics too long, and her ego even longer. She sized me up like I'd stolen something.
Which, apparently, I had.
Lucas's attention.
"Word is, you've been getting cozy with my ex," she said, fake smile on full display. "Don't get too comfortable. You're just a distraction. He always comes back to me."
I could've walked away.
But I didn't.
"I'm not worried about being a distraction," I said sweetly. "He seems… very focused when he's with me."
Her eyes flared. "Watch your back, Lagos girl."
Oh. It was on.
[LUCAS – POV]
Bianca cornered me between classes. Typical.
"You and that girl," she hissed. "It's a joke, right? Just messing around?"
I looked her dead in the eye. "It's none of your business."
Wrong answer.
"Then I'll make it mine," she snapped and stormed off, heels clicking like war drums.
By the time lunch rolled around, Jasmine was sitting alone. Again.
I sat next to her.
"You okay?" I asked.
She didn't look up. "Do I look okay?"
"Nope. Still cute though."
That earned me a half-smile. Then she whispered, "You've got enemies, hoodie boy. And now… so do I."