[JASMINE – POV]
By the time I walked into school the next morning, it was like everyone had seen us kiss.
I should've known Kingston High students had faster mouths than a group chat on caffeine.
"They're official now?"
"Didn't she just dump Ayo again?"
"I bet she's just using Lucas too."
I clenched my fists, keeping my chin up. But every step down that hallway felt heavier than the last.
Lucas was already at his locker, headphones in, hood down. But the second he saw me, everything else faded.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Are you okay?" I countered.
He shrugged. "People talk. They'll get tired eventually."
I looked into his eyes—really looked.
They weren't just confident. They were solid. Like he'd already chosen me, and nothing could change that.
But I still had scars. Ayo's betrayal. My past. My own fears.
And I wasn't sure the hallway whispers were something I could keep ignoring.
[LUCAS – POV]
I hated seeing her shrink, even just a little.
Jasmine wasn't the kind of girl to be shaken by rumors. But Kingston High was vicious. Especially when it came to people like her—strong girls, with complicated pasts.
I wanted to take her hand. Kiss her right in front of them all.
But I knew better.
So I whispered, "Meet me on the rooftop at lunch."
Her eyes flickered with curiosity.
No more hiding.
No more waiting.