[JASMINE – POV]
The shrill sound of the fire alarm jolted everyone out of class. Students screamed half in panic, half in joy—it was an excuse to avoid schoolwork, after all.
I was walking with my books when the hallway lights flickered red and the alarm blared. Before I could even process what was happening, Lucas was beside me, grabbing my hand.
"Come on," he said. "We're supposed to head outside."
But we didn't make it far.
A figure blocked our way just past the stairwell.
Ayo.
He leaned against the wall like he'd been waiting for us. His eyes locked on our hands—intertwined. His jaw clenched.
"Cute," he muttered. "Really upgraded, huh, Jasmine?"
Lucas stepped forward, shielding me. "Walk away."
Ayo ignored him. "Did you tell him what you did to me? How fast you ran when things got hard?"
"I didn't run," I snapped. "You lied. You cheated. I left."
His face twisted. "That's your version?"
I took a shaky breath. "It's the truth."
The alarm was still going off, kids rushing past us, unaware of the fire brewing between the three of us.
Ayo's eyes narrowed. "You think he's better than me? Just wait."
Lucas moved closer, voice low and dangerous. "That sounds like a threat."
"No," Ayo said with a smirk. "That's a promise."
Then he walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
But the damage was done.
Lucas looked at me. "What did he mean by that?"
I hesitated.
And for the first time, I wasn't sure how to answer.