Jasmine's POV
Ever since the banter in the living room, I haven't seen him.
Not like I care.
In fact, I have been enjoying the peace.
I even successfully completed two paintings at the studio we created in the living room.
He wasn't wrong about it being the perfect place to paint.
Bella had woken me up with a phone call earlier this morning, reminding me of the rugby game today.
I didn't bother planning an outfit, so I'll just wear whatever I have.
I hear the living room's door swing open. Without much thoughts, I take m a peek from my door's peephole.
Xavier walks in with a duffel bag.
He is drenched in sweat, rubbing his droopy eyes.
Looks like he didn't get a rest before his game today.
Shortly, I step out of my room wearing a pair of denim shorts and a simple round neck shirt.
My hair is tightly packed in a low bun.
He steps out of his room at the same time, looking clean and fresh.
Do I wish him good luck?
I notice his bruised knuckles.
"You are bleeding" I point out before I could stop myself.
He holds my gaze briefly, and without acknowledging my presence, he walks out.
So much for trying to be nice.
I pray he fucking lose.
Now at the field, there are so many people here.
I actually didn't expect this huge turn up.
What do I know, this is my first time.
"I saved us the front row seats where we can see the players clearly" Bella chimes, dragging me to the stands.
"This better be worth it" I mumble.
The game starts shortly.
As I envisioned, it's rough and tough.
But I couldn't help it, my eyes remain glued to Xavier all through the first half of the game.
I watch how he runs steadily through people, pushing and shoving, passing the ball backwards or sideways to his team.
My eyes follow his every move, and without knowing, I squeal when he scores a point.
"Told you you'll love the game" Bella coos.
"They'll return home bruised" I point out.
"Whatever. Xavier seems to play rather aggressively today, not like he hasn't been the one winning most of the points in previous games.
But it feels like he's trying to impress someone. Oh yeah, his girlfriend is here" she remarks looking around the stands.
Thought as much.
"You know her face?" I inquire.
"Nope"
After the first half, Xavier and the rest walk towards the edge of the pitch, his green eyes holding mine.
I'm more aware of the fact that we are seated in the front row now.
"He's looking at us." Bella gushes, tapping my shoulder.
His eyes hold a smile. I look away instantly.
The second half starts, and I just bury myself in my phone, looking up whenever the crowd cheers.
After about two hours of the game, our school emerges as the winner. Several students troop into the field to cheer the team.
"Let's go say hi" Bella suggests.
"Everyone is literally on that field. Aren't you scared of a stampede?"
"I need to congratulate Nicole and the rest"
"Let's do that later"
We wait for the crowd inside the field to reduce before entering.
"That's his girlfriend," Bella whispers to me as we approach the team.
There's a tall, slender blonde beside Xavier, one of her hands is tightly wrapped around his neck as if claiming ownership.
She is very pretty, and can literally pass off as a model if she's not one already.
"Hey Bella, hey Bella's friend" Nicole greets, pulling Bella into a hug.
"You did well on the field." I acknowledge.
I can feel Xavier's eyes on me, and all I want to do is just walk away from here.
"I'm Brandon" one of the players introduces, stretching out his hand to me.
"Jasmine" I almost don't take his hand, but that would come off as rude.
I try to signal Bella, so we can leave, but she's caught up with conversing with Nicole.
"I've been seeing you around for a while. You are pretty, do you mind us getting to know each other?"
Fuck. Exactly what I was avoiding.
My fingers dig into my shorts as I think of a better way to avoid this.
"Hey Branny. Locker room. Now" Xavier's voice sounds.
I've never heard this authoritative tone.
I'm used to his usual teasing or mocking voice.
But I'm glad it came at the right time cause Brandon backs off with a 'see you next time' wink.
"Hey man, lose the name" he shoots at Xavier, before leaving.
I watch Bella approach Xavier, only to get snubbed.
"What's with him?" She scowls.
"Why did you approach him knowing he's with his girlfriend?" I whisper.
"Even when she's not here, he doesn't respond to everyone" she mumbles, her head hanging low.
Instinctively, I look at him to catch his eyes peering at me.
I don't know if I imagined it, but his girlfriend shoots me a dirty glare, before kissing him in front of everyone making the guys hoot and whistle like he had scored another point.
Xavier doesn't pull away, but his hands stay stiff at his sides, his gaze remains locked with mine over her shoulder, unblinking, making something curl in my stomach.
"Let's go," Bella finally says.
I can't shake off the feeling that there's something odd about his girlfriend.
Also there's something off between them.
I return to the apartment, immediately running into the bathroom to scrub away the sweat off my body, and dirt from the open field.
Bella said they would be hosting a party to celebrate their win tonight at a downtown bar, so I don't bother, knowing that Xavier wouldn't be here tonight.
Finally, the apartment to myself again.
As I'm about to open my room's door, someone unlocks the main door, and walks into the apartment.
Who else has a key?
I instantly turn around to be met with the cold grey eyes of Xavier's girlfriend.