Chapter 52: Rumors, Rivalries, and a School Event Twist

[JASMINE – POV]

By morning, our stolen library kiss had turned into the story of the day.

I hadn't even made it past the gates before someone whispered, "Did you hear? Lucas and Jasmine were caught kissing in the library!"

Caught?

Barely.

But Kingston High had a way of turning sparks into wildfires. And soon, every hallway buzzed with rumors—some hilariously wrong.

"He proposed to her in the stacks."

"She was on the table!"

"She slapped him after."

Seriously?

Lucas found me near my locker and leaned against it like he didn't have a care in the world.

"You started this," I muttered, glaring at him.

He winked. "I just kissed you. They're the ones writing fan fiction."

I was still mid-eye-roll when the loudspeaker crackled to life.

"Attention seniors! The annual Cultural Night auditions are happening this Friday. Talent. Performance. School pride. Sign up outside the auditorium."

Immediately, girls began squealing and chattering.

Cultural Night was the event of the year.

Lucas looked at me. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

I crossed my arms. "No way. I don't dance. I don't sing. And I don't perform."

He stepped closer. "Then what do you do?"

I leaned in with a smirk. "I destroy competition… quietly."

He laughed. "Come on, Jasmine. Let's give them a show."