Chapter 59: Rumors, Reactions, and Rain

[JASMINE – POV]

By the time we stepped into the hallway, it felt like everyone had seen the kiss.

Whispers followed me like shadows.

"Did you see them behind the gym?"

"Jasmine and Lucas? No way!"

"Power couple for real."

"Wasn't she with Ayo, like, last semester?"

I kept my chin up, pretending it didn't bother me. But inside? My stomach was twisting itself into knots.

Lucas squeezed my hand. "Ignore them."

"I'm trying," I whispered back, but the stares made it hard. Everyone was either shocked, curious, or flat-out judging me. And I hadn't even made it to third period yet.

Then came the texts.

Maya: Girl, I told you to chill. The school's eating this up.

Taylor: Since when are you into Lucas??

Principal's Office: Please report to Room 3A at lunch. – Admin.

I groaned. "Of course."

Lucas frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I'm being summoned. Admin probably thinks I'm starting drama. Again."

Before he could say anything, a loud clap of thunder echoed outside. A second later, heavy rain started beating down on the windows like the sky was trying to drown out the noise of the gossip.

Perfect timing.

[LUCAS – POV]

If it were up to me, I'd pull her out of school, take her to a quiet diner, and let her breathe. But Jasmine wasn't the type to run. She faced storms head-on—even if this one was made of whispers and side-eyes.

At lunch, I waited for her outside the admin room. I didn't care if it made me look soft or obsessed. She was mine now, and I wasn't going to let her walk into that mess alone.

The door opened. She stepped out slowly, expression unreadable.

"Well?" I asked.

She met my eyes—and smiled.

"I didn't get suspended," she said. "But I did get a warning."

"For kissing me?" I scoffed.

"No," she smirked. "For almost cussing out Maya in front of a teacher."

I blinked. "I missed that part."

"Long story." She took my hand again. "Let's go. I want to be anywhere but here."

The rain was still pouring, but neither of us cared.

We walked right out into it—laughing, drenched, and real.

Let them talk. Let them wonder.

This… was just the beginning.