"You done?" Jacob asked, sliding onto the bench beside me. "I kept looking for you in the hall. Why didn't you look at me? Why didn't you come yesterday?"
"I was ill," I lied, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face.
"Ill? Huh… okay. Have you thought about which university you'll choose? I picked Hallwads English University—they'll be starting exams soon."
"Really? That's good. I haven't thought about mine yet," I replied, my fingers fidgeting with the strap of my bag.
"I kept looking for you yesterday. Everyone's asking their prom dates. Come, I want to show you something, Hina," Jacob said, standing up. "Or stay put—don't move an inch. Promise me you won't."
I nodded, anticipation fluttering in my chest as I waited.
"Well, well, well… look who we have here. If it isn't the loser, Hina Jonathan."
I stiffened.
Not again, bitch.
"Listen, Mozela," I said coolly, "I'm not in the mood for your nonsense. Run along, Satan."
She stepped closer, a smirk curling her lips. "Says the girl whose mother slept with her own sister's husband. Rotten fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?"
My jaw tightened. My voice sharpened. "Every day, the same trash insult. Come back with something new, Mozela. Aren't you tired yet?" I rolled my eyes. "Move out of the way, idiot. You and your ants are blocking my view."
Stupid girls.
Jacob returned just then, glaring daggers at her before grabbing my hand. "Come on."
"Sore losers," Mozela muttered. "We'll get them later—especially you, Hina."
---
"Jacob, this place is too far," I panted. "I'm tired of walking. Where are you even taking me? I didn't even know this place existed."
"Relax, pumpkin," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Pumpkin? Since when?
My cheeks warmed. Gosh… I hope it's not what I think. I don't need a boyfriend. He's just a friend. I can't break a heart.
Soon, we reached the rooftop of an abandoned building. The city lights stretched endlessly around us, glittering like a sea of fireflies.
"Can I blindfold you, Hina?" he asked, holding out a soft scarf.
"Sure," I said, my voice catching slightly.
"Take my hand, my darling."
My heart skipped—uneasy, unsure.
He guided me inside. When the blindfold came off, I froze.
The room glowed with candlelight. Small gifts, ribbons, and decorations filled the space. At the center lay a card:
Can you be my prom date?
My eyes widened. I didn't even know if I'd attend prom—but the way he looked at me, hopeful and nervous, made my chest ache.
"Yes," I said softly.
He hugged me, and for a moment, everything felt warm and unreal.
We sat there for hours—laughing, drinking, eating. Time slipped away too fast. My heart jolted when I realized how late it had gotten.
I stood, adjusting my uniform—it had ridden up my thighs from sitting too long.
"Jacob, I need to leave. It's late," I said with a small smile.
"Can I hug you?" he asked.
I nodded.
As I turned to go, he added, "What about the gifts? The cake isn't finished yet."
I sighed. I couldn't waste cake. Zarina would love it. But sneaking gifts into the house? Impossible.
"Let's clear everything," I said quickly. "I'll call my chauffeur. He'll help us pack, then we'll drop it at your gate."
He agreed—but my heart raced. This was dangerous for me.
I already had a plan. I'd drop the things somewhere discreet, leave them with one of my street friends, and later sneak back with Zarina.
I watched Jacob step aside to make a call.
"At Pakrustine car park," he said into the phone. "Come meet us there."
When he turned back, I stared at the walls, pretending I hadn't heard a thing.
"Hey," he said. "Morrison will be here in a minute."
"Okay."
I bent down to gather some props. "Did you arrange all this yourself?"
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "No. Kai and Michael helped me."
"That makes sense," I said. "This is a lot."
I carried some things downstairs. "I'll be back—and thank you for today," I called out.
"You're welcome," he replied.
When I returned, I checked my phone.
Seven missed calls from Zari.
My stomach dropped.
I stepped into another room to listen to her voice notes.
"Bro, where the fuck are you?"
Another one followed.
"Your step-witch came looking for you. Three times. Angry each time. Seleya wasn't even happy you went to school—and now it's late and you're still not back. I'm scared for you. Seleya says she'll deal with you when you return… though she traveled today."
I sighed, biting the inside of my cheek.
I hurried back before Jacob could come looking for me.
"You okay?" he asked, noticing my expression.
"Yes," I said quickly. "Just tired."
He frowned. "I think it's better if I call Kai and Michael to finish packing. I'll take you home with your gifts. We'll handle the rest tomorrow, okay?"
"Yes," I said—relief flooding me.
Perfect.
I picked up my things and headed downstairs, Jacob following with the rest.
And all I could think was how close I'd come to getting caught—and how thin the line was between happiness and disaster.