Rumors of my relationship with Jason didn't hesitate to spread around the school like wildfire, but I cared less. Whispers followed me everywhere I went, and curious eyes lingered longer than necessary whenever we walked past hand in hand. Most students didn't actually believe we were seriously dating. According to them, Jason didn't do love.
They kept anticipating the day Jason would finally ditch me, just like he was known for doing. Three days per girl — that was his reputation. Some students even laughed openly about it, convinced I was just another name to be added to his list. They said it was only a matter of time before he got bored.
Crystal had been the only girl Jason stayed with for two full weeks before I came into the picture, and even that had been shocking to everyone. Now, days had turned into weeks, and weeks were slowly approaching a month. Yet Jason and I were still together — still talking, still laughing, still choosing each other every day. Instead of fading, whatever was between us kept growing, quietly but steadily. I could feel it in the way he looked at me, in the way his hand always found mine without thinking.
Crystal, on the other hand, had shifted her focus. Since all her attempts to get Jason back failed, she poured all her energy into turning Aiden against me. She moved around with that sharp bitterness clinging to her like a shadow. But honestly, as long as her drama didn't involve Niko, I didn't really care. It wasn't like I cared much about Aiden in the first place.
That afternoon, I walked through the hallway toward the library, holding the book I had borrowed the previous day for one of my assignments. The corridor was calm, students passing by in small groups. I was already thinking about returning the book quickly and heading back to the hostel when Crystal suddenly appeared from the corner and deliberately bumped into me.
The book slipped from my hand and fell to the floor.
"Are you blind or something?" I snapped, bending down to pick it up.
"Oopsie," she said lightly, smiling slyly. "Didn't see you there."
I straightened up and glared at her. For a moment, I just stood there, staring at her face, my jaw tight. Then I hissed softly and turned to leave, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
Before I could take another step, she grabbed my wrist and dragged me back.
The pull was so sudden and rough that I almost lost my balance. I would have fallen straight into her if I hadn't caught myself in time. My heart skipped, anger surging through me as I yanked my hand slightly, trying to free myself.
Just then, Aiden walked out of the library.
The moment Crystal noticed him, she loosened her grip and instantly switched expressions. Her eyes filled with tears, and she began to sob as if she had been hurt deeply. The change was so fast it almost looked rehearsed.
Aiden rushed toward us. "What's going on?" he asked, his tone filled with concern.
Before I could say anything, Crystal spoke. Between fake sobs, she told him I had slapped her just because she mistakenly bumped into me. I stared at her, disbelief washing over me. My fingers curled into a fist at my side.
Aiden turned to me, his face hardening as he scolded me angrily. His words hit a nerve, and my irritation instantly turned into rage. He didn't even try to hear my side.
Something inside me snapped.
I stepped closer to Crystal and gave her a hot, resounding slap. The sound echoed loudly in the hallway, drawing attention. Both of them froze, shock written clearly on their faces.
"Now," I said coldly, meeting her stunned gaze, "I'm sure I really did slap you."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked straight into the library.
Back in the hostel later that day, Ivy stepped out of the bathroom wearing only her underwear, her hair wrapped up in a towel. She stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection casually.
"That Crystal girl is seriously crazy," Chloe said, shaking her head. "I don't even know what Aiden ever saw in her."
"Probably the same thing Jason saw before ditching her for Kal," Ivy replied casually.
A slight frown appeared on my face before I could stop it.
Ivy noticed immediately and giggled, nudging me lightly.
I rolled my eyes. "I know I wasn't there, but the thought that Crystal and Jason were ever intimate is just sickening."
Jasmine giggled as she sat beside me. "Don't be jealous. He's all yours now."
"I honestly could've added more energy to that slap," I said with a smirk.
We all burst into laughter, the sound filling the room and easing the tension.
A knock on the door interrupted us. Ivy went to open it, and the J-BOYS stood outside. Jason walked straight toward me, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him in for a quick kiss.
"So," Chloe teased, "to what do we owe this surprise visit?"
Jason sat on the bed, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.
"I love it when you have that look on your face," I said, giggling.
"So tell us," Jasmine said, "what are you guys up to this time?"
"Yeah," I added, "because you know whatever it is, we're all involved."
The boys chuckled before Jason finally spoke. "I have a friend outside the school who's throwing a party. He invited me and said I should come with my friends."
My friends and I exchanged glances, excitement lighting up our faces. I walked over to my closet and pulled out two gowns — a red sleeveless mini gown and a silver slitted dinner gown.
"What's the mood of the party?" I asked slyly. "Sexy or glamour?"
"Sexy!" the boys replied in unison.
"When are we leaving?" Ivy asked.
"Thirty minutes," Jason answered.
"Seven p.m. on the dot?" I asked.
He nodded.
"You girls better start getting prepared," Jake said as they left.
By seven o'clock on the dot, we were fully ready. We tiptoed out of the hostel and snuck out of the school premises through the back gate. Once outside, we removed our long camouflage gowns.
The boys' jaws dropped instantly.
"Wow, you girls look stunning," Jaden said, his gaze fixed on Chloe, who wore a sleeveless black mini gown that exposed her cleavage.
"I sure hope you aren't complimenting those breasts," I teased.
Jasmine wore a dark purple slitted gown that exposed her back beautifully. Ivy and I wore similar red sleeveless mini gowns that pushed up our breasts, the only difference being the slight slit on Ivy's dress.
We walked into the clubhouse, loud music oozing from the speakers as bodies moved to the rhythm. We found an empty table and ordered two bottles of red wine.
While sipping my wine, Jason's friend walked up to us and introduced himself as Scott. I noticed how his gaze kept drifting toward Chloe, who pretended not to notice. After speaking briefly with the boys, he leaned toward Chloe, whispered something in her ear, and walked away. A few minutes later, Chloe followed him.
"Great," Jaden teased, laughing. "Now Scott has stolen my crush for the night."
With Chloe occupied, we decided to dance and enjoy ourselves. A few minutes later, I felt pressed and excused myself to use the bathroom. On my way there, I felt like someone was following me. Each time I turned around, no one was there, yet I could still perceive a strong masculine perfume.
I went into the girls' bathroom and stayed there for a few minutes before stepping out. When I returned to my friends, I didn't feel as comfortable as before, so I went outside instead. A few minutes later, Jason joined me.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Nothing," I replied, staring up at the stars.
"The stars are beautiful tonight," he said.
I nodded.
"But they aren't as beautiful as your eyes."
I felt my cheeks burn. "Thank you," I said softly, hugging him.
I heard the clicking sound of a camera and turned in the direction of the sound, but I saw nothing. I turned back to Jason.
"Did I overdrink?" I asked.
He stared at me for a moment, then shook his head.
"It feels like I'm seeing double," I said, rubbing my temple.
"If you don't feel comfortable, we can leave," Jason suggested.
I nodded, agreeing to leave.