[JASMINE – POV]
The party didn't feel like fun anymore.
People whispered behind their cups. Some were still talking about the kiss, others were watching Ayo like he might explode. But all I could think about was the way Lucas looked at me right after—the kind of look that stripped away my defenses.
We slipped outside onto the porch. The music was muffled now, the air cool on my flushed skin.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, wrapping my arms around myself. "That kiss… I didn't mean to drag you into my drama."
Lucas stepped closer. "Are you kidding? I've wanted to kiss you since the first day you stole my seat."
I blinked. "Wait, what?"
He grinned, and for the first time all night, I relaxed.
But then…
"I know Ayo still gets to you," Lucas said, softer now. "You don't have to explain. I see it in your eyes when you look at him."
I shook my head. "He doesn't. Not the way you think."
Lucas leaned in, brushing his thumb across my cheek. "Then say it. Tell me you're over him."
I paused.
And in that pause, something in his eyes dimmed.
But I wasn't hesitating because I still loved Ayo—I was hesitating because my past with him had left a scar so deep, I wasn't sure I could say the words without choking.
"I'm trying," I said. "Is that enough?"
Lucas looked down, then nodded slowly. "For now."
But I could feel it.
The aftershocks of the dare were still rumbling between us—and if we weren't careful, it might tear us apart.