You done?" a teenage boy asked, sliding onto the bench beside her. "I kept looking for you in the hall. Why didn't you look at me? Why didn't you come yesterday?"
"I was ill," Hina lied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her 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," Hina replied, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her 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."
She nodded, anticipation fluttering in her chest as she waited.
"Well, well, well… look who we have here. If it isn't the loser, Hina Jonathan," a sneering voice cut through the air behind her.
Not again, bitch, Hina thought. "Listen, Mozela, I'm not in the mood for your nonsense. Run along, Satan."
Mozela stepped closer, a smirk curling on her lips. "Says the girl whose mother slept with her own sister's husband. Rotten fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?"
Hina's jaw tightened. Her voice sharpened like a whip. "Every day, the same tired insult. Come back with something new, Mozela. Aren't you bored yet? Move out of the way—you and your ants are blocking my view."
Jacob returned then, glaring daggers at Mozela before grabbing Hina's hand. "Come on."
"Sore losers," Mozela muttered under her breath. "We'll get them later—especially you, Hina."
---
"Jacob, this place is too far… I'm tired of walking. Where are you even taking me? I didn't even know this existed," Hina panted.
"Relax, pumpkin," Jacob said, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Pumpkin? Since when? Hina thought, cheeks warming. 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, they reached the rooftop of an abandoned building. The city lights stretched endlessly around them, glittering like a sea of fireflies.
"Can I blindfold you, Hina?" Jacob asked, holding out a soft scarf.
"Sure," she said, her voice catching slightly, an awkward smile tugging at her lips.
"Take my hand, my darling," he said, and her heart skipped a beat. Oh gosh…
He guided her inside. The room was filled with small gifts, ribbons, and candles flickering softly. A card in the middle read: Can you be my prom date?