"Hey Miss Glasses, how are your eyes glued to my boyfriend?" Luxe laughed sarcastically, tossing her hair back. "Before dreaming big, maybe try looking at yourself in the mirror once."
It was a fresh, beautiful morning, birds chirping softly—when a motherly voice echoed from the kitchen:
"Jasmine, wake up! You're gonna be late for college."
"Just two more minutes, Mom," Jasmine mumbled half-asleep.
"Fine! But don't blame me later saying I didn't wake you up!" her mom shouted back while frying something in the kitchen.
"Okay, okay, just two more minutes..." Jasmine echoed, dragging her blanket.
But soon, her mom entered the room, walked straight to the window and pulled the curtain aside. The soft, golden sunlight kissed Jasmine's face.
"Let me sleep, Mommmm," Jasmine whined, half annoyed.
"You're the one who told me to wake you early today. Said there's something special in college. Now suddenly sleepy?" her mother teased.
"Alright then, don't go today. Help me with cleaning instead," her mom added with a grin and turned around to leave...
...only to realize Jasmine wasn't even in the bed.
"Wait—she was just here. Jasmine?!" her mom called out, confused.
"I'm brushing my teeth! You didn't wake me up, Mom," Jasmine yelled from the bathroom.
"What?! I've been calling out to you for the last ten minutes!" her mom scolded while making the bed. The conversation continued from different rooms—classic mom-daughter morning banter.
"So what's so special at college today that you're rushing this much?" her mother asked from the room.
"Mom, I'm already late! I have to get ready quickly!" Jasmine replied from the washroom in a hurry.
"Alright, get ready fast. I've made breakfast—don't leave on an empty stomach," her mom reminded her and got back to cleaning.
While her mom continued tidying up the hall, Jasmine quickly finished brushing, took a shower, slipped into her clothes, and within 20 minutes, emerged from her room—looking fresh and ready.
Her mom glanced at her and raised a brow, surprised.
"Wow… I've never seen you get ready this quick. What's going on?"
"Nothing major! I… uh… just joined yoga classes at college," Jasmine responded, trying to sound casual.
"Okay then. Come eat," her mom said as she headed toward the kitchen.
Just then, Jasmine's dad walked in—home from his night shift at the hotel.
"You're back!" Jasmine's mom smiled. "Let me take your bag."
"Hey Jasmine! So early? Isn't there still time for college?" her dad asked as he took off his shoes.
"Good morning, Dad! I joined yoga classes… so leaving a bit early these days," Jasmine replied, hiding her real reason.
"Ohh, nice! That's a good decision," her dad smiled. "But make sure it doesn't affect your studies."
"Promise!" Jasmine grinned.
As her parents chatted, Jasmine sat for breakfast while her dad relaxed on the couch. Her mom brought a glass of water to her dad.
"Here, have some water," she offered with a smile.
"Thanks!" he said, taking the glass.
"You should eat something too, and then get some rest," she added.
"Yeah, I'll eat in a sec. Been up all night—so tired," he nodded.
As he went to freshen up, Jasmine finished eating quickly, packed her bag, and slipped on her shoes.
"Alright, I'm leaving now! Bye Mom, bye Dad! Love you both!" Jasmine exclaimed.
"Love you!" they both said in chorus, waving goodbye.
Jasmine hopped onto her bicycle and peddled out. Her college was 5 km away. As she rode, she dialed her bestie Mia.
"Hey, you ready?" Jasmine asked. Mia was already standing in front of her house, all set.
"Let's go!" Mia said as Jasmine arrived, and together, they started cycling toward college, chatting along the way.
"Mia, we're not late, right?" Jasmine asked, a bit nervously.
"Nope, we're right on time!" Mia reassured her.
"By the way, what did you tell your mom about leaving early?" Mia asked.
"I told both my parents I joined yoga classes," Jasmine replied.
"Seriously? And they believed you?" Mia giggled.
"Why not? I've never lied to them before," Jasmine smiled.
"Well, now you have," Mia smirked.
"Yeah, but it's the first time… and hey, if they ever ask, remember—just say yoga!" Jasmine warned.
"Haha, okay, okay. Chill—I got you!" Mia laughed.
They reached college, parked their cycles, and walked toward the basketball court.
"You think he's here for practice?" Jasmine asked eagerly.
"Yeah, I saw his name on the team list. He must be here," Mia affirmed.
They reached the court, where the boys' team was already practicing. Jasmine scanned the area nervously.
"Hey, I don't see him. Are you sure you saw his name?" she asked.
"I'm totally sure. Look, he's right there—by the sitting area," Mia pointed.
Jasmine's heart raced. She followed Mia's line of sight—and there he stood.
Tall. Fit. Incredibly handsome.
The sight of him brought an instant smile to Jasmine's face—it wasn't just admiration, it was something deeper. She looked at him like she could stare at him for eternity. That was Jack—charming and composed.
Just then—
"Hey girls! What's up? You came here for me? Damn, didn't expect this but I like it," Niko grinned, wiping sweat off his forehead. "Did you see that 3-pointer? Killer, right?"
That was Niko—Jasmine and Mia's best friend. He was on the basketball team too. Not the brightest in academics but the king of sports and sarcasm.
"Oh please! No one came to see YOU. We came here for Jack. I had no choice but to bring her," Mia said, smirking at Niko.
Jack was the dream guy of the college—handsome, insanely rich, but surprisingly humble and kind. Jasmine didn't just fall for his looks; it was his down-to-earth nature that truly melted her heart.
"Oh great, so you both came for that monkey?" Niko scoffed.
"Watch it! Who are you calling a monkey?" Jasmine shot back.
"Hey hey, relax! It was a joke," Niko chuckled, backing off a bit.
"But Mia, you came to watch me, right? All this action, me dominating the court—you came for that," Niko said, trying to act smooth.
"You? I wouldn't even look at you in my dreams," Mia rolled her eyes.
"Well hey, if I wanted, I could charm any girl here. I just feel sorry for you—that's why I hang around," Niko teased.
"Oh really? Then go flirt with her, the one walking in right now," Mia challenged.
Jasmine, meanwhile, was lost in Jack's gaze from across the court. He didn't know her well. They had never really spoken. But she admired him from a distance—his kindness, his silence, the way he helped people without being flashy.
Then Niko turned toward the entrance.
"Oh crap… that's Luxe. Jack's girlfriend," he muttered.