I have gone completely insane after tonight

First, Jasmine's backless dress and then her teasing. She has no idea how much I was struggling while she was dancing with Lana and others.

Her carefree expressions, her smooth movements when she moved with the rhythm  and that heart fluttering smile she had through the night. I couldn't take my eyes off her

With the each minute passing away from her, it left another scratch on my heart because I wasn't with her. I have already messed up enough trying to kiss her like that. But I couldn't control myself

She is a walking distraction that I would glad he distracted with. The comments she said, the way her lips moved when she called my name so sweetly. Her flirtatious words were the limits

There wasn't a single head which wasn't turned to look at her twice. Both men and women have stolen glances at her. Why wouldn't they? She looked like a goddess

And here I was, walking behind her like her shadow trying to sheild her from other's. My heart burned with jealousy when I heard a few guys talking about her. I would have almost thrown my hands at them until Loren held me back.

I understood that she might have not appreciated my actions earlier hence I maintained my distance for the rest of the night letting her enjoy. Luckily she didn't see me lurking around.

“Dude are you sure about this?” Loren asks again as I give him the bag. A look of disapproval and fear detached on his face. “I am sure. Do this for me” I request

He sighs shaking his head “I am glad I didn't ask advice from your for pursuing Mia. Your ways are werid” He comments peeking inside the bag which has Jasmine's heels.

Which I have stolen

I roll my eyes “just take it and remember to deliver it by tomorrow morning okay?”

He smirks and nods “I will, best of luck” he says before walking away.

I take a deep breath preparing myself, I fix my suit coat and walk back to where Jasmine is. After exhausting herself, she have fallen asleep on the couch.

She looks really peaceful now

“Jasmine” I call softly to not scare her but she doesn't reply. I raise my hand to nudge her shoulder but stop my self. I sigh and try again “Jasmine, wake up. It's time to go”

Slowly she stirs up, blinking rapidly. Her eyes widens when she sees me, quickly sitting up. Her fingers gently runs through her hair to fix them “Did I fall asleep?” She asks with a hint of embarrassment

I nod “yeah just for a while” I reply looking around. The couch is placed in a corner of the hall which take sthe noises and eyes away from her.

“we have reached the port ” I inform.

“Oh okay, I will Just-” she bends down, her hand reaching out for something or just nothing. She blinks, her eyebrow furrows in confusion “where did it go?” She mutters a question while looking around the couch.

“What are you looking for?” I ask acting total clueless. She looks at me with a worried expression “my heels! I removed them and kept them right here and they are gone!” She exclaims pointing down

“They might be around” I say walking around the couch, pretending to search for them “maybe someone took it or its misplaced?” I say

She turns and looks at me “seriously? I was right here and they were beside me! How can someone take it! Ask them!” She demands desperately “Aunt Lia and aunt Emily got me those”

I stand beside her crossing my arms “weird, maybe they grew legs and ran away” I say jokingly but she doesn't take it well Jasmine honours me with the best death glare she could give “not funny, help me find them!”

I shrug my shoulders keeping a neutral face “or maybe you could go barefoot?” I suggest but that's excatly from what I want

She looks at me in disbelief “on that cold, rough, wet dock? Absolutely no way!” She denies. I nod in understanding “yeah, the way from here to the parking area is long, dusty and rocky” I add

Jasmine looks at me keenly, her eyes narrows in suspicion. Suddenly she gets up and steps towards me “Lucas” she says my name but this time in a serious tone

“Jasmine” I reply in a normal tone watching her catch on

Her gaze drops to my hands, her eyebrows raising in realization. I quickly put them behind my back looking away from her

Her eyes widens "Lucas. Where are my heels?" She asks raising her voice slightly. I tilt my head innocently “How would I know?”

She took another step closer. Oh this is getting better "Did you hide them?"

My lips twitched as I am unable to hold back. "Define hide”

"Lucas!" She smacks my arm suddenly taking me by surprise. Her touch sparking something in me even though it's out of anger "Why would you-”

"Because," I cut in, as if it were obvious, "you’ve been wearing them all night, and already complained about your feet hurting. So, technically, I’m saving you from your own bad decisions."

She gasps loudly "That is the dumbest-most infuriating-reason Lucas, give them back!”

“I can't” I reply

“Why!”

“I don't remember where I out them” I lie, giving it to Loren was a good idea. He might have already driven away and she couldn't find it even though she wanted to

Jasmine opens her mouth looking at me like I am an alien “You hid them and forgot them? I will kill you-”

Before she could do anything, I step forward making her freeze “I have a brillant idea to help you”

She raises her eyebrow, her expressions still holding suspicion over me - as she should. “What-” her question turns into a yelp when I scoop her in my arms effortlessly

“What are you doing!” She shrieked, her hands flying to my shoulders to grip them. She shoots me a glare “Put me down! This is ridiculous!” She says kicking her feet uselessly while I carry her out

Everyone has already exited and gone to their respective parking areas as this is a large place. It's already midnight so I don't need to worry about people watching us.

“You are brainless!” She yells, crossing her arms, her voice spreading through the silent road. “And you are shoeless, works perfectly right?” I say teasingly. My smirk widens as I continue to walk ignoring her sulking in my arms.

I slower my pace letting myself enjoy the moment of having her in my arms. Her body relaxes into my arms, her head brushes against my neck that makes me tighten my grip around her, holding her gently yet securingly

Reluctantly, she uncrosses her arms and wraps them around my shoulders, her face hidden in my shoulder. My expressions softens while watching her.

“So we both have broke clause no. 13. That means it's a tie?” I whisper against her hair, she doesn't lift her head but I could feel her grip my shoulders.

“I hate you” she mumbles against my skin but this time there's no hatred in her voice

I chuckle softly “keep telling yourself that”

✄-------

I slower the car and park it, unbuckling my seatbelt. As the car stops, Jasmine opens the door and hops out as fast as she could and rushes inside.

I sit in the car watching her struggle with the keys to open it and dash inside. A chuckle escapes my mouth at her fumbling. I get out of the car, texting Loren to return the heels by tomorrow morning as I walk inside.

“Jasmine, wait” I call her out before she could enter her room. The house is silent, everyone might have fallen asleep by now. I shove my phone inside and approach her.

Jasmine's hand clenches her doorknob as she looks at me. Her eyes cautious and hesitant, she didn't speak for the whole ride - fidgeting with her bracelet without looking at me.

“I wanna talk about something. Please” I say, keeping my tone soft and sincere for her to understand. A hint of curiosity crosses her face but she doesn't ask, I gesture her to follow me.

I start walking upstairs, looking over my shoulder to make sure she is coming. Talking in living room is risky as anyone could walk in. Both of our rooms wouldn't be so appropriate with the situation. The last option is the terrace

I open the door, being welcomed by a silent breeze. The wide grey flooring along with glass railings, a decent sitting area at the side with a miniature wooden roof to match with the patio. I let her in before closing the door. Jasmine walks further, looking up at the night sky and then turns to face me.

“You are not going to push me from here, are you?” She asks, I couldn't understand if she is joking or seriously thinking that. I quickly shake my head in denial “no absolutely not. This is serious” I reply in a serious tone

Noting it she nods, maybe understanding the gravity of the situation. “Sit” I point at the sitting area. She raises an eyebrow at me “you are ordering me around?”

I blink in amusement at her assumption. I should be apologising, not annoying her more. I take a deep breath and walk over to the chair, removing my coat I place it on the seat “Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable Miss Jasmine Singhania” I say converting my tone to an almost British accent

A proud smirk appears on her lips as she finally moves towards me, her head held high “now that's more like it” she takes a seat, crossing her one leg over the other and looks at me “speak”

I stand in front of her, watching her under the dim light falling from the moon. A few hair strands fall on her face, she bats her eyelashes when they come into her view.

I clear my throat, trying to focus. My hands clenched together “I am sorry”

She frowns in confusion then relaxes “for what? From what I remember you have a long list for apologising” she says playfully.

“For what happened with Iris, for my neglecting behaviour and not standing up with you” I keep my tone low, apologetic. Her expressions flatters when she hears my words, her eyes grows distant.

There's a heavy silence, neither of us speaks. I wait for her reaction but she sits there silent, her head down. Suddenly I feel a line getting drawn between us.

“You didn't owe me anything lucas, it wasn't your job to stand up with me” she speaks, her voice slightly cracking.

My heart sinks at her words, she is right. But I am not giving up, I want her to know the truth, to understand. “I didn't owe you anything but I did wrong. From the momentum I have met you, all the things I have done. This was the most unforgivable”

“Why now Lucas?” She asks looking up at me. Her hands clench the edges of her chair.

“Because I have tried my best to fix it. It took time but I did” I kneel on one knee in front of her, my hand coming to hold the arm of her chair. I pull out my phone, searching for the letters.

Jasmine looks at me confused when I show her my phone “I have gathered a few evidence of Iris’s harassment to others. A few victims and witnesses who have suffered her bullying. All of this have been submitted to the board and they approved it” I explain.

This took a while, due to the investigations and searching, convincing them to complain against her. A few backed off but many agreed too. It was hard gathering evidence and bringing everything together

“Due to her being proven guilty, she is held back from graduating. A few students have also filed a lawsuit against her” I add, my hand tightens on the phone as I read her expression “The board have sent you an apology for their delay in actions. Iris will also be writing to you about her behaviour”

Jasmine's gaze flickers to my phone and back at me, her eyes wide and lips parted in shock. “I tried my best, Jasmine. Please forgive me” I plead, letting my both knees touch the ground.

She shifts slightly, wiping the small twar that formed at the corner of her eye. I know this have hurt her, I have seen her lock herself up after this. She skipped classes for a while, she smiled lesser and avoided me for weeks.

“just tell me one thing, why did you deny it during the investigation?” She questions, I know she might have buried this inside her deeply. It always reflected in her eyes yet she never voiced it.

I shake my head “I didn't, I swear that I have only spoken the truth, I never lied. I didn't see iris that day, I didn't see her push you. That's the questions the board asked me - unfortunately I came in a bit late, I think by that time you had already fallen. That's why” I says truthfully, my words desperate for her to believe me.

She takes a deep breath, I don't understand what she might be thinking. She gives me a small nod “okay, I will believe you on that. Tell me - why didn't you help me? Why did you just walk out?”

It fills me up with more guilt and shame. The memories of that day comes back to my mind. “I wasn't in a right condition to react” I mutter, my muscles tenses up “I wanted to but I couldn't. Something from my past triggered me that day. I was on the verge of losing my consciousness. I couldn't see or hear properly”

I push out the words from my mouth, letting her know the vurnable state I was in. Slipping back into my dark space, almost having a panic attack after meeting them.

I tried to move but couldn't, Jasmine was just a blur of form in my vision that day. Everything was circling in my head.

I take a deep breath trying not to think of that. I lift my head to meet her gaze. She looks at me with the most tender expressions, I couldn't understand if she is concerned or just pitying me.

“I am sorry for that day, for everything I have done that have hurt you. When the time is right, I will tell you everything that happened. I swear on everything I have. Please forgive me” I beg, my head lowered. I let my hands fall on my lap kneeling completely infront of her

“I will wait for your reply” my head snaps at her in disbelief. She nods in confirmation “I just needed the answers. I am grateful that you have done so much to prove her guilty. Also for sharing, even a bit but a difficult part. It did hurt me, I was scared and confused. Luckily I have healed, out grown if it maybe. Now at peace that you have provided me those answers. That's all I wanted”

My heart skips a beat at her words, the heaviness on my shoulders lifting up. I continue to stare at her with a new found of emotion

Jasmine smiles extending her hand “start over maybe as friends?” She asks

As friends?

That's better than nothing

I smile back grasping her hand in mine, feeling her cold hand against mine for a few seconds “friends” I declare, my heart pounding in my chest as she continues to smile at me.

No hatred, no teasing.

Just pure joy

“does that mean I am forgiven?” I ask hopefully, slightly scared to hear her reply. She hums making a thinking face, slowly pulling her hand back.

My smile slightly falls as I lose her touch against me. My hand clenches into a fist as I rest it on my lap. Before I could say something, she cuts me off “I will forgive you on one condition”

I raise my eyebrow in curiosity, but willingness to do it if it means to earn her forgiveness

She smirks, leaning closer unexpectedly. I could see the mischievous glint in her eyes “dance for me”

My jaw drops at her words. Dance? That's something I totally didn't expect. She giggles at my words, throwing her head back.

Oh God, that might be the best music to my ears

I exhale sharply and get up “if I dance, you will forgive me completely? No backing off? That's all?” I ask in confirmation. She stops and looks at me in amusement “really? You are willing to dance?” She asks not able to believe that I would do this. I nod with confidence

If she wants dance then she will get it

Just a small change in the style

Her smiles widens into a full grown grin, she grabs her phone scrolling through something “wait let me find a song-” she pauses when she looks at my hand in front of her “what?”

“The only dance I know is a couple one. So I need a partner you know”

Her smile drops as she looks at me seeing my calm expression “that's not–”

I cut her off “you said dance, you didn't specify what kind of dance. Come on milaya, let me earn your forgiveness”

She swallows hard, hesitating to agree or not. While I put on a calm expression on my face, my heart is racing fast with anticipation. Finally, her hands slips into mine. This time she holds it softly, feeling my skin, the warmth.

“I am very bad at this” she comments getting up. Pressing her finger on her phone screen before tossing it back on the chair. I pull her out of the patio at the open sky. Slowly the silence is filled with an unknown music

I smile spreads across my lips as I recognise the beat and sway her against me gently. “You know?” She asks in suprise.

I nod, my hand finding her waist keeping my grip steady “I heard this tune coming from your room uncountable times” I say teasingly. She rolls her eyes, her hand going up to hold my shoulder while the other remains in my hand

“Ishq Shava, my favourite” she comments

It's my favourite too now

The music pulses around us, creating a sensual beat. I lead her steps syncing with the rhythm of the song. She relaxes her body melting into my embrace as I move her effortlessly. Keeping my grip firm yet fluid.

She looks up at me, her eyes locking with mine “you are suprisingly good at this”

I grin proudly, “I have my moments”

“Oh really? But can you do more?” She asks with a hint of challenge.

Challenge accepted

As the beat takes a sharp change - without another word I pull her closer, before she could react I spine her - fast, precise. She hair swayed with the movements, her eyes wide as she watches me.

I catch her against my chest, her hand landing on my chest right above my heart. Her fingers curling the fabric of my shirt. Her breath hitched as I slowly bend her back along with me

Her body archs giving me a perfect view of her neck. She looks at me, her cheeks covered in a beautiful shade of pink hue. Because of me

I pull her up again, straightening her. I guide her steps backwards and forward. A step, a twist, turn and we fall into a perfect rhythm together.

A sharp beat. A sudden pull.

I spin her again, but this time, when I catch her, my palm slipped to her bare back. Jasmine sucked in a breath.

The cool night air did nothing to stop the heat of this moment

I felt it and maybe she felt it too

My grip flatters for a fraction of a second. Suddenly feeling nervous, my breath still. When our gaze meet again, something shifts - something deeper, slow and extremely dangerous

The music swelled.

I force myself to move again, a step forward and she follows my moment to match my pace. The space between us is nonexistent. I could feel every bit of her body against mine. Soft, fluid and maddening

The world suddenly disappeared. The surrounding vanishes until they are just the two of us dancing

Just her and I

I press my fingers against her back, guiding her gently. Her hand curls around my shoulder, still holding me. She is relaxed despite how her breathing grows heavy, how her eyes flickers, how she blushes every time I pull her closer

The tension was unbearable.

Another spin- fast, reckless.

The music slowed making a deeper octave as it fades away along with our movements. But neither of us pulls away. All I could hear is the steady rise and fall of her breathing.

Her touch

Her scent

Her gaze

Everything taking me to a different world

My hand remained on her back, grazing at her skin. I feel my hand ignite whenever I touch her. My other hand releases hers, slowly, hesitantly, deliberately until my fingers brush against her cheek. I caress her cheek, tugging her hair strand behind her ear. She inhales sharply

We both lost in the moment.

Silence yet with a contract of something uniquely her

Suddenly, a pop sound from afar drops

Jasmine jerks back, my grip loosen on her as I let her go unwantedly. She turn around, striding towards the patio to her phone - from where the sound came from

I let a deep sigh, running my hand through my hair “that-” my voice comes out shaken, uneven.

The spell broken

“They said yes! They are getting married!” Jasmine yelps in excitement, bouncing on her toes as she shows me a picture of two hands with rings in their ring fingers. My eyes narrows when I see the familiar ring “Liam and Stella…” I trail off looking at her

“They are getting married!” She squeaks and rushes out of the door screaming through the whole house. I chuckle at her enthusiasm and follow her downstairs