Chapter 03: Dislike

Chapter 03: Dislike

Jasmine Reign's POV

I took a careful sip of my drink, listening to Chris ramble on like he always did. His eyes were wide, a mix of disbelief and admiration plastered across his face. Apparently, what I just told them sounded shocking.

"So… you mean you actually saw the great and handsome Draven Green, Ryder Sanford, and Rocco Miller on the very first day of school? Oh my god, you are such a lucky bitch!" Chris practically shouted, nearly making me choke on my drink.

Lucky? Lucky? Really? What is so lucky about it? Seeing them early in the morning always meant witnessing some kind of disaster.

Someone getting humiliated, someone crying, someone’s heart being stepped on like it was nothing. Every single time. And now he’s calling that lucky? I almost laughed out loud, the absurdity of it hitting me.

"Seriously, Chris? Lucky? Did you miss my point? They humiliated someone, again. How cruel can they be?" I said, irritation lacing my voice.

Chris held up both hands in mock surrender. "Woah, woah, calm down. I’m just admiring their… hotness. And yes, I’m paying attention to what you said."

Aby leaned closer, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Wait… did you just say you actually went over and gave that girl your handkerchief? Wow. I am impressed. You finally approached someone you didn’t know."

I… honestly, I didn’t even know why I did it. It wasn’t me. I don’t normally get involved in other people’s problems. I don’t pity people. But something about her pain—I felt it, just enough to act. And just like I said, it wasn’t pity. It wasn’t my business either.

Chris and Aby both stared at me, clearly assessing this weird, uncharacteristic behavior. I shrugged.

"They’re really getting worse every year," I muttered more to myself than to them. "I’ve known Draven and his friends since childhood. They’ve been troublemakers since primary school. And nothing changes. Nothing at all."

Aby nodded, waiting for me to continue. I sighed. "Their families… their wealth protects them. You can’t touch them. Draven’s father owns this entire university. Even if he causes chaos every single day, the school can’t expel him. Can’t even punish him. Spoiled brat of the century."

Chris whistled softly, shaking his head. "Yeah, that’s… insane. Being rich has its perks, I guess."

"Reign?" Aby’s voice cut through my thoughts. "You’re spacing out again. Are you even listening to us?"

I blinked, momentarily embarrassed. "Oh? Uh… yeah, of course."

They gave me matching looks, the kind that said, Really, Jasmine?

"We’re asking what happened next," Aby reminded me.

Right. "Nothing much," I said, shrugging. "After I gave her my handkerchief, I left."

"That’s it?" Chris asked, skeptical, leaning forward like he was trying to get the full story.

I nodded. "Yeah. What else could possibly happen?"

Chris raised an eyebrow. "He might notice you… eventually."

I nearly choked. "Who? Draven? No way. He would never notice someone like me."

"You know how it goes in books, right?" Chris said, leaning back with a smirk. "The bad boy notices the shy girl. And boom. They fall in love. He’s the bad boy, you’re the shy girl."

I gave him a serious, incredulous look. He actually reads that stuff? Honestly, I didn’t know he was capable of being such a hopeless romantic.

"That will never happen. And that’s only fiction, okay? There’s no such thing. Me? He’ll notice? Even if he does, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. He and his friends are troublemakers. I don’t want to be involved in any of that," I said bluntly.

Chris and Aby exchanged looks, clearly analyzing me. What are they thinking now? I gave them a questioning glance in return.

"You really dislike them, huh?" Chris asked, tilting his head.

I shook my head slowly. "No, I don’t hate them. I just… I just don’t like their guts."

"And what’s the difference? You still hate them, right?" Aby pressed.

"There’s a huge difference between hate and dislike, okay? I dislike them. That doesn’t mean I hate them. And seriously, I still wonder why everyone adores them. They cause trouble every single day!" I exclaimed.

Chris shrugged. "Well, that’s their nature. They love causing trouble. Their day isn’t complete without it."

Aby laughed. "Anyway, let’s forget about that. Hurry up, guys, break time is almost over."

We all nodded and finished our snacks before heading to our next class.

"Reign!" Chris called as I sat down at my desk.

"Why?" I asked, glancing at him. Aby sat beside me, Chris beside her.

"Did you hear the news?" he asked, eyes gleaming.

Heard what?

"Don’t tell me you didn’t!" he said dramatically.

"Huh? What news?" I was confused.

"We’ll be in the same class today with… the three devils," he announced.

I froze. Wait, what? They’re coming here? And… why do I even care?

"So?" I asked, unimpressed. He rolled his eyes.

"I thought this might bother you. Just letting you know… in case you freak out later," Chris said.

Haha, thanks, really helpful. "Thanks, Christian," I teased.

His glare could have killed. "Christine. It’s Christine. You got it."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Chris," I said, smirking.

"Seriously, Reign," Aby said, leaning in like she was about to uncover a great mystery. "Don’t you have… just a tiny bit of admiration for him? Maybe a small crush? You know, he’s almost perfect. Ideal guy material."

I shook my head slowly. Nope. Not a single feeling for Draven. Nothing but dislike. Having a crush on him would be… creepy.

"I don’t. You might think it’s weird, but I have zero interest in guys right now," I said firmly.

"Just a little?" Aby pressed.

I shook my head again. "Not even a little."

Chris nodded repeatedly. "Really weird, right?"

"Yeah, totally," Aby agreed. "No crush, no love life. Maybe she’s a robot who can’t feel emotions."

"Stop it, you two. I’m not a robot. I’m just focused on my studies. That’s all."

Chris leaned back, smirking. "Okay, okay, but Reign… you can’t stop yourself from falling in love forever. When it happens, it’ll happen. And trust me, the guy will have to face us first before he gets to you."

Aby nodded in agreement. "Yeah. If he ever hurts you, he’s dead to us."

I chuckled at their ridiculous protectiveness. "Relax, guys. That’s not happening anytime soon. Maybe in five, ten years."

"Five or ten years? Ha! Want to bet? I think you’ll fall in love this year," Aby challenged.

"This year? Highly doubtful," I said, shaking my head.

"Well, I doubt it too. She’s focused on her studies, she won’t fall that easily," Chris said.

"I’ll bet a thousand bucks. She’ll fall in love," Aby said with a grin.

"I also bet a thousand bucks. She won’t," Chris countered.

Oh my gosh. They’re making bets on my love life. Look at the friends I have. Hilarious, honestly.