Jenn's POV
"What are we cooking today?" Jas asked while lounging on the sofa and munching on chips.
"I don't know yet," I replied.
We were both pretty terrible at cooking, but at least I was slightly better than her.
"Let me fry some marinated chicken, and we can make some rice too," I said, heading toward the kitchen.
She smirked and sank deeper into the sofa. "I think you don't need my help then."
"Yes, yes, my princess. You may rest," I replied sarcastically.
I took the chicken out of the fridge and marinated it with my favorite spices. Then I washed the rice and added it to the rice cooker so it would cook evenly. I put the marinated chicken back in the fridge to let the flavors soak in longer.
While everything was settling, I made us both some coffee. I handed a cup to Jas.
She sat up and took it from me with a smile. "Thank you, my orange cat," she said, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.
We burst out laughing at our own stupid inside jokes and random gossip. That's when she suddenly noticed my elbow.
"Oh my God, Jenn! What the hell?" she said, her tone switching to concern. "You're bleeding, babe!"
I looked down, having completely forgotten about the scratch. "It's nothing, just a small one," I said softly, trying to reassure her.
"But how did it happen?" she asked.
"I just kinda collided with this handsome guy and fell on the floor," I replied casually.
But all she heard was: "handsome guy."
She gasped and practically jumped off the sofa, pulling me into a tight hug.
"Oh my God, Jennnnnyyyyyyy! You finally noticed other guys too!" she said dramatically, practically screaming in my ear.
"Shhhh! I didn't notice him," I said, rolling my eyes. "It's just… I was on the floor because of him, so I had to see."
"But still, Jennyyyyyy… you noticed him," she teased.
"Whatever," I muttered, escaping back to the kitchen to finish cooking.
We later sat down for dinner, and after eating, gave each other a tight hug before heading to our rooms. After all, tomorrow was the official start of our trip, and we were both super excited.
I lay down on my bed and pulled the blanket up to my chin. That's when the memory of the guy from the store popped back into my head. His face, his voice, that unexpected moment.
Jas had a point.
I'd never really noticed any guy before. Not since Ayeran.
I stared at the ceiling, deep in thought.
Why did he feel familiar? Like someone I should know… or would know… or could've known?
I shook my head and slapped my own face.
"Shut up, Jannat. Just go to sleep. Maybe you're still heartbroken, that's why you're acting weird," I whispered to myself.
I pulled the mattress over my head and slowly drifted off to sleep.