Unexpected Should Be Expected

Chapter 16: The Contest

Ramal walked into the kitchen, where his parents were sitting with their coffee. "Hey, Jasmine's coming over again today," he said casually, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

His mom raised an eyebrow but didn't say much.

His dad just smirked. "You must really like this girl," Darius said.

Ramal shrugged. "Yeah, she cool."

His mom sighed but didn't argue. "Just don't be reckless," Martha warned.

Ramal nodded, taking a sip of water. "I got it."

With that, he went back to his room, bumped music from his phone, and started his workout.

He focused on his reps, pushing through his usual routine—push-ups, squats, planks.

But no matter what, the thought of Jasmine kept creeping in.

As Ramal got into the rhythm of his workout, he focused on each rep, trying to clear his mind.

He knew once Jasmine arrived, his attention would be elsewhere, so he pushed himself harder.

After about an hour, he finished up, wiping the sweat off his face before checking his phone.

Jasmine had texted that she was on her way.

He grabbed a clean shirt and threw it on, heading to the kitchen for some water.

His mom gave him a look. "You working out more than usual lately," she noted.

Ramal shrugged. "Just tryna stay in shape."

She hummed but didn't press further.

Moments later, the doorbell rang.

Jasmine was here.

Ramal, this time, opened the door to see Jasmine standing there, looking as good as ever.

He smirked, leaning on the doorframe. "Back again already?"

Jasmine rolled her eyes playfully. "You act like you didn't want me to come."

He chuckled and moved aside, letting her in.

As she stepped inside, his parents glanced over from the living room.

"Nice to see you again, Jasmine," his mom said with a smile.

"Likewise," Jasmine responded politely.

His dad gave a small nod. "Y'all gonna eat breakfast?"

"Yeah," Ramal answered for both of them before Jasmine could say anything. "We'll be in my room."

Without waiting for a response, he took Jasmine's hand and led her down the hallway, pushing his door open.

She walked in first, and as soon as he closed the door behind them, she turned to him with a grin.

"So, what's the plan for today?"

Ramal thought, and then grinned as well. "We'll have a workout contest. The loser has to do whatever the winner asks."

Jasmine crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "You tryna set me up. You know I don't work out like that."

Ramal smirked. "I just did a whole workout, I'm sore as hell. You got a fair chance."

She eyed him suspiciously before sighing. "Fine. But if I lose, I swear you better not make me do nothing crazy."

"No promises," he said with a teasing grin.

Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Alright, what's the challenge?"