City Lights and Magic Nights with Ali and Jazz

A Whole New Ali

The following morning, the campus buzzed with anticipation. The rumors of Jazz's public claim on Ali had spread far and wide, and everyone was eager to see how he would react. Would he continue to shy away from the attention? Or would something change?

It wasn't long before the whispers turned to astonishment.

Ali walked across the campus, but this time, he wasn't the same Ali everyone had come to know. There was a newfound confidence in his stride, an aura that matched his charm and undeniable good looks. He wasn't slouching or avoiding eye contact anymore. His shoulders were squared, and there was an easy, self-assured smile on his face as he greeted people who passed by.

A group of girls nearby whispered among themselves, their eyes lingering on Ali's broad frame as he strode by, but instead of brushing off their attention like before, he gave them a quick nod, flashing a grin that sent them into a fit of giggles.

Ahmed and Sara were sitting on the steps outside the gym when they spotted him.

"Is that... our Ali?" Ahmed muttered, leaning forward as if to get a closer look.

Sara's eyes widened. "No way. This can't be real. He's... owning it!"

They exchanged disbelieving glances. Ali had always been humble, almost to a fault, especially when it came to his appearance and the attention he got. But this new version of Ali? He was exuding confidence, and it was clear to everyone who saw him.

The real shock, however, came during his gymnastics practice. The stands were, as usual, packed with onlookers—mostly fan girls who were waiting for the moment when Ali would step onto the mats.

But this time, when he walked into the gym, shirtless as usual, the energy shifted. His muscles glistened under the bright lights, and instead of looking uncomfortable, Ali embraced the attention. His movements were fluid, smooth, like he was in complete control. There wasn't a hint of awkwardness or hesitation.

He flashed a grin at his teammates, who were just as shocked as the onlookers, and launched into a series of flawless flips and spins, his body moving with the grace of a professional athlete. Every eye in the room was on him, but instead of being overwhelmed, Ali looked like he was thriving in the spotlight.

After a particularly impressive routine, he landed on his feet, the applause from the stands erupting around him. Ali wiped the sweat from his brow with his towel, his smile never fading as he casually glanced toward the entrance.

That's when he saw her—Jazz, standing at the edge of the gym, her arms crossed as she leaned against the doorway, watching him with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. She had come to see if the rumors were true, and now that she was here, she couldn't believe her eyes.

She had expected Ali to still be his modest, reserved self, but this... this was an entirely different person. He was owning every part of who he was.

Ali's gaze locked onto hers, and for a brief moment, the rest of the gym seemed to disappear. He didn't hesitate.

Without missing a beat, he walked straight toward her, his bare chest glistening with sweat, his towel slung over his shoulder. Jazz raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain her usual composure, but there was no denying the way her heart skipped a beat as he approached.

"Jazz," he said, his voice low and confident.

Before she could respond, Ali did something that no one—especially not Jazz—expected. He slid his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him, their bodies almost touching.

"You came to watch me practice?" he asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Couldn't stay away, huh?"

Jazz's eyes widened, completely caught off guard. This wasn't the shy, uncertain Ali she had confessed to. This was someone else entirely—someone bold, someone who wasn't afraid to flirt with her openly in front of everyone. She tried to maintain her usual cool demeanor, but the blush that crept up her cheeks betrayed her.

"I... I just came to see what everyone was talking about," she managed to say, her voice not as steady as she'd hoped.

Ali smirked, clearly enjoying the effect he was having on her. "And? What do you think?"

Jazz's confidence faltered for the first time in a long time. She was used to being the one in control, but right now, Ali was completely throwing her off her game.

"I think..." she started, trying to regain her composure, "...you've changed."

Ali leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper only she could hear. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just finally showing you who I really am."

Jazz swallowed hard, her pulse racing. She had never felt like this before—flustered, caught off guard, and yet, she couldn't deny how much she liked this side of him. Before she could respond, Ali pulled back slightly, his hand still resting on her waist as he grinned at her.

"You know," he said, his tone playful, "I've been thinking. You made it pretty clear how you feel about me. Maybe it's time I return the favor."

Jazz blinked, her heart skipping another beat. "What... what do you mean?"

Ali leaned in again, his lips dangerously close to her ear. "I'm not holding back anymore, Jazz. Not with you."

For the first time in her life, Princess Jazz—confident, composed, always in control—was completely at a loss for words.

Across the gym, Sara and Ahmed watched the scene unfold, their jaws practically on the floor.

"Who is this guy?" Ahmed whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. "And what did he do with our friend?"

Sara, equally stunned, let out a low whistle. "I don't know, but... damn, this is something else."

Ahmed chuckled. "I guess Jazz finally got what she wanted."

Sara smirked. "Looks like our boy is ready to play."

As the practice session came to an end, the buzz in the gym hadn't died down. Everyone was talking about Ali—the way he had walked straight up to Jazz, shirtless and confident, and pulled her into an open flirtation that left even the coolest princess blushing. It was the talk of the campus.

Jazz, now walking beside Ali as they left the gym, couldn't help but glance over at him, still slightly in shock from what had just happened.

"You're full of surprises," she admitted, her voice quieter now that they were out of earshot of the crowd.

Ali grinned, that same self-assured look still on his face. "I figured it was about time I stopped hiding. You seem to like this version of me."

Jazz smirked, finally regaining some of her composure. "I might. But don't let it go to your head."

Ali chuckled. "Too late."

As they walked off together, it was clear to everyone around them: Ali was no longer the shy, reserved guy who had once avoided the spotlight. He was owning it—owning her—and Jazz, for once, wasn't the one calling all the shots.

For the first time, she had met her match, and she loved every second of it.