Jayjay POV
We stepped into the living room, and there it was: Angelo and Aunty Gemma, calm, completely prepared for Hex.
Aunty Gemma came forward first, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Hex. "You must be Charles, right?"
Hex groaned. "Nooo… I'm Hex."
I tried to hide a laugh. Of course, he had to correct her.
Aunty Gemma smiled warmly. "Well, Hex, you're such a polite little boy… and cute too!"
Hex gave a small smile, the tiniest twitch of his lips. Then, he turned to Keifer, who was still holding the giant box of his belongings like it weighed nothing.
"Aunty Gemma, could you please help him? He looks like he's about to collapse with that thing," Hex teased.
Aunty Gemma looked at Keifer.
Hex continued, smirking, "Seriously, Keifer… it's heavy. Why aren't you putting it down? Are you trying to look silly?"
Keifer raised an eyebrow. "I can handle it. No problem."
Hex rolled his eyes. "Right… sure. The mighty Keifer, hero of heavy boxes. Please, I'd believe a squirrel could do better."
Keifer smirked. "Oh really? A squirrel, huh? Better than a bossy little boy complaining about weight he can't even lift."
"Oh, please! I'm not complaining! I'm just… giving advice. For your own good. You'd drop it and cry if I didn't warn you!" Hex shot back.
I covered my mouth, trying not to laugh. Oh lord… these two are going to give me a headache.
"Enough!" Aunty Gemma clapped her hands. "Keifer, come on! I'll help you bring Hex's things inside."
She called upstairs. "Aries!"
"Coming!" came the groggy voice.
While Aunty Gemma and Keifer went to bring the suitcases inside, it was just me, Hex, and Angelo in the living room.
Angelo approached Hex confidently. "I'm Angelo Fernandez. This is my house, and everyone follows my rules."
Hex looked at him, expressionless. Then, smirked a little. "I follow only Jayjay's rules. And I'm here because of her."
Angelo blinked but didn't push it. Then Aries appeared at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes went wide. "Wait… who's he?"
I answered for him. "He's the one you've been asking about."
"Ohhh…" Aries said, stepping closer. "I'm Aries Fernandez. What's your name?"
Hex didn't move. Just stared at him like he was his sworn enemy.
Aries looked at me. "Jayjay, why isn't he talking?"
"I can talk," Hex finally said, flatly.
Aries tilted his head. "So… why do you have a problem with me? I mean… I'm just meeting you."
Hex's eyes narrowed. "I'm Charles, but friends call me Hex. And I know you well."
Aries blinked. "Hi… Hex?"
Hex tilted his head. "I said my friends."
"I know," he muttered.
And then it started. Aries, trying to be playful, teasing Hex lightly: "So, Hex… you're really serious all the time, huh? Don't you smile at anyone?"
Hex, deadpan, shot back: "I smile when it's necessary. And I know you. That's… not necessary."
Aries chuckled. "Oh, come on! I'm just saying hi! You don't have to be so serious. You're in a new house, meeting new people!"
Hex's stare could freeze a glacier. "I said my friends. You're not my friend. I know you. That's enough."
Aries, now mock-offended: "Ohhh, am I a stranger now? Fine, Hex. I'll remember. But… you're kind of funny, too, even if you're all serious."
Aries ruffled his hair anyway, laughing. "Thanks."
Hex groaned. "Don't touch my hair. Also… you have a problem."
I snorted quietly. Typical. He's annoyed, but secretly tolerating it.
Finally, Aunty Gemma returned with the suitcase, Keifer carrying the PS5.
"Let me show you your room, Hex," Aunty Gemma said, gesturing grandly.
Hex picked up his school bag and followed them obediently. I trailed behind while Aries whispered to me: "What's his problem?"
I shrugged. "Same as mine."
"Good luck with him," I muttered, smirking.
Aries couldn't resist teasing Hex on the way. He ruffled Hex's hair repeatedly, and Hex groaned every time, deadpan, but I could tell he secretly didn't mind.