Jay's POV
One week later, I returned.
The moment I stepped through the school gates, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations dipped, voices lowering into murmurs that followed me like shadows.
"She's back.""I thought she wouldn't come again.""She looks… fine.""How can she walk like that after everything?"
I didn't react. I kept walking, posture straight, expression empty, my steps slow and deliberate. Every stare slid off me. If they wanted a reaction, they would leave disappointed.
By the time I reached the corridor, the whispers grew thicker. People pretended to tie their shoelaces, check their phones, whisper to the person beside them while keeping me in their peripheral vision.
I pushed open the door to Section E.
Silence.
Complete, suffocating silence.
Every head turned. No one spoke. No one smiled. No one dared.
Keifer was already there.
Seated near the back, arms crossed, gaze sharp and unreadable. He didn't look surprised. He didn't move. He just watched me, eyes cold, like he was waiting for something to crack.
I didn't give him that satisfaction.
I walked past him without a glance and took a seat near the front, placing my bag down neatly. Only then did the room begin to breathe again.
"Jay… are you okay?" someone finally asked, voice hesitant.
I didn't look at them. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't be here."
Another voice followed quickly. "We were worried about you."
I lifted my eyes slowly, meeting theirs. "Worry earlier next time. It has better timing."
That shut them up.
Sir Alvin entered soon after, sensing the tension but choosing to ignore it. Attendance went on. When my name was called, I answered calmly. When Keifer's was called, his voice was flat. No one missed the way the air tightened between those two names.
Class dragged on. Eyes stayed on me. Keifer didn't speak once.
When the lunch bell rang, chairs scraped back immediately.
"Jay, you're coming to lunch, right?" someone asked, trying to sound normal.
I stood. "I prefer eating without questions."
I left before anyone could respond.
Outside, the courtyard buzzed with noise. I leaned against the railing, arms crossed, staring ahead. Someone passing by muttered, half-joking, "You look like you're shooting a music video or something."
I glanced at him. "Let me know if I get famous."
He laughed, surprised.
That's when I felt it—something familiar.
I turned my head.
And that's when it hit me.
Kairo.
I frowned. "Kairo? How did you get here?"
He grinned. "Transfer magic."
I scoffed. "Of course."
He dropped onto the bench beside me and handed me a paper bag. "You look like you'd deny being hungry, so I brought food anyway."
I hesitated, then took it. "You're annoying."
"Accurate," he replied. "But helpful."
We ate together. He joked about already getting lost twice and nearly sitting in the wrong class. I actually smiled—small, unintentional.
For a moment, the world felt quieter.
Then I felt it again.
That stare.
I didn't turn, but I knew. Keifer stood near the doors, watching. Cold. Silent.
Kairo followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Problem?"
"Not anymore," I said calmly.
The bell rang. I stood, brushing my hands together. "Thanks for lunch."
"Anytime," he said. "You look better when you're not starving yourself."
I rolled my eyes and walked back inside.
The whispers followed again.
But this time, they didn't touch me.