Jay's POV
My phone rang when I was barely conscious.
I squinted at the screen, groaning before I even answered."Hello…?"
"Good morning, sleepyhead."
David.
I rolled onto my back. "Do you know what time it is?"
"Yes," he said cheerfully. "And in thirty minutes, I'll be outside your place."
I pushed myself up instantly. "What? Why? I can come by myself."
"Nope," he replied. "You'll be late. And I refuse to let Cin's birthday start with you running in like a disaster."
I huffed. "You're dramatic."
"And you're slow," he shot back. "Shower. Now."
I laughed softly. "Okay, okay."
The call ended, and chaos began.
I rushed through a shower, did my skincare with half-closed eyes, threw on clothes, and tied my hair up without thinking too hard. When I stepped outside, David was already there, leaning against the car like he owned the street.
He looked me up and down.
"…No makeup?" he said slowly. "Wow. Cin might pass out."
I glared at him. "Say one more word."
He grinned. "Relax. I'm joking. Mostly."
I climbed into the car, trying—and failing—not to smile.
The drive was loud. Not music-loud. Us-loud.
"So," he said, glancing at me. "Nervous?"
"No."
"That pause was suspicious."
"I paused to think about whether I should kick you out of your own car."
He laughed. "There it is. The Jay I know."
When we arrived, my confidence cracked.
I stepped into the elevator—and stopped.
Breathing suddenly felt… complicated.
David noticed immediately. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," I said too fast.
He raised an eyebrow. "You're lying."
I sighed.
He rested a hand on my shoulder. "Look. Worst case? You see Keifer. Best case? You survive. Either way, the world doesn't end."
I stared at him.
He smirked. "Also, you're terrifying when you're annoyed. No one's messing with you."
I glared.
He softened. "I'm here. You'll be okay."
The elevator doors opened.
As we stepped out, he leaned in and whispered, "If things get awkward, just pretend you're royalty and everyone else is background noise."
I snorted.
Then—
"JAY!"
Something launched itself at me.
I yelped as Cin jumped, wrapping his arms around me so hard we both nearly fell.
"YOU'RE HERE," he shouted, shaking me. "MY ANNOYING PARTNER IN CRIME IS HERE."
Section E burst out laughing.
I laughed too, breathless. "You're crushing me!"
He finally let go, staring like he needed proof. "You're really here."
"I said I would be."
We talked—too much, too fast—until Rakki appeared at my side.
"Jay," she whispered. "Did you give him the gift?"
I shook my head.
Her eyes lit up. "Come on. We'll do it together."
As we walked over, I noticed something off.
Mica was turned away from Calix. He kept trying to talk, reaching for her hand, while Eren, Blaster, and Drew hovered nearby, clearly trying to calm him down.
Mica didn't look angry.
She looked hurt.
"What happened?" I whispered to Rakki.
She hesitated. "She didn't like how Calix acted. How he didn't stop Section E… even after you helped him."
My chest tightened.
I walked over slowly. "Mica?"
She looked at me, eyes glossy. "He didn't even try, Jay. Just excuses. 'You know I can't stop Keifer.'"
"Mica—"
"I didn't do it just for you," she cut in softly. "I don't like who he's becoming."
I swallowed. "But… the effort. Everything we did together—don't let it go to waste. Please. For our friendship."
She stared at the floor.
Then nodded.
I smiled, even though something inside me felt heavy.
Cin suddenly appeared in front of us.
I handed him the jar.
"What's this?" he asked.
"One egg a day," I said. "Each one has a surprise."
He stared.
Then started crying.
I froze. "Cin—did you not like it?"
Rakki blinked at Cin, clearly confused."Cin… you used to love gifts like this," she said gently. "Why are you crying?"
He wiped his eyes quickly, shaking his head."No—no, I do love it," he said, voice cracking but smiling now. "This is so good. And exciting. I can't wait."
I chuckled softly, nudging him with my shoulder. "Obviously. I believe I'm just too good to you."
He laughed through the tears, hugging the jar like it was treasure.
I stepped away for a moment, letting the noise and laughter carry on around me, when something big and familiar caught my eye.
A Snorlax.
A full-on Snorlax costume, wobbling slightly as it waved at someone.
My eyes lit up.
"Oh my—"
Before my brain could stop me, I ran.
"SNORLAX!" I yelled, launching myself at it. "I LOVE YOU!"
The poor thing stumbled but caught me, arms flailing as I clung to it like my life depended on it. I laughed, pressing a dramatic kiss to its oversized cheek.
"I would die for you," I announced seriously.
That's when I felt it.
A burning glare.
Sharp. Heavy. Familiar.
I didn't turn around. I didn't need to.
Still hugging Snorlax, I leaned in and kissed the costume's cheek again—extra loud this time.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a jaw clench.
Hard.
Cin gasped behind me. "JAY!" He pointed dramatically. "Do you even know there's a boy inside that costume?!"
I nodded calmly. "Yes."
Silence.
Then chaos.
Rakki appeared out of nowhere, grabbing my arm and the Snorlax's sleeve at the same time. "JAY! MOVE. NOW."
She dragged us both behind a pillar.
"HE WAS INCHES AWAY FROM ATTACKING THE SNORLAX," she hissed. "I SAW HIM. HE RAN AFTER IT."
I blinked. "…Oh."
That explained the rage.
I gently pushed the Snorlax behind me like a shield. "You're safe now," I whispered seriously.
The Snorlax gave a thumbs up.
Rakki rolled her eyes and shoved me forward just as Cin grabbed her arm, dragging her away toward the crowd.
I sighed, finally breathing.
I started walking again—alone this time—when suddenly—
A hand closed around mine.
Firm. Warm.
I froze.
Of course.
I didn't even need to look.
"Wow," I muttered. "Just my luck."
I slowly turned my head.
Keifer.
Standing right there.
And judging by the look in his eyes…Snorlax wasn't the only thing that almost got attacked.