After lunch, the Crimson Oaths walked out of the canteen together. The air felt lighter, but my heart didn't—because Keifer kept staring at me like I was some kind of puzzle he wanted to solve.
Adrian whispered, "Jay, he's looking at you again."
"I know," I muttered. "I can feel it. Like a laser."
Bella giggled. "A love laser."
I groaned. "Please stop."
But Keifer walked right beside me anyway, calm and confident, like he belonged there.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Back to the dorm," I said. "We need to rest."
He raised an eyebrow. "Rest? Or hide from me?"
I almost tripped. "I'm not hiding!"
"Good," he said softly. "I'd find you anyway."
My face heated. Adrian made a choking sound. Mila covered her mouth. Daniel whispered, "This is getting dangerous."
Back at the Dorm
We reached our room. The moment we stepped inside, I threw myself on my bed.
"I'm done," I said. "I'm tired. I'm stressed. And I'm hungry again."
"You just ate," Daniel said.
"I burn calories from stress," I replied.
Adrian laughed. "You burn calories from Keifer."
I threw a pillow at him.
But then—someone knocked.
A soft, calm knock.
My soul left my body.
Mila whispered, "Jay… that's him."
Bella squealed into her sketchbook.
I opened the door a tiny bit.
Keifer stood there, hands in his pockets, looking annoyingly perfect.
"Can I come in?" he asked.
"No," I said.
He pushed the door open anyway.
"Too bad," he said, stepping inside.
Adrian whispered, "He's fearless."
Keifer looked around the room, then at me. "I came to check if you're still alive."
"I'm fine," I said. "Totally fine. Super fine."
"You're shaking," he said.
"I'm cold!" I snapped.
"It's warm in here," he replied.
I glared. He smirked.
Study Time… Or Not
We sat at the small wooden table. Keifer pulled out his notes.
"We have homework," he said.
I blinked. "Homework? Already?"
"This is Black Hollow," he said. "We survive by learning."
I groaned loudly.
He leaned closer. "I can help you."
"I don't need help," I said.
"You do," he replied.
I shoved his shoulder. "Stop acting like you know everything."
He leaned even closer, voice low. "I know you."
My heart did a backflip.
Bella whispered, "OH MY GOD."
Adrian whispered, "Jayfer is real."
Daniel sighed. "I can't escape this."
Mila hid behind her book.
Keifer pointed at the page. "Focus."
"I am focusing," I said.
"On me," he said.
I choked on air.
He smiled—slow, dangerous, teasing.
A Walk Before Dinner
Around 4:30, we left the dorm to walk around the courtyard. The sun was low, the air cool, and the trees whispered like they were alive.
Keifer walked beside me again.
"You walk fast," he said.
"You walk slow," I replied.
He smirked. "Or maybe you're running away."
"I'm not running!"
"Then stay close," he said.
He brushed his hand against mine—just a tiny touch—but it felt like electricity.
I pulled my hand away quickly. "Don't do that."
"Why?" he asked. "Does it bother you?"
"Yes," I said.
He stepped closer. "Good."
I almost screamed.
Dinner Time Approaches
By 5:00, we were back inside. Students rushed to the canteen. The Crimson Oaths waved at us.
Lyra smirked. "You two look cozy."
"We're not cozy!" I yelled.
Keifer calmly said, "We are."
I stepped on his foot.
He didn't even flinch.
We sat down for dinner. The food was warm, the room loud, and the teasing nonstop.
Adrian whispered, "Jay, he keeps staring at you."
"I KNOW," I hissed.
Keifer leaned closer. "You're loud today."
"You make me loud," I snapped.
He smiled. "I like that."
My heart exploded.
Bella squealed. Mila covered her face. Daniel sighed. Lyra laughed.
Dinner ended at 6:15.
We walked back to the dorms. The sky was darker now. The wind colder.
Keifer stopped in front of me.
"Stay inside after 6:30," he said quietly. "No matter what you hear."
I swallowed. "Why?"
He looked at me with something serious in his eyes. "Because I don't want anything to happen to you."
My chest tightened.
He stepped back slowly.
"See you tomorrow, Jay."
And he walked away.
I stood frozen.
Adrian whispered, "Oh… he's in DEEP."
Bella squealed again. Mila smiled softly. Daniel shook his head.
The clock hit 6:29.
And the first whisper echoed down the hallway.