Chapter: Unexpected Softness (Jay's POV)
I didn't plan on getting a new best friend.
I especially didn't plan on getting one from another section.
But life clearly enjoys surprising me.
It started small.
After the whole Calix–Mica reunion drama (which I obviously handled perfectly), Mica texted me.
Mica: "Thank you. Really."
I stared at the message for a full minute.
Why does "really" feel heavier than it should?
Me: "Don't thank me. I just hate stupidity."
She replied with a laughing emoji.
And somehow… that was the beginning.
The next day, she came to my classroom during break.
Section E immediately went silent.
That's always a bad sign.
Keifer.
Yuri.
Cin.
David.
Emman.
Eren.
Rory.
Wrdix.
Mayo.
Kit.
Blaster.
Calix.
Felix.
All staring like they're watching a new episode of a drama.
Mica waved shyly. "Hi."
I stood up immediately. "Ignore them. They bite."
Blaster gasped. "We do not."
"You do," I said calmly. "Emotionally."
Mica laughed softly.
Keifer leaned back in his chair, watching carefully.
Always watching.
Suspicious creature.
"Want to go to the canteen?" Mica asked me.
I blinked.
No one asks me that softly.
"Sure," I said, pretending I wasn't slightly happy.
As we walked out, I heard Yuri whisper, "She adopted another one."
Cin replied, "Mother Jay expanding her family."
I didn't even turn back.
Progress.
Canteen.
We sat with two juices and zero chaos.
Peaceful.
Suspiciously peaceful.
"You're different than I thought," Mica said.
"Oh? Worse?"
She smiled. "Better."
I raised an eyebrow. "Careful. I have a reputation."
"I know," she said. "People say you're scary."
"I am."
She looked at me calmly. "No. You're protective."
That hit somewhere deeper than I expected.
Protective?
Is that what I am?
I looked away. "Don't analyze me. I charge fees."
She giggled.
God.
She giggles.
Softly.
Not like Section E hyenas.
And somehow, I felt relaxed.
"Do you ever get tired?" she asked.
"Of what?"
"Acting strong."
I froze slightly.
No one asks that.
No one notices that.
I shrugged. "Strong is easier."
She nodded slowly.
"I get that."
And in that moment—
I realized something.
She understands silence.
She doesn't rush to fill it.
She just sits.
And stays.
Soon it became routine.
She'd wait for me after class.
I'd walk her to Section C.
We'd text at night about random things.
She sends voice notes.
I send sarcastic replies.
She calls me "dramatic."
I call her "softie."
One day she brought extra chocolate.
"For you," she said.
I stared at it like it was illegal.
"You don't have to bribe me."
"It's not a bribe."
"Then?"
"A friend gesture."
Friend.
The word felt… nice.
Dangerously nice.
Back in Section E, they noticed immediately.
Felix leaned toward me. "You smile more."
"I do not."
"You do."
Cin nodded. "It's subtle. But it's there."
Keifer stayed quiet.
Again.
But his eyes followed us whenever Mica came near.
Not jealous.
Just observing.
And I don't know why—
But that made me slightly aware.
One afternoon, Mica rested her head on my shoulder while we were sitting outside.
Just casually.
Like it was natural.
And instead of pushing her away—
I stayed still.
Because it felt… safe.
"You're important to me," she said softly.
My throat tightened.
No one says that to me without sarcasm.
"You're annoying," I replied.
She smiled. "That's your way of saying it back?"
I didn't answer.
But I didn't move either.
Later that day, Keifer walked beside me.
"You like her," he said casually.
"As a friend," I replied instantly.
He nodded slowly.
"That's good."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing."
He looked ahead.
But there was something in his tone.
Something thoughtful.
Maybe even relieved.
And that confused me more.
I never thought I'd let someone new get this close.
But Mica doesn't force her way in.
She just… stays.
And somehow—
I'm not pushing her away.
Maybe I needed someone who doesn't challenge me.
Doesn't compete.
Doesn't argue.
Just listens.
And for the first time in a long time—
I don't feel like I'm fighting.
Maybe…
I'm healing.
And that scares me less than I expected.