(Jay's POV)
Finally. I was home.
The door shut behind me with a satisfying click. I kicked off my shoes and sank onto the couch.
"Rough day?" Mom asked, appearing from the kitchen with a cup of juice in hand.
"You could say that," I groaned. "Everyone in my class is insane."
Mom raised an eyebrow. "Insane… or just not like the polite girls you're used to?"
"I don't know, Mom," I muttered, flopping back. "I mean… they're funny, loud, teasing… and then there's Keifer."
She laughed softly. "Ah, Keifer. The school president, right? Heard a lot about him?"
"You mean the terrifying, cold, perfect boy everyone fears?" I added dramatically.
Mom smirked. "Perfect for you to test your limits, I'd say. But, Jay, do you want me to ask for a class transfer?"
I shook my head immediately. "No. No way. I want to stay in 3-E. I can handle it… I think."
Before Mom could reply, Aries barged into the room like he owned it.
"Jay!" he exclaimed. "Do you even remember anything I told you about the school this morning?"
I turned to him. "Of course I do. I remember everything. The classrooms, the cafeteria, the… uh…" I paused, thinking. "…do you remember what you told me about 3-B?"
Aries put his hands on his hips. "Exactly. You're officially in the most… interesting class in the entire school. Are you sure you're ready?"
"I survived," I said confidently. "Even argued with Keifer Watson before lunch."
Aries gasped. "You did what?!"
I smiled innocently. "Exchanged words. Friendly words."
Aries looked like he might faint.
Mom chuckled softly. "Friendly words?"
"Yes, Mom," I said, rolling my eyes. "Nothing more."
Then Dad appeared in the doorway, looking casual but smiling.
"Sounds like you had a full day, kiddo," he said. "Want to tell me about it?"
I launched into the story—how I met Keifer, the teasing, David showing me around, and Matilda. I even exaggerated a little for dramatic effect.
Dad laughed heartily. "I'm impressed. You handled yourself well. And honestly… it sounds fun."
I grinned. "Fun? I think they might be out to get me. But I'm surviving… barely."
Dad chuckled and waved a hand. "Well, survival skills are important. By the way…" He leaned down, lowering his voice like he had a secret. "I bought you a car."
I froze. "A… car?"
"Yes. You can take it tomorrow if you want."
I blinked. "Uh… thanks, Dad… but can I still take my motorbike instead?"
Before he could answer, Mom appeared beside me with arms crossed. "Excuse me, Jay… you want to go to school riding a bike? Every day?"
I groaned dramatically. "But Mommmmm…"
"New car," she said firmly. "Or you go with Aries every day."
I blinked. "…New car," I said reluctantly.
"Good choice," Mom said.
Aries groaned in the background. "Dad! She didn't even ask me first! This is unfair!"
Dad laughed, shaking his head. "Aries, that's how it goes. You'll survive. Don't worry."
I watched as Aries stomped over to my dad, arms crossed. "Seriously, Dad, she's going to take over everything. I can't compete with a new car."
Dad patted him on the shoulder. "Just remember, kid, you're still the vice-president. She'll respect your authority… most of the time."
Aries muttered something under his breath, clearly not convinced.
Meanwhile, I leaned back, sipping the last bit of juice in my glass. This was nice. Really nice.
We all laughed together, Dad making silly faces, Mom teasing me about surviving the first day, Aries grumbling in the background about his "unfair" fate.
Even Angelo called later to check if I was behaving. I told him I survived—mostly. He sighed, warned me again about "pranks and chaos," and hung up.
Later that evening, I sat in my new car, the keys warm in my hand. I stared at the dashboard.
I couldn't wait for tomorrow.
Because whether I liked it or not… my life at HVIS was officially starting.
And if the first day was any indication… chaos, teasing, and unexpected friendships were just the beginning.