Morning light leaked through the curtains, sharp and unforgiving. My stomach twisted somewhere between nerves and leftover embarrassment. Jay was already up, brushing her hair with a vengeance. "You drool when you think," she muttered.
"Do not."
"Do too. Also, Yuri." She smirked. "You're welcome for last night's audience."
"Jay!" My face went nuclear.
Downstairs, Section E was pure chaos again—suitcases, empty mugs, Keifer narrating everyone's packing like it was a survival show. C‑in was arguing that his soda mix was a "cultural moment." Through it all, Yuri moved quietly, folding blankets, laughing under his breath.
He looked too calm. That dangerous calm that said he remembered everything.
I'd just poured cereal I wasn't hungry for when his voice cut through the chatter. "Jane… can I talk to you for a sec?"
Before I could answer, Jare straightened from where he was hauling gear to the door. Protective big-brother mode, even if we were the same age down to the minute. "Talk? About what?" His eyes flicked from me to Yuri, sharp and unamused. "Seemed like you said plenty last night."
Keifer's mouth dropped open. Jay snorted. The room went so still even the cereal crackled louder than usual.
Yuri didn't flinch. "Just a conversation, man. Nothing crazy."
Jare crossed his arms. "Better not be."
I nudged him lightly. "Relax. It's fine." His protective look didn't fade, but he stepped back just enough to let me pass.
Outside, on the patio, the sunlight was blinding. I folded my arms, nerves back. Yuri shoved his hands into his pockets. "Sorry about that," he said, nodding toward the house. "Guess I should've expected the family guard dog."
"He means well," I said, smiling before I could stop myself. "And he's right—you did say plenty."
Yuri's laugh was low, genuine. "Would you believe me if I said I meant every word?"
"I do," I said softly. "That's the problem."
Jay's shout cut through the air. "Jane! The car's leaving in five— unless jare wants to interrogate another guy!"
Yuri grinned. "See you Monday?"
I nodded, heart tripping. "Yeah. Monday.".