๐ค Jay's POV โ Section E
Monday.
โ
The moment I stepped into the classroomโ
โ
My eyes went there.
โ
His seat.
โ
Empty.
โ
Of course it is.
โ
London.
โ
Two weeks.
โ
I wonder what he's doing right now.
Is he already busy with meetings?
Or standing somewhere aloneโฆ thinking?
โ
My fingers tightened slightly around my bag.
โ
His birthday is next week.
โ
Would he celebrate?
Or ignore it like everything else?
โ
I looked away immediately.
โ
Stop thinking about him.
โ
I walked in fully.
โ
And just like thatโ
Everything went quiet.
โ
Section E.
โ
Same people.
Same place.
โ
But nowโ
they look at me differently.
โ
Guilt.
Carefulness.
Effort.
โ
I didn't react.
โ
Just walked to my seatโ
sat downโ
opened my notebook.
โ
Like nothing mattered.
โ
"JAY JAY."
โ
I exhaled softly.
โ
There he is.
โ
I turned.
โ
CI N.
โ
Grinning like he didn't just destroy my peace.
โ
"You're alive," he said dramatically. "Amazing. I thought Jason kidnapped you permanently."
โ
"โฆWhy are you obsessed with him?"
โ
"Because he exists," he said. "And I don't like that."
โ
I rolled my eyes.
โ
"You don't even know him."
โ
"I don't need to. His face is enough."
โ
"That's your problem."
โ
"That's my instinct."
โ
I almost smiled.
โ
Almost.
โ
He leaned closer.
โ
"Also," he added, whispering loudly, "why do you go with him every day? Likeโฆ voluntarily?"
โ
"He picks me up."
โ
"And you GO."
โ
"Yes?"
โ
"Suspicious behavior."
โ
I shook my head.
โ
"You're impossible."
โ
"And you're avoiding the question."
โ
"Because it's none of your business."
โ
He gasped. "Everything about you is my business."
โ
"โฆThat's concerning."
โ
"Emotionally."
โ
"Still concerning."
โ
He grinned.
โ
And just like thatโ
โ
It felt normal.
โ
Because I've already forgiven him.
โ
He messed up.
โ
But he didn't mean it.
โ
And that matters.
โ
The rest?
โ
Stillโฆ processing.
โ
โ
Behind himโ
everyone else.
โ
Quiet.
โ
Careful.
โ
Trying.
โ
I noticed.
โ
Of course I did.
โ
Class started.
โ
And something strange happenedโ
โ
No one disturbed me.
โ
No unnecessary comments.
โ
No jokes.
โ
Just silence.
โ
Respect.
โ
Effort.
โ
And I noticed that too.
โ
Thought
They're trying.
โ
Not loudly.
โ
Not forcefully.
โ
Justโฆ
carefully.
โ
Maybe that matters more.
โ
โ
๐ Between Classes
One by oneโ
they started.
โ
Not all at once.
โ
Not overwhelming.
โ
Just small steps.
โ
Yuri came first.
โ
"Heyโฆ if you need notes, I've got extra."
"Andโฆ I'll stop talking in class. At leastโฆ around you."
โ
I nodded slightly.
โ
"Okay."
โ
David next.
โ
"I didn't know how to say sorry properly."
"But I meant it. I still do."
โ
I looked at him briefly.
โ
"Noted."
โ
Calix.
โ
"I won't interfere anymoreโฆ unless you want me to."
"And I'll earn your trust back. Slowly."
โ
No reply.
โ
But I didn't ignore him.
โ
That was enough.
โ
Felix.
โ
"I'll stop joking at wrong times."
"Andโฆ I'll think before speaking. For once."
โ
"โฆThat would be new."
โ
He smiled faintly.
โ
Drew.
โ
"I messed up. I know that."
"But I'm not repeating it again."
โ
Eren.
โ
"I'll stay out of your way if that helps."
"But I'm hereโฆ if you ever need anything."
โ
Josh.
โ
"I won't push you to talk."
"But I'll wait till you're ready."
โ
Denzel.
โ
"I'm not good with wordsโฆ"
"But I won't hurt you again."
โ
Mayo.
โ
"I'll keep things normal."
"No pressure. No forcing."
โ
Kit.
โ
"I'll respect your space."
"And your silence."
โ
Silence filled the space again.
โ
But this timeโ
โ
It wasn't heavy.
โ
It wasโฆ
understanding.
โ
And I felt it.
โ
Slowly.
โ
Something easing inside me.
โ
Not fully.
โ
But enough.
โ
โ
๐ฝ๏ธ Lunch Break
We sat together.
โ
This timeโ
less awkward.
โ
Still careful.
โ
But better.
โ
CI N opened his lunch box like a show.
โ
"Today's menu: survival-level cooking."
โ
Felix leaned in. "We're all dying."
โ
"Negative energy," CI N snapped. "Jay Jay will taste first."
โ
"Why me?"
โ
"Because you're strong."
โ
"โฆOr disposable?"
โ
"Same thing."
โ
I took a bite.
โ
Paused.
โ
"โฆIt's actually good."
โ
He froze.
โ
Then stood up.
โ
"SHE SAID IT'S GOOD."
โ
"Sit down."
โ
"THIS IS HISTORY."
โ
"CI N."
โ
"Yes, my queen."
โ
"Sit."
โ
"Yes, ma'am."
โ
A small smile escaped me.
โ
This timeโ
โ
I didn't hide it.
โ
And they saw.
โ
Of course they did.
โ
Relief spread instantly.
โ
Yuri relaxed.
Felix leaned back.
David smiled.
โ
And CI Nโ
โ
looked like he just won a championship.
โ
โ
Thought
This feelsโฆ
lighter.
โ
Not fixed.
โ
But not broken either.
โ
Maybeโฆ
we're getting there.
โ
โ
Thenโ
CI N leaned toward me again.
โ
"Also," he said, "that Jason guyโ"
โ
I sighed.
โ
"Again?"
โ
"Yes, again," he said. "He gives very 'I will ruin your life politely' vibes."
โ
I choked slightly.
โ
"โฆWhat?"
โ
"I don't trust calm people," he continued seriously. "They're dangerous."
โ
"That's very specific."
โ
"That's very accurate."
โ
I shook my head.
โ
"You're impossible."
โ
"And yet," he grinned, "I'm your favorite."
โ
"โฆDebatable."
โ
"Not debatable."
โ
A pause.
โ
Thenโ
โ
"Justโฆ be careful, okay?" he added quietly.
โ
I looked at him.
โ
No jokes.
โ
No drama.
โ
Just concern.
โ
Real.
โ
"I can handle myself."
โ
"I know," he said. "That's what scares me."
โ
Silence.
โ
Thenโ
โ
"If he kidnaps you," he added, "call me. I'll bring snacks."
โ
"โฆYou're useless."
โ
"I'm emotional support."
โ
"Barely."
โ
He grinned.
โ
And just like thatโ
โ
everything felt normal again.
โ
โ
Thought
They don't know.
โ
About my work.
About who I really am.
โ
And maybeโ
โ
that's good.
โ
Because hereโ
โ
I'm just Jay.
โ
Not a name.
Not a title.
โ
Justโฆ
me.
โ
But stillโ
โ
My eyes drifted once more.
โ
To that empty seat.
โ
London.
โ
Next weekโ
his birthday.
โ
A slow breath left me.
โ
"Let's seeโฆ" I whispered.
โ
Because something tells meโ
โ
This story isn't over yet.
๐ค Jay's POV โ Friday
Friday.
โ
I walked into Section Eโ
โ
And the first thing I sawโ
โ
That bag.
โ
On my desk.
โ
Again.
โ
A big bag.
โ
Filled.
โ
With my favorite snacks.
โ
Chocolates.
Chips.
Drinks.
โ
Everything.
โ
I stopped for a second.
โ
They did it again.
โ
They've been doing it every day this week.
โ
And somehowโ
โ
It hasn't stopped surprising me.
โ
I walked closer slowlyโ
โ
put my bag downโ
โ
and opened theirs.
โ
Still untouched.
โ
Not even one missing.
โ
I blinked slightly.
โ
They didn't eat it.
โ
Not even CI N.
โ
That'sโฆ impressive.
โ
Thought
Growth.
โ
Miracles exist.
โ
"Jay Jay has arrived."
โ
I didn't even turn this time.
โ
"Good morning, CI N."
โ
He gasped loudly.
โ
"Wow. Full sentence. Eye contact soon?"
โ
"Don't push it."
โ
"Noted."
โ
I sat down.
โ
And this timeโ
โ
they didn't hesitate.
โ
Felix sat across.
Yuri leaned back comfortably.
David joined in.
โ
Normal.
โ
Almost.
โ
Not fully.
โ
But close.
โ
Thought
We're not okay.
โ
But we'reโฆ better.
โ
And that's enough.
โ
"By the way," CI N said, grabbing a chip from his OWN lunch this time, "we deserve appreciation."
โ
"For what?"
โ
"For not eating your snacks."
โ
"That's basic decency."
โ
"That's sacrifice."
โ
I gave him a look.
โ
He grinned.
โ
Thenโ
โ
his eyes narrowed slightly.
โ
Danger.
โ
I know that look.
โ
"Ohhh," he dragged the word, leaning forward, "someone looksโฆ distracted today."
โ
"I look normal."
โ
"You look like you're thinking about someone."
โ
I paused.
โ
Just for a second.
โ
Too fast.
โ
But he caught it.
โ
Of course he did.
โ
CI N sat up straight dramatically.
โ
"GUYS."
โ
"Noโ"
โ
"She's missing someone."
โ
"I'm not."
โ
"Oh, she is," Felix added immediately.
โ
"Definitely," Yuri nodded.
โ
"100%," David joined.
โ
I stared at them.
โ
Traitors.
โ
CI N leaned closer.
โ
"Should I say the name?"
โ
"Don't."
โ
"Starts with Kโฆ"
โ
"CI N."
โ
"Ends withโฆ trouble."
โ
Laughter.
โ
Of course.
โ
I glared at him.
โ
Hard.
โ
He raised both hands.
โ
"Okay okay, but come onโ"
โ
"No."
โ
"Of course we noticed," he continued anyway. "You keep looking at his empty seat like it's going to talk back."
โ
I froze slightly.
โ
Did I?
โ
No.
โ
Maybe.
โ
Shut up.
โ
Yuri chuckled. "It's kind of obvious."
โ
Felix smirked. "Very obvious."
โ
David added, "Painfully obvious."
โ
I crossed my arms.
โ
"I'm going to throw something."
โ
CI N grinned wider.
โ
"Violence won't hide your feelings, Jay Jay."
โ
"I don't have feelings."
โ
"That's a lie."
โ
"That's a fact."
โ
"Then explain prom night."
โ
Silence.
โ
Dangerous silence.
โ
My eyes narrowed.
โ
"Don't."
โ
Too late.
โ
"Oh come on," CI N laughed, "we ALL saw how he carried you out."
โ
My jaw tightened.
โ
Of course they did.
โ
Of course they remember THAT.
โ
Felix leaned in. "That was dramatic."
โ
Yuri nodded. "Very cinematic."
โ
David smirked. "Veryโฆ personal."
โ
I glared at all of them.
โ
One by one.
โ
Murder.
โ
Pure murder.
โ
CI N wasn't done.
โ
Of course he wasn't.
โ
"He literally picked you up likeโ" he gestured, "โand just left."
โ
"I remember."
โ
"I think the whole school remembers."
โ
"CI N."
โ
"Yes, my angry queen."
โ
"Stop."
โ
He leaned back, laughing.
โ
"Okay okay, but admit itโ"
โ
"I will not."
โ
"You miss him."
โ
"I don't."
โ
"You do."
โ
"I don't."
โ
"You do."
โ
"I DON'T."
โ
Silence.
โ
Thenโ
โ
laughter.
โ
Loud.
โ
Annoying.
โ
Unnecessary.
โ
I closed my eyes briefly.
โ
Why do I sit here?
โ
Why do I tolerate this?
โ
Oh rightโ
โ
Because a part of meโ
โ
doesn't hate it.
โ
And that's the problem.
โ
Thought
Do I miss him?
โ
โฆ
โ
No.
โ
Maybe.
โ
Shut up.
โ
I grabbed a chocolate from the bag and threw it at CI N.
โ
He caught it instantly.
โ
"Gift accepted."
โ
"It's a weapon."
โ
"Still accepted."
โ
I shook my head.
โ
"You're all idiots."
โ
Felix smiled. "Your idiots."
โ
"โฆDon't say that."
โ
"Too late."
โ
Yuri added softly, "At least you're talking to us now."
โ
I paused.
โ
That hit.
โ
Softer.
โ
Real.
โ
I looked at themโ
โ
All of them.
โ
Not joking.
โ
Not teasing.
โ
Justโฆ there.
โ
Trying.
โ
Still.
โ
Even after everything.
โ
Thought
We're not the same.
โ
But maybeโฆ
โ
we're not broken either.
โ
I exhaled slowly.
โ
"Don't get used to it," I said.
โ
CI N grinned immediately.
โ
"Too late."
โ
"Regret it."
โ
"Never."
โ
I rolled my eyes.
โ
But this timeโ
โ
I didn't hide the small smile.
โ
And of courseโ
โ
they noticed.
โ
They always do.
โ
And somewhereโ
โ
in between the noiseโ
the teasingโ
the laughterโ
โ
My eyes drifted again.
โ
To that empty seat.
โ
London.
โ
His birthday.
โ
A slow breath left me.
โ
Thought
โฆIdiot.
โ
Then I looked away.
โ
Because I'm not giving them more material.
โ
Absolutely not.
๐ค Jay's POV โ Office
Saturday evening.
โ
I dropped into the chair in my officeโ
โ
exhausted.
โ
Completely.
โ
This week?
โ
Insane.
โ
Meetings.
Decisions.
People.
Endless work.
โ
Sometimes flying to NYCโ
โ
and coming back the same day.
โ
Who even does that?
โ
Oh right.
โ
Me.
โ
I leaned back, closing my eyes for a second.
โ
Thought
I'm actually doing it.
โ
Handling things.
โ
Learning fast.
โ
Not bad, Jay.
โ
A small smile formedโ
โ
then disappeared just as quickly.
โ
Because my eyes fell on the envelope on my desk.
โ
Black.
โ
Elegant.
โ
Heavy.
โ
I picked it up slowly.
โ
Opened it.
โ
And there it was.
โ
An invitation.
โ
London.
โ
Sunday.
โ
His birthday.
โ
My fingers paused on the paper.
โ
Keifer.
โ
So he's really there.
โ
Already settled.
โ
Alreadyโฆ living his life.
โ
I stared at the card.
โ
As a Mariano.
โ
And Jasonโ
โ
as a Reyes.
โ
Of course.
โ
High society.
โ
Big names.
โ
Big presence.
โ
And meโ
โ
I froze.
โ
No.
โ
I can't go as a Mariano.
โ
If I doโ
โ
he'll know.
โ
Everything.
โ
That I'mโ
โ
The secret Mariano Princess.
โ
My chest tightened.
โ
No no no.
โ
That's not happening.
โ
Not like this.
โ
Not yet.
โ
I placed the card downโ
โ
then picked it up again.
โ
But I have to go.
โ
What ifโ
โ
What if he's thereโ
โ
smiling.
โ
Charming.
โ
Talking to some London girlโ
โ
like nothing ever happened.
โ
My jaw clenched.
โ
No.
โ
Absolutely not.
โ
I will break his jaw.
โ
No hesitation.
โ
Zero mercy.
โ
I blinked.
โ
Wait.
โ
Why do I care?
โ
โฆ
โ
I looked away.
โ
Ugh.
โ
Leave it.
โ
But stillโ
โ
I need to go.
โ
Not for him.
โ
For answers.
โ
London.
โ
That's where everything connects.
โ
That's where I'll find outโ
โ
why he did all this.
โ
Why he hurt me.
โ
Why he lied.
โ
Why he stillโ
โ
My thoughts stopped abruptly.
โ
No.
โ
Focus.
โ
A knock on the door.
โ
"Come in."
โ
An employee stepped in.
โ
"Ma'am, the file Mr. Jason Reyes asked for."
โ
Oh.
โ
Right.
โ
Work.
โ
I nodded and handed it over.
โ
"Here."
โ
"Thank you, ma'am."
โ
He left.
โ
And I froze.
โ
Jason.
โ
โฆ
โ
Wait.
โ
I sat up straight.
โ
An idea forming.
โ
Slowly.
โ
Thenโ
โ
a grin.
โ
Oh.
โ
Oh this is good.
โ
Very good.
โ
"Jassโฆ" I whispered.
โ
Yeah.
โ
He's the key.
โ
I can go with him.
โ
As his guest.
โ
Not as a Mariano.
โ
Perfect.
โ
No suspicion.
โ
No reveal.
โ
No risk.
โ
Justโฆ
โ
entry.
โ
And answers.
โ
My grin widened.
โ
And thenโ
โ
another thought.
โ
Even better.
โ
What ifโ
โ
I show up with Jason.
โ
Right in front of him.
โ
At his birthday.
โ
Looking perfectly fine.
โ
Perfectly unaffected.
โ
My eyes sparkled slightly.
โ
What if he gets jealous?
โ
What if he can't take it?
โ
What ifโ
โ
he breaks.
โ
And finallyโ
โ
tells the truth himself.
โ
I leaned back, crossing my arms.
โ
Satisfied.
โ
Thought
You deserve this.
โ
Every second of it.
โ
A small, mischievous smile played on my lips.
โ
"Let's see how long you last, Mr. Mark Keifer Wastonโฆ"
โ
London, huh?
โ
I tilted my head slightly.
โ
"Game on."
A/n guys pls comment on my chapters because there are only few comments on my chapters...and give me some ideas and suggestions coz I'm running out of ideas... I will give u a shout out also
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