After class, I was still thinking about what happened in the cafeteria. That little moment with Kiefer—it was so typical him. Dramatic. Childish. Over lollipops of all things. Honestly, if lollipops were illegal, he'd be in prison already.
And that tap… excuse me? Only I can do that. That's my privilege. My right. My constitutional duty as his girlfriend. I shook my head, trying not to laugh like a crazy person in the hallway.
A voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Was that kiss sweet?"
I blinked.
"Uh… like the strawberry lollipop he ate," I answered—then froze.
WHY DID I SAY THAT OUT LOUD?!
I slowly turned and, of course, it was Chantal Reyes—already laughing like she'd just won a prize. Perfect. Absolutely perfect. She started teasing me, even making up a little song about me and Kiefer
🎵
"Jay~ Jay~ blushing red,
Kiefer~ Kiefer~ lost his head,
Tap tap tap, lean in slow,
Oops—was that a peck? No, no~
Lips went left, hearts went boom boom,
Whole Section E shouting 'KISS!' too soon,
Jayjay ran, face on fire,
Kiefer smiling—mission higher~" 🎵
I covered my face, laughing despite myself.
"Send me that later," I said. "I might need it ."
She tilted her head. "Send it on what?"
That's when it hit me. Oh.
We didn't even have each other's numbers.
"…Right. Numbers first," I said, and we quickly exchanged contacts like this wasn't mildly embarrassing.
Class continued, but Chantal clearly had zero interest. She was busy drawing, doodling, living her best artistic life while the rest of us pretended to listen. After class, while packing my things, curiosity got the best of me.
"Besides drawing and dancing," I asked, "what else are you good at?"
She smirked, confidence written all over her face. "Designing. Singing. A few creative things."
Okay, miss multi-talented, I thought, impressed.
I smiled. "Then you should show me a nice spot for an event sometime."
She teased me the whole way toward the cafeteria. "Later. I know a special place. Only me."
Why do people like doing this to me? Why am I surrounded by dramatic humans?
Before we got there, I pulled out my phone and called Kiefer.
"I'm going somewhere with a friend," I said casually, like my heart didn't do a tiny flip every time I heard his voice.
"Where? Why?" he asked immediately. Ah yes. Protective mode activated.
"Helping with a class topic," I replied.
There was a pause. "…He or she?"
I laughed. Of course he'd ask that.
"She."
Another pause—shorter this time. "Oh. Okay. Love you."
Why does that always melt me?
"Love you too," I said, smiling like an idiot as I ended the call.
Jayjay didn't come with me.
I told myself not to think about it.
I failed.
I was opening the car door when I heard my name.
I already knew who it was.
Why are you still here?
I turned just as she stepped closer. Too close. Her hand brushed mine as I pulled the door open.
That was it.
I pulled my hand back immediately.
Enough.
"Will you stop this?"
My voice was low. Cold. Final.
She looked confused. Or pretended to be.
I didn't care.
I was about to say more when David and Yuri appeared. Yuri stepped in front of me—then suddenly sneezed.
Ach—choo!
Of course.
Too strong. Too much perfume.
"Go—" achoo! "—away."
Good. Leave.
I got into the car without another word. Yuri followed. The engine started, and I stared straight ahead.
Don't talk to me.
The ride home was silent.
At the gate, I stepped out and knocked once. Twice. Again.
The maid opened the gate and bowed. I walked past her without a word.
Inside the house, I heard Yuri apologizing for me.
I didn't stop.
I went upstairs.
"Kiefer?" Kirin's voice followed me.
"Brother… can you drop us at school tomorrow?"
I didn't answer.
I kept walking.
I entered my room and closed the door behind me.
Silence.
That was better.
Jayjay's face crossed my mind again.
Where are you?