Jay-Jay's POV
The moment I finally sat down, my legs screamed one last time before calming.
Pain… reduced.
Dignity… gone.
I leaned sideways and nudged Chantelle, who had been half-asleep through the entire class like she was paid to nap.
"Chan," I whispered. "Wake up. Class is over."
She groaned like I had committed a crime against humanity.
We stood up and headed out, except… we didn't really walk.
She leaned on me.
I leaned on her.
It was a mess.
Wow, I thought dramatically.
I'm the one who stood for two hours, and I'm supporting you.
Amazing friendship. Truly inspiring.
"Wow," I whispered to myself. "I'm in pain, and I'm supporting you. Wow."
Chan cracked one eye open. "It's your fault I'm always sleepy, you know that."
I scoffed. "Oh, of course it is."
She pointed at me lazily. "When you tell your life story one day, make sure I'm part of it. I helped you a lot."
I laughed softly. She's not wrong.
As we turned the corner, we almost bumped into Andy.
"Andy?" I blinked. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh," he said casually, lifting a box. "Delivering pastries."
I looked at Chantelle—who was now leaning heavily on me—and sighed. "Help me."
Andy didn't even hesitate. "Sure."
I handed her over.
Big mistake.
Instantly, Chan went full child mode.
"I'm sleepy," she mumbled. "Carry me."
I froze.
Andy laughed. Actually laughed. Then—like this was the most normal thing in the world—he bent down.
Next thing I knew, Chantelle was on his back.
At school.
In broad daylight.
They didn't care.
I just stood there, staring.
Am I invisible?
Is this happening?
Is this allowed?
"Cafeteria?" Andy asked.
I nodded slowly, still processing.
When we got closer, I spotted them.
Kiefer.
And wow.
Why does he look like that?
Sharp. Clean. Handsome. Like he woke up and chose violence—for my heart.
I slowed down without meaning to.
Kiefer's POV
I saw her.
The second Jay-Jay walked in, my mood lifted like someone turned the lights on inside me.
There she is.
Then I saw… something else.
A guy.
Carrying Chantelle.
On his back.
Like a baby.
Ci-N squinted. "Is that her boyfriend?"
David frowned. "That's not the real question. Can't you guys see it?"
I followed his gaze.
Jay-Jay.
The way she walked.
Different.
Slower. Careful.
My chest tightened.
Ci-N ignored all of that. "Hello? Is no one answering me? Is that Chantelle's boyfriend?"
Felix smacked the back of his head. "How would we know? And why do you care?"
Before anyone else could speak, a calm voice cut in.
"No," the guy said. "I'm her future one."
Everyone turned.
It was the guy carrying Chantelle.
I stood up slightly, studying him.
"Bold," I said honestly. "You've got confidence."
The guy grinned at me.
The guy winked.
At me.
I froze.
…Why am I the one being winked at?
Hold on—does he think I—?
My eyes instantly went to Jay-Jay.
I have a girlfriend.
A very obvious one.
Right there.
I straightened up, face serious.
Please redirect that energy elsewhere, bro.
Jay-Jay reached the table, and I forced myself to act normal—
—but inside, my brain was screaming.
Why am I stressed over a wink?