Jayjay POV
Break time finally arrived.
I grabbed my bag and headed toward the cafeteria, stomach growling like it had a mind of its own. I didn't expect it to be crowded—but it was. Students were everywhere, talking, laughing, carrying trays like little armies of noise.
I weaved through the crowd, eyes on the food line… and BAM.
I ran straight into someone.
"Oh! Sorry!" I said, stepping back.
"No worries!" the girl said, smiling. Her energy was… bright. Warm. She extended her hand. "I'm Rakki San Diego, president of Section C. And you are?"
I blinked. "Jayjay. Jasper Jean Mariano Fernandez. Call me Jayjay."
She grinned. "Perfect. Come, I'll show you around."
We walked together to a table in the middle of the cafeteria. She introduced me to a few people, explaining rules, social codes, and "things to avoid." I listened, amused and curious.
Then her finger pointed across the room.
"Over there," she said, "are some girls you might want to watch. Too much makeup, too much drama."
I couldn't help it—I laughed.
They were painted so heavily I almost didn't recognize them as humans.
Rakki smiled. "First is Freya Hidalgo. She thinks she's the queen bee, so… avoid her if possible."
I raised an eyebrow. "Queen bee, huh? Cute."
"Next," Rakki continued, "Micaelo Yumol, call her Mica. Then Grace Miller. And that guy over there—Francisco Arv… forget it, just call him Kiko."
I glanced in his direction. My stomach skipped. He had this… quiet charm, calm confidence. He winked at me before I could look away. I almost choked on my laughter.
Rakki continued. "Next is Julie Dela Cruz. And the couple over there—Aries and …"
I raised a brow. "Yeah, I know him."
Rakki's eyes widened slightly. "Wait… you know Aries?"
"Yeah," I said casually. "He's my brother."
"Ohhh," Rakki said, momentarily shocked. "Okay…" She quickly recovered and continued her introductions.
"And that's Ella Hyun."
I muttered under my breath, almost smiling, "That's Ella…"
The bell rang. My tray sat forgotten. I stood up.
"I have to go back to Section E," I said. "So… later."
Rakki waved. "See you later, Jayjay! Welcome again!"
I turned and walked away, weaving through the cafeteria crowd, stomach still growling—but my mind more alive than ever.
Section E, Aries, Kiko… and the rest.
This school wasn't going to be boring.
Not even close.