Chapter: Section E Reunion Call
(Jay's POV)
My fingers hovered over the screen, my heart thumping faster than it should. "Section E Video Call" blinked in bright letters. I hesitated. After everything—the teasing, the heartbreak, the chaos at the retreat—I wasn't sure if I was ready to face them.
But curiosity won. I tapped "Join."
Immediately, the screen filled with familiar faces. Eren's smirk, Josh's raised eyebrow, Calix pretending to be serious, Ci n waving energetically, and even Keigan and Keiran grinning from their corners.
"JAY!!" Rory shouted, nearly making me jump. "We've missed you!"
I forced a small smile. "Hi, everyone."
"Look at her! Our Barracuda, finally answering!" Mayo added, grinning like he had the upper hand.
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the small chuckle escaping. "Yeah, yeah… don't act like you didn't miss me too."
Blaster leaned closer to the camera. "Oh, we missed you plenty. But more importantly… how are you holding up?"
I swallowed, my throat tight. "I… I'm okay. Still adjusting, I guess. But I'm… managing."
Ci n, as usual, couldn't stay quiet. "Managing? Pffft. Lies! I know you've been curling on Keif all day, being pampered and spoiled."
I shot him a glare. "It's none of your business."
"Lies!" Ci n shouted. "We have evidence. Aries sent us updates!"
I groaned dramatically and hugged the pillow on my bed. "You guys are impossible."
Felix grinned, leaning back. "Come on, Jay. Lighten up! We just want to see our Barracuda smiling again. No more sad faces, okay?"
I bit my lip, trying not to let my emotions spill. "I'm… I'm trying."
Eren's serious face suddenly appeared on the screen. "You're handling everything like a pro. Seriously, Jay. We know it's been tough, but you've been amazing."
I felt a warmth spread in my chest. "Thanks… I… appreciate that."
Denzel and Drew jumped in with silly faces behind them, making random noises and gestures to make me laugh. And, for the first time in weeks, a real smile broke across my face.
"You guys are ridiculous," I said, shaking my head, laughing despite myself. "I swear, you all haven't changed a bit."
"Exactly!" Josh said, grinning. "And we're still here for you. Always. Don't forget that."
I nodded, feeling the lump in my throat. "I know… I won't forget."
Mayo winked at the camera. "Good. Because next week, we're doing another prank, and you better be ready."
I laughed loudly this time, more freely. "Oh no… you guys never learn, do you?"
Keigan and Keiran waved enthusiastically. "Missed you!"
"Missed you too," I replied, my smile softening.
The call lasted another hour, filled with jokes, teasing, and laughter. I could feel the weight on my chest lighten a little, the memories of heartbreak slowly being softened by the warmth of these faces. Section E hadn't changed—they were still my chaotic, annoying, loving family—and for the first time in a while, I felt a little like myself again.
When the call ended, I leaned back in my chair, letting out a deep breath. And though the apartment was quiet, I could still hear their laughter echoing in my mind, reminding me that even far away, they were still there. Always.