Jay POV
The hallways of Higher Value International School were quieter than usual.
Perfect timing.
I didn't want to go straight to class yet—not today. My forehead still stung from last night's racing incident, and honestly… I needed a moment to breathe.
So I slipped into the restroom, hoping for a few minutes of peace.
I chose one of the cubicles, closed the door, and leaned back against the wall. My phone buzzed faintly in my bag, but I ignored it. Just a moment of silence… that's all I wanted.
Then I heard it.
A voice, hushed, but sharp.
"I heard the scholarship girl is Aries' sister," one girl whispered.
Another voice chimed in. "She's not even pretty. Fits right in… 3-E."
I frowned. 3-E… My ears twitched.
A third voice added quietly, "Don't you think maybe she's nicer than she seems?"
The first voice scoffed. "No way. No nice person would end up in 3-E."
I slowly opened the door and peeked out. My heart rate sped up slightly—not from fear, but… curiosity.
I walked over to the sinks. The reflection staring back at me didn't calm me much. Then I realized… the first girl was standing there. My eyes widened.
"Oh—Jay!" she exclaimed, like she expected me to be terrified. "Don't be shocked to see me here!"
I just stared. Her makeup was so heavy it looked almost like a mask. She didn't seem real.
She spoke again, her tone dripping with arrogance. "You know, people like… you don't get to stand even close to me or have a conversation with me."
I turned to the other girl standing beside her. She looked slightly embarrassed. "Um… Jay, we didn't mean to talk bad about you."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "You seem like the only sensible one among them."
Then I turned back to the first girl, my tone slightly sharper. "And you… you should learn how to use makeup." My words were polite, almost like advice—but the message was clear.
The girl blinked, offended. "You… calling me ugly?"
I shrugged innocently. "Did I? No, I don't think I did."
She scowled, crossing her arms. I glanced at her hand, tapping it lightly with my finger. "Take my advice, okay?"
And with that, I turned on my heel and left.
When I finally returned to class, I was surprised.
Matilda. Still there. Worse than before. Sitting in my seat.
I stopped right in front of her. "Get up."
Matilda smirked. "Excuse me?"
"I said… get up. That's my seat."
Her eyes narrowed. "This chair… it was placed here so that whenever I come to see Keifer, I could sit by him."
I blinked. "Well, I don't care. But one thing is straight—you. Must. Get. Up."
She huffed and called out. "Keiiifer! Look at her!"
I rolled my eyes. "Seriously?"
"What?" she said, flustered.
"What's Keiiifer?" I spat. "It's disgusting."
Her mouth dropped. "How dare you!"
She stepped forward, trying to intimidate me. I stepped back.
"You should just do this," I said calmly—and pointed to my seat.
Matilda paused. I quickly slid into my chair, adjusting my bag. "Oh my baby… Keifer, look at her."
Keifer glanced up casually. His expression unreadable.
"She's not your Keifer," Matilda said sharply. "He's mine."
"I was just showing you how to complain," I replied. Then added casually, "Also… thanks for giving me back my seat."
Her jaw tightened. She looked furious.
Then Yuri's voice cut through the tension. "Matilda, why don't you go to class? We'll take care of things later."
Matilda glared but finally sighed. "Okay… see you guys later."
The boys actually responded.
I shook my head. "Unbelievable."
Keifer looked at me. "You can leave my hand now."
I blinked. Huh?
He pointed subtly—and I realized I had been holding his hand the whole time, subconsciously.
"I was just… teaching her how to act," I said, waving a hand casually.
Keifer's gaze hardened slightly. "Don't teach her things that wouldn't help."
I smirked. "Whatever."
And then I finally let go, turning my attention back to my bag and my notebook.
Some days… I really wondered if surviving Section E would ever get easier.
End of Chapter 13 ✨