Jay's POV
The next day, I went to college like usual.
But something felt different.
Not in a bad way…
In a warm way.
Like I wasn't alone anymore.
As I entered, I saw Kyla waving at me excitedly.
"Jayyyyy!" she shouted and ran toward me.
I laughed. "Why are you shouting like that?"
"I missed you!" she said and hugged me tightly.
"I saw you yesterday…," I said, smiling.
"So what? I still missed you," she pouted.
Before I could reply, someone flicked her head.
"Ow!" Kyla complained.
"Stop being dramatic," Kieran said, standing beside us.
"Good morning, Jay," he added, smiling softly.
"Good morning," I replied.
Keegan soon joined us, holding some books.
"You're early today," he said calmly.
"Yeah… couldn't sleep much," I replied.
Kieran narrowed his eyes.
"Why?" he asked suspiciously.
I froze.
"N-nothing!"
Kyla smirked.
"Ohhh really?"
"Stop it," I said, blushing.
They all laughed.
And for the first time…
It felt like I had a family here too.
Kaiser's POV
I stood at a distance, watching them.
Laughing.
Smiling.
Living normally.
Something I was never used to.
My eyes stopped on her.
Jay.
She was laughing at something Kieran said.
Her smile…
It didn't look fake.
It didn't look forced.
It was real.
And somehow…
That bothered me.
Not in anger.
But in a way I couldn't understand.
"She's different."
I didn't even realize I said it out loud.
Keegan, who was standing beside me, looked at me.
"You noticed too?" he asked calmly.
I didn't reply.
Because I already knew—
If anything happens to her…
I won't stay silent.
⸻
Kiefer's POV
I watched her from across the corridor.
She was laughing with my siblings.
Getting along with them so easily.
It made something inside me feel… complete.
I walked toward them.
"Enjoying without me?" I said.
Jay turned and smiled.
"Maybe," she teased.
I smirked.
Kieran crossed his arms.
"You're late."
"I have work," I replied.
Kyla rolled her eyes.
"Work, work, work… boring."
"Say that again," I warned playfully.
Jay laughed softly.
God… I could listen to that forever.
⸻
Author's POV
But not everyone was happy.
From a distance…
Serena watched everything.
Her eyes cold.
Her expression unreadable.
"That girl…"
"She's getting too close."
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"This won't last."
Jay's POV
I didn't notice her watching me.
I didn't notice the danger.
All I felt was…
Happiness.
For now.