Rick clapped his hands, grinning like a kid. "What about crab? I want it with shrimp and ribs. Did you buy those too?" He turned to Jay with big, pleading puppy eyes, his excitement practically bouncing in the air.
"I did, as I knew someone had been carving that ," Jay said, rolling his eyes.
"This is why I love you," Rick said as he throw himself at Jay and knocking him down. Jay's hands instinctively went to Rick's waist to steady him.
Felix rolled his eyes, already used to Rick's dramatic antics.
"I thought you said Matthew was your lover. Now you have changed tone again," Felix muttered, shoving food into his mouth.
Rick stood up, brushing himself off, and smiled. "I still love Matthew, but I have to consider who feeds me. Sigh… my heart is big enough to give love to everyone."
Matthew chuckled lightly. "It's hard imagining you as that guy who threw a knife at someone just hours ago."
Rick giggled. "I have two sides: one full of love, the other full of love and hatred for those with dirty mouths. Sometimes, I get the urge to… cut it off," he said, taking a bite of meat and throwing his head back as if savoring some unique delicacy.
Felix leaned forward, curiosity winning over. "Who upset you that much that you lost it?"
"Just some losers calling me a pretty face, saying Matthew and I were losers too. Come on, I'm more than a pretty face—I'm good at so many things," Rick replied, calmly sipping his juice.
"You should take care of them, or they'll cause trouble," Jay said, frowning.
"I know. I'll make sure they lose any chance of being on the team," Rick said calmly, humming a children's song as he chewed.
"The fact that you say stuff like this while smiling… creeps me out," Felix muttered, feigning disgust before shifting his gaze to where Matthew was sitting.
"Matthew… I'm so scared," Felix said, but Matthew already understood his motives. As Felix reached for some meat from his bowl, Matthew lightly tapped his hand with the edge of his fork, then casually took a piece of Felix's meat instead.
Jay burst into laughter at Felix's stunned expression. Rick quickly stuffed his mouth with food before Felix could set his eyes on his food leaving Felix even more speechless.
The door swung open. "I'm so tired… I need a massage and—" Philip started, then froze as he took in the scene: four boys sprawled around a small table, cushions on the floor, bowls of food in hand, and the air thick with the aroma of something delicious.
"Jay cooked this?" Philip asked, inhaling deeply.
"Yep, definitely Jay," Philip confirmed. "It's been a while since I last had Jay's cooking."
Philip ran toward the kitchen, only to find the pots empty.
"Betray!" Philip yelled from the kitchen and rushed outside. His gaze immediately fell on Matthew, calm as ever, eating at his own pace. Jay? Untouchable. That left the easiest target: Felix, who was hurriedly trying to finish his food.
Philip lunged. The two collided, struggling over the bowl.
Rick tsked at the scene. Immature, he muttered, rubbing his stomach. Still hungry, he hastily finished his own food, impatient that Felix was eyeing his so he didn't enjoy his properly.
With a quick flick, Rick kicked Felix's leg, eliciting a groan, giving Philip the opening he needed. Philip snatched Felix's bowl, stuffing his mouth with meat and side dishes, and plopped himself onto Felix's lap.
One hand pressed down on Felix's head to the ground while he devoured the food.
"This isn't fair!" Felix complained.
"He wants to steal Matthew's food, but instead Matthew's stole from him now this pig, Philip! Damn it!"felix thought
Matthew, unfazed, chuckled. He picked up a piece of pork and waved it teasingly in front of Felix's eyes before taking a deliberate bite.
Somehow, that made it taste even better—Matthew tried not to dwell on thoughts of a certain kiss.
Rick rested his elbow on the table, head propped in his hand, sipping juice with a calm grin.
Once Jay finished eating, he took his empty bowl, along with Rick, to the kitchen, setting them in the sink. He returned moments later with a small meat snack he'd prepared, handing it to Rick.
Rick accepted it eagerly, blowing playful kisses at Jay , Felix could only glare.
After everyone finished eating Mattew washed the dishes.
Meanwhile, Ava finally finished cleaning the library, her back aching.
"Damn it… Matthew," she muttered, sighing. I have to do this task because of you. Next time I see you, I won't just peck you I will kiss you to your lip is swollen, she thought, raising her fist in frustration.
"What the hell are you doing, little witch?" Jake's voice came from behind her. Ava jumped, hitting the shelf, sending books crashing to the floor.
Before Jake could run, Ava grabbed him by the collar. "Jake, how do you want to die?" she asked sweetly.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It's my fault, Princess Queen! I'll arrange it, okay? I'll even buy you skewers at your favorite spot!" Jake promised desperately.
Ava finally let him go, and he returned to the shelf, tidying up.
"Ugh… again. Looks like you're my bad luck," Jake muttered, making Ava kick him lightly.
"I should be the one calling you that! Hurry up, I'm hungry," she scolded as she kick his butt , frowning.
Jake finally finished, his butt sore from Ava's constant kicking every minute he wasn't done .
They made their way to the skewer spot behind the school compound, down a small alley.
Luna, Jane, and Jordan were already there. Luna looked disgusted, hands twitching like she wanted to stab them.
Jane and Jordan weren't even trying to hide that they were a couple giving a chance they would scream it to the world and put on signboards that scream couple in the house.
Jane sat on Jordan's lap, feeding her while Jordan played with Jane's hair.
"Any minute now, Luna will lose it," Ava said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
"Why don't we go sit first, then come back so Luna can attack?" Jake suggested, clearly ready for chaos.
Jake already noticed them and waved at them as they walk to the group and took their seats anyway.
"Damn, Ava. You're trending this time… not for breaking rules but for helping, giving water and snacks to the basketball team like a good student who doesn't want them to suffer?" Jordan said, raising an eyebrow.
"You're researching which snacks to buy for your classmates participating for the class competition… who are you lying to?" Jane snorted.
"Ava did that and they took it Damm I would have thought it was poisoned just from touching it "Jake said as the owner of the store came to ask what they want to order.
"I can't be nice what do you know, I decided to be a good student cause they need encouragement! I couldn't just ignore them!" Ava said passionately, but her friends just stared, calm and unimpressed.
"Fine. I did it to get close to Matthew. The way to a man's heart is to bribe everyone around him… even himself without him knowing trust me ," Ava added, a sly grin tugging at her lips.
"I don't think that's how you chase a guy—you look like a bandit," Jane said.
"And what makes you an expert at love?" Luna added, smirking.
"What do you guys know?" Ava shot back. "Look at my parents. My mom kidnapped my dad from his friend's wedding altar to marry him by force, and my dad went along because he was looking for a bride. My dad acted like a damsel in distress just to win my mom's heart. What did it teach me? .
" Use force, sweet talk like my mom act weak and cute, be manipulative, determined, a good schemer like my dad and always go for what you want. Look at them—they're still married and in love. If my mom ever eyes a younger guy, my dad literally makes sure she doesn't leave the room. How do I know? That day, my brother and I got kicked out, of the house to fend for ourselves till they are done . "
"So, know when to attack… and when to retreat," Ava said, clapping her hands for emphasis.
Luna looked stunned. Jane's mouth was wide open. Jordan was speechless. Jake just nodded, impressed.
"This explains a lot about you," Jake muttered.
"I have to say… that might actually work," Jane said, rubbing her chin.
"The mindset of a bandit's love," Luna murmured dreamily. "Dark romance vibes… just need a masculine guy with a mask willing to burn the world for me.
Everyone turned to look at her.
"What when i do it I'm carzy"Luna said
"Competition of crazy and crazier, right?" Jordan muttered.
"What if your future husband isn't into that?" Jake asked cautiously.
"Hmm… then I'll make him. And act innocent," Luna said, giggling. "I've read a lot of dark romance—I know how to do this."
"Luna, you were looking for a holiday resort, right? My cousin's friend just opened one. I'll send you the number. Very, very secure, fits your… lifestyle," Jane said.
"Really? How sure?" Luna asked.
"Trust me. It's for crazy people like you, but this one's luxury—helps you connect with nature," Jane replied. Ava and Jake burst into laughter.
The store owner returned with piping-hot skewers, steaming drinks, tender chicken wings, and a hotpot with assorted meats and broth.
"Damn, Jane… I shouldn't be the one going to anything like a hospital. You should check if you're pregnant! Cryptic pregnancy is real!" Luna bit back, leaving Jane and Jordan speechless.
"Don't curse me! And anyway, Jordan and I haven't done anything yet," Jane said, pouting. Silence fell over the table for a moment.
Jake, Luna, and Ava watched the couple—Jordan planting kisses along Jane's neck as he placed food on her plate.
"What do you think? We've done it now—who has a dirty mind? Even though we're legally adults, I'm waiting until we leave high school, get engaged, then after graduation and work… we marry, right, baby?" Jordan said, planting a kiss on Jane's cheek.
"Of course," Jane replied, smiling.
"It would hurt if you guys don't end up together… and trust me, I'd laugh," Ava said, taking a bite of her skewers, smirking.
"This idiot is cussing me again," Jane muttered as Jordan nudged her playfully.
"So… how's it going with your crush?" Jake asked Ava.
"Fine," Ava replied, shrugging. "It's… more interesting than I expected. Who knows? By the end of the month, I might be… deeply in love," she added with a sigh, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
What should I give him next? If I give him a snack again, he'd definitely throw it in my face, she mused.
"Enough about that," Luna said, steering the conversation. "We're going on a class trip in two weeks—to Aleria City. I heard hybrids are there. Not the rare ones, but the ones that can't hide their tails or ears."
"They say you can't show reactions—like wanting to touch them—or you might get arrested," Luna added.
"Yes, and they don't like our city," Jake continued. "Centuries ago, hybrids were kept as pets. only a few can get work, mostly in brothels or similar… though the rules were destroyed long ago. The city is trying to make amends, but no one wants to come. Now, they have Topia, a place for hybrids to live independently."
The trio nodded, absorbing the information.
"I mean… who would want to go to a city that treated hybrids as pets and property for hundreds of years?" Ava said. "Even if the laws changed, the history… it's rough."
"Exactly," Jake agreed. As they ate, their conversation drifted naturally to lighter topics, laughing and teasing each other as the skewers disappeared one by one.
When the other roommates came in, the room was already half alive.
Rick was on the shared bathroom in the third floor only with Jay.
Philip stood in front of his wardrobe, tossing clothes left and right, muttering about "sexy pajamas" like his life depended on it.
Felix was dead asleep on the top bunk, one leg hanging off the edge.
Matthew sat at his desk, head slightly lowered, pen moving steadily across his notebook, completely unbothered by the chaos around him.
The door opened again.
Kai—"Little Green"—walked in first, chewing lazily on a snack looking he have that look that could go for girl if he wants and a cool guy looks if he wants he has that innocent warm fun cool energy and look.
Behind him, Derek followed with a takeaway bag in hand, his low cut clean and sharp—earning him the nickname "Baldy," though it annoyingly suited him like he was the perfect example of if you want to know if a guy is hot shave his hair low cause Derek looks hot to eat.
V came in last, phone pressed to his ear, sipping from a can as he continued his call without sparing anyone a glance as he walked to the balcony.
"Where is everyone?" Kai asked, already moving toward Derek's bed—lower bunk, second set. He dropped onto it without hesitation, bouncing slightly as he got comfortable.
Derek set the takeaway on the table before sitting beside him.
"They went to bathe," Matthew replied, not even looking up from his book.
Kai hummed in response, stretching his legs out across the bed.
"I see…" Derek said, tapping the takeaway bag lightly. "We bought barbecue chicken, drinks… and snacks."
Philip's head snapped out from inside the wardrobe seeing the takeaway logo . "Wait—is that from the new restaurant?"
He stepped out halfway, holding a shirt in one hand. "I heard the cheapest thing there is like ten thousand… plus entrance fee. Like twelve thousand minimum!"
"Yeah," Derek said with a short chuckle, leaning back slightly. "It's in that crazy popular fancy street meant for the privileged. What were you expecting?"
Kai rolled onto his side, propping his head up with his hand. "The place is actually nice. I'd go again. It's like… futuristic or something. Ones entering you do take that ekad you to different rooms where there's entertainment, games, even theater stuff. You can eat, watch movies, explore new areas…"
He waved his snack around as he talked. "Very entertaining."
"Damn…" Philip fully stepped out now, switching clothes in his hands as his eyes lit up. "That means you guys bought the highest ticket."
He grinned to himself. "I'll definitely go there first… then take my beautiful crush on a date. And her friends too."
Matthew's pen didn't stop for a second despite the noise.
"You have to win over the friends first," Philip continued, turning back to his wardrobe. "They're the ones who will put in good words for you."
He glanced over his shoulder.
"So… how much did you spend?"
"I don't know… it was either Derek or V that paid," Kai said lazily, already sprawled across Derek's bed like he owned it.
Derek didn't reply immediately. He stood in front of his space, unbuttoning his shirt one button at a time. "I spent up to hundreds of thousands," he said casually. "Lost count."
Matthew's pen paused for a split second… then continued writing.
Kai let out a low whistle but didn't move.
"Don't fall asleep," Derek added, tossing his shirt aside. "Get up. Let's go bathe."
Kai groaned, rolling onto his stomach and hugging the pillow. "I don't feel like moving…"
The balcony door slid open.
V stepped in, phone no longer at his ear, stretching his neck slightly as he walked toward his wardrobe. "Philip, what the fuck are you doing? Going somewhere?"
"I'm going to study at the building behind the peach tree," Philip replied, still digging through clothes before finally pulling one out with satisfaction.
V glanced at him while grabbing his own nightwear. "Your crush is going to be there… what's her name again? Olivia?"
Philip smiled, smoothing out his shirt. "Yeah."
Behind them, Derek had already stripped down to his trousers. He grabbed his night outfit, then reached into the shared cupboard with v his own side , pulling out Kai's pajamas as Kai keeps his stuff here sometimes.
Next he went to Kai wardrobe and took Kai bath items—soap, sponge—everything dropped neatly into a small basket.
Kai didn't even react.
Derek walked over, bent slightly—
—and hoisted Kai over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"Oi—!" Kai's protest came out weak, his body still half-limp.
Right on cue, the door opened.
Rick and Jay walked in, fresh from their bath.
Jay moved straight to his side, towel over his head as he began drying his hair picking his hair dryer. Rick casually walked to the balcony his dirty clothes he changed out from after bathing he toss it into the laundry basket before stretching his arms.