"I bought you guys stuff," Derek said on his way out, adjusting Kai on his shoulder. "It's on my table. Go take it."
And just like that, he walked out—with Kai still hanging over him, completely unbothered now.
"Damn…" Rick muttered, already drifting toward Derek's side like he was pulled by instinct. "What did he buy? It smells good."
He leaned down, opening the bag slightly, the smell hitting stronger.
"Damn—is this from that new place? Star Night Restaurant?"
"Hm. It's a good place," Philip replied, barely looking up as he adjusted his sleeves.
Jay paused mid-motion, towel still in his hands. "How do you know? Have you gone there?"
Philip shrugged lightly. "Kai said it is. And you know he has good taste."
Rick dropped onto the bed with a sigh. "I would've gone… but I've already used all my passes to leave school."
He clicked his tongue. "Unless I start paying extra to security."
"I can take you there," Philip said as he walked toward Felix's bunk, one hand in his pocket. "But you have to invite Olivia… and her friends."
Rick let out a small laugh, leaning back on his hands. "Sure—as long as I'm not paying."
On the bed, Felix shifted, folding his legs under him as he sat up halfway, still half-asleep. "Jay… come dry my hair too…" he mumbled.
Jay sighed but walked over anyway. After finishing his own hair, he reached out and buttoned up the top buttons Rick had left open, covering his chest.
"You're going outside. It'll be cold. Behave," Jay said calmly before turning to grab the dryer.
"Yes, mum," Rick mocked, tilting his head slightly to give Jay better access, a grin tugging at his lips.
Across the room, Philip stood beside Felix's bed, looking down at him. "He's so cute when sleeping… I almost don't have the heart to wake him."
Then he leaned down—
"They said everyone is becoming vegetarian. It's the new law. We have to run and collect the reaming meat before it is destroyed" he yelled right into Felix's ear.
Felix shot up instantly. "The hell?! Who made that law?! I'm not eating grass where is my knife I will go stab who made that rule I knew a day will come when I need it"
The room burst into laughter.
Matthew rubbed his eyes, a quiet chuckle escaping before he lowered his gaze back to his book.
"It's a prank, fool. Get up, let's go bathe. Matthew is waiting," Philip added, already stepping back.
Felix groaned, grabbing his pillow and smacking Philip with it. "Don't make stupid jokes like that!"
As Felix got down from the bed, his arm accidentally knocked into V, who was lying back, focused on texting his girl his night clothes in the bed .
"The hell?" V muttered, glancing up before chuckling under his breath.
"Aren't you coming to read with us?" Philip asked, already heading toward the door.
"Nope. Skipping. I'll read in the dorm study room later," V replied, eyes still on his screen.
Felix stretched as he followed Philip, yawning. "Talking to your girlfriend, of course you won't come… sigh, my single heart…"
Rick pouted dramatically. "We've been with you longer, closer than your girlfriend… yet you still choose her over us. Heartbreaking."
V finally looked up, raising a brow. "What was I supposed to do? Choose you guys? It's not like I can—" he paused, then smirked, "—date you,kiss you or fuck you now can i"
Jay choked slightly, and Philip burst into laughter.
Rick and Felix both froze, mouths open.
"You guys really have no filter," Matthew said, shaking his head with a small laugh as he stood up, closing his book.
"Man's got priorities. Respect," Jay added with a grin.
"In the world of hole bro has a goal to conquer ," Philip said, only for Felix to slap a hand over his mouth and drag him out.
"Shut up!"
Matthew followed behind them, still chuckling softly.
From the side, Derek's voice echoed faintly from outside, "Sometimes I wonder why I'm stuck with roommates like you guys…"
"Don't be silly—we're your joy," Rick replied sweetly, placing a hand over his chest dramatically.
"I'm done," Jay said, turning off the dryer and placing it back in his cupboard.
Rick stretched before walking over to his own bed and dropping onto it.
Jay moved around the room, pulling out jackets and extra layers for both of them.
"Wear this," he said, tossing one toward Rick. "It's cold outside."
Rick caught it lazily, glancing at it before smirking. "You worry too much."
Still… he put it on.
The path behind the Peach Building didn't feel like part of a school—it felt like stepping into another world.
A long stone walkway stretched forward, lined on both sides with tall peach trees. Their branches arched overhead, forming a soft canopy, petals drifting down like slow pink snow. Some clung to shoulders, some melted into the ground, painting the path in soft shades of blush and cream.
Warm lights hung delicately between the trees, glowing faintly against the night, giving the entire place a quiet, dreamlike feel.
At the end of the path stood the building.
It wasn't just a study hall—it looked more like a luxury retreat.
Glass walls reflected the soft lights outside, while the interior glowed warmly, revealing layered spaces, polished floors, and elegant designs that blended modern style with calm comfort.
Students moved in and out, their voices low, laughter soft—some studying, others just lingering, unwilling to leave the peaceful atmosphere.
Matthew and the others walked along the path.
Matthew had his black silk pajamas under a long brown fur coat, scarf wrapped loosely around his neck, gloves on, a black earpod in one ear. A white bag hung from his shoulder, filled with books, a neck pillow, and a can of water.
Jay walked beside him, dressed in white pajamas, scarf and gloves matching, carrying both his own bag and Rick's in one hand, his coat draped over the other arm.
Rick, fully bundled now, wore a similar outfit but with a pink scarf loosely hanging, one hand holding the takeaway Derek bought.
Felix… was suffering.
He only wore blue pajamas, socks, and slippers.
The cold didn't forgive him.
He rubbed his arms as he walked, shoulders slightly hunched. "I'm going to die…"
Philip, on the other hand, walked like he was heading to a fashion show.
A black semi-sheer pajama shirt layered over a fitted inner piece, paired with tailored black trousers. A small pendant rested against his chest, and a single earring glinted under the lights—something he only wore when he planned to see his crush.
He held only his tablet, posture straight, expression composed.
Completely unbothered.
By the time they reached the building, Felix was already trembling, while Philip looked… warmer than necessary.
Outside the entrance, a few students lingered. Mostly couples. Some stood close, whispering, others leaned against the walls pretending to scroll through their phones while clearly keeping watch—ready to alert the couple if any department head pass.
Rick glanced at them, amused.
Inside, the space opened wide.
"This place has five halls," Philip began, walking ahead as they entered, his voice low but confident.
"The first hall connects everything—waiting areas, lounges. The second is for Grade 10. Third, Grade 11. Fourth…" he glanced back briefly, "…ours. Grade 12."
They passed through the main hall, where soft couches, indoor plants, and warm lighting created a relaxed atmosphere. Students lounged, some reading, others chatting quietly.
"The fifth hall is shared—library, cafeteria, general classes… everything," Philip continued.
Their footsteps softened as they entered their section.
"Our hall has separate rooms for each class, divisions, even group spaces if you want privacy. But the main class…" he added, pushing open a glass door slightly, "…that's where all Grade 12 gathers."
Matthew nodded slightly, already scanning the space.
"We should read first," Jay said.
No one argued.
They moved into the library area.
Chairs slid softly. Bags dropped. Pages flipped.
One by one, earpods went in.
Silence settled—but not empty silence. The kind filled with quiet focus, faint pen scratches, and the soft hum of effort.
Jay and Rick sat side by side, leaning slightly toward each other as they worked, occasionally whispering, pointing at questions, explaining when one got stuck.
Philip rested back in his chair, tablet in hand, fingers moving quickly as he solved problems from a competitive learning app were all students all around the world solve questions to climb the rank to number one where genius and prodigy gather everyone wants to go up some want to stay in their postion must work hard and Philip started a challenge question his eyes sharp, focused.
Felix flipped through his book, slower, more steady.
Matthew… did everything.
Reading. Writing. Solving. Switching between subjects without pause.
Time passed unnoticed.
It was only when the clock hit midnight that Matthew finally leaned back, closing his book.
A soft exhale left him.
The others had already finished earlier—but seeing him still going, none of them stopped.
Now that he was done—
They all let out a breath.
Relief.
Rick didn't waste a second. "Food."
He opened the takeaway, already eating before anyone could respond as he shared the food to them.
"Rick," Philip said, standing up and stretching slightly, "you'll act as the middleman. She's in your class."
"Sure… whatever," Rick replied between bites.
They packed up quickly and headed toward the main class.
The moment Rick stepped in—
"Hey! Let's play a game!" he called out, raising his voice just enough to grab attention.
A few whistles followed immediately. Heads turned. Energy shifted.
"Who's in? Let's go to the resting room!" Rick added, already walking like he owned the place.
Students began to follow.
Matthew watched quietly from behind.
"Social anxiety is afraid of Rick," he muttered.
Jay snorted softly. Felix nodded.
"He always knows how to get the crowd," Felix added as they followed behind.
And just like that—
The resting room felt nothing like a classroom.
Soft golden lights glowed from the ceiling, reflecting off polished marble floors.
The space was open, designed more like a private lounge than a school facility—plush round couches arranged around low glass tables, indoor plants placed strategically, and a faint scent of expensive air freshener lingering in the air.
It was the kind of place where rules felt… optional.
Students gathered quickly.
Some dropped onto the couches, others leaned lazily against the armrests or stood behind, forming loose circles. Laughter bubbled, voices overlapped—the calm from earlier completely gone.
Rick stepped right into the center of it.
Rick announced. " We are playing five dare and two Truth, No boring bottle spins or one-by-one turns. "
"We'll tear up paper slips—like the paper kiss game. The one who ends up with the short candy wrapper in their mouth chooses dare or truth from the second-to- last person. Run out of dares first? French kiss your crush or send a sexy pic to your first contact, or show us your bestie's chat." He paused
"..Run out of truths? Lap dance someone out of the room or strip one piece per punishment. First to burn through both? We all dare you one by one. Got it?"
Whistles erupted. Some laughed, some went dead quiet, all itching to start.Matthew stayed in his corner, opting out.
Philip slid close to Olivia.
Matthew leaned back against the couch, one arm resting lazily, his presence quiet but impossible to ignore when he looked so damn out of the world.
"Handsome… aren't you playing?" a girl asked, tilting her head slightly as she looked at him.
Matthew glanced at her. Just once. Then looked away.
Around her, a few girls giggled softly. One winked. Another whispered something behind her hand.
Matthew felt irritation crawl up his throat.
Handsome .
that word made him cringe.
No—he hated how she said it.
It wasn't soft. Not teasing. Not light.not sweet .not cute. Not testing boundaries to see his reaction.Not the kind that lingered pleasantly.
It felt… wrong.
His mind flickered—
A voice.
Different.
The same word—but warmer. Playful. Slightly mocking.
Ava.
His brows pulled together slightly.
Why did he thought of her again is he crazy.
"He's shy. Leave him alone," Felix cut in, waving a hand dismissively.
The girl pouted but leaned back.
Everyone was geared up for the game when Sophia swept in with her friends. "Wow, you guys are actually here," one of her crew asked.
"What game we playing?"Sophia asked as she glanced at Matthew in the corner. He'd turned that shadowy spot into something more inviting than the main lounge—his presence addictive, knee-weakening, beautiful.
She zoned out, lost in the thought, missing her friends calling her name.A guy whistled.
"School beauty's lost in the new heartthrob's glow.
""They look perfect together," a girl sighed.
"Tsk, what's looks without family power, brains, or clout? A nobody's still a nobody here," another guy sneered.
"Aren't you still jealous ? It's getting annoying shut it ," Philip snapped, rolling his eyes.
The guy shut up fast—Philip's family hierarchy crushed him, Philip was just not the type to brag but everyone no who not to cross in this school and even Sophia stayed quiet on that front.
"Enough," Sophia cut in coolly, settling onto the couch. "No arguing over nonsense. Sophia said as she sat with her friends.
"The door swung open. Six boys—Paul, Solomon, Prince, King, Drake, and Sam—strode in, hushing the room.
Aiden's main crew his friends.
And there he was, trailing them: cigarette dangling from his lips, radiating sin.
Young yet Handsome, evil, irresistible—like temptation everyone craved despite themselves and he knew he was that irresistible.
He sauntered straight to Sophia's spot. A guy bolted up Aiden slid in between her and Felix.
His friends claimed seats—two even crashed Matthew's corner.
"You should bring a coat next time," Aiden said, draping his over Sophia's lap.She eyed him calmly.
"Perfect timing, as always."Sophia said
He chuckled, stubbing out the cigarette—she hated the smell—then leaned back. "Just passing by."
Sophia knew it was a lie. Someone had tipped him off.
"So, we playing or what?" Rick groaned, rubbing his eyes. "I'm sleepy, and I'm not explaining the rules again."
A few students quickly filled in the newcomers.
The game began the moment Rick leaned forward, a ridiculously long strip of paper held between his lips.
A girl laughed, brushing her hair back nervously before leaning in to take it from him.
The room instantly shifted.
The paper passed from one person to another—close, careful, breaths mixing, laughter slipping through the tension. Some hesitated at the last second, others leaned in boldly just to stir reactions.
Each turn made the paper shorter.
Riskier.
By the time it reached Sophia, it was barely enough to hold.
The room quieted slightly.
Aiden, who had been lounging back, finally moved.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he leaned forward, slow and deliberate, his gaze fixed on hers.
Sophia didn't move at first.
The space between them closed—
Too close.
Just before their lips could brush, she tilted her head away slightly, breaking the moment.
Aiden didn't react.
Instead, he shifted lazily, turning his gaze toward Felix.
If Felix took it… there would kiss for sure .
"Come on!" someone called.
"Don't ruin it!"
"Kiss kiss kiss kiss"
"Felix!"
The room buzzed with anticipation.
Felix sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. "I'm bad at this game already failing."
Instead of leaning in, he reached forward and took the paper with his fingers.
Instant boos filled the room.
"Boring!"
"Coward!"
Aiden flicked his lighter open and closed, the small flame reflecting briefly in his eyes.
"Truth or dare?"
"Dare," Felix replied without hesitation.
For a brief second, Aiden's hand paused—then continued its lazy rhythm.
"I dare you…" he said calmly, "to break into the teacher's office, hack the system, and post that the principal is a bastard."
The room exploded.
Laughter. Whistles. Someone slapped the table.
"Damn, you're finished!" a Class Two boy laughed. "You're getting expelled for sure!"
Felix blinked once, then rubbed the back of his neck.
"Choose another dare."
Aiden didn't even need to think.
"Then go flirt with the cafeteria lady for two days kiss her while at it ," he said smoothly, meeting Felix gaze with a faint smile. "And record it."
The reaction was louder this time.
Rick gagged dramatically, clutching his chest.
Some students covered their mouths, others leaned forward like this was the best entertainment of the night.
"So?" Aiden tilted his head slightly. "Pick one."
For a moment, Felix said nothing.
Then he stood.
"I'll take the first one."
The laughter faded into murmurs.
Without looking back, Felix turned and walked straight toward Matthew.
"Can I borrow your coat? If I go out like this, I'll freeze," Felix said quickly.
Matthew sighed but handed it over anyway.
Felix didn't wait—he grabbed it and rushed out.
The door swung shut behind him.
The game didn't pause.
"Next," Rick said, already leaning forward with interest.
This time—it was Olivia.
She tilted her head slightly, thinking for a second before smiling. "Dare."
Rick's grin widened instantly.
"I dare you to kiss Philip."
A few gasps. Some laughter.
Philip's eyes widened for a split second—but he masked it almost immediately, his expression returning to calm.
"Why not?" Olivia said lightly.
She leaned in without hesitation and kissed him.
It was quick—but enough.