FLASHBACK – JAY (POV)
Then…
I stayed.
I don't know why.
I just did.
Mia sat next to me first. "You're not really talkative, huh?"
Ben laughed. "She's scary. I like it."
Keeper didn't sit.
He just stood there… watching me quietly.
Then he said softly—
"You fight like you've been alone for a long time."
I looked at him.
"…I am."
Silence.
Mia's smile faded a little. "That sucks."
Ben kicked a small rock. "Then you don't have to be anymore."
I didn't respond.
But something in my chest felt different.
Not heavy.
Not empty.
Just… strange.
Mia suddenly held out her hand. "We don't know you well yet, but—"
Ben cut in, grinning. "But we're keeping you anyway."
Keeper finally stepped closer.
He didn't smile.
But his voice was calm.
"You're coming with us."
I blinked. "What?"
Mia laughed. "Congratulations, Jay. You've been adopted."
For the first time…
I almost smiled.
Almost.
And that night…
We walked together.
Not as strangers anymore.
But as something I didn't have a name for yet.
We walked for a while.
No one really knew where we were going.
But no one stopped either.
Mia kept talking. A lot.
Ben kept teasing her.
Keeper stayed close behind us… quiet.
And me?
I just listened.
That was new.
We stopped at a small rooftop area.
The city lights were everywhere.
Mia sat down first. "Okay… we need a name."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "A name for what?"
"For us," she said like it was obvious.
Silence.
Then she looked at me. "You're in too, Jay."
I blinked. "I didn't agree to anything."
Ben laughed. "Too late."
Keeper finally spoke. "She's already part of it."
I looked at him. "Why?"
He shrugged slightly. "Because you didn't run."
That made me quiet.
Mia clapped her hands. "Okay! Group name time!"
Ben leaned back. "Something cool."
Mia thought for a second. "What about… Ride or Die?"
I frowned. "That sounds dramatic."
Ben grinned. "Perfect."
Keeper nodded once. "It fits."
I looked at all of them.
"…You're all weird."
Mia smiled softly. "And you're stuck with us."
A pause.
Then I finally said—
"Fine."
Silence.
Then Ben jumped up. "SHE SAID YES!"
Mia laughed.
Keeper… almost smiled again.
And for the first time in a long time…
I didn't feel alone.
JAY (POV) – Present
My eyes opened slowly.
Morning light hit my room.
For a second… I didn't move.
Ride or Die.
The rooftop.
Their voices.
That version of me felt so far away now.
I sat up.
My phone was on the bed next to me.
No new messages.
Good.
i got up looked myself in the mirror
black eyes very pale
that wasnt me at all
i went my closet trying to find clothes
then my eyes caught a black drees
it was so elegent a perfect split huging my curves
i war my black heals (ya new thing but i still learing how to walk heheh)
i got out of my room no one was there
good
i orderd a cab
PEERCING TO:
JAY: am going out
PERCY: were
ofc hes my stupid proctive kuya
JAY: just out
percy: jay were
jay: finee kingsground
percy:what jay thtas dangerous
jay: oh gtg now the cab came bye kuya
i got in my cab i kep staring at the window until i reached
The place was full of people drunk
fun
then i saw tiger shitt hes going to tell kuya angleo shiit no my poor ear
I HAVE TO HID No_
hiii jay what are you doing here tiger said looking a bit drunk
ohh nothing and tiger DONT. TLL. ANGLEO i said half nervous half cold
suree dont worry i wont tell him
i sigh letting out a breath i didnt now i was holding
i went away sat at bartender
i want heartbroken drink
the bartender look confused a what maam
i sigh just something strong
he nooded and give me drink
i started drinking it
Burn in my throut
then someone came someone i dont now will come after 2 to3 years