The room had barely settled after Adam's dramatic entrance when I noticed the flicker of recognition in Angelo's eyes. He stiffened, hands clenching slightly. His jaw tightened. Memories from years ago—years he had tried to bury—flickered across his mind.
Adam, oblivious to the tension, scanned the room, his smile softening as he saw me fully. "Jay… you haven't changed a bit," he said, voice low and teasing.
I smirked, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Still keeping surprises, Miller. Didn't expect to see you here."
Tiger, leaning lazily against the wall, gave a sarcastic chuckle. "Look at you two. Childhood troublemakers reunited. Chaos imminent."
Percy, standing behind Adam like a protective shadow, whispered loudly, "Competition's heating up. My sister and her old pal… great."
Rakki, Mica, Ella, and Freya, of course, were already whispering excitedly among themselves, admiring Adam's grin and emerald eyes. Even Drew and Denzel's calm expressions couldn't hide the slight awe they felt at his presence.
Keifer, sulking dramatically in the corner, muttered under his breath, "I cannot believe she's smiling like that at him…"
I rolled my eyes, leaning toward him, whispering, "Watson, breathe. You'll survive… maybe."
He huffed, muttering, "I do not care about surviving."
Adam finally found a small clearing near the sofa, but Section E quickly blocked him from sitting comfortably. "Uh… okay, seems like I have to earn a seat?" he joked, raising his hands.
"Yes, rookie," Percy said, grinning. "Survive the gang first. Then maybe you sit."
I chuckled softly, leaning closer. "Section E is protective. Don't take it personally."
Adam laughed, clearly enjoying the chaos. "I've survived Greenwood Academy… I can handle this. Mostly."
Rory and Edrix snorted from the side. "Mostly, huh? Not as good as Michael!"
"Or Samuel," Cin added smugly.
Adam and I exchanged glances, stifling our laughter. "Not yet… they haven't arrived," I whispered to him.
Adam nodded, a little sad but smiling faintly. "I was going to call you too… but seeing you here… perfect timing."
Keifer's ears twitched visibly. "Do not whisper," he muttered, sulking deeper.
I laughed softly. "Already sulking. Cute, isn't it?"
Meanwhile, the conversation shifted. Adam leaned closer, teasing me, "So… Jay Mariano, Mrs. Watson's girl, huh? Heard a lot about this household chaos."
I smirked. "Careful, Miller. You might make him explode."
Keifer muttered under his breath, clutching his arm, "I do not like this."
I rolled my eyes, whispering, "Relax, sulky. You're my favorite song, remember?"
Adam chuckled, shaking his head. "This gang… they're insane. But I like it."
Percy elbowed me dramatically. "So… childhood stories, Jay? Give us some history!"
I smiled faintly, memories flashing in my mind — the pranks, the laughter, the promises we had all made so long ago. "Well… Adam and I used to get into trouble together. Big trouble. Like… stealing snacks from the teachers' lounge kind of trouble."
Adam laughed, eyes crinkling. "And then she somehow always convinced Angelo to cover for us. Remember that week before your birthday? … and she dragged everyone along."
Angelo's jaw tightened at the memory, eyes darkening slightly. He had been the one to separate us all back then, to protect us… and it still hurt.
Adam whispered softly, glancing at me, "You've grown, Jay… but some things never change."
I smiled faintly, feeling the warmth of childhood memories and the present chaos collide. "Not everything changes, Miller."
Rakki, Mica, Ella, and Freya, of course, were whispering and giggling, drooling over Adam's grin. Percy, Aries, and Angelo were standing protectively near me, their expressions a mix of pride and jealousy.
Keifer, glaring from the corner, muttered, "I do not like seeing him smile at her."
Adam leaned closer, whispering to me again, "Don't worry… I'm happy she has you, Keifer, and the others. She deserves it."
keifer"we are lucky to have her"