POV: Jayjay
When I came back, I froze.
They had pushed all the couches aside.
Mattresses were dragged out.
Blankets covered the floor.
Pillows were everywhere—some stacked, some stolen, some already claimed.
It looked like a camp site inside a living room.
I blinked.
"…What are you doing?"
Ci-n grinned.
"Group sleep."
Felix raised a pillow. "No one escapes."
I sighed, rubbing my forehead.
"You people have officially turned my living room into chaos."
They cheered like it was a compliment.
But then I paused.
They want to stay together.
I softened.
"…Fine. But everyone showers first. No arguments."
Groans filled the room.
"Upstairs," I pointed. "You know where the bathrooms are."
As they scattered, I turned to Katherine.
"Could you maybe make some pasta? Just something simple—for everyone."
She smiled warmly.
"Of course, Jayjay."
I headed upstairs, my feet automatically taking me toward Hex's room.
I knocked lightly.
No answer.
I opened the door—
—and immediately turned my face away.
"HEX!"
He yelped. "HEY—WAIT—!"
"You could have locked the door!" I snapped, still not looking.
"I thought you'd knock!" he argued.
"I DID."
Silence.
Then his voice, quieter.
"…Okay. Fair."
I peeked.
He was already pulling on a shirt, hair messy, eyes sleepy.
He flopped onto the bed like nothing happened.
I crossed my arms.
"Get dressed properly. Your friends are everywhere."
He smirked. "You walked into my room."
"I walked into my house."
He laughed.
Then, suddenly, he reached out and tugged my sleeve, pulling me down onto the bed beside him. Not rough—just childish.
"Hex."
"What?" he said innocently.
I looked at him.
He looks tired.
I stood up quickly.
"Finish changing. Come downstairs."
As I left the room, I paused at the door, glancing back one last time.