(Jayjay POV)
I picked up the invitation from the floor and placed it on the table.
"You don't have to decide now," I said.
"There are six days before the party."
Hex folded his arms.
"I'm not going."
"You told me you trust me," I replied.
"You said you wanted to stay here."
He looked away.
"You promised me… because of our bound."
"We'll see about that," I said.
He sighed.
"Okay."
Later that night, the house went back to chaos.
"Put Netflix!" Ci-N shouted.
"No, this one is better!" Felix argued.
"You say that about everything!" David laughed.
Music played. Someone danced terribly.
"Stop moving like that!" Felix yelled.
"This is art!" Ci-N replied.
Everyone laughed.
Eventually, it was time to leave.
"School tomorrow," David said.
"Exams week," Felix added.
"We'll come back soon," Ci-N promised.
"Don't forget us," Drew said.
"I won't," hex replied.
Hugs. High-fives. Fist bumps.
Outside, David,ci-n Keifer and I got into the car.
The car ride back was loud at first.
David was laughing in the back, Ci-N was half asleep, and Keifer was driving like he owned the road.
"I'm telling you," David said, "that movie made zero sense."
"It made sense," Ci-N replied. "You're just slow."
Keifer stopped the car in front of a house.
"Out," he said. "David, you live here."
"Wow, no goodbye?" David teased.
"Goodbye," Keifer said flatly.
David laughed, got out, waved, and shut the door.
The car moved again.
A few minutes later, Keifer stopped once more.
"Ci-N," he said, "this is you."
Ci-N blinked.
"Already?"
"Yes. Go."
"Rude,"Ci-N muttered, grabbing his bag.
He leaned in and whispered"Don't flirt too hard."
"Get out,"Keifer said immediately.
Ci-N laughed and left.
Now it was just me and Keifer.
The silence settled in.
Not awkward.
Just… charged.
"So,"Keifer finally said, eyes still on the road,"sleepover officially over."
"Obviously,"I replied.
"It's Monday tomorrow. School. Reality."
He sighed dramatically.
"Tragic."
I glanced at him.
"What?You'll survive."
"Barely," he said.
"Two whole days with you around? I deserve compensation."
I scoffed.
"Please. You enjoyed it."
He smirked.
"I tolerated it."
"Liar."
He chuckled.
The car slowed and stopped in front of my house.
"Here," he said. "Home."
I didn't open the door immediately.
"Thanks for the ride," I said.
"Anytime," he replied.
Then, quieter, "Try not to disappear again."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Why? You'd miss me?"
He finally looked at me.
"Don't push it, Aries."
I grinned.
"Threatening me now?"
"Warning," he corrected.
"You Aries people don't listen unless it sounds dangerous."
I leaned closer.
"Careful, Keifer. That sounded like concern."
He smirked.
"Get out before I change my mind."
I laughed, grabbed my bag—
Knock. Knock.
I froze.
"Did you hear that?" I asked.
Before Keifer could answer, another knock
I turn it was Aries
I sighed. "Bye," I said, opening the door.
I stepped out, grabbed my small bag—the one stuffed with dresses—and headed inside.
"You've been gone for two days," Aries called after me. "Didn't even call home."
"I called Auntie Goemma," I replied without turning back. "That's enough."
"I'm your brother," he shot back. "I have a right to know where you are."
I stopped.
"Brother my foot."
"What did you say?" he snapped.
"If you didn't hear it," I said sweetly, "then it's nothing."
I walked inside before he could reply.
I grabbed a drink from the fridge, took a long sip, and headed upstairs. The house was quiet now—too quiet.
Then Aries followed.
"Wait," he said. "What's going on between you and Keifer?"
I froze.
"um...um..He's my classmate,"I said slowly.
"That's all?" he asked.
"Yes."
He crossed his arms."Then stay away from him."
I turned around fully now."You don't get to tell me who to stay away from."
He scoffed."I'm telling you to stay away from him."
I laughed—sharp and short."Based on what? My horoscope?"
"What?" he snapped.
"You heard me," I said, smirking. "You're acting like this is some destiny thing."
He stared at me, irritated.
Then he muttered,"You always tease me like this."
I tilted my head."Only when you deserve it."
Then I entered my room then