Jayjay POV
I dropped Hex off safely, waved like a responsible older sister, and told myself the chaos was officially over.
That was a lie.
The moment I stepped into Angelo's house, Aunty Gemma appeared like a warm, smiling jumpscare.
"Jayjay! Welcome back, my dear. Come and eat—dinner's ready."
Angelo and Aries were already seated.
Of course they are.
I nodded, dropped my bag on the couch, washed my hands, and sat beside Aries, who gave me a suspicious side-eye like he'd missed several episodes of my life.
We started eating.
Peaceful.
Normal.
Too normal.
Then Angelo spoke.
"Bring him here."
—And I choked.
Actually choked.
Food, air, dignity—gone.
I stared at Angelo to confirm he was, in fact, speaking to me.
"Yes, you," he said calmly.
"…Why?" I croaked.
"For safety."
My brain short-circuited.
"You want me to bring him here?" I asked. "Where will he even sleep?"
Angelo didn't blink. "There are enough rooms in this house."
Oh. So we're just collecting people now?
Aries raised his hand slightly. "Sorry to interrupt but… who is he?"
I swallowed. "That depends on whether he wants to come or not."
Aries frowned. "And why do you suddenly want him here? You never even liked him."
Angelo cut in. "Enough questions."
I opened my mouth—closed it—then opened it again.
Aunty Gemma smiled gently. "At least you'll be home more, Jay. You're barely here these days."
Barely here? I live in emotional confusion—same thing.
"I'll… try," I said, returning to my food.
Aries leaned closer. "So. Who's he?"
I glanced at him. "None of your business."
He leaned back, offended. "Wow. I just asked a simple question."
"And I gave you a simple answer."
He sat up straight, quiet now.
A moment later, Angelo stood and left the table.
Silence followed.
I kept eating, pretending my life wasn't spiraling into a very complicated bring-him-here situation.
Great, I thought. Now I have to explain this to him.