Jayjay pov
University gates always look bigger in real life.
I stood there for a moment, my bag hanging from my shoulder, staring at the tall buildings in front of me like they were daring me to walk in. This wasn't high school anymore. No bells. No uniforms. No classrooms I already knew by heart.
Just… the future.
"Jayjay," Angelo said gently beside me, snapping me out of my thoughts. "You okay?"
I nodded, even though my chest felt tight.
Aries and Ella weren't here with me. They got into different universities, and even though we promised to meet often, today still felt strange without them. It was just me and Angelo now, walking through Hamilton University together.
He escorted me all the way toward the dorms, carrying one of my bags even though I kept telling him I could handle it.
"You remember what I told you this morning, right?" he asked seriously.
I sighed. "Yes, Angelo."
"No skipping meals," he continued. "No trusting strangers too easily. Always lock your door. And don't—"
"Yes," I cut in, smiling despite myself. "You told me in the morning."
"And in the car," he added proudly.
"Exactly," I said. "This is officially the third time."
He opened his mouth to continue anyway.
We were just a few steps away from the dorm entrance when a sharp voice suddenly echoed through the hallway.
"NO BOYS OR MEN ALLOWED."
Both Angelo and I froze.
We turned at the same time.
Standing there with her arms crossed and an unreadable look on her face was Ciel .
Adrian's sister.
For a second, my brain needed time to process it. Then realization hit, and I laughed.
"Ciel ?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Jayjay."
Angelo straightened immediately, like he'd just been caught doing something illegal. "I was just escorting her to the dorm," he said quickly.
Ciel pointed at the sign beside the entrance. "Escort ends here."
I turned to Angelo, already knowing what was coming.
He took a deep breath.
"University life is different, Jayjay," he began again.
I groaned softly. "Angelo—"
"You'll meet new people," he continued. "Some good, some bad. Don't let anyone pressure you. Focus on your studies. Call me if—"
I stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
"I know," I whispered. "I promise."
He sighed, hugging me back before finally letting go. "Be careful."
"I will."
He glanced at Ciel one last time, nodded politely, then turned and walked away, still looking back like he wasn't sure he should leave yet.
Ceil watched him go, then looked back at me. "Protective."
"You have no idea," I said.
She reached for her phone. "So. What dorm number did you get?"
I told her.
She blinked once.
Then twice.
"…You're joking."
I frowned. "Why?"
She turned her phone screen toward me. Same dorm. Same floor. Same room.
We stared at each other.
Then Ciel laughed. "Looks like we're roommates."
For some reason, my nervousness eased a little. Maybe this place wouldn't be so scary after all.
"When we're done unpacking," she said, slinging her bag over her shoulder, "we should go find the rest of the team."
I paused, smiling softly. "Honestly… that's the only reason I really want to go."
She looked at me for a moment, then smirked. "Figures."
As we stepped into the dorm building together, I couldn't help but feel it.
A new chapter had started.
And even though everything felt unfamiliar…
I knew one thing for sure.
This was where our story continued.