We walked into the classroom for Advanced Strategy and Survival, hearts still racing from hallway drama. The desks were arranged in a big circle this time. Everyone was buzzing, waiting for what the teacher had planned.
"Today," the teacher said, tall and sharp as ever, "you will illustrate strategies for survival in Black Hollow. Choose a situation. Draw or act it out. And yes, everyone will watch."
My stomach sank. Public display? Perfect.
I shot a look at Keifer. He raised an eyebrow, calm as ever. I felt my heart skip. Great. We were partners. Jayfer, round two.
"Let's go," he murmured. "Pick a scenario."
I scanned the board filled with ideas: escaping the haunted woods, sneaking past Nightthorn patrols, surviving a Crimson challenge, finding food in the Forbidden Gardens…
"Forbidden Gardens?" I whispered, pointing. "That sounds cool."
Keifer smirked. "I like your taste."
We moved to our space. I grabbed pencils and paper while Keifer leaned close. Too close. I could feel the warmth radiating from him. My cheeks heated immediately.
"Focus," he said quietly. "Or trip."
I rolled my eyes. "Like that's possible."
And of course, it happened. My foot caught the edge of the desk. I stumbled forward.
Keifer caught me. One hand on my waist, the other steadying my arm. My face was red hot, and the whole class was watching.
"Smooth," he whispered in my ear, teasing. "You almost made a scene."
"I didn't fall!" I hissed, trying to regain dignity.
He smiled faintly, gaze teasing. "You called that falling?"
The teacher clapped. "Excellent teamwork," she said. "Now illustrate your strategy."
I tried to focus, hand shaking from embarrassment. Keifer leaned closer, almost brushing my shoulder, whispering, "Careful. Eyes on the survival plan, not me."
I shot him a glare. "Easier said than done."
The class watched as we drew the Forbidden Gardens. Keifer suggested hiding spots, paths to avoid the Nightthorn patrol, secret water sources. I tried to stay calm, but every time our hands brushed, my heart jumped.
"Jayfer," someone from the back whispered. I heard giggles. I wanted to disappear.
Keifer didn't help. He leaned over me again. "Stop glaring. I like fire."
"I am not on fire!" I snapped.
"You are," he said softly. "And it's distracting."
I shoved my face into my hands. The whole class was laughing. Adrian muttered something about me "blushing like a tomato." Mila groaned. Bella squealed. Daniel looked exasperated.
Then the teacher said, "Present your illustration."
I swallowed hard. Keifer stayed right beside me, one hand casually resting near mine on the table. We stood in front of the class. I tried to act confident.
"Okay," I said, pointing at our drawing. "This is how you survive the Forbidden Gardens. Step one: avoid the glowing mushrooms—they scream."
Keifer added calmly, "Step two: stay low and follow shadows. Nightthorns cannot see you if you stick to cover."
I tripped slightly again, and Keifer caught me instantly, holding me steady in front of everyone. My face burned hotter than ever.
"Step three," I whispered, cheeks red, "don't trust the talking trees. They lie."
Keifer's lips twitched. "Good advice. Now follow me."
The class burst into laughter, whispers bouncing everywhere. I buried my face against his chest. He held me just a moment longer than necessary, letting the teasing tension linger.
When we finally stepped back, I muttered, "I hate this class."
He smirked faintly. "You love it too much to admit."
And just like that, Jayfer became the center of attention again, survival plans and all.