We finally made it to the canteen, hearts still racing from morning classes. The smell of food was a small comfort, but the tension of Black Hollow never left.
Adrian nudged me immediately. "So… Jayfer survived the morning. Are you proud?"
"Shut up," I muttered, blushing. Mila groaned beside me. "Why does this always happen?"
Bella grabbed my arm, eyes sparkling. "You're literally the star of a show I didn't audition for."
I tried to ignore them, heading for the line. But before I could grab a tray, a familiar icy voice cut through the chatter.
"Mariano," Freya hissed, storming toward me, green cloak flaring.
I rolled my eyes. "Do we have to do this now?"
"You dare sit with Crimson? Again?" she spat.
Before I could answer, Keifer stepped in smoothly, placing a protective arm just behind me. "Freya, leave her alone," he said, calm but firm.
"You think your little Crimson friends protect you? You're still in my way," Freya snapped.
The room went silent for a second. Then whispers erupted. Every Crimson student turned their eyes to us. Some smirked. Some cheered quietly.
I squared my shoulders. "I don't need protection. But if you want a problem, I can give you one."
Freya lunged, but Keifer caught her arm with one hand, spinning her slightly away. "Careful," he warned, eyes locking with hers. "Don't make this worse."
"Worse?" I muttered, smirking. "You've been looking for worse all day, haven't you?"
The tension broke when a tray clattered behind me. I spun to grab it—and tripped.
Hands flailed. Heart jumped. And I crashed… straight into Keifer.
"Oh—" I gasped.
He caught me instantly, holding me steady, his chest pressed to mine. The entire Crimson side erupted into laughter and teasing.
"Jayfer!" Bella squealed. "Again!"
"Honestly, how do you survive anything?" Adrian muttered, shaking his head.
"Stay still," Keifer murmured, smirking. "Or I'll start charging for rescues."
I shoved him lightly. "You are impossible."
"Charming," he said, his eyes twinkling.
Before I could say more, green-uniformed students appeared, marching into the canteen like a storm. Freya led them, eyes narrowed, clearly plotting something big.
"Time to remind everyone who's in charge," she said coldly.
Chaos broke out. Crimson students stood, shoving trays to the side. Screams, laughter, and shouts echoed. I clutched my tray like it was a shield. Keifer stayed close, eyes sharp, moving me behind him.
"Crimson, defend!" he called.
The two sides clashed briefly—not fully violent, more posturing and pushing—but the teacher's whistle shrieked across the hall. Everyone froze.
"Enough!" she barked. "Back to your seats. Now!"
The green gang glared, Freya scowling, but slowly retreated. Crimson students erupted into laughter and applause, teasing me nonstop.
"Jayfer! Did you mean to do that?" Bella yelled.
"I did not!" I shouted, cheeks burning.
"Sure," Adrian said, smirking. "It's all you, chaos incarnate."
Keifer leaned close as I tried to steady myself. "You're lucky I caught you," he whispered, voice low.
"I— I know," I stammered, flustered.
"Don't look so surprised," he teased. "You seem to like being noticed."
I glared, but heat crawled up my neck. Around us, Crimson students kept whispering, pointing, and laughing. Freya glared from across the room, still plotting, still dangerous.
And me? I tried to eat my lunch, but I knew one thing for sure:
Lunch at Black Hollow wasn't about food. It was about surviving, teasing, and somehow… staying close enough to Keifer without completely losing my mind.