Chapter: That Smirk Means Trouble (Jay's POV)
Mornings are usually chaotic.
But today?
Peaceful.
Suspiciously peaceful.
I met Mica near the staircase like usual.
She waved excitedly. "You're late."
"I woke up on time," I said calmly. "My motivation didn't."
She laughed.
We started walking together toward the corridor that splits into Section C, D, and E.
"So," she said, lowering her voice, "Calix tried to act cool again yesterday."
"Oh no."
"He told his friends he doesn't get jealous."
I stopped walking.
"The audacity."
She nodded seriously. "Should we expose him again?"
"Obviously."
We both grinned like villains.
I like this.
Walking. Talking. Gossiping like two undercover agents.
"Also," she added, "he asked if I talk to you more than him."
I blinked.
"Jealous again?"
She shrugged, smiling. "Maybe."
I smirked. "Section E boys have fragile hearts."
She giggled. "Especially one of them."
I narrowed my eyes. "Don't start."
"I didn't say names."
"You didn't have to."
We reached the turning.
She had to go toward Section D today for some combined activity.
I had to go toward my daily battlefield — Section E.
She hugged me quickly. "See you later."
"Don't get kidnapped," I replied.
"Don't fight."
"No promises."
She laughed and walked toward Section D.
I turned toward Section E.
And that's when I saw it.
Him.
Leaning against the wall near the door.
Hands in pockets.
That irritatingly confident posture.
That dangerous—
Mischievous.
Smirk.
Keifer.
Oh no.
That smirk means trouble.
He didn't move.
Just watched me walk closer.
Slowly.
Like he was enjoying something.
"What?" I asked immediately.
"Good morning," he said smoothly.
Why is he polite?
Suspicious.
"Why are you standing outside like a villain in a drama?" I asked.
"Waiting."
"For?"
"You."
Pause.
Brain loading.
"For what?" I narrowed my eyes.
He pushed himself off the wall and stepped closer.
"I saw you."
"Wow. Your eyesight works."
"With Mica."
"And?"
"You look happy."
Why does he sound like that?
Not teasing.
Not mocking.
Just… observing.
"I am," I said simply.
He studied my face carefully.
"Good."
That wasn't the reaction I expected.
I blinked.
"Why do you look like you planned something?" I asked.
He tilted his head. "Maybe I did."
"I don't trust that face."
"You never trust me."
"Because you're you."
He stepped even closer.
Close enough that I had to look slightly up.
"You laugh differently with her," he said quietly.
My heart did that annoying skip again.
"Why are you analyzing my laugh?"
"Because I notice."
That shouldn't affect me.
It did.
"And?" I challenged.
"And nothing."
He smiled again.
That smile.
That slightly dangerous, slightly playful smile.
"You're jealous of Mica now?" I asked suddenly.
He raised a brow. "Should I be?"
I smirked. "Depends. Are you?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead he leaned closer and whispered—
"I was just wondering if I need to compete."
Compete?
With Mica?
My brain malfunctioned for two seconds.
"You're insane," I muttered.
He chuckled softly.
"You were gossiping about someone," he added.
"Obviously."
"About me?"
"In your dreams."
He pretended to think. "So you do dream about me."
I shoved his shoulder lightly. "You're unbearable."
"And yet you're still standing here."
Because you're blocking the door, idiot.
But I didn't say that.
Instead I crossed my arms.
"Move. I have class."
He stepped aside dramatically, bowing slightly.
"After you, chaos queen."
I walked past him.
But as I did—
He said quietly,
"I like seeing you smile like that."
I paused.
Just for a second.
Then kept walking.
Into Section E.
Heart slightly faster.
Mind slightly confused.
Why does he notice things?
Why does he wait outside?
Why does that smirk make my stomach feel weird?
And why…
Why did I almost wish he'd been waiting for me yesterday too?
This is getting dangerous.
Very dangerous.