Chapter: "Home, and the Fear of Angelo"
(Jay's POV)
After the chaos of Section E, I thought I could finally relax at home.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
The moment I stepped inside, reality hit.
Angelo.
My strict older cousin. My self-proclaimed "guardian." My personal fear-inducing human.
He was standing by the doorway, arms crossed, giving me that look.
"You're late," he said calmly.
I froze mid-step.
"Traffic," I lied weakly.
He raised an eyebrow. "Really? You call fifteen minutes traffic?"
I swallowed hard. "Yes…?"
His lips pressed into a thin line.
Great. He didn't yell. He didn't even move. But that look… that look could strip someone of their soul.
I quickly turned toward my room. "I… I need to unpack."
Angelo didn't move. He just stared.
From behind me, Aries appeared, leaning lazily on the wall.
"C'mon, Jay, don't look so scared," he teased.
I whipped around. "Don't start, Aries."
Aries smirked. "Relax. Uncle Angelo's not scary. Just… intimidating."
"Intimidating?! He could—" I stopped. The words caught in my throat.
Aries laughed. "Exactly. That's what I mean."
"Unbelievable," I muttered, heading toward the kitchen to grab a snack for comfort.
Aries followed, smirking. "So… Section E today?"
I sighed, flopping onto the counter. "Terrible. He was annoying, teasing, and—ugh—everything!"
Aries chuckled. "Ah, you finally found someone who makes Keifer Watson look calm?"
I groaned. "Don't remind me."
Aries smirked. "You're lucky you don't have to deal with him every day."
I narrowed my eyes. "Lucky? That guy is terrifying. He doesn't even have to raise his voice. One look and I feel like I'm in detention for life."
Aries laughed. "Classic Angelo."
I covered my face. "I can't… I can't survive today. I just want to… hide."
Aries shrugged. "Good luck with that. He's everywhere."
And he was right.
Angelo appeared behind me suddenly, leaning over my shoulder, peering at my phone.
"What's so funny?" he asked.
I yelped. "N-Nothing!"
He tilted his head. "You were laughing. Tell me."
Aries whispered from the corner, "She's terrified."
I glared at him. "Stop encouraging him!"
Angelo smiled faintly. That smile… the one that could be harmless but somehow terrifying at the same time.
"I expect you to behave," he said calmly.
"Yes, sir," I muttered, hugging my snack like it was a shield.
Aries whispered, "You're acting like a child."
"I'm acting like someone who wants to survive."
Angelo just raised an eyebrow. "And Section E?"
I froze. "T-They… they're… fine, sir."
He didn't respond. He just nodded slowly. That nod. That nod meant everything.
I sank into the sofa dramatically.
"I hate living here," I whispered to myself.
Aries laughed. "You'll survive… maybe."
I groaned. "Barely."