It's amazing how fast a rumor can sprint through school—faster than I did running from Keifer yesterday. By morning, half the building already knew.
Every hallway felt like a spotlight. People turned just a little too slowly when I passed. Some smirked, others did a double‑take like I was that week's trending topic.
I hunched my shoulders and kept walking. If I didn't make eye contact, maybe I'd vanish.
But Section E didn't do quiet. They never had.
When I reached our usual table in the courtyard, Edrix was already there, legs stretched out like he owned the bench. Rory sprawled beside him, sketchbook open but clearly not drawing, judging from the grin plastered on his face. Felix was typing something on his phone—probably adding fuel to the fire.
"Morning," I said, pretending nothing was wrong.
"Morning, Mrs. Watson ," Felix sang without even looking up.
I nearly choked on air. "Excuse me?"
Edrix whooped. "Finally someone said it! Husband and wife, reporting for duty!"
Rory smacked the table, laughing so hard he nearly dropped his sketchbook. "The gym wedding of the century! Slow dance under the fluorescent lights!"
"I—what—no!" I sputtered. "It wasn't even—!"
"Yeah, and somehow his lips tripped too?" Felix teased, grinning.
I buried my face in my hands. My soul was packing its bags and leaving the planet.
"Can you guys not?" I muttered through my fingers.
But they were in full chaos mode. Edrix even started humming fake wedding music while Rory dramatically threw crumbs like confetti from his lunch box.
"You guys are the worst," I said, standing up.
Felix grinned. "Aw, come on, Jay! You can't deny destiny!"
"Watch me." I grabbed my bag.
Of course, that's when Keifer walked in—late as always, hair messy, hoodie slung over one shoulder, like the definition of trouble calmly existing.
The laughing stopped for two seconds—long enough for everyone to turn toward me with synchronized evil smiles.
"Ohhh," Edrix said in a sing‑song voice. "Speak of the husband."
"Don't," I hissed, stepping back.
Rory leaned in. "So, Keif, when's the honeymoon—?"
He didn't finish because another voice cut through the noise.
"Enough."
Jare.
My brother's tone wasn't loud, but it carried. Conversation froze like someone had hit pause on reality.
He stood beside the table, hands in his pockets, expression calm but razor sharp. "Especially you three?"
Felix blinked. "We were just joking, bro—"
"Yeah," Jare said evenly. "And she doesn't think it's funny. So drop it."
Section E went instantly quiet. Jare had that effect—he didn't need to shout; his presence was enough. He gave me a small nod, almost protective, before heading toward his own group across the yard.
The silence left behind was awkward. Edrix coughed. Rory stared at his drink. Felix muttered something about "bad timing" and went back to scrolling.
I exhaled, tension loosening my shoulders, but then my eyes accidentally met Keifer's. He gave me a grin like he wasn't ashamed . A bruise forming on mouth.
Gago ! putang ina mo! ( son of a bitch )
I turned away before he could say anything and started walking. I didn't know where—just away.
Keifer called after me once, voice low but clear. "Jay, wait."