Monday Morning – Just Outside Class 1-A
I paused in the hallway, my hand resting on the doorknob.
The air was quiet—just barely humming with the distant buzz of morning chatter, lockers slamming, Tyler yelling something about breakfast pancakes two corridors down.
I wasn't overthinking anything.
I took a breath, squared my shoulders, and nodded to myself.
"Forget the chaos. Just live. Be normal. Be happy. Be you."
Then I opened the door.
Class 1-A – The Chaos Resumes (Softly)
"Markov," Mr. Brooks muttered behind his coffee mug, already halfway into a grading stack. "If you're late, I'm making you alphabetize the entire poetry shelf."
"Good morning to you too," I said, dropping into my seat.
Emma glanced up from her notes as I sat down.
"Wow," she said, tilting her head with a faux-innocent smile. "You look... rested. Suspiciously rested. No rooftop espionage today?"
I smirked. "Nope. Just good old-fashioned beauty sleep. Can't let my number one fan down."
"Oh?" She leaned closer, resting her chin in her hand. "Didn't know I was ranked."
"You're tied with the entire school."
"Flattery and deflection," she said, crossing her legs beneath the desk. "If you ever do run for president, I'll be your campaign manager."
"As long as you don't sabotage me halfway in."
"No promises."
Mid-Morning – The Sofia Ambush
Sofia slid into the seat in front of me during break, spinning around dramatically to face me, her phone already pointed like a weapon.
"Smile, Starboy. I need a new background."
I blinked. "What happened to the one from last week?"
"You were too hot. It got me in trouble."
"Trouble?"
"I tripped while staring at it. Nearly took Noah out with me. Worth it."
I gave her a deadpan look.
She snapped the photo anyway.
Then she added, "By the way—if someone doesn't take you to the Cultural Festival in a week, I will."
"Oh, we're dating now?"
"No, I'm just laying down a threat."
Art Room – The Sketch Session
I didn't plan to model today. But Luna's quiet voice stopped me on the way back from lunch.
"Jay… stand there."
I paused in the doorway. "Where's 'there'?"
She pointed at a beam of sunlight streaking through the window.
"You're glowing. I want to capture that."
"Capture me? What am I, a Pokémon?"
Her pencil moved as soon as I stepped into place.
I stood still. Mostly.
"So… what exactly are you sketching?" I asked.
"You."
"Right, but like… hero pose? Casual cool? Romantic comedy poster?"
Luna didn't look up. "You. The version of you that's not performing."
I blinked.
That shut me up.
When she was done, she tore the page gently and handed it to me.
A rough, half-shadowed sketch.
Me—standing with my eyes closed, hands in pockets, backlit by the sun.
I didn't look flirty.
Or cool.
Just… real.
"Thank you," I said.
She nodded, already starting her next sketch.
After School – The Ball Game
I joined Tyler and Miles behind the school.
They were juggling a soccer ball, arguing over which anime protagonist would make the best midfielder.
"Obviously Luffy," Tyler insisted, flicking the ball with his heel. "Rubber passes, bro."
"His decision-making is garbage," Miles replied flatly. "Midfield is about control. Lelouch would dominate."
"Lelouch would cheat."
"That's called tactics."
"Jay, settle this."
I blinked, caught the ball midair, and grinned. "I'd take Hinata. Pure chaos, big heart, makes everything fun."
Tyler pointed. "Yes! See, he gets it."
Miles shook his head, but he wasn't scowling.
For once, it felt like we were just guys.
Not rivals.
Not rivals pretending to be friends.
Just… friends.
Evening – Walking Home with Amaya
She waited by the gate like she always did.
Warm eyes, gentle smile, her bag hugged close to her chest.
We walked in step down the quiet street toward midtown.
She didn't say much at first. Just walked beside me, fingers brushing mine occasionally like she wasn't sure if she wanted to hold my hand or not.
"How was class?" she asked finally.
"Flirty. Chaotic. Peaceful. Surprisingly emotional for a Monday."
"That's normal for you."
"Normal's growing on me."
She looked up, studying me quietly. "I'm glad."
I glanced sideways. "You seem lighter today."
"I am. Thanks to you."
My heart thudded, just a bit.
Before We Parted Ways
As we reached the turn toward her street, she stopped.
"Jay?"
"Hmm?"
"I know… there are a lot of people around you. And I know I can't always keep up."
"Hey—"
She shook her head with a small smile. "I'm not asking you to choose anything. Just…"
She hesitated.
"…don't forget that I was here first."
I reached out and gently poked her forehead.
"Impossible."
She blushed, nodded, and walked away.
Later That Night – My Room
I stared at the sketch Luna gave me.
At the quiet me. The honest me.
And for once… I didn't feel pulled in ten different directions.
I felt… steady.
Normal.
Even if only for now.