Jay-Jay's POV
The pub was louder than I expected đ».
Music thumped through the floor, lights glowed warm and golden, and the air smelled like fries, perfume, and a little too much beer.
Freya waved at me the moment I stepped in. "Jay! Over here!"
I slid into the booth beside her, trying not to look too out of place. "Wow, this place is nice," I said, scanning the crowd.
"Right?" Mica grinned. "Way better than the school cafeteria."
"Cheers to that," Grace said, lifting her glass.
"Cheers" Ella screamed.
They ordered drinks â fruity ones that looked harmless. Looked. đč
One sip became two⊠and then⊠well, I may have lost count after five đ.
"Jay, slow down!" Alys laughed. "You're turning red!"
"I'm fineee," I said with a giggle that probably wasn't fine at all. The room felt lighter, brighter â maybe even spinning a little.
That's when I heard someone say, "Well, well, look who it is."
Oh no. That voice.
I turned, wobbling slightly, and there they were â Kiefer and Yuri, standing by the bar, both with that smug we own the world posture đ.
Why did I feel Freya and Ella's smiles falter.
Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Didn't think Section E's new girl could handle her liquor."
Kiefer smirked, lollipop in his mouth as usual. "Or not handle it at all."
"Shut up,lollipop ," I slurred, pointing at him. "You think that lollipop makes you hot? You're just aâ" hic "âcheap snack with legs." đ
The girls at the table burst out laughing. "Oh my god, Jay!" Freya whispered.
Kiefer chuckled. "You're bold when you're tipsy, huh?"
"Bold all the time," I shot back, crossing my arms â or trying to. I nearly tipped over but Yuri caught my arm.
"Careful," he said, his tone surprisingly soft.
I blinked up at him. "The rooster speaks nicely now? Wow. Character development đ."
Even Kiefer laughed at that one.
My face felt hot â from the drinks or embarrassment or from an asshole nah probably the drinks, who knows. I muttered something unintelligible and slumped into the booth.
"Alright, Superstar," Freya teased gently. "Maybe it's time for some water."
Kiefer leaned on the booth, smirking. "Guess this means we'll have fun in class on Monday."
I peeked through one eye at him. "You wish."
Before I knew it, everything went fuzzy â lights, voices, and all.
The last thing I heard was Yuri saying, "Guess you're taking her home."
Oh boy⊠Monday's gonna be awkward. đ