Jay-Jay's POV
The school gates looked the same as ever — loud, crowded, and buzzing with morning
chatter. Still, walking through them felt strange after weeks in a hospital bed. I
clutched my lunch bag like it was a shield.
"Relax," Keifer said beside me. "You're walking like the ground's gonna explode."
"Maybe it will if someone screams 'coma girl!' again," I muttered.
His lips twitched. "If they do, I'll handle it."
"Handle it how? Glare them to death?"
He smirked. "That usually works."
When we stepped into Section E's classroom, the noise hit us instantly. Felix was
standing on a chair, waving a paper streamer. Calix and Edrix were trying to tape up a
crooked banner that read WELCOME BACK JAY! Eren sat in the corner quietly
sorting snacks — probably his way of saying hello.
"Jay-Jay!" Felix shouted, nearly falling off the chair. "You actually made it!"
I smiled. "Duh. Missed my favorite noise pollution."
"Aw, don't flatter yourself," Calix teased. "We didn't throw this because we missed you
or anything."
"Uh-huh," I said, sliding into my seat. My desk was stacked with treats — exactly what I
needed. "Please tell me this is all mine."
"It was," Edrix said, grinning. "Until Felix ate half of it this morning."
"Traitor."
"Oops but C-in ate some as well"
"C-in" shouted David while looking serious
The room erupted in laughter. Even Eren cracked a tiny grin and handed me a milk
tea. "Got your favorite flavor."
I grinned. "See? Eren's the only real friend here."
Keifer slid into the seat beside mine — our desks had always been next to each other.
"You sure you're okay to be here?" he asked quietly.
"Yeah," I said softly. "I needed this."
He smiled, relief flickering in his eyes. "Then welcome back, Jay."
For the first time in a long time, it really felt like home — crowded, noisy, and full of
snacks.