Jay walked into class the next day pretending nothing happened.
Impossible.
Because the moment she stepped inside, every single student turned to look at her like she was a walking cliffhanger.
Crimson Oaths grinned. Nightthorns whispered. Aiden sank into his seat.
And Keifer?
Already sitting at his desk.
Already staring at her.
Jay's heart did a weird flip. She ignored it and marched to her seat.
But then—
A girl in green uniform—Nightthorn, tall, pretty, smug—walked straight to Keifer's desk.
Jay froze mid‑step.
The girl leaned on Keifer's desk with both hands, bending forward just a little too much.
"President," she said sweetly, "I didn't get to congratulate you yesterday."
Jay's eye twitched.
Keifer didn't respond. He just stared at the girl with his usual cold expression.
She giggled. "You were… bold. Very bold. I didn't know you had it in you."
Jay's jaw clenched.
The girl twirled her hair. "If you ever want to sit with someone who actually appreciates you—"
Jay slammed her books on her desk so loudly half the class jumped.
The girl didn't even look at Jay. She leaned closer to Keifer. "You know, you could do better."
Jay stood up.
Bella grabbed her arm. "Jay—"
Jay shook her off. "No."
She marched straight to Keifer's desk.
The class held its breath.
Jay stopped right beside the green‑uniform girl and said, very calmly:
"Move."
The girl blinked. "Excuse me?"
Jay pointed at Keifer's desk. "You're blocking my partner's workspace."
The girl scoffed. "Partner? Please. He kissed you once and now you think—"
Jay stepped closer. "I said. Move."
The girl opened her mouth—
Keifer finally spoke.
"Jay."
Jay turned.
Keifer's eyes were locked on her, intense, unreadable.
He stood up slowly.
The green girl stepped back, startled.
Keifer walked around his desk and stopped right in front of Jay.
Close.
Too close.
Jay's breath caught.
The class leaned forward.
Crimson Oaths whispered, "JAYFER ROUND TWO—"
Nightthorns whispered, "THE PRESIDENT IS CHOOSING—"
Keifer looked down at Jay, voice low.
"You're jealous."
Jay's face burned. "I am NOT—"
"You are."
"I'm NOT—"
"You are."
"I'M—"
He stepped closer.
She stepped back.
He stepped closer again.
She hit the wall.
Again.
The class gasped.
The green girl looked offended. Aiden looked traumatized. Bella looked like she was about to faint. Adrian was mouthing "OH MY GOD." Daniel was already packing his bag to leave.
Keifer leaned in, eyes locked on hers.
"Jay," he said softly, "you don't have to fight for my attention."
Jay swallowed. "I wasn't—"
"You already have it."
Her heart stopped.
The class exploded.
"JAYFER!!" "HE SAID IT—" "THE PRESIDENT IS GONE—HE'S GONE—" "THE GREEN GIRL LOST—" "AIDEN DON'T CRY—"
Jay shoved Keifer lightly in the chest, face red. "STOP SAYING THINGS LIKE THAT IN PUBLIC!"
He didn't move.
He didn't even blink.
He just smirked.
"You started it."
Jay groaned. "I hate you."
"No," he said quietly, "you don't."
She shoved him again. "I'm going to my seat."
He stepped aside, letting her pass—but his eyes never left her.
And the green girl?
She backed away, defeated, humiliated, and absolutely done with life.
Crimson Oaths cheered. Nightthorns whispered. Aiden sighed in relief. Bella whispered, "Jay… you're terrifying." Adrian whispered, "Jayfer supremacy." Daniel whispered, "I'm transferring schools."
Jay sat down, face burning.
Keifer sat down too.
Still watching her.
Still smirking.
And Jay realized something horrifying:
She was jealous.
And Keifer loved it.