Jay's POV
Finally. Class was over.
I slumped back in my chair and groaned as the bell rang through the hallways. My brain? Absolutely fried. My legs? Sore. My stomach? Roaring. It was break time, a.k.a. the most sacred time of the day.
I shoved my books into my bag like they personally offended me and stood up with a dramatic sigh.
"So you know what time it is," I muttered under my breath, grinning to myself.
"It's time to EAT."
My stomach practically applauded. Honestly, I was soooooo hungry I could cry. I'd been daydreaming about food since the first period. Priorities, right?
⸻
David's POV – Outside the classroom
"Yuri."
He flinched slightly at the sound of my voice, looking up from where he leaned against the wall. His arms were crossed, brows furrowed like he'd been thinking too hard or stewing.
"You don't look happy," I said casually. "Something bothering you?"
"I'm fine, David."
Short. Sharp. A lie.
"Clearly you're not," I replied, not buying it for a second. "It's Jay and Keifer, isn't it?"
His jaw clenched. "No. It's nothing."
I sighed. "Yuri. Come on. It's obvious. You're jealous. But you know you don't deserve her… not the way Keifer does."
Yuri turned his head sharply toward me. "What's it to you?"
"It's nothing to me," I said, keeping my voice level. "You just need to understand. Jay will never love you like that. Of course she cares but it's different. So stop whatever you're planning."
Yuri narrowed his eyes. "It's not your business. Know your place, David."
I gave him a tight smile. "I do know my place. That's why I'm telling you."
He paused for a second. Then said quietly, "You like her too, don't you?"
I looked him straight in the eye. "I do. And I probably always will. But she likes Keifer, and I respect that. She's my friend first."
Yuri shook his head with a smirk, more bitter than amused. "Then stay out of this."
He walked away without waiting for a response. I didn't call after him. There was no point arguing with someone who already made up their mind.
⸻
Jay's POV
My phone wouldn't stop ringing. It buzzed and lit up nonstop, like it had caffeine in its system.
I grabbed it from my pocket and rolled my eyes playfully when I saw the name.
Percy.
I picked up. "Hello?"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, pretty sistah!" his voice boomed through the speaker. "Come outside. I need to give you your gift before I disappear, I'm a little busy."
My face instantly broke into a smile. "Okaaaay, okay! I'm coming."
I jogged down the hallway, pushed through the doors, and spotted Percy near the school gate with his signature bright smile and open arms. He hugged me tight and then pulled something out of his pocket.
A small, delicate box.
Inside was a stunning gold bracelet with a deep red ruby at the center. It glowed slightly under the sunlight.
"Oh my GOD, Percy!" I gasped. "This is perfect…Thank you!"
He chuckled. "No problem, Jay. You deserve it. Enjoy your day, alright? I'll take you out for lunch later—promise."
I threw my arms around him again. "You better. I'll hold you to that!"
He saluted dramatically and jogged off, already yelling something at someone on the phone.
I clutched the bracelet to my chest and sighed happily. Gifts like these? They weren't common for me. And yet, today… it felt like I was being wrapped in warmth from every direction. My heart was so full it could burst.
Later, as I was walking back inside, someone caught up to me.
"Jay!"
I turned and grinned. "Hey, David!"
He walked up with something behind his back. "I wanted to give your gift earlier," he said, a little sheepishly, "but the rest of Section E kept swarming you with presents and noise, so I figured I'd wait."
He handed me a small, silly-looking package wrapped in old newspaper.
I unwrapped it and immediately burst out laughing.
It was a keychain. Not just any keychain. A heart-shaped one, with bold silver letters that read:
"JAY'S ULUPONGS 💀🐍"
"DAVID!!!" I wheezed. "What even—HAHAHA—I love this SO MUCH. Oh my god."
He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I knew you would."
"You're ridiculous," I grinned. "But in the best way."
"Happy birthday, Jay."
"Thanks, David," I said softly. Then I hooked the keychain onto my bag, letting it dangle proudly. "Come on, let's go catch up with the others. My stomach is still crying."
He nodded. "Lunch destroyers assemble?"
"Always."
Later at Lunch
The cafeteria buzzed with the usual chaos, laughter, trays slamming, food flying. But for once, I didn't mind the noise. It matched the buzz in my chest.
Section E was already at our usual table, waving like maniacs when they spotted me and David walking in.
"Birthday girl!!!" Calix practically screamed.
Someone shoved a cupcake into my hand, and another handed me a tiny crown from the dollar store.
"Put it on," Cin said. "It's tradition."
I plopped it on my head and struck a royal pose. "Queen Jay, reporting for duty."
"Long may she reign," Keifer said behind me, sliding his arms around my waist.
I tilted my head up and caught his grin.
"Happy birthday again, my queen," he whispered. His lips brushed my cheek.
I melted on the spot. Yup. The food could wait five more seconds.
A Few Minutes Later
As we ate and joked and shared food like we always did, I couldn't help but look around the table. Every seat was filled with people who had somehow, despite everything, stuck around. My people.
And sitting beside me, his hand lightly brushing against mine under the table was the one boy who made it all feel extra real. Extra warm. Extra worth it.
I turned to him and whispered, "Thanks for making my birthday feel like the best day."
Keifer looked at me with a soft, unreadable expression. "It's only just started."