Jayjay's POV
The morning light came through the windows, and I woke to the sound of voices. Section E was already awake.
Josh was laughing at Rory, saying he snored louder than the crickets. Cin was teasing Blaster for stealing the blanket. Mayo was trying to line up everyone's bags neatly, while Kit and Calix argued about who should carry the snacks. Felix sat quietly, tying his shoes, while Endrix stretched and yawned like he hadn't slept at all.
It was noisy, but it felt normal.
I sat up, still tired, when Yuri came over. His voice was calm, but firm.
"Jayjay, don't rush. Sit here first. You should rest before we head out."
I nodded, even though I wanted to move around. His words weren't harsh, but they left no space for me to say no.
Then Keifer spoke from across the room.
"Jayjay, stay close to me when we walk. I'll make sure you're fine."
I froze. His tone wasn't angry, but it was heavy. I used to think it meant care. Now it felt like a command.
Josh rolled his eyes. "You two sound like bodyguards. She's fine."
Cin grinned, holding up a packet of biscuits. "Jayjay, want some? Don't let them boss you around."
I smiled faintly at Cin's teasing, but inside, I felt trapped. Why do they keep telling me what to do? Why do I feel like I can't breathe?
David's POV
I stood a little apart, watching. Jayjay looked tired, her shoulders tense as Yuri and Keifer spoke over her. I wanted to step in, but I hesitated.
Instead, I poured tea from the thermos I had prepared earlier. When she walked past, I held it out.
"Here. It's warm. Might help."
She blinked, surprised, then smiled softly as she took it. My chest tightened, but I didn't understand why. I only knew I wanted her to feel better.
Cin immediately leaned in. "Hey, share some with me too!"
Jayjay pulled the thermos back. "Get your own, Cin!"
They bickered playfully, and I found myself smiling. I didn't realize how much her smile mattered to me until that moment.
Yuri's POV
I watched Jayjay laugh with Cin. It bothered me. She was mine - we were engaged. I didn't want to be harsh, but I needed her to listen.
"Jayjay, finish your tea quickly. We need to get ready," I said. My tone was soft, but it was still an order.
She looked at me, her smile fading.
Keifer's POV
Yuri was being loud again. I stepped closer.
"Jayjay, ignore him. Just stay near me. I'll handle things."
I thought I was helping, but the way she lowered her eyes made me wonder if I was only adding to the weight she carried.
Josh's POV
Watching Yuri and Keifer boss Jayjay around was exhausting. They didn't even notice how tense she looked.
The rest of us joked, teased, and tried to keep things light. But the air around her felt heavy.
Jayjay's POV
By the time we left for the activity hall, my head was heavy. Yuri's gentle commands, Keifer's firm words - they weren't cruel, but they pressed on me until I felt caged.
I walked quietly, surrounded by the noise of Section E.
Sir Alvin's POV
At exactly 8:00 a.m., Section E gathered in the activity hall. I looked at their faces - some cheerful, some tired, some tense.
"Today," I said firmly, "you will take part in a team activity. It will test your discipline, patience, and unity. If you cannot work together, you will fail."
The boys straightened, but I noticed Jayjay's shoulders tense again. She was under pressure, caught between voices.
From the corner of my eye, I saw David watching her quietly, protective but silent. He didn't even realize how much he cared.
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