A Few Days Later – University Campus
Jay was sitting with the Section E boys during lunch. They were all laughing at something Ci-N said.
Suddenly, Ci-N stopped laughing. His eyes went wide.
"Guys," he whispered. "Look."
Everyone turned.
A boy was walking toward them. He was tall and handsome. He looked a little tired but still cool. He carried a small bag.
It was Yuri.
Drew jumped up. "YURI! You're back!"
Everyone ran to him. They hugged him and patted his back.
Yuri smiled a little. "Hey guys. Missed you too."
Calix looked at him. "How was Japan? How are your parents?"
Yuri's smile faded. "Business problems. Big ones. My family company is in trouble."
The boys got quiet. They knew Yuri's family was rich. Business problems were serious.
David nodded slowly. "I had a feeling something was wrong."
Eman grabbed Yuri's arm. "Come eat. You look skinny. Japan food not enough?"
Yuri laughed a little. "Okay, okay."
Then he noticed Jay. He tilted his head. "Who's this?"
Ci-N jumped in. "This is Jay! She's from New York! She's Percy's sister and Aries's stepsister and Keifer's project partner and our new best friend!"
Yuri raised an eyebrow. "That's a lot of titles."
Jay smiled and waved. "Hi Yuri. I've heard about you."
Yuri nodded. "Good things I hope."
Jay laughed. "Mostly good."
Yuri looked at her for a second. Then he nodded again. "You seem nice. Welcome."
Jay felt warm inside. Another friend.
Later – Keifer's Apartment
Keifer, Percy, Aries, and Yuri were hanging out. They hadn't seen each other in weeks.
Percy looked at Yuri. "So what happened in Japan? Tell us everything."
Yuri sighed. He looked tired. "My dad's business partner cheated him. Took a lot of money. Now the company might close."
Aries frowned. "That's terrible. Can you fight it?"
Yuri shook his head. "It's complicated. The partner has connections. Powerful people."
Keifer was quiet. Then he spoke. "What's the partner's name?"
Yuri looked at him. "Why?"
Keifer's eyes were cold. "I might know people who can help."
Yuri stared at him. He knew Keifer had secrets. They all did. But this was different.
"Tanaka. Kenji Tanaka," Yuri said.
Keifer nodded slowly. "I've heard the name. Let me make some calls."
Percy and Aries exchanged looks. Keifer never offered help like this. Not unless it was serious.
Yuri looked grateful. "Thanks, Keifer. I owe you."
Keifer shook his head. "You're my best friend. You owe me nothing."
Percy smiled. "Group hug?"
Everyone threw something at him.
But they were all smiling.
The Next Day – University
Jay saw Yuri sitting alone. He looked sad. His eyes were on his phone.
She walked over slowly. "Hey. Can I sit?"
Yuri looked up. He nodded. "Sure."
Jay sat next to him. "I heard about your family. I'm really sorry."
Yuri shrugged. "It's life."
Jay was quiet for a moment. Then she spoke softly. "I know what it's like to have family problems. Not the same. But I know how it feels."
Yuri looked at her. Really looked. "Percy said you lived away from your parents for eight years. That must have been hard."
Jay nodded. "It was. But I got through it. I became stronger."
Yuri was quiet. Then he said, "How?"
Jay smiled gently. "I found people who loved me. My grandparents. My friends. And I never gave up."
Yuri looked at his phone again. "I don't know if my family can survive this."
Jay put her hand on his arm. "You're not alone, Yuri. You have Percy, Aries, Keifer. You have Section E. And now you have me too."
Yuri felt something warm in his chest. He looked at Jay. Really looked.
"You're different," he said quietly.
Jay tilted her head. "Different how?"
Yuri almost smiled. "Kind. Really kind. No wonder Keifer likes you."
Jay's face turned red. "He doesn't— I mean— We're just—"
Yuri laughed. A real laugh. "Relax. Your face is matching your name."
Jay covered her cheeks. "Stop!"
Just then, Keifer walked over. He saw them sitting together. His eyes narrowed a little.
"What's going on?" he asked.
Yuri grinned. "Nothing. Just telling Jay how much you like her."
Keifer's face went red. "YURI."
Jay laughed. "Your face is red too!"
Percy appeared out of nowhere. "Did someone say Keifer likes my sister?"
Aries appeared next to him. "I heard it too."
Keifer looked like he wanted to disappear. "I hate all of you."
But he was looking at Jay when he said it. And his eyes were soft.
Jay smiled at him. "Sure you do."
The group laughed. Even Keifer smiled a little.
Yuri watched them. For the first time since coming back, he felt hopeful. Maybe things would be okay. With friends like these, anything was possible.