Kiefer blinked, his voice dropping a little.
"Honey…?"
The woman looked up, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Long time no see, Kiefer."
Adrian and Ciel exchanged glances.
"Wait—Honey?" Ciel tilted her head, confused. "You two know each other?"
Before Kiefer could respond, the door to Section E opened with a loud click.
"Guys, why are you all standing—" Jayjay's words froze midair as her eyes landed on the woman in front of them.
Her face instantly lit up. "Wait a second! Honey?! Oh my gosh!"
Honey chuckled, "Jayjay, still dramatic as ever, I see."
Jayjay walked closer, giving her a playful smirk. "Dramatic? Please. The last time I saw you, you said you were going to a meeting with Percy."
Honey's confident smile faltered. "Don't remind me."
Ciel raised an eyebrow. "Percy? Who's Percy?"
Jayjay giggled. "Oh, just the guy who stood her up at the fancy café downtown. She sat there for—what—two hours?"
Honey crossed her arms and glared lightly at Jayjay. "It was an hour and a half. And I left before dessert."
Adrian laughed quietly. "Still sounds painful."
Kiefer sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You two haven't changed at all."
Jayjay turned toward him with a teasing grin. "Well, excuse us for having history. Anyway, what's she doing here? Don't tell me she's joining Section E."
Honey shook her head. "Not exactly. I'm here because there's a meeting scheduled in London next week. And, Kiefer…" —her eyes softened— "you're required to attend."
Kiefer's brows furrowed. "What? That soon?"
Honey nodded. "Your father requested it personally. It's about the company merger."
Ciel glanced at Adrian, whispering, "Company merger? Sounds serious."
Jayjay's playful tone faded, replaced with quiet concern. "So… you'll be leaving?"
Kiefer hesitated, looking down for a moment before meeting her eyes. "Yeah. But just for a few days."
Adrian broke the silence with a faint smile. "Then we better make the most of the week before you go."
Jayjay nodded, forcing a grin. "Yeah. Section E won't be the same without you bossing us around."
Honey chuckled, "Some things never change."
Kiefer smiled faintly, though a shadow of thought lingered in his eyes. "Yeah… but some things do."
The bell rang sharply through the air, cutting the tension.
Jayjay exhaled. "Let's head in before Miss Claire comes ."
Honey laughed softly as she turned. "Always the responsible one, Jay."
Jayjay winked. "You know me."
They walked inside together, while honey leaves . the sound of their steps echoing through the hall — carrying both laughter and the weight of what was coming next.